asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons separate meetings of consumer affairs ministers in the Council of Ministers are not being introduced during the Irish Presidency of the EC.
Written Answers. - European Political Co-operation
Following is a summary of the main issues on which the Nine consulted and co-ordinated their policies in this framework:
(18)The Middle East
The Middle East remains an area of tension that is of concern to the Nine. It is hoped that discussions among the states in the area will move in the direction of a comprehensive settlement in which all parties involved, including the representatives of the Palestinian people, would participate and which the international Community could endorse.
Following their meeting in Dublin on 11 September 1979, the Foreign Ministers of the Nine issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and calling on all parties to assist the UNIFIL operation and respect the decisions of the Security Council.
(19)Iran
The grave situation in Iran following the occupation of the US Embassy and the holding of their staff as hostage has been kept under constant review. At their meeting in Brussels the Foreign Ministers condemned this violation of international law and called for the release of the hostages. The European Council at their meeting in Dublin on 29-30 November, reiterated this condemnation and again called for immediate action from the Iranian Government to ensure the release and safety of the hostages.
(20)Euro-Arab Dialogue
Following the agreement by Ministers of the Nine in Brussels on 20 November, representatives of the Presidency and the Commission made contact with the Secretary-General of the Arab League in Tunis, on 4 December, with a view to effecting a resumption of work already undertaken, at the technical level, of the dialogue.
(21)Africa
With regard to Africa, during the Irish Presidency there has been continued support by the Nine for peaceful and just solutions, through negotiated settlements, for both Namibia and Zimabwe.
(22)UN
In preparation for the 34th Session of the UN General Assembly, as Presidency we continued the practice of seeking to concert the views of the Nine and of adopting common voting positions wherever possible. This process is of course continuing during the session which lasts usually until late December, and common statements on an increasing number of issues are being made by the Presidency on behalf of the Nine. The effectiveness of the Nine co-operation in the United Nations has grown steadily over the years.
(23)Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE)
During the period of the Irish Presidency the Nine have intensified their preparations for the next Conference on Security and Cooperation (CSCE) follow-up meeting which will open in Madrid in November 1980. They have been defining their positions on all the substantive and procedural issues connected with the meeting in the light of their concern to take advantage of all the possibilities of the Helsinki Final Act while at the same time preserving its balance and integrity.
(24)Agreement concerning the Application of the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism among the member states of the European Communities
At a meeting of Ministers for Justice of the Nine member states of the European Communities held in Dublin on 4 December this agreement was opened for signature and was signed, subject to ratification, on behalf of all the member states.
353.
It is not now envisaged that a Council of Consumer Affairs Ministers will take place during the Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This is due to the fact that work on various files including the draft (Second) Action Programme of the European Communities with regard to consumers has not progressed to the point where the holding of such a council could take place. Nevertheless the Presidency is seeking to achieve maximum progress in the consideration of the draft Second Programme, which would be a central item at such a council. Consideration by the council cannot be concluded until the opinions of the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee are given. The opinion of the Economic and Social Committee has still to go through Plenary Session while the opinion of the European Parliament is not expected to be available at least until after its public hearings on the Second Programme in Dublin in January.