De Ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken van de EU: de toekomst van Kosovo ligt bij een keerpunt (en)
The main issues discussed by the General Affairs Council were the Western Balkans, the Middle East and Iran
The talks focused on the future status of Kosovo and the EU's relations with Serbia. Federal Minister Steinmeier said that the recommendations put forward on Kosovo's future by President Ahtisaari meant that a crossroads had been reached. He went on to say that the EU was calling on both sides to seek a realistic compromise. "The EU is prepared to vigorously support the implementation of a solution on Kosovo's status and the development of a functioning state", stated Frank-Walter Steinmeier and announced the preparation of an ESDP mission in the region.
With regard to the EU's future cooperation with Serbia, Federal Minister Steinmeier emphasized that Europe was extending its hand to Serbia. The Council welcomed the Commission's willingness to commence negotiations with Serbia on a stabilization and association agreement provided that Serbia makes a firm commitment to full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and takes the appropriate concrete and effective steps in this direction. Only last week, the EU Troika travelled to Belgrade to find out about the current situation. Following the elections, a government would now have to be formed in Belgrade. This, according to Germany's Foreign Minister, should "result in a government made up of democratic forces which rejects any form of self-isolation and opts for the European way". This way would require efforts on the part of Serbia if it were to take up its rightful place.
Middle East peace process: Foreign Ministers welcome Mecca agreement
The EU Foreign Ministers welcomed the agreement brokered by Saudi Arabia on a government of national unity in the Palestinian territories. They thanked the Saudi Government and expressed the hope that the basis had been created for an end to the bloody inter-Palestinian conflict. Now we would have to wait for the formation of a government. This process is supported by the Middle East Quartet whose renewed commitment was welcomed by the EU Foreign Ministers. The Quartet will meet again in Berlin on 21 February.
EU stresses willingness to engage in a dialogue with Iran
With regard to the EU's relations with Iran, Federal Minister Steinmeier pointed out the encouraging signs following contact with Iran's chief negotiator Ali Larijani at the Munich Conference on Security Policy the day before. "There is a new desire in Iran to return to the negotiating table", commented Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the current situation. The point at which new negotiations could commence had not yet been reached. The task now was to sound out whether the prerequisites for this could be created on the Iranian side. "The door to negotiations remains open," said Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Further support for the reconstruction of the police force in Afghanistan
The EU approved a plan for a civilian mission in Afghanistan within the context of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The mission is intended to help build up the Afghan police force and, in particular, to help ensure greater observance of human rights and the rule of law. The number of EU police instructors is to be more than tripled to around 160. In addition to this, some 70 EU legal advisers are to be seconded to Afghanistan, many of whom would be located outside Kabul in a total of 19 provinces. Security in Afghanistan required both civilian and military engagement.
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Date: 12.02.2007