Situatie Mali, Somalië, Syrië en Egypte besproken tijdens Raad Buitenlandse Zaken (en)

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The February meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels discussed the situation in Europe southern neighbourhood and the crisis in Mali and reconstruction efforts in Somalia. Speaking after the meeting Catherine Ashton i said she had invited Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi to speak at the next meeting of foreign ministers.

Mali - commitment to sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali

The Council reiterated the EU's strong and continued commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali. It welcomed the progress of the Mali armed forces, supported by France and states of the region, in the North of Mali against the terrorist groups.

It stressed the importance of continuing international commitment in support of Mali, in particular the efforts deployed by the African states. It also welcomed the adoption of a roadmap, a vital step towards fully re-establishing constitutional order.

Speaking at a press conference after the Catherine Ashton said "we were unanimous too in expressing our gratitude and support to France for its efforts in fighting terrorism in Mali. Since our special Council meeting two weeks ago, we have stepped up our EU response and accelerated preparation for the EU Training Mission. We have increased humanitarian assistance, pledged support to the African-led mission in Mali and created a clearing house to support that."

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Somalia - discussion with President and plans for International conference

In a statement afterwards the Council also welcomed the end of the transition in Somalia as a historic opportunity to leave behind two decades of conflict and undertook to sustain EU's collective efforts to support Somalia's transformation. The Council had an exchange of views with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

EU Ministers stressed the importance of Somali ownership and underlines the primary responsibility of the Somali authorities to re-build a country free from the threat of violence and organised crime, economically viable, engaged with its neighbours and the international community.

In a statement afterwards the Minsters said that "the Council welcomes the announcement by Catherine Ashton and the Somali President that Somalia and the EU will host a Conference in Brussels that will focus on medium- and long-term priorities and needs of Somalia and its people."

Syria and Egypt

The Council took stock of the situation in Syria and Egypt as well as of the EU response to the Arab Spring, in view of a debate at the European Council of 7/8 February.

Speaking after the council Catherine Ashton said that "I have invited Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimito the next FAC on 18th February. Our focus is to give all the support we can to his efforts to find a political resolution to the terrible crisis."

Speaking about the political situation in Syria she said "we have actively engaged with the opposition. We have encouraged them to continue working on their internal structures while remaining committed to the principles of inclusiveness, human rights and the rule of law. The situation is clearly getting worse, and the level of violence is unacceptable. While we do all we can to work with our international partners on a political solution, we will continue to help the people of Syria as much as we can."

On the Humanitarian aspects she said "we are the largest humanitarian donor to the Syrian crisis. The EU has already given 358 million Euros in aid to Syrians inside and outside the country. This was confirmed again at yesterday’s humanitarian conference in Kuwait. We will continue our work and go into these issues in even greater detail on 18th February."

In Egypt Catherine Ashton said that "we continue to watch closely developments in Egypt. We remain in constant touch with government as well as the opposition. We underline that inclusive dialogue is important for the future of the country and are committed to doing all we can to support the transition to democracy, and to help the economic recovery, which is so important to political progress. We need to stay engaged. The recent violence we have seen in Port Said was worrying and underlined the need for an enhanced and inclusive political dialogue among all groups in society. In this respect, the most recent signals from the opposition are very welcome."

Support for border security in Libya

The Council approved the crisis management concept for a possible civilian CSDP border security mission in Libya. European experts are primarily to support Libyan authorities in developing capacity for enhancing border security in the short term. Secondly they will assist in developing a sustainable Integrated Border Management concept and strategy, including necessary structures, in line with the priorities agreed with the Libyan authorities.

This will be achieved in a gradually expanding and phased approach, through advising, mentoring and training. As conditions allow, the EU mission will progressively address the different land, sea and air aspects of border management, as well as the necessary coordination required by an integrated approach for decision making and effective operational conduct. Management of migration flows, human rights and links to the wider rule of law reform would also be part of the programme.

Arctic - application to Arctic Council

Debating the emerging Arctic policy and the impact this vulnerable but strategic area could have Foreign Ministers agreed to apply for membership of the Arctic Council.