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Council of the

European Union

12491/14

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 440

PR CO 43

PRESS RELEASE

3332nd Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Brussels, 15 August 2014

President

Catherine Ashton

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press

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15 August 2014

Main results of the Council

Iraq

The EU today reiterated its firm commitment to Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ministers expressed more specifically their concern about the dire humanitarian situation and the

deterioration of the security situation in Iraq as a result of the assaults by ISIL.

The Council welcomed the decision by individual member states to respond positively to the call by

the Kurdish regional authorities to provide urgently military material. Such resposes will be done

according to the capabilities and national laws of the member states, and with the consent of the

Iraqi national authorities.

The EU will assess how to prevent ISIL benefitting from oil sales and condemns those funding the

ISIL in contravention of U%SCR 1267 and subsequent resolutions. The Council invites the

European External Action Service to ensure a stronger presence in Erbil.

The Council recalled the substantial efforts of solidarity that the EU and its member states are

making to provide humanitarian aid and welcomed the commitment of additional European funds

as well as the mobilization of the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre and the

activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

The EU welcomes the nomination of Mr. Heider Al Abadi as Prime Minister-designate and

expresses its continued support for the constitutional process.

Ukraine

The EU expressed its concern at the worsening crisis in Eastern Ukraine and its humanitarian

impact on the civilian population. Ministers expressed their support to the sovereignty, territorial

integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine. The Council called on the Russian Federation,

Ukraine, the United States and the OSCE to join the EU in finding a political, sustainable solution

to this crisis.

The Council encouraged the continuation of inclusive and comprehensive reforms in Ukraine.

The Council welcomed the United %ations-led Preliminary Response Plan for Ukraine as well as

the European Commission's decision to allocate an additional EUR 2.5 million to meet the most

urgent needs. The Council also called on all parties to support and facilitate without delay the work

of international humanitarian organisations, in accordance with international humanitarian law

and principles.

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The EU calls upon all states and actors in the region to ensure immediate, safe and unrestricted

access to the crash site of MH17; those directly and indirectly responsible for downing of MH17

should be held accountable and brought to justice as soon as possible.

The EU noted that the grounds for the imposition of restrictive measures against the Russian

Federation remain valid, and regrets the Russian Federation's announcement of measures targeting

imports of certain agricultural products originating in the EU. An extraordinary meeting of the

Agriculture and Fisheries Council has been convened for early September to assess the impact of

these measures and the appropriate response.

The Council welcomed the ongoing process on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and

supported the Commission's efforts to facilitate a resumption of the negotiations between Ukraine

and Russia on the conditions of gas supply.

The Council also adopted conclusions on the situation in the

Gaza Strip

and

Libya

and on the

Ebola Crisis in West Africa.

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15 August 2014

CO TE TS

PARTICIPA TS................................................................................................................................ 5

ITEMS DEBATED

SOUTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD .................................................................................................... 7

Iraq ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Gaza and MEPP ................................................................................................................................... 8

Libya .................................................................................................................................................. 10

EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD...................................................................................................... 11

Ukraine............................................................................................................................................... 11

Any other business ............................................................................................................................. 14

Ebola crisis......................................................................................................................................... 14

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

none

Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

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15 August 2014

PARTICIPA TS

High Representative

Ms Catherine ASHTON

Belgium:

Mr Didier REYNDERS

Bulgaria:

Mr Daniel MITOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Lubomir ZAORÁLEK

Denmark:

Mr Martin LIDEGAARD

Germany:

Mr Frank-Walter STEINMEIER

Estonia:

Mr Urmas PAET

Ireland:

Mr Charlie FLANAGAN

Greece:

Mr Evangelos VENIZELOS

Spain:

Mr José Manuel GARCIA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL

France:

Mr Laurent FABIUS

Croatia:

Mr Mato ŠKRABALO

Italy:

Ms Federica MOGHERINI

Cyprus:

