Voorlopige versie persbericht Raadsvergadering Buitenlandse zaken (Defensie) (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Raad van de Europese Unie (Raad) i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 23 april 2013.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 154 PR CO 22

PRESS RELEASE

3236th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg, 22-23 April 2013

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

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Main results of the Council

The Council discussed the latest events in Syria. It also eased certain EU sanctions against Syria, including the oil embargo, so as to help the civilian population and support the opposition in that country. The EU remains the biggest humanitarian donor in the Syrian crisis.

The Council took stock of the situation in Myanmar/Burma and welcomed developments towards democracy, a strong parliament andfreedom of expression. It congratulated the government of Myanmar/Burma on what has been achieved, but was conscious that there were still significant challenges to be addressed. In response to the changes, the Council decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the arms embargo, which it extended for one year.

The Council also examined the situation in Mali and reiterated its determination to support current efforts to eradicate the terrorist threat in the Sahel and in Mali. It welcomed the Malian commitment to implementing the roadmap for the transition and organising free, credible and transparent elections in July. The Council was also prepared to envisage additional EU support for the judicial sector and domestic security in Mali.

Defence ministers held their six-monthly meeting within the Foreign Affairs Council. They discussed security threats in Mali and the wider Sahel region and reviewed progress of the EU military operations, in particular the EU training mission in Mali. They also continued preparations for the European Council on defence in December 2013, in particular on battlegroups and the defence industry.

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PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5

ITEMS DEBATED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS...........................................................................................................................7

Southern neighbourhood......................................................................................................................7

Eastern Partnership..............................................................................................................................7

Myanmar/Burma..................................................................................................................................7

Mali......................................................................................................................................................9

SECURITY AND DEFCE...........................................................................................................12

CSDP Operations...............................................................................................................................12

Battlegroups.......................................................................................................................................12

Defence industry taskforce.................................................................................................................12

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

  • Relations with Algeria...........................................................................................................................................13
  • Guinea-Bissau - restrictive measures.....................................................................................................................13
  • Libya - restrictive measures...................................................................................................................................13
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea................................................................................................................13
  • Iraq........................................................................................................................................................................13
  • EU guidelines on death penalty.............................................................................................................................15
  • Combating trafficking in small arms.....................................................................................................................15
  • • 
    Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks
  • • 
    Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office

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COMMON SECURITY AND DEFCE POLICY

— European Security and Defence College...............................................................................................................15

DEVELOPMT COOPERA TION

Interim economic partnership agreement with the Eastern and Southern African states.......................................15

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PARTICIPANTS

High Representative

Ms Catherine ASHTON

Belgium:

Mr Didier REYNDERS

Mr Pieter DE CREM Bulgaria:

Mr Ivan NAYDOV Mr Todor TAGAREV

Czech Republic:

Mr Karei SCHWARZBERG

Mr Vlastimil PICEK Denmark:

Mr Villy S0VNDAL Mr Nick ELEKKERUP

Germany:

Mr Guido WESTERWELLE Mr Thomas de MAIZIÈRE

Estonia:

Mr Urmas PAET MrHarriTIIDO

Ireland:

Mr Eamon GILMORE

Mr Alan SHATTER Greece:

Mr Dimitrios AVRAMOPOULOS Mr Panagiotis PANAGIOTOPOULOS

Spain:

Mr Gonzalo DE BITO SECADES Mr Pedro MORÉNES EULATE

France:

Mr Thierry REPTTN Mr Kader ARIF

Italy:

Ms Marta DASSÜ

Mr Giampaolo Dl PAOLA

Cyprus:

Mr Ioannis KASOULIDES MrPhotisPHOTIOU

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RTNKËVICS Mr Artis PABRIKS

Lithuania:

Mr Linas A. LTNKEVICIUS Mr Juozas OLEKAS

Luxembourg:

Mr JeanASSELBORN Mr Jean-Marie HALSDORF

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, External Trade and European Affairs Minister for Defence

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Federal Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ambassador, Representative to the Political and Security Committee

Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister for Justice and Equality, Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Minister for European Affairs

