Press Release: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 16 December 2013

Main results of the Council

Eastern Partnership
The Council discussed the follow-up to the Eastern Partnership summit on 28/29 November in Vilnius and the events in Ukraine. During her recent visit to Kiev, the EU High Representative condemned the use of violence against peaceful protestors and underlined the importance of a negotiated solution to the current political stalemate and the release of prisoners. She said: 'Ministers confirmed again today the European Union's readiness to sign the Association Agreement, with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area part, as soon as Ukraine is ready and the relevant conditions are met.'

Central African Republic
The Council expressed its extreme concern at the crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR). It welcomed the French intervention in support of the African-led international support mission to CAR (MISCA), which is intended to protect civilians and to contribute to the stabilisation of the country.

Given the dramatic humanitarian crisis, the EU and its member states have tripled their humanitarian assistance since 2012 - more than €60 million in 2013. On 8 December, the EU launched a humanitarian air bridge to ferry humanitarian goods and personnel into the country. The EU also fully supports the determined action by African partners for more stability and mobilises €50 million for MISCA through the African Peace Facility. The EU High Representative said: 'Besides the urgent need to improve security, we need to support the political process to allow elections to be organized by February 2015 at the very latest.'

Middle East peace process
In its conclusions, the Council expressed the EU's full support for the on-going efforts of the parties and of the US towards a just and lasting settlement for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The current talks represent a unique opportunity which must be seized for both parties to implement a two-state solution. The Council warned against actions that undermine the negotiations.

It also reiterated the EU's readiness to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements for ensuring the sustainability of a peace agreement. An unprecedented pack age of European political, economic and security support to both parties can be expected in the context of a final status agreement. Details and concrete proposals will be worked on.

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Lebanon http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-lebanon/

ESO: Background information: Council adopts new Union Civil Protection Mechanism http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-new-union-civil-protection-mechanism/

ESO: Background information: FACT SHEET- Central African Republic http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-fact-sheet-central-african-republic-2/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Iranian nuclear issue http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-iranian-nuclear-issue/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-middle-east-peace-process-3/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Myanmar/Burma http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-myanmar-burma/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-drc-and-the-great-lakes-region/

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