Mr Kornelios KORNELIOU

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RINKĒVIČS

Lithuania:

Mr Linas A. LINKEVIČIUS

Luxembourg:

Mr Jean ASSELBORN

Hungary:

Mr Tibor NAVRACSICS

Malta:

Mr George VELLA

etherlands:

Mr Frans TIMMERMANS

Austria:

Mr Sebastian KURZ

Poland:

Mr Bogusław WINID

Portugal:

Mr Rui MACHETE

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,

External Trade and European Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affaires

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representative

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representative

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for

Immigration and Asylum

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs

Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

State Secretary for European Affairs

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Romania:

Mr Titus CORLĂȚEAN

Slovenia:

Mr Bogdan BENKO

Slovakia:

Mr Peter BURIAN

Finland:

Mr Pekka HAAVISTO

Sweden:

Mr Carl BILDT

United Kingdom:

Mr Philip HAMMOND

Commission:

Ms Kristalina GEORGIEVA

Mr Michel BARNIER

Minister for Foreign Affairs

15 August 2014

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister for International Development

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

(Foreign Secretary)

Member

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ITEMS DEBATED

SOUTHER

Iraq

Ministers discussed the situation in Iraq and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

EIGHBOURHOOD

15 August 2014

The EU reiterates its firm commitment to Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It

expresses its deep concern at the severe deterioration of the security and humanitarian

situation in the country. Iraq is an important partner in need of strong support under the

current challenging circumstances.

The EU is extremely concerned at the dire humanitarian situation and the massive

displacements of civilians, mainly in the Northern regions as a result of the assaults by ISIL

and other associated armed groups. The Ministers recalled the substantial efforts of solidarity

that the EU and its Member States are making to provide humanitarian aid and welcomed the

commitment of additional European funds as well as the mobilization of the European

Emergency Response Coordination Centre and the activation of the European Union Civil

Protection Mechanism at the request of the Iraqi government, to deliver assistance in kind

including through the establishment of a humanitarian air bridge to northern Iraq adapted to

the needs in the field. The EU underlines the need to take urgent action to facilitate, in

accordance with international humanitarian law, access to populations in need and welcomes

the efforts made by the US and other partners.

The EU remains seriously concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in Iraq

and condemns in the strongest terms the attacks perpetrated by ISIL and other associated

armed groups. The EU also condemns the atrocities and abuses of basic human rights, in

particular when committed against targeted religious minorities and most vulnerable groups.

Some of these acts, committed in Iraq and Syria, may constitute crimes against humanity and

must be investigated swiftly so that the perpetrators are held accountable. The EU welcomes

the US efforts to support the Iraqi national and local authorities in their fight against ISIL and

recognises international and European responsibility to cooperate with Iraq in our common

fight against terrorism.

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15 August 2014

The Council also welcomes the decision by individual Member States to respond positively to

the call by the Kurdish regional authorities to provide urgently military material. Such

responses will be done according to the capabilities and national laws of the Member States,

and with the consent of the Iraqi national authorities. The EU will assess how to prevent ISIL

benefitting from oil sales and condemns those funding the ISIL in contravention of UNSCR

1267 and subsequent resolutions. The Ministers invite the European External Action Service

to ensure a stronger presence in Erbil.

The EU welcomes the nomination of Mr. Heider Al Abadi as Prime Minister-designate and

expresses its continued support for the constitutional process. The EU is confident that the

Prime Minister-designate will proceed with the formation of a new government as a matter of

urgency and insists on the importance for it to be inclusive and able to address the needs and

legitimate aspirations of all the Iraqi citizens. It calls on all political, religious and tribal

leaders to contribute to this crucial effort to reinforce the credibility of the future government,

giving, in particular to Sunni and Kurdish populations through a process of mutual

engagement, new confidence in the democratic institutions and paving the way to a political

solution of the current crisis.