Minister with responsibility for Veterans' Affairs, attached to the Minister for Defence

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for National Defence

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

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Hungary:

Mr Janos MARTONYI Mr Csaba EDE

Malta:

Mr George VELLA Ms Mariene BONNICI

Netherlands:

Mr Frans TIMMERMANS

Ms Marjanne de KWAASTIET

Austria:

Mr Reinhold LOPATKA Mr Alexander MARSCHIK

Poland:

Mr Radoslaw SIKORSKI Mr Robert KUPIECKI

Portugal:

Mr Miguel MORAIS LEITAO Ms Graca MIRA GOMES

Romania:

Mr Titus CORLATEAN Mr Sebastian HULUBAN

Slovenia:

Mr Karl ERJAVEC Mr Roman JAKIC

Slovakia:

Mr Miroslav LAJCAK Finland:

MrErkkiTUOMIOJA Mr Carl HAGLUND

Sweden:

Mr Carl BILDT

Ms Karin ESTRÖM

United Kingdom:

Mr William HAGUE

Mr Andrew MURRISON

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Permanent Representative

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ambassador, Representative to the Political and Security Committee

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Ambassador, Representative to the Political and Security

Committee

Minister for Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister for Defence

State Secretary attached to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs Ambassador, Representative to the Political and Security Committee

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Defence

First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs

Minister for International Security Strategy

Commission:

Ms Kristalina GEORGIEVA Member

Mr Günther OETTTNGER Member

Mr Stefan FÜLE Member

Mr Antonio TAJANI Vice-President

The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows:

Croatia:

Ms Vesna PUSIC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and

European Affairs

Ms Visnja TAFRA Deputy Minister for Defence

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ITEMS DEBATED FOREIGN AFFAIRS Southern neighbourhood

The Council debated developments in the EU's southern neighbourhood, focusing on Egypt, Lebanon and Syria

Following the debate, the High Representative underlined the EU's continuing support for a political solution to the crisis and for the work of Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi towards that. She also renewed calls for greater respect of international humanitarian law

The Council also eased EU sanctions against Syria, including the oil embargo, with a view to helping civilians and supporting the opposition in that country. For more details, see press release

Eastern Partnership

The Council took stock of preparations for the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting, scheduled for July in Brussels. It also discussed the state of play ahead of the Eastern Partnership summit in November in Vilnius, in particular as regards Association Agreements with Eastern Partnership countries

Myanmar/Burma

The Council took stock of developments in Myanmar/Burma and debated future EU relations with the country. In response to the remarkable process of reform, the Council lifted EU sanctions with the exception of the arms embargo, which it extended for one year

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

" 1. The European Union has watched and supported the remarkable process of reform in

Myanmar/Burma. It welcomes the developments towards democracy, a strong Parliament, freedom of expression, and the government's efforts against corruption, as well as the efforts towards the release of remaining political prisoners

  • 2. 
    The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma building a

lasting partnership and to promote closer engagement with the country as a whole. In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council has decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms which will remain in place

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  • 3. 
    The EU congratulates the government of Myanmar/Burma on what has been achieved, but is conscious that there are still significant challenges to be addressed. It looks forward to working in partnership with the government, by establishing a regular political dialogue involving all concerned stakeholders:
  • To achieve sustainable peace in Myanmar/Burma by addressing long-standing differences in an inclusive way, and in particular calling for an end of hostilities in Kachin State;
  • To consolidate the democratic achievements so far and to move further towards full transition; in this regard, the EU is ready to share with Myanmar/Burma the recent experience on political transition and democratisation in some of its Member States;
  • To strengthen human rights and the rule of law including through enhanced cooperation with the UN, in particular to ensure the protection of all minorities; to this end, the EU will explore ways to promote a regular human rights dialogue with Myanmar/Burma;
  • To establish Myanmar/Burma as an active and respected member of the international community, by adhering to international agreements, including in relation to human rights, land mines, non-proliferation and disarmament, particularly supporting President U Thein Sein commitments to comply with the relevant UNSC resolutions;
  • To encourage responsible trade and investment while promoting transparency and environmental protection. Furthermore, a swift reinstatement of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences to Myanmar/Burma will contribute to the EU's policy of supporting the economic reforms. As a next step, the EU will explore the feasibility of a bilateral investment agreement;
  • To promote inclusive and sustainable growth, as well as good governance to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in line with the government's plans. The task is now to ensure that reforms are translated to economic benefits for ordinary people. The EU will maintain increased levels of development assistance, in coordination with other donors
  • 4. 
    The EU stands ready to cooperate with Myanmar/Burma with regard to the following complex challenges while underlining its concerns on:
  • The need to unconditionally release the remaining political prisoners, while noting with satisfaction the creation of a review mechanism and looking forward to the early completion of its work;

