EU External Relations Council Conclusions

PRESS RELEASE: 2744th Council Meeting, General Affairs and External Relations, External Relations, Brussels, 17-18 July 2006

Main Results of the Council
The Council, expressing its acute concern at the situation in the Middle East, and in particular at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and deplored the loss of civilian lives on all sides. It called for the release of abducted soldiers and an immediate cessation of hostilities. While recognising Israel's legitimate right to self-defence, it urged Israel to exercise utmost restraint and not to resort to disproportionate action. It called on all the parties to do everything possible to protect civilian populations. It expressed full support for HR Solana's active engagement and for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General. It welcomed an active role of the UN Security Council through examining the possibility for an international monitoring presence.

The Council expressed deep disappointment that Iran had not responded positively to the international offer of negotiations put to it on 6 June by HR Solana and noted that, since Iran had given no indication of willingness to engage seriously on the basis of the proposals the international community will have to return to the UN Security Council. The Council underlined the EU's continued commitment to a diplomatic solution. It also regretted the deterioration of the situation of human rights in Iran.

The Council reiterated the EU's continuing support for the Darfur Peace Agreement and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to support the efforts of the African Union (AU) and the AU mission in Sudan (AMIS) politically and financially as well as through military and police means. It welcomed the AMIS Conference on 18 July in Brussels - a joint AU, UN and EU initiative - as an important opportunity to discuss pressing issues regarding the mission's political environment as well as further enhancing the effectiveness of EU technical and staff support to AMIS.

On Kosovo, the Council, which was briefed by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, expressed support for his efforts in conducting the political process to determine Kosovo's future status. It welcomed a joint report by the High Representative and the EU Commissioner for enlargement on the future EU role and contribution in Kosovo. It asked the HR and the Commissioner to continue examination of these issues.

CONTENTS: ITEMS DEBATED
WORLD TRADE NEGOTIATIONS - DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA - Council conclusions

SUDAN/DARFUR - Council conclusions

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - Council conclusions

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions

MIDDLE EAST - Council conclusions

IRAN - Council conclusions

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

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• EUHR Solana and EU Commissioner Michel welcome the Khartoum II declaration between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts (7/9/2006)
• Middle East and Russia on the Agenda of the Informal EU Foreign Minister Meeting (31/8/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (17/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iran (17/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East (17/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Sudan/Darfur (17/7/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Western Balkans (17/7/2006)
• Middle East: Commission allocates €34 million in humanitarian aid to vulnerable Palestinian populations in the West Bank and Gaza and in Lebanon (7/7/2006)
• President of the EU Council: Iran should return to the negotiating table (1/6/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iran  (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (15/5/2006)