§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26 and 27 February. [18508]
737W
§ Mr. David DavisThe A points listed in document 5157/96, which will be deposited in the Libraries of the House as soon as it is available, were approved except item 15.
The Council took note of the European Parliament resolutions in documents 4306/96 and 4709/96, PE-RE 6 and PE-RE 9. Copies of these documents will be deposited in the Libraries of the House as soon as they are available.
The Council discussed former Yugoslavia and agreed conclusions on a regional approach, refugees and reconstruction. The Council invited the Commission to prepare, at the right time, negotiating directives for agreements with all the countries of the region which meet the necessary conditions and accept the regional approach.
The Council discussed preparations for the European Council in Turin and the practical organisation of the intergovernmental conference.
The Council discussed the proposed mandate for an EU/South Africa trade agreement but failed to reach a decision. The matter was referred to COREPER for further work. Her Majesty's Government continue to believe that it is essential that the EU fulfils its commitments to agree a mandate for a free trade agreement with South Africa as soon as possible.
The Council discussed a draft mandate for a new EU/Mexico agreement. The presidency gave a brief situation report on the preparations for the forthcoming Asia/Europe meeting on 1 and 2 March in Bangkok. The Council approved the appointment of a special envoy, Aldo Ajello, to the great lakes region for six months. The Council discussed Greece-Turkey relations.
The Council discussed EU policy towards the Baltic sea region. The Council agreed a one-off 5 m ecu contribution from the EU budget to the Korean Energy Development Organisation.
The Council discussed the own resources decision and noted that formal ratification by the Netherlands Parliament could follow shortly after approval by the First Chamber on 16 April. This would complete the national ratifications
In the margins of the Council, the EU/Morocco Euro-Mediterranean Association agreement and the EC/Morocco fisheries agreement were signed. Mr. Davis signed the association agreement on behalf of the UK. On 27 February there were association councils with Slovakia and Romania; and a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the associated central European countries.
No votes were taken at this Council.