I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 284 together.
The EU-UN joint declaration on co-operation in crisis management was signed at the conclusion of the EU Troika meeting with the UN Secretary General on 24 September 2003. Building on the successful co-operation established between the two organisations, the declaration calls for the creation of a joint EU-UN consultative mechanism. This will allow for further co-operation in the areas of planning, training, communication and the exchange of information on best practices. In advance of signature, the Italian Presidency noted that the declaration is an important step in strengthening co-operation between the two organisations. The Presidency confirmed that it would undertake follow-up work with a view to its implementation on a practical level. The UN Secretary General also welcomed the declaration and noted that he looked forward to pursuing the agenda set out therein.
Ireland has welcomed the progress achieved in the EU-UN relationship in recent years. There has been close co-operation between the organisations, particularly in the crisis management area. This is clear in the context of the EU police mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and also in the more recent case of Operation Artemis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have been consistently among the strongest supporters in the Union for the signing of a joint EU-UN declaration. The signature of the joint declaration was a positive step in reinforcing the EU-UN partnership. I look forward to taking forward work on its practical implementation during Ireland's EU Presidency.