Brussels, 17/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - Addressing MEPs from the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday 16 September, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the French secretary of state for European affairs, returned to the subject of the results of the previous day's External Relations Council. The same question was on the lips of almost everyone: Will EU observers in Georgia be deployed in Southern Ossetia and Abkhazia? Asked about Russia's probable refusal to authorise deployment in the two separatist regions, Jouyet pointed out that at this stage “the priority is the withdrawal of Russian forces from the adjacent zones” to Southern Ossetia and Abkhazia. He explained that they had not abandoned anything and were seeking a progressive solution. Jouyet said that the six-point settlement was “the only one on the table and there is no alternative solution” and from the outset had insisted on “maintaining EU coherence and unity”. Although 200 observers are due to be deployed by 1 October, Mr Jouyet said that the commitments announced by member states during the Council meeting demonstrate that an even higher number will be available (300-350). He welcomed the intention of several delegations to provide logistical support.
Serbia. Mr Jouyet declared that “in a personal capacity, I found Serge Brammertz' report (Ed: the prosecutor at the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia) encouraging”. Jouyet pointed out that Serbia had displayed a willingness to cooperate, particularly on police and military service reforms. For the time being, implementation of the interim stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) remains blocked but “we would do well to provide some positive signals as soon as possible” if possible before the next Council in Luxembourg (13-14 October).
Belarus. The next elections on 28 September in Belarus will be important given the possible revision of EU relations with the country. Mr Jouyet also stressed that he would take into account the fact that Belarus has not so far followed Russia and has abstained from recognising Southern Ossetia and Abkhazia's independence. (A.B./transl.rh)