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  • The need to deal with inter-communal violence. The EU welcomes President U Thein Sein promise that all perpetrators of violence will be prosecuted, and his commitment to a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith society which should include addressing the root causes of the violence. In this context, the EU is studying the possibility of assisting the reform of the police service in Myanmar/Burma, in partnership with all appropriate stakeholders, in particular with the country's Parliament;
  • The need for urgent action to deal with humanitarian risks for all displaced people in the Rakhine State. At the same time, the government should continue to pursue and implement durable solutions to the underlying causes of the tensions that include addressing the status of the Rohingya;
  • The need for unhindered and full access for humanitarian and development aid workers to all communities affected by conflict and sectarian violence
  • 5. 
    Recognising that the period leading to general elections in 2015 is critical for the country's overall transition, the Council underlines the importance of coordination and coherence in the EU's response. Consequently, building on the elements above, as well as on its conclusions in April 2012, the Council invites the High Representative/Vice President to discuss and propose a comprehensive framework with priorities for the EU's policy and support to the ongoing reforms for the next three years. Furthermore, the Council encourages relevant authorities in Member States and EU institutions to proceed without delay to joint programming of development aid for Myanmar/Burma while respecting the existing harmonisation efforts
  • 6. 
    The EU will use all means and mechanisms at its disposal to support Myanmar/Burma's political, economic and social transition and in this context welcomes the initiative of a Task Force to be launched later in the year, building on the Joint Statement agreed on 5 March 2013 during the visit of President U Thein Sein to Brussels."

Mali

The Council examined the situation in Mali and adopted the following conclusions:

" 1. L'Union européenne (UE) réitère son attachement a la stabilité, l'intégrité territoriale, la démocratie et le développement durable du Mali, et sa determination a soutenir les efforts en cours pour éradiquer la menace terroriste dans le Sahel et au Mali. Le Conseil salue la tenue a Bruxelles le 15 mai d'une Conférence de haut niveau des donateurs - « Ensemble pour le renouveau du Mali » dont l'objectif sera de mobiliser et de coordonner l'appui de la communauté internationale au développement du Mali

