Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013
51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at the most recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 22 April.
In her opening remarks, High Representative Ashton provided an update on the latest round of the Serbia/Kosovo dialogue which took place on 17-18 April. She welcomed the agreement reached between the two parties on a number of outstanding issues which – it is hoped – will facilitate the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina and which goes a long way towards fulfilling the conditions for progress on their respective European paths. The High Representative also updated Ministers on the latest round of the E3+3 talks on Iran, held in Almaty on 5-6 April, and gave a brief overview of recent developments in DPRK. In addition, she referred briefly to the situation in Mali, noting the progress made with regard to the EU training mission (EUTM Mali) which has been up and running since 2 April and in which eight members of the Defence Forces are participating. The Council adopted comprehensive conclusions on Mali which, inter alia, welcomed the Malian Government’s commitment to implementing the "roadmap" for the transition and organising free, credible and transparent elections in July.
Under the Southern Neighbourhood heading, the Council had a comprehensive exchange of views on the situation in Syria. I and other colleagues reiterated the urgent need to arrive at a political settlement to the two-year old crisis and expressed our full support for Special Envoy Brahimi in his efforts to promote this. The Council agreed to ease certain EU sanctions against Syria including the oil embargo, with a view both to helping the civilian population and supporting the opposition. Ministers also briefly discussed the difficulties faced by neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan in the context of the ongoing crisis in Syria and its humanitarian consequences. In my own intervention I highlighted the predicament of the rapidly growing Syrian refugee population and mentioned in this regard my visit to a Syrian refugee camp during my recent visit to Turkey. High Representative Ashton also gave a short debriefing on a visit she paid recently to Egypt, where growing political and social tensions are a source of serious concern.
Under the Eastern Partnership heading, the Council took stock of preparations for an Eastern Partnership Ministerial meeting which is scheduled for Brussels in July and which will prepare the ground for the Eastern Partnership Summit in November in Vilnius.
Finally, the Council discussed Myanmar/Burma. Ministers welcomed the advances being made so far towards democracy and congratulated the Government on this progress. In recognition of reforms already implemented, the Council agreed to lift all sanctions against Myanmar/Burma with the exception of the arms embargo, which has been extended for one year. This decision is just one step in our developing relationship with Burma/Myanmar as it pursues democracy and reform. We recognise the significant challenges that remain, not least with regard to political prisoners, inter-communal violence and humanitarian access. Ireland and its EU partners stand ready to assist Myanmar/Burma as it continues with the efforts it is making towards political, economic and social transition.
