Press releases, 20.7.2006

Foreign Minister Tuomioja met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan 

Press release 251/2006
July 18, 2006

Erkki Tuomioja and Kofi Annan The situation in the Middle East and particularly Lebanon was the main topic of discussions, when Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, President of the EU General Affairs Council met with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in Brussels on Tuesday, July 18. The meeting took place in connection with the Conference on African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), organized by the African Union in cooperation with the European Union and the United Nations.

The developments during the recent days at the Northern border of Israel and in Lebanon are  new turn for the worse. We give our full support to the efforts of  Secretary General Kofi Annan and the United Nations to calm the situation and return to the peace process, Tuomioja said.  Also EU´s High Representative Javier Solana visited the region recently.

Secretary General Kofi Annan welcomed the decisive role of the European Union in the setting up of the Temporary International Mechanism with the objective of direct delivery of assistance to the Palestinian people. It is clear that demands have increased as a result of the operation.

Foreign Minister Tuomioja and Secretary General Annan discussed also the security and safe departure of of EU Citizens and UN personnel from Lebanon. Close international cooperation and exchange of information is needed in this issue.

Tuomioja and Annan also exchanged views on the Cyprus issue and on-going international efforts to overcome existing problems.

Support to Darfur Peace Agreement and peace process

Foreign Minister Tuomioja participated in the Conference on the African Union Mission in Sudan. In the discussions the Darfur Peace agreement was regarded as an important step forward. The International Community has to remain committed to support the peace process in Darfur, including the implementation of the DPA as well as support for humanitarian needs and reconstruction.

Conference on the African Union Mission in Sudan, Press Conference(Link to another website.)