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  • 2. 
    L'UE salue l'engagement des acteurs maliens a mettre en ceuvre la Feuille de Route pour la Transition, et les encourage a poursuivre avec determination les récentes avancées. La Feuille de Route et sa mise en ceuvre credible par les autorités maliennes sont cruciales pour le plein retour a l'ordre constitutionnel, la reconstruction politique et la stabilité a long terme du Mali. L'UE est déterminée a soutenir la transition a travers des élections, la réconciliation et en contribuant a assurer un controle durable des autorités civiles sur les forces armées. Dans cette perspective, 1'UE souhaite une reprise rapide du dialogue politique avec les autorités maliennes au titre de l'article 8 de l'Accord de Cotonou
  • 3. 
    L'UE salue l'engagement du Gouvernement maliën a organiser des élections libres, crédibles, inclusives et transparentes en juillet, comme prévu par la Feuille de Route, et appelle tous les partis politiques du Mali a y prendre part activement. Cet objectif constitue désormais la priorité politique. L'UE fournira rapidement une assistance financière et technique en vue de l'organisation des élections et réitère sa disponibilité a envisager le déploiement d'une mission d'observation électorale suite a la demande du Gouvernement maliën. L'UE appelle les autorités maliennes a garantir la liberté d'expression
  • 4. 
    Le dialogue, la réconciliation et la restauration de la confiance entre toutes les composantes de la société malienne sont primordiaux. La mise en place par le Gouvernement d'une Commission Nationale de Dialogue et de Réconciliation constitue une avancée importante dans cette perspective. L'UE se félicite de la nomination des membres de cette Commission, qui doit commencer ses travaux le plus rapidement possible. L'UE en appelle a toutes les parties non-terroristes et non-criminelles qui sont prêtes a respecter l'unité, l'intégrité territoriale et la souveraineté du Mali a prendre pleinement part a ce dialogue
  • 5. 
    Les autorités maliennes ont la responsabilité première d'assurer la protection de la population civile dans son ensemble ainsi que le respect strict de tous les droits de 1'homme. L'UE s'inquiète des allégations récurrentes de violations du droit international humanitaire et des droits de l'Homme, qui ne peuvent que réduire l'espace politique de la réconciliation. L'UE suit avec beaucoup d'attention les décisions prises par le Gouvernement pour enquêter sur ces allégations et pour s'engager fermement en faveur de la lutte contre l'impunité. Tous les auteurs de violations des droits de 1'homme et du droit international humanitaire doivent être traduits en justice. L'UE se félicite du déploiement en cours d'observateurs des droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies, de l'Union Africaine (UA) et de la Communauté Economique des Etats d'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) et réitère sa disponibilité pour leur apporter son soutien
  • 6. 
    L'UE réitère son attachement aux engagements énoncés dans les résolutions "Femmes, Paix et Sécurité" du Conseil de Sécurité des Nations Unies, en particulier les dispositions relatives a la pleine participation des femmes aux processus de paix et de reconstruction, ainsi qu'aux processus électoraux. La protection des femmes face aux violences sexuelles dans les conflits est également cruciale

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  • 7. 
    L'UE continue a suivre la situation humanitaire au Mali et se tient prête a répondre aux besoins les plus urgents des victimes de la crise tant au Mali que dans les pays voisins. L'UE réaffïrme la nécessité pour toutes les parties concernées a respecter l'espace et les principes humanitaires et de faciliter un accès sans entrave a tous ceux qui ont besoin d'une assistance d'urgence au moment oü l'insécurité alimentaire croissante frappe les populations les plus vulnérables. L'UE s'engage a collaborer avec les autorités et les organismes d'aide afin de faciliter le retour et la reinstallation libre et volontaire des populations déplacées et réfugiées
  • 8. 
    L'UE salue le déploiement de la Mission Internationale de Soutien au Mali sous conduite africaine (MISMA) aux cötés de l'opération Serval et des forces maliennes. Le soutien de l'UE a la MISMA a hauteur de 50 millions d'euros a travers la Facilité Africaine de Paix est désormais effectif L'action de la MISMA a permis de reconquérir une partie essentielle du territoire, de libérer les principales villes du nord du Mali et de protéger les populations dans ces zones. L'UE se félicite de la transformation prévue de la MISMA en une mission intégrée multidimensionnelle de stabilisation des Nations Unies sous le chapitre VII de la Charte des Nations Unies
  • 9. 
    L'UE se félicite que la mission militaire EUTM Mali ait commencé, au début du mois d'avril, en complément de son action de conseil, ses activités de formation au profit d'un premier bataillon de 650 soldats maliens. Toutefois, le Conseil souligne qu'il est indispensable pour former les forces armées maliennes dans les meilleures conditions, de leur fournir un équipement militaire approprié. II salue la mobilisation de la communauté internationale, dans le cadre de la conférence d'Addis Abeba et engage vivement tous les partenaires du Mali a apporter ou a abonder leur contribution pour donner aux forces africaine et malienne les moyens de remplir leurs missions
  • 10. 
    L'UE se félicite du lancement imminent d'un premier ensemble d'actions d'appui a la stabilisation au Mali d'un montant de prés de 300 millions d'euros, notamment a travers un contrat d'appui a la consolidation de l'Etat. Cette aide doit soutenir les progrès des autorités maliennes dans la mise en ceuvre des objectifs fixés par la Feuille de Route ainsi que les priorités a définir par les autorités maliennes dans leur "Plan pour la relance durable du Mali 2013-2014", qui sera présenté et discuté lors de la Conférence du 15 mai, en permettant notamment le renforcement de l'Etat et la délivrance sur l'ensemble du territoire des services de base au bénéfice des populations. Le Conseil est favorable a l'accélération des préparatifs pour la reprise graduelle des autres programmes d'aide au développement, notamment dans les domaines des infrastructures, de la sécurité et de la justice, de la prévention des conflits, de la réconciliation et de la résilience
  • 11. 
    Le Conseil est pret a envisager un appui additionnel de l'UE au secteur judiciaire et en matière de sécurité intérieure, y compris dans le domaine du renforcement des capacités maliennes en matière de lutte contre le terrorisme et la criminalité organisée. Ceci comprend l'examen d'options au titre de la PSDC, ainsi que des autres instruments pertinents. La restauration d'un service public a même d'assurer la sécurité des personnes et des biens de manière crédible et efficace constitue une étape cruciale pour la reconstruction du pays

