HC Deb 31 March 1999 vol 328 cc690-2W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22 and 23 March; and if he will make a statement. [79095]

Ms Quin

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 March 1999. Foreign Ministers met on Sunday 21 March in advance of the General Affairs Council to discuss Agenda 2000 and the future of the European Commission.

The Council adopted the A points listed in document 6859/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 8–12 February and 24–25 February listed in documents 5793/99 and 5796/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

The Council agreed as an "A" point that the Commission should start screening Maltese legislation as soon as possible for compatibility with the Union acquis, and that Malta will be invited to the next meeting of the European Conference, at Foreign Minister level under the Finnish Presidency. We welcome the Council's decision, which is in line with our support for Malta's accession to the EU.

Future of the European Commission Ministers discussed options for appointing a new Commission in preparation for a decision at the Special European Council in Berlin on 24–25 March. The General Affairs Council issued a declaration on the resignation of the Commission.

Agenda 2000 Ministers also prepared for negotiations by Heads of State and Government in Berlin on the Agenda 2000 package. Ministers' discussion focused mainly on the future financing of the EU.

Statute of Members of the European Parliament Ministers discussed progress in the negotiations on a Statute for MEPs. All Member States supported the need for early Council agreement, including tough action on allowances. The Council hopes to reach political agreement with the European Parliament before the June European Elections.

EU/South Africa Ministers once again discussed a compromise package to conclude the long-running negotiations on a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with South Africa. Although differences narrowed to some extent, final agreement was not possible. The Council asked the Commission to continue contacts with member states with a view to reaching agreement at the Berlin Council.

EU/US Relations The Council debated the trade disputes with the US on the EU's banana regime, the EU ban on hormones in beef and the proposed regulation on aircraft fitted with hushkits. On bananas, the Council reiterated its support for the Commission in seeking a resolution of the dispute which respects WTO rules. On hormones, the Council agreed that the Commission should continue to explore with the US and Canada options for reaching agreement on a temporary compensation package, as well as labelling. On hushkits, the Council encouraged the Commission to continue its discussions with the US with a view to finding possible solutions.

EU/Egypt The Council discussed the ongoing negotiations with Egypt for an Association Agreement. The Council concluded that the Commission should continue negotiations and report back to a future Council.

Western Balkans Ministers discussed the deteriorating situation in Kosovo, and in particular the latest offensive by the FRY security forces. The Council urged the FRY authorities in the strongest terms to stop the violence immediately, recalled the warning of severest consequences for the FRY from the international community if they did not comply, and expressed its support for the international community's determination to take the necessary action to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The Council also urged the KLA to refrain from acts of violence. It condemned the killing of civilians on both sides. The EU urged President Milosevic to reverse his course of obstruction, to seize the last chance for a peaceful solution and to accept the fair and balanced outcome represented by the Rambouillet Accords.

Middle East Peace Process Ministers discussed the MEPP and the implications of a possible unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians on 4 May 1999 (the expiry of the five year transitional period established under the Oslo Accords). This was the first Ministerial level discussion of the 4 May issue. It was agreed that discussion should continue at a later date.

Human Rights/China The Council decided that the EU would not change its position on China at this year's UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). The EU would continue to express publicly its growing concerns about human rights in China at the UNCHR, as well as at bilateral and EU high-level meetings with China. It would remain in close contact with its main partners in pursuit of the common objective of achieving concrete improvements in human rights in China, and keep its policy under regular review in the light of developments there.

ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The Presidency briefed partners on preparations for the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be held in Berlin on 29 March.

EU/ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The Presidency informed partners that the EU/ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (planned for 30 March in Berlin) would not now go ahead.

Common Strategy on Russia

The Council discussed preparation of the first of the EU's common strategies, designed to strengthen the EU's relationship with Russia and to increase coherence of work on Russia across the Pillars. Ministers welcomed progress so far and called for the Common Strategy to be ready for the Cologne European Council in June.