Syria, climate change, Belarus dominate Foreign Affairs Council
The February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council saw discussions on Syria, an action plan on climate being adopted and the lifting of most of the restrictive measure on Belarus.
Speaking to the press after the meeting EU High Representative Federica Mogherini i said she debriefed the EU Foreign Ministers on the work of the International Syria Support Group in Munich last week. She stressed that there was "complete unity" that all sides must stick to their commitments made just four days ago. She said the setbacks were not a reason to change policy.
She also emphasized that the bombing of the MSF hospital was "completely unacceptable" and said that it was "fundamental to protect civilians, medical facilities, NGOs and respect basic principles of international humanitarian law". She noted that the EU and its member states contributed two thirds of all humanitarian aid pledged at the recent London conference. She also stressed the new EU humanitarian office to be opened in Damascus would play an important role in supporting the UN and NGOs.
The High Representative also said that Foreign Ministers backed the recent Paris climate deal and adopted a climate change action plan for 2016 saying "they all felt a responsibility to implement it".
On Belarus Federica Mogherini said that Ministers had agreed a "critical engagement" with Minsk. The EU lifted most of the restrictive measures that were suspended in October, to build a more positive agenda after Minsk took some steps towards improving the relations and released the remaining political prisoners.
On relations with Moldova, Foreign Ministers stressed the need for the government to deliver on the reforms, especially the fight against systemic corruption and reform in the banking sector, to restore the trust of the people in Moldova.
The Ministers also adopted the extension and amendment of its integrated border management assistance mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) to provide for a civilian planning capacity.
The Council also agreed to support the renewal of the "Somalia Compact" which was agreed in 2013 and is up for renewal this year. The Compact has allowed support for Somalia's stability and development. Ministers also adopted conclusions on the political situation in Burundi which was described as "deadlocked" by Ministers. They condemned recent violence and called for political talks based under international mediation and in compliance with the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution.
The Foreign Affairs Council comprises the 28 Foreign Ministers of European Union countries who meet every month and which is chaired by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini.
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