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  • 12. 
    L'UE réitère sa détermination, en coordination avec d'autres acteurs y compris l'UA, la CEDEAO et les Nations Unies, a aider les pays de la region a faire face aux risques induits par la situation au Mali en matière de sécurité régionale et internationale. L'UE est prête a considérer des propositions concrètes dans le cadre de la Stratégie de 1TJE pour la Sécurité et le Développement au Sahel. II est essentiel que tous les acteurs restent mobilisés au sein du Groupe de Soutien et de Suivi sur la situation au Mali, dont 1'UE salue la tenue de la réunion a Bamako le 19 avril
  • 13. 
    Le Conseil salue la nomination du Représentant Spécial de l'UE pour le Sahel, Michel Reveyrand de Menthon, et l'encourage a coopérer étroitement avec tous les acteurs concernés, en premier lieu les Gouvernements des Etats du Sahel, ainsi que l'Union Africaine, la CEDEAO et les Nations Unies notamment."

SECURITY AND DEFCE

CSDP Operations

During a working dinner, defence ministers took stock of the situation in Mali and the work of the EU training mission in Mali. In the beginning of April, the mission started to provide training to the Malian Armed Forces to restore their military capacity

Ministers were also briefed on the state of play concerning the other EU military CSDP operations. Battlegroups

As part of the preparations for the European Council on defence in December 2013, the Council discussed battlegroups, in particular ways to ensure that the requirements for battlegroups continue to be met by member states

Defence industry taskforce

The Council was briefed about the work of the Commission's taskforce on defence industry and markets

The objective of the Commission's task force is to complete the internal market in defence equipment as well as to improve the competitiveness of the European defence industry. It has identified three priority areas for action: internal market, industrial policy as well as research and innovation

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED FOREIGN AFFAIRS Relations with Algeria

The Council approved the EU position for the EU-Algeria Association Committee regarding the implementation of the provisions concerning the industrial products set out in Articles 9 and 11 of Association Agreement between the European Community and its member states and Algeria

Guinea-Bissau - restrictive measures

The Council approved preparations for the annual review of EU restrictive measures against certain persons, entities and bodies threatening the peace, security or stability of Guinea-Bissau

Libya - restrictive measures

The Council amended EU sanctions in view of the situation in Libya to take account of changes adopted at the UN. It permitted the supply of non-lethal military equipment and technical assistance intended solely for security or disarmament assistance to the Libyan government. It also allowed the supply of small arms, light weapons and related materiel, for the sole use of UN personnel and development workers

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

The Council reinforced restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea so as to implement UN Security Council resolution 2094 (2013). For more details, seefactsheet European Union and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Iraq

The Council adopted the following conclusions on Iraq:

" 1. The EU recalls its commitment to develop a solid, long-term and mutually beneficial

partnership with Iraq. This requires Iraq to build a stable political, judicial and economic environment, which will allow it to emerge as a secure, democratic, unified and prosperous country where human rights and the constitutional principles are respected and rule of law is adhered to. The EU is determined to stand alongside and support Iraq in these challenging times, and stresses the importance of increasing high-level contacts, building on the framework created by the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), and assessing progress made, including in the field of human rights