The EU expresses its strong support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq

(UNAMI) and calls on Iraq's neighbouring countries and other partners to enhance

cooperation and develop concrete actions to facilitate the long-term solution of the current

crisis and fight against the common terrorist threat and for the preservation of a united and

democratic Iraq. "

Gaza and MEPP

The Council discussed the situation in Gaza and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The EU is extremely concerned about the fragile situation on the ground following the

recent conflict in the Gaza Strip. It strongly welcomes the ceasefire which has been in

place since 11 August and calls on all the parties concerned to agree on and abide by a

durable ceasefire. The EU commends the considerable efforts and commitment of Egypt to

broker this and earlier deals.

The EU remains concerned about the disastrous humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

particularly the conditions of the displaced population, water supplies, electricity services,

unexploded ordnance as well as destroyed and uninhabitable homes. The EU calls for

increased efforts to facilitate, in accordance with international humanitarian law,

immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip including for

humanitarian personnel and supplies, and for the mobilisation of humanitarian aid for the

population of Gaza.

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The situation in the Gaza Strip has been unsustainable for many years and a return to the

status quo prior to the latest conflict is not an option. A durable ceasefire must lead to a

fundamental improvement in the living conditions for the Palestinian people in the Gaza

Strip through the lifting of the Gaza closure regime, and it must end the threat to Israel

posed by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza as demonstrated by rocket attacks and

tunnel construction. All terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm.

In this context and subject to the requests of our partners based on the outcome of the

Cairo talks, the EU reiterates its readiness to contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable

solution enhancing the security, welfare and prosperity of Palestinians and Israelis

alike. The EU will develop options for effective and comprehensive action in the following

areas: movement and access, capacity building, verification and monitoring, humanitarian

relief and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation through international donor efforts

including the eventual organisation of a donors' conference. The EU is ready to support a

possible international mechanism endorsed by the UNSC, including through the

reactivation and possible extension in scope and mandate of its EUBAM Rafah and

EUPOL COPPS missions on the ground, including the launch of a training programme for

Palestinian Authority customs personnel and police for redeployment in Gaza.

In line with UNSCR 1860, the EU is prepared to contribute to arrangements that prevent

illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition to the Gaza Strip and which can ensure the

sustained re-opening of Gaza's crossing points. The EU will also study options for an

internationally-supervised mechanism to enable full access and movement through all

Gaza ports of entry.

The EU recalls that the situation in the Gaza Strip has to be seen within the broader context

of the Middle East Peace Process and the prospect of comprehensive peace where two

democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and

recognised borders. This remains our ultimate objective. The Gaza Strip constitutes an

integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and will be part of a future State of Palestine.

The situation in the Gaza Strip cannot and must not be seen separately from the broader

challenges and developments on the ground that continue to make the prospect of the two-

state solution increasingly difficult to attain.

The EU has demonstrated its commitment to working with the government of Prime

Minister Netanyahu and with the Palestinian consensus government comprised of

independent personalities under the leadership and expressed commitments of President

Abbas, which must exercise its full government responsibilities in both the West Bank and

the Gaza Strip including in the field of security, civil administration and through its

presence at Gaza's crossing points. The EU reiterates that commitment today."

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Libya

Ministers discussed the situation in Libya and adopted the following conclusions:

15 August 2014

"The EU reiterates its condemnation of the increasing violence in Tripoli, Benghazi and elsewhere

in the country and its devastating effect on the lives of the civilian population and is strongly

concerned by the threats it represents for regional security and for the European Union. It recalls

also EU support to the Libyan people in its transition. The EU calls on all parties involved in the

hostilities to immediately cease all violence and to end the suffering of the civilian population,

notably by engaging in a peaceful dialogue. The EU strongly supports the on-going efforts of the

United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to achieve an immediate ceasefire and to end

the bloodshed and welcomes its partial return to Tripoli facilitated by Italy. The EU urges all sides

to respond positively and without delay. The Ministers also acknowledged the concerted effort of

the neighbouring countries in helping Libya overcome the crisis as well as their solidarity in dealing

with displaced persons coming out of Libya.

The EU encourages the elected House of Representatives to playing its rightful role in leading

efforts aimed at creating the dynamics for an inclusive political settlement embracing all political

actors. The EU encourages the members of the House of Representatives to carry out their tasks in a

spirit of inclusiveness, moderation and in the interest of the country, and calls upon all parties to

support it. The EU commends the efforts of the UN Special Representative of the UN Secretary-

General for Libya, Mr Tarek Mitri and welcomes the nomination of the EU Special Envoy for

Libya Mr Bernardino León as his successor. The EU has consistently supported the central role of

the UN in coordinating international efforts in Libya. The EU sees the appointment of Mr León as

an acknowledgement of the EU's engagement and recalls, in this regard, its efforts for a successful

Libyan transition including through different support programmes to the Libyan people for security,

economic recovery, health and protection of vulnerable groups amongst others. The EU underlines

again the role of EUBAM Libya in assisting Libya with its border management challenges."

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EASTER

Ukraine

EIGHBOURHOOD

15 August 2014

The Council had an indepth discussion on the situation in Ukraine and adopted the following

conclusions:

"1.

The European Union is increasingly concerned at the worsening crisis in eastern Ukraine

and its humanitarian impact on the civilian population. It recalls its unwavering support to

the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine. Any unilateral

military actions on the part of the Russian Federation in Ukraine under any pretext,

including humanitarian, will be considered by the European Union as a blatant violation of

international law. In order to achieve rapid and tangible results in de-escalation and to

improve the situation of the civilian population, the European Union urges the Russian

Federation to put an immediate stop to any form of border hostilities, in particular to the

flow of arms, military advisers, and armed personnel into the conflict region, and to

withdraw its forces from the border.

The need to find a political, sustainable solution to this crisis has become a matter of

urgency. The Council calls on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States and the

OSCE to join the European Union in this task. To this end, the European Union will

actively support any meeting format conducive to creating a new political impetus. In this

context, the Council underlines the importance of the implementation of President

Poroshenko's peace plan.

The Council welcomes the upcoming consultations between the Presidents of the Russian

Federation, Ukraine and the European Commission on issues related to the implementation

of the Association Agreement’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as well as on

the supply of gas, parallel to the efforts in stabilising the security and political situation.

The Council encourages the continuation of inclusive and comprehensive reforms in

Ukraine notably through the implementation of the Association Agreement and addressing

in particular decentralisation, reform of the constitution, and the protection of the rights of

persons belonging to national minorities. This will build on a genuine national dialogue

involving the central authorities and democratically legitimised representatives of

Ukraine's regions. The Council considers that such a process can be instrumental in

delivering a lasting political solution to the conflict.

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The Council calls on all parties involved to expand the OSCE Observer Mission, which has

provided valuable and objective reporting on the state of affairs at the Gukovo and Donetsk

border crossing points, in order to contribute to an effective, comprehensive and bilateral

control of the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Council calls for regular and expeditious

exchange of information between the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the OSCE.

The Council welcomes the United Nations-led Preliminary Response Plan for Ukraine

covering immediate and recovery phases, and in this context welcomes the European

Commission's decision to allocate an additional EUR 2.5 million to meet the most urgent

needs. The EU and its Member States are ready to provide further contributions in line

with identified needs. The EU calls on all contributors, including the Russian Federation,

to support this international relief effort led by the United Nations, in full recognition of

the Ukrainian Government's role as a first responder.

The Council calls on all parties to support and facilitate without delay the work of

international humanitarian organisations, in accordance with international humanitarian

law and principles. Assistance should be delivered through the appropriate channels in

agreement with the Ukrainian authorities. The delivery of humanitarian aid can only be

carried out with due respect for the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality,

impartiality and independence. To this end, the Council reiterates its call on all parties to

agree on a ceasefire, in particular in response to the humanitarian urgency. The Council

also calls for full and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors, as well as for allowing the

free and safe movement of the population out of the conflict zone, and is ready to explore

options.

