Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013
72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/13]
View answerI attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 11 March. In her opening remarks to the Council, High Representative Ashton briefed Ministers on a range of topics including the Iran 3+3 talks, the elections in Kenya and progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. France and the UK intervened on developments in Mali, Germany debriefed on developments in the DPRK and Belgium welcomed the agreement reached in relation to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Condolences were also expressed on the death of seven hostages in Nigeria on 8 March.
The first formal item for discussion was Russia (which was also considered by the European Council later that week). The High Representative reported on the outcome of the EU-Russia Political Dialogue which had taken place in Brussels on 19 February. Ministers addressed various aspects of the EU’s relationship with Russia, a strategic partnership which is buttressed by strong trading and energy relations but which is also increasingly characterised by concerns about Russia’s fulfilment of its WTO membership commitments as well as about internal developments which have undermined political pluralism in Russia.
There was also a brief discussion of relations with Japan in preparation for the forthcoming EU-Japan summit. Unfortunately, due to the crisis in Cyprus, the tentative date of 25 March for the summit had to be abandoned; it is hoped, however, that the meeting can be re-scheduled at the earliest possible opportunity.
There was a brief exchange of views on Iraq and it is expected that Conclusions will be agreed at a forthcoming Council.
Under the Southern Neighbourhood item, we took stock of the situation in Egypt and Tunisia, against the background of major political and social unrest, worsening economic outlook and forthcoming general elections in both countries. The latest developments in Libya were also discussed, including preparations for the deployment of a CSDP mission on border management.
Finally, the situation in Syria was addressed over lunch, where we were joined by UN Joint Special Representative for Syria. Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi. Mr Brahimi provided us with an update on the latest developments in Syria, including progress on his mission to create a basis for a political way forward linked to the Geneva Communiqué. No Conclusions were adopted.
Under AOB the Romanian Foreign Minister updated colleagues on the Friends of Moldova meeting which had taken place that morning and which had been attended by Minister of State Creighton.
