HC Deb 18 July 2000 vol 354 cc148-9W
Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10 and 11 July; and if he will make a statement. [130428]

Mr. Vaz

The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 10 July adopted the A points in document 10051/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions, and opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-session in Strasbourg listed in document 8849/00. Copies of these documents will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

Western Balkans

The Council held an open debate on the Western Balkans, but also discussed it as a formal agenda item, and adopted conclusions.

The Council confirmed the EU's intention to hold a summit between the EU and the Western Balkans this autumn. This will confirm that these countries are bound to Europe, will clarify the reciprocal commitments between them and the EU, and will reiterate that the door will also be open to a democratic FRY.

The Council noted with great concern the revision of the FRY constitution. The Council reiterated its support for the democratically elected authorities in Montenegro and urged them not to yield to provocation from Belgrade.

The Council extended the suspension of the ban on flights between the territories of the European Community and the FRY until 31 March 2001, and welcomed the Commission's intention to increase the number of companies on the financial sanctions "white list".

Follow-up to Feira

The Presidency announced its work programme for the various items following up the Feira European Council, notably on enlargement and European defence.

Ministers agreed that continued work on the latter should be a priority for the French Presidency, and took note of Presidency papers outlining future work on permanent structures within the EU; EU/NATO working groups; and elaboration of the headline goal for military capabilities. They looked forward to the Capabilities Commitment Conference in November, which would represent an important measure of progress on enhancing military capabilities; and also to continued work on the relationship between the EU and the six European members of NATO outside the EU.

Russia

The Council adopted conclusions on Russia which underline the importance of the Common Strategy in developing a strategic partnership with Russia; orient the work plan on the Common Strategy towards institutional/ economic reform, democratization, and the strengthening of civil society and the independent media; and urge the Commission to resume preparation of the TAXIS indicative programme for 2000–03 and to propose a targeted action plan for 2000. The Council emphasized that a long-term relationship with Russia must be based on common values, that it remained concerned by the situation in Chechnya, and that it would remain vigilant to ensure that Russia respected its commitments to the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Zimbabwe

The Council agreed Conclusions on the recent elections in Zimbabwe. These call on the Zimbabwean Government to take steps to bring those responsible for the pre-election violence to justice; to tackle urgently Zimbabwe's economic and social problems; and to work for a rapid solution to the problem of land reform on the basis of the principles of the 1998 Land Conference.

Bananas

The Council invited the Commission to examine the possibility of a quota-based regime based on the "first-come first-served" licensing system. It also asked the Commission, once it had done this, to report back on possible solutions, including a tariff-only regime and its implications. The Council highlighted its desire to reach a solution as quickly as possible, having regard to WTO rules, the interests of Community procedures and the commitments of the Union to the ACP, especially the most vulnerable.

Institute for European-Latin American Relations

Under Any Other Business, the Council supported a Spanish proposal to create a working party to seek a solution to IRELA's financial difficulties.

Inter-governmental Conference

Ministers held a general exchange of views with the EP President Fontaine and Commission President Prodi, following which the Presidency set out its work programme for the next six months.

The Council was followed by Association Councils with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.