The Southern Neighbourhood (particularly Syria and Egypt), Middle East peace process, Afghanistan, Iran, preparations for the EU-Russia summit, the Central African Republic and South Sudan will make up the agenda of the EU foreign ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting (FAC) to be held in Brussels tomorrow.
The ministers will discuss the political and humanitarian situation in Syria and its effects on the region, especially Lebanon and Iraq. Two days from the Geneva 2 conference in Montreux, they will also discuss the destruction of chemical weapons, not least in light of the Paris meeting of the Friends of Syria Core Group.
In this context, Minister Bonino will reaffirm the need for the unified and inclusive participation of the Syrian Opposition Coalition in the Geneva 2 conference and will underscore the importance of UN efforts and support for confidence building measures, starting with ensuring humanitarian access to the areas under siege.
Regarding Lebanon, the minister will point out the need to support the institutions that ensure the country’s unity, in particular the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), recalling that Italy will be hosting an international conference precisely with a view to ensuring broader support for that organisation. Conclusions will be adopted.
An exchange of views on Egypt is to follow, at only a few days before the constitutional referendum. Minister Bonino will encourage a consistent but realistic EU approach aimed at seeking to include all parties (for that purpose, the minister will recall the visit to Rome planned by her Egyptian counterpart Fahmy in early February)and maintaining the focus on human rights protections. She will also underscore the importance of maintaining Egypt’s involvement in regional collaboration on shared issues.
The discussion will move on to the Middle East peace process. Following her contacts with U.S. Secretary of State Kerry, EU High Representative Ashton will brief the ministers on the status of negotiations, and an exchange of views is to follow. Bonino will direct attention to the importance of a reflection on the EU’s contribution to supporting American mediation efforts, which could take the form of a common European position on the settlements.
At the same time the Minister will sound her partners out on the advisability of an EU initiative on issues concerning incitement to hatred, a crucial concern of the Israeli government and public.
The ministers will then discuss the situation in Afghanistan, with a special focus on the EU’s post-2014 involvement and the drafting of a new European strategy to replace the 2009 Action Plan. After an exchange of views, also in light of the upcoming presidential elections there, conclusions will be adopted.
A working lunch will be devoted to preparations for the upcoming EU-Russia summit. Minister Bonino will point out the need to encourage cooperation in areas of mutual interest and the pursuit of dialogue on foreign and security policy, and highlight how the summit will offer an opportunity for launching a strategic reflection on strengthening dialogue.
After lunch, the High Representative should brief the ministers on the status of the Joint Plan of Action within the framework of the P5+1 negotiations with Iran.
The afternoon will be spent on the crises in Africa, beginning with the Central African Republic. Based on the recommendations of the European Council in December, the FAC will resume discussion of the crisis and a possible CFSP operation. Minister Bonino will confirm political support for the international community and France’s efforts, while at the same time underscoring Italy’s interest in not leaving other crisis areas closer to Europe unattended.
Finally, the ministers will discuss the crisis in South Sudan. In her speech, Minister Bonino will highlight the need for active EU support for the important role of the IGAD. Conclusions will be adopted on both themes.
The minister is also expected to raise the issue of the Italian navy sharpshooters being detained in India.
