§ Lord Norrieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council on 4th December.
§ Lord ReayA meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council took place in Brussels on 4th December. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and my honourable friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs represented the United Kingdom. There was a useful discussion of preparations for the inter-governmental conference on political union. The Council confirmed that the IGC would set its own agenda, and agreed that the European Council should consider the full range of options which had emerged during the preparatory discussions. The Council had an informal discussion on the financial situation of Eastern European countries and the food situation in the Soviet Union. The Commission will put detailed proposals to the European Council. The Council adopted the package of transitional measures integrating the former GDR into the EC.
Ministers discussed the situation in the Gulf and reaffirmed their support for the relevant Security Council resolutions and their condemnation of the Iraqi treatment of hostages. They sent a message of support to President Menem of Argentina after the recent attempted rebellion by certain elements of the army. In a discussion of immigration issues, my honourable friend underlined the importance for the 24WA UK, as an island, of maintaining essential checks at our ports and airports. Member states noted the need for a co-ordinated approach to this large, and growing, problem. There was a short, but inconclusive discussion on the budget for the expanded MEDIA programme.
The Commission gave a progress report on their efforts to identify new EC aid projects for the occupied territories. On behalf of the Council, the Presidency had a meeting with the President of the European Parliament to discuss amendments proposed by the European Parliament to the EC regulation providing financial assistance to Jordan, Egypt and Turkey.