Reactie van Hongaars voorzitterschap op gebeurtenissen in Noord-Afrikaanse landen (en)
23 February 2011, Brussels
Hungarian Presidency’s contribution to the EU’s response on the events in the Southern Mediterranean
The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is following closely the unfolding events in the Southern Mediterranean region and in close cooperation with the High Representative and the Commission is using all the competencies of the Rotating presidency under the Treaty to address the situation.
The most immediate tasks are ensuring the safety and security of all EUs citizens in the respective countries. Acting locally on behalf of the EU, the Hungarian Embassy in Tripoli is making best efforts to coordinate among the member states’ representations on the ground. The relevant institutions of the EU and the Capitals of the Member-States are closely contributing to these efforts.
Hungary believes that the recent developments in the Mediterranean region require a comprehensive approach on EU’s side, which should lead to a new partnership between the EU and the countries pursuing political and economic reforms of the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, János Martonyi has reiterated that Hungary primarily sees the events in the Southern Mediterranean as strive for freedom and democracy. We call for the respect of human and political rights and strongly refute any violations of the right of free expression and protest. Based on our experiences with democratic change, we understand the difficulties the region is facing in developing a better functioning democracy and market economy, with striving civil sector and private sector job creation.
In accordance with the intention of the President of the European Council the General Affairs Council meeting on the 21st of February discussed preparations of the upcoming European Council scheduled for 24-25 March, which will also address developments in the Southern neighborhood and it will follow up its Declaration of 4 February 2011 on Egypt and the region.
The Justice and Home Affairs Council on 24-25 February will pursue an in depth discussion on the related issue of migration.
Upon request from the High Representative, Mr János Martonyi has chaired the EU – Israel Association Council meeting yesterday, where he conducted negotiations with his counterpart, Avigdor Liberman Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Mr Martonyi has reiterated that „time is pressing and that the Israeli-Palestinian talks remain the core issue”.
Yesterday, upon request from the High Representative, Minister of State Zsolt Németh has chaired the meeting of EU development ministers, where the reform of EU development policy has also been discussed, in order to make it more capable of dealing with unexpected situations. For a better coordination among Council bodies, Minister Martonyi has briefed during the lunch, the development ministers on the discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, 21 February.