Results of the General Affairs and External Relations Council
- from: 15.09.2008
- to: 16.09.2008
- In: Brussels
Firstly, the foreign affairs ministers reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to resolving the crisis in Georgia, following the agreement on the implementation of the plan of 12 August, reached in Moscow and Tbilisi on 8 September thanks to the mediation of the European Union. The Council called on all the parties to fully implement this agreement, as well as the agreement of 12 August, within the time limits that have been set, including the withdrawal of all Russian forces and the return of Georgia’s military forces to their bases.
The ministers have decided, in accordance with the conclusions of the European Council of 1 September, to send an independent civilian observer mission to Georgia, under the European Security and Defence Policy. This will be deployed by 1 October in accordance with the arrangements set out in the agreement of 8 September, and will be composed of at least 200 observers (around 60 of whom will be French). This mission will ensure the civil observation of the actions of the parties, including the full respect in Georgia of the six-point agreement of 12 August. It will thus contribute to stabilisation, normalisation and establishing a climate of confidence.
The Council invited the Commission to prepare the donors’ conference to help with the reconstruction and recovery of the Georgian economy and with the return of displaced persons, which will be held in October in Brussels. The Commission could contribute 500 million euros in aid for the 2008-2010 period. The ministers also appointed Pierre Morel as the Special Representative of the European Union for the crisis in Georgia.
The Council then welcomed the agreement reached on 11 September in Zimbabwe on a government of national unity and pointed out that the European Union stood ready to adopt a set of economic support measures to support a transitional government taking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe, particularly by organising transparent multi-party elections. The Council will re-examine the situation in Zimbabwe at its next session in October.
The Council also reaffirmed the European Union’s willingness to continue its engagement in Somalia, in particular by supporting Somali police capacities, providing European Union and Member State support for AMISOM, and distributing humanitarian aid to civil populations.
As regards maritime piracy, the ministers agreed to quickly creating a coordination unit in Brussels. This coordination unit’s mission would be to support Member State-led surveillance and protection actions off the Somali coast.
Lastly, with regard to Belarus, the Council will evaluate the situation in the light of the parliamentary elections and of the progress made by this country in embracing the values of democracy and human rights. Already the Council is prepared to being to review the restrictive measures against certain Belarusian leaders and to take measures that may lead to a gradual re-engagement with Belarus.
Establishment of a European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia
- Updated: 22.09.2008
