General Affairs and External Relations Council (Hansard, 20 July 2004)

§ Mr. MacShane

The information is as follows:Outcome of the 12 July 2004 General Affairs and External Relations Council

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 12 July.

Conclusions were agreed on Afghanistan, Western Balkans, Sudan, Iraq and Asia-Europe.

General Affairs Session

Presidency Work Programme

The Presidency presented its work programme for the second half of 2004. Five priorities are identified in the work programme: Making a success of enlargement; Strengthening the European economy and reducing the administrative burden; The area of freedom, security and justice; The Union's future financial and budgetary structure: Agenda 2007; The EU's role in the world: an effective, coherent and committed external policy. Constitutional Treaty

The Council decided that signature of the EU's Constitutional Treaty will take place in Rome on 29 October.

Progress of Work in Other Council Configurations

The Council took note of a progress report from the Presidency on work under way in the Council's other configurations (the Justice and Home Affairs Council, the Trade Council, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, the Transport and Communications Council and the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.)

Relations With Ukraine

The Council took note of the Presidency's work plan regarding implementation of the EU's Common Strategy on Ukraine.

The Commission is expected to submit a formal proposal for an action plan to the Council in September 2004. This should lead to a comprehensive plan, which at the same time identifies clearly a limited number of key priorities and offers real incentives for further reform.

The current Common Strategy on Ukraine expires in December 2004.

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Visas—Russia

The Council decided to authorise the Commission to begin negotiations with the Russian Federation on facilitation of the issuance of short-stay visas to EU and Russian citizens.

United Nations

The Council approved a paper on the European Union's priorities for the 59^th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The emphasis of these priorities is to uphold and develop international law, and to effective multilateralism.

External Relations Session>

WTO/DOHA Development Agenda

The Council took note of the presentation made by Commissioner Lamy on the current state of the negotiations. The Council underlined the importance of reaching a satisfactory agreement at the WTO General Council at the end of July on the negotiating frameworks for agriculture, non-agricultural market access, the Singapore Issues, and development. The Council agreed to hold a special session of the Council in Brussels, which is foreseen for the 26 July 2004, with a view to establishing an EU position.

Iraq

The Council met the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Mr. Zebari, who indicated the areas in which he hoped the EU would be able to make a visible contribution to the political, economic and social reconstruction of his country. The Council welcomed this opportunity to discuss the future of Iraq with Mr. Zebari, and looked forward to deepening political engagement with Iraq. The Council warmly welcomed the restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government that took place on 28 June. It reaffirmed its support for the people of Iraq and the fully sovereign Iraqi Interim Government. Conclusions were agreed.

Middle East Peace Process

The Council examined the situation in relation with the Middle East Peace Process following in particular the Advisory Opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice on 9 July concerning Legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the occupied Palestinian Territory".

Asia-Europe

The Council discussed the way ahead on preparations for the ASEM Summit and adopted conclusions.

Sudan

The Council expressed grave concern at the situation in Darfur and continued to emphasise the importance of humanitarian access, human rights and security. The Council called upon member states and other actors of the international community to substantially increase their support to the humanitarian relief effort under way. The Council welcomed the active involvement of the international community. The Council welcomed the efforts to address. this issue at the UN Security Council. Conclusions were agreed.

Western Balkans

Serbia and Montenegro: The Council welcomed the outcome of the recent presidential elections in Serbia. It encouraged all democratic forces to work together in order to accelerate political and economic reforms, to fulfil all international obligations, including full cooperation with ICTY.

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Serbia and Montenegro/Kosovo: The Council confirmed that the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo, Mr. Soren JessenPetersen, will have the full support of the European Union.

Bosnia and Herzegovina/ICTY: The Council strongly supported the measures announced on 30 June by EUSR and High Representative Paddy Ashdown to help ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina co-operates fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: The Council expressed its gratitude to the outgoing EU Special Representative, Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen, for his vital contribution to the consolidation of peace and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It appointed ambassador Michael Sahlin as his successor, who will take up the position of EUSR on 1 August 2004.

Conclusions were agreed.

Afghanistan

The Council welcomed the decision announced by the Joint Electoral Monitoring Body (JEMB) to hold presidential elections in Afghanistan on 9 October 2004. These elections are a key requirement under the Bonn Agreement of December 2001 and represent a new milestone in the process of constructing a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Conclusions were agreed.

European Security and Defence Policy

EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council adopted a Joint Action on the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This follows the decision by NATO to conclude its successful SFOR-operation and the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1551. Major General A. David Leakey (UK) was appointed EU Force Commander.

European Union Special Representative in BiH

The Council adopted a Joint Action revising the mandate of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown.

European Defence Agency

The Council formally adopted a Joint Action establishing an Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments—to be known as the European Defence Agency.