Press Release: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 27-28 May 2013

Main results of the Council:

The Council discussed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis and repeated its call for an end to all violence. It also reemphasised the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict and welcomed the joint US-Russia call for a peace conference on Syria to promote a political process based on the principles included in the Geneva communiqué of 30 June 2012. The EU will spare no effort in helping to create the appropriate conditions for the conference to be convened successfully.

The Council also approved elements on the renewal of EU sanctions against Syria. It agreed to adopt financial and economic sanctions when the current sanctions regime expires. At the same time, it took note of commitments by member states concerning possible arms exports to Syria.

The Council welcomed the outcome of the high-level donor conference for development in support of the plan for the sustainable recovery of Mali and was encouraged by the efforts made by the Malian authorities to accelerate the implementation of the transition roadmap.

Development ministers held their six-monthly meeting with the Foreign Affairs Council. The Council established the EU position on the financial protocol concerning the 11th European Development Fund for 2014 to 2020. In total, EUR 31.5 billion will be available for ACP states in that period.

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

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Food and Nutrition Security in external assistance http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-food-and-nutrition-security-in-external-assistance/

ESO: Background information: Council declaration on Syria http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-declaration-on-syria/

ESO: Background information: Press Release: Annual Report 2013 to the European Council on EU Development Aid Targets - Council Conclusions http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-annual-report-2013-to-the-european-council-on-eu-development-aid-targets-council-conclusions/

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

Council of the European Union: Press Release: Conclusions du Conseil relatives au Mali http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/FR/foraff/137300.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, A/268/13: Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton upon arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council, 27 May 2013 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/137298.pdf

Council of the European Union: Press Release, A/271/13: Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the Foreign Affairs Council, 27 May 2013 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/137321.pdf

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