Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2017-18
UPN Alm.del Bilag 7
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
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(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 52
PR CO 52
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3566th Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg, 16 October 2017
President
Federica Mogherini
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy
PRESS
Rue de la Loi 175 B
–
1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026
[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
16 October 2017
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Iran: implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ....................................... 3
Turkey .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Democratic People's Republic of Korea .............................................................................................. 4
Human rights ........................................................................................................................................ 5
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
–
Council conclusions on Myanmar/Burma ............................................................................................................... 6
Council adopts new strategy on Afghanistan .......................................................................................................... 8
Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina.................................................................................................... 8
CFSP Exercise programme ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Relations with the Kyrgyz Republic ...................................................................................................................... 10
COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
–
–
EU Advisory Mission in Iraq................................................................................................................................. 10
High Representative's report on the six-monthly review on the Operation ALTHEA .......................................... 10
DEVELOPMENT
–
Relations with Carribean states ............................................................................................................................. 10
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
–
European Border and Coast Guard Agency - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro ............................ 11

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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PROVISIONAL VERSION
16 October 2017
ITEMS DEBATED
Iran: implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
The Council discussed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Iran
nuclear deal. EU foreign ministers agreed on the following statement:
"1.
The JCPOA, the culmination of 12 years of diplomacy facilitated by the EU, unanimously
endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, is a key element of the nuclear non-
proliferation global architecture and crucial for the security of the region. Its successful
implementation continues to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme remains exclusively
peaceful. The EU underlines that the International Atomic Energy Agency has verified
8 times that Iran is implementing all its nuclear related commitments following a
comprehensive and strict monitoring system.
The EU is committed to the continued full and effective implementation of all parts of the
JCPOA. The EU underlines that the lifting of nuclear related sanctions has a positive
impact on trade and economic relations with Iran including benefits for the Iranian people.
It strengthens cooperation and allows for continuous dialogue with Iran.
The European Union considers President Trump’s decision not to certify Iran’s compliance
with the Joint Comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) as being in the context of an internal
US process. The EU encourages the US to maintain its commitment to the JCPOA and to
consider the implications for the security of the US, its partners and the region before
taking further steps.
While the EU expresses its concerns related to ballistic missiles and increasing tensions in
the region, it reiterates the need to address them outside the JCPOA, in the relevant formats
and fora . The EU stands ready to actively promote and support initiatives to ensure a more
stable, peaceful and secure regional environment.
At a time of acute nuclear threat the EU is determined to preserve the JCPOA as a key
pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture."
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Turkey
Over lunch, foreign ministers discussed Turkey. They touched upon the developments in the
country and focused in particular on cooperation regarding the situation in the region, including
Syria, