EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the Southern Neighbourhood, European Neighbourhood Policy and Sudan
Press release 168/2011
17 June 2011
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will convene in Luxembourg on 20 June. The main topics of the meeting are the European Union Southern Neighbourhood, the European Neighbourhood Policy and Sudan.
Of the Southern Neighbourhood, Libya, Syria and Yemen, in particular, are on the agenda. Strengthening of the political track alongside the military operation is needed in Libya. Finland considers humanitarian aid to Libya and support for the Libyan National Transitional Council to be important. With regard to Syria, Finland hopes for unity among the EU and the international community. Finland supports the resolution condemning the actions of the Syrian leadership presented in the UN Security Council. The EU must send a strong message also to the parties in Yemen, urging them to refrain from violence and to launch the process of creating democratic governance.
Another topic on the agenda is the European Neighbourhood Policy. Finland is satisfied with the coverage and impartiality of the Communication on the subject issued by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle. Parallel with the promotion of democracy, Finland hopes for input into the economic development of neighbours, investment in trade relations with them and input into free trade agreements. The Eastern Partnership countries should not be overlooked despite the acute crises in North Africa. Finland’s focal points are regional and cross-border cooperation.
The ministers will discuss the situation in Sudan and the EU’s Sudan policy. In Finland’s view, the EU must condemn the violence and infringements of the peace agreement. The EU must also strive for a statement that emphasises a peacefully negotiated solution. At the same time, support for the Mbeki Panel appointed by the African Union must be continued. In addition, Finland seeks a strong and united EU reaction to South Sudan’s declaration of independence, which is expected to take place on 9 July.
The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the Middle East peace process. In Finland’s view, the Quartet should convene quickly at the level of heads of state or government, and the parties should be strongly encouraged to start negotiations immediately. At the same time, the EU must make preparations for the voting on recognition of the Palestinian state, expected to take place at the United Nations in September.
The meeting will discuss the political situation in Belarus and Albania. With regard to Belarus, Finland supports additional measures by the EU: expansion of the travel sanctions and freezing of assets, a ban on arms exports and freezing the assets of the companies presented. Support for civil society must simultaneously be strengthened. Moreover, Finland hopes that the EU will plan a broader strategy for Belarus.
The internal political situation in Albania has become still more difficult, with the leading parties disputing the results of the mayor’s election in Tirana. Finland emphasises the role of the country’s own institutions in the lawful handling of the process.
Additional information: Päivi Pohjanheimo, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5332 or mobile tel. +358 40 511 3786, and Counsellor Lasse Keisalo, Unit for European Common Foreign and Security Policy at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5330 or mobile tel. +358 40 505 2046