Iran, Syria, Lebanon, the Eastern Partnership, EU-Russia relations, the Central African Republic, the Western Balkans and Burma, are on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels – Iran being at the top of the list. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton will outline the contents of the recent nuclear agreement in Geneva, while Minister Emma Bonino will discuss her upcoming visit to Teheran on 21 and 22 December.
Syrian situation
The minister will discuss developments in the situation in Syria following the Damascus agreement on the destruction of chemical arsenals and another on the ministers’ table, and particularly regarding conference scheduled for 22 January 2014 in Geneva, where the head of Italian diplomacy will foreground the need to involve all actors, e.g. Iran and Saudi Arabia, with a view to preventing the spread of the conflict to Lebanon. Making reference to the recent visit by Premier Enrico Letta to Lebanon, the minister, will confirm that Italy is ready to take a prominent role in supporting the Lebanese armed forces.
EU-Russia relations
The Council will also discuss EU-Russia relations during a working lunch with Russian foreign minister Lavrov. On this subject Minister Bonino will reiterate the importance of viewing Moscow as an indispensable part of the solution and not as part of the problem.
