Press Release: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 22 July 2013

Main results of the Council:

The Council reiterated its deep concern about the situation in Egypt and welcomed the High Representative's recent and timely visit to Cairo. It stressed that the struggle for democracy should remain central and called on all political forces to engage now in a process of reconciliation and trust building for the good of the country and its democratic future. Egypt has to move rapidly to an inclusive democratic transformation process, including by the holding of democratic elections in the shortest possible time.

Concerning the Middle East peace process, the Council warmly welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State John Kerry on 19 July 2013 that an agreement has been reached establishing a basis for resuming direct final status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. This is a crucial step towards a lasting resolution of the conflict. In the light of the challenging negotiations ahead and difficult decisions to be taken, the Council underlined that continued bold leadership by President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu and their sustained willingness to engage in good faith will be crucial to success. Once negotiations resume, they should lead to tangible and timely progress.

The Council established a comprehensive framework for the EU's policy towards and support to Myanmar/Burma in the run-up to the general elections in 2015. The EU's goals are to support political, social and economic development, foster respect for human rights and assist the government in rebuilding its place in the international community.

The Council also appointed Mr Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin as EU Special Representative in Afghanistan.

Besides, the Council adopted two directives that will enable member states to better combat VAT fraud, facilitating rapid reaction and allowing a specific measure to tackle what is known as carrousel fraud.

ESO: Background information: New EU Special Representative in Afghanistan appointed http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-new-eu-special-representative-in-afghanistan-appointed/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-bosnia-and-herzegovina-2/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on local authorities in development http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-local-authorities-in-development/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on EU water diplomacy http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-eu-water-diplomacy/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Sudan and South Sudan http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-sudan-and-south-sudan/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Comprehensive Framework for the European Union's policy and support to Myanmar/Burma http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-comprehensive-framework-for-the-european-unions-policy-and-support-to-myanmar-burma/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Great Lakes Region http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-great-lakes-region/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Somalia http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-somalia-2/

ESO: Background information: Conclusions du Conseil relatives au Mali http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-conclusions-du-conseil-relatives-au-mali-2/

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

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the first anniversary of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy and the appointment of the EUSR for Human Rights http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-first-anniversary-of-the-eu-strategic-framework-and-action-plan-on-human-rights-and-democracy-and-the-appointment-of-the-eusr-for-human-rights/

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-2/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, A/393/13: Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/138248.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, A/395/13: Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the Foreign Affairs Council http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/138309.pdf

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