EU General Affairs Council to discuss Afghanistan, Middle East and Preparations for EU Summit in Laeken
The General Affairs Council of the European Union convenes in Brussels on 10 December. One of the main topics on the agenda is the situation in Afghanistan and the results of the conference between the different Afghan parties in Bonn supported by the United Nations. The meeting will also look at the development in Afghanistan and its neighbouring regions in the light of the recent visit by the President of the Council. EU´s relations with Central Asian countries will also be discussed.
In Finland´s opinion, the EU must support the activities of the United Nations and the temporary government to be established in Afghanistan. The goal is a peaceful period of temporary regime, which will respect human rights, including the rights of women. Finland supports the contribution of the EU in humanitarian aid and reconstruction. The appointment of a special envoy of the EU for Afghanistan is also on the agenda.
The Council will also deal with the situation in the Middle East. According to Finland, the recent events demonstrate once again how vital it is to take practical measures for calming down the situation and for restarting negotiations between the parties. The European Union and other international actors must continue their common efforts. The meeting will also discuss the economical situation and aid to the Palestinians. International donors will convene in Oslo on 11 December.
The Council is also expected to prepare the issues on the agenda of the European Council meeting to be held in Laeken on 14-15 December. A topical question will be the Laeken Declaration with the aim of setting a broad based preparatory body, a so called convent to prepare an intergovernmental conference for 2004. Horizontal topics in preparation for Laeken include the enlargement of the EU and the follow-up of the Tampere Summit. For the part of the external relations of the EU, the Laeken European Council is expected to deal with actions against terrorism, the situation in Afghanistan and its neighbouring regions, the Middle East peace process and the West Balkans. In preparation for Laeken the General Affairs Council will also look at the development of the European Security and Defence Policy as a whole and and discuss the ESDP progress report by the Presidency.
Additional information: Counsellor Anne Huhtamäki, Europe Division, tel 1341 6097