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  • 2. 
    The EU is concerned about the increased tension and the recently deteriorating human rights situation in Iraq and calls on all parties to refrain from the use of violence. It also calls on the Government of Iraq and all Iraq's political forces to engage in an inclusive and genuine dialogue to address grievances and resolve political differences within the framework of the Constitution, in order to allow all communities equal access to the political process and power-sharing. It is only through such a dialogue, founded on tolerance and mutual respect, that durable stability can be built. These are values that the EU endeavours to promote, in full respect of the sovereignty of its partners. For Iraq, they represent a way to counter the continuing unacceptable violence, safeguard the long-term stability of the country, enhance the human rights situation, respond to the aspirations of the Iraqi people, regardless of creed or ethnicity, and ultimately improve their livelihood. The EU calls again on Iraq to cease carrying out executions and to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty
  • 3. 
    The EU reiterates its continuing commitment to support Iraq's transition towards a sustainable democratic system, including through targeted assistance advancing good governance and the rule of law. The EU affirms the utmost importance of the independence of justice and penitentiary sectors to avoid any political use of them, of adequate police training, good governance and tackling corruption in support for the rule of law in Iraq. In this context, the EU affirms its commitment to a smooth and effective handover of the activities of the European Union Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq, EUJUST LEX-Iraq, to other EU and international actors and to Iraqi authorities, ensuring that follow-up activity builds on lessons learnt and achievements accomplished by the mission
  • 4. 
    The EU welcomes the holding of provincial elections on 20 April in a large part of Iraq, and congratulates the Iraqi people for having successfully expressed their democratic will. The elections are an important step towards a consolidation of the democratic system in which the Provincial Councils play an essential role, and it is unfortunate that the elections did not take place on 20 April in a number of provinces, including Anbar and Ninewa. It is important that provincial elections also be held in the remaining provinces of Iraq, without undue delay
  • 5. 
    The EU recalls that inclusive economic growth is central to improving Iraq's stability over the long term. It looks forward to the implementation of the EU-Iraq PCA and encourages the Government of Iraq to take action to improve the services provided to the Iraqi population and create a business environment in Iraq that would allow trade to prosper
  • 6. 
    The EU welcomes the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the good offices of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General. The EU strongly supports the Mission's efforts to advise and assist the Government of Iraq on strengthening democratic institutions based on free, fair and inclusive elections, facilitate regional dialogue, improve Iraq's capacity to provide essential services for all its people and residents and also to promote the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reform

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  • 7. 
    The EU considers that Iraq is a key partner with which to address regional conflicts. Our

common objective should be to ease regional tensions and to cooperate on the resolution of crises such as the one currently unfolding in Syria. In this context, the EU calls on the Government of Iraq to allow entry to civilians fleeing violence in Syria. It also calls on the Iraqi government to do whatever is necessary to prevent any supply or transfer of arms to the Assad regime and its supporters in Syria. The EU wishes to work with Iraq and with all other willing partners to advance the conditions for peace and prosperity in the Middle East."

EU guidelines on death penalty

The Council adopted revised EU guidelines on death penalty, outlining how the EU intends to continue its long-standing campaign against the death penalty

Combating trafficking in small arms

The Council endorsed the fourteenth progress report on the implementation of the EU strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. The report covers activities during the second semester 2012

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFCE POLICY

European Security and Defence College

The Council amended the legal basis for the European Security and Defence College, which provides training in the field of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in order to promote a common understanding of the CSDP and to disseminate best practice. The Council also allocated funding from the EU budget to the European Security and Defence College, i.e. EUR 535.000 for the first 12 months. In addition, the Council approved an increase in seconded staff supporting the work of the college

DEVELOPMT COOPERA TION

Interim economic partnership agreement with the Eastern and Southern African states

The Council adopted the EU position on the rules of procedure of the EPA committee, the customs cooperation committee and the joint development committee provided for by the interim economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the Eastern and Southern African states

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