The EU calls upon all States and actors in the region to ensure immediate, safe and

unrestricted access to the crash site of MH17, to allow resumption of the investigation and

the repatriation of the remains and belongings of the victims still present at the site. The

EU reiterates that those directly and indirectly responsible for downing of MH17 should be

held accountable and brought to justice as soon as possible.

The recent establishment of EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform

(EUAM Ukraine) further demonstrates the commitment of the EU to assist the Ukrainian

Government in its security reform efforts. The Council welcomes the early arrival of the

Head of Mission and his Advance Team of experts.

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10.

15 August 2014

The European Union notes that the grounds for the imposition of restrictive measures

against the Russian Federation remain valid. The Council recalls that the restrictive

measures taken by the EU are directly linked to the Russian Federation's violation of

international law with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine.

The Council, together with the Commission and the HR/VP, remains engaged in the

monitoring and assessment of these measures and remains ready to consider further steps,

in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground.

The European Union regrets the Russian Federation's announcement of measures targeting

imports of certain agricultural products originating in the EU. The Council welcomes the

exchange of information organised by the Commission to assess the impact of these

measures and the appropriate response and looks forward to continuing work in this

respect. To this end an extraordinary meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council has

been convened for early September. In order to ensure the unity of the international

community and to uphold international law, the European Union expects third and

candidate countries to refrain from measures which are aimed at exploiting new trading

opportunities arising from the introduction of these measures.

The Council welcomes the on-going progress on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement

and looks forward to the upcoming trilateral ministerial meeting in Brussels on 12

September. The Council is of the view that recent trade measures taken by the Russian

Federation against Ukraine in this context are without justification and risk undermining

this process. The Council considers that similar measures taken against other Eastern

Partnership countries which have recently ratified the Association Agreements with the EU

are equally unjustified and welcomes the Commission’s on-going efforts in support of

these partners, as needed.

The Council supports the Commission's efforts to facilitate a resumption of the

negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the conditions of gas supply, and urges both

sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible. The agreement is critical in safeguarding

the security of gas supply to Ukraine as well as the unhindered transit of natural gas

through Ukraine. These two objectives should be pursued by the Russian Federation and

Ukraine and no actions should be taken by any side that could negatively impact on

achieving them. The Council looks forward to the upcoming trilateral EU-Russia-Ukraine

consultations on energy at ministerial level in September and expresses the hope that full

use of these consultations can be made in order to deliver concrete progress.

The security of energy supplies, including through improved interconnections, is of utmost

importance for the EU. The Council reiterates that the Ukrainian gas transit system is in

urgent need of modernisation in order to secure safe energy supplies through the territory

of Ukraine. The Council calls on the Ukrainian authorities to closely coordinate with the

Commission any actions which could put at risk smooth energy supplies to the EU."

11.

12.

13.

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Any other business

Ebola crisis

15 August 2014

Ministers discussed the Ebola crisis in West Africa and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The European Union is deeply concerned about the outbreak of Ebola virus disease

affecting several countries in West Africa among which are Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia

and Nigeria. This is the most severe outbreak yet recorded, having taken already more than

a thousand lives.

The Council expresses the sincere condolences of Member States and European Union

citizens to the African governments and peoples affected by the outbreak. It takes note of

the recent decision by the WHO to declare the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency

of international concern, and pledges the EU's solidarity and support for the countries

concerned, as well as for the health workers and international organisations that are doing

their utmost to combat the disease.

The European Union has already committed EUR 11.9 million through ECHO and

Member States have provided additional bilateral support. The EU and its Member States

stand ready to maintain their support to the African authorities of the affected countries in

the implementation of emergency mechanisms. The Council calls for a strong follow-up

and a coordinated international response which are deemed essential to contain and reverse

the spread of the Ebola virus."

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

15 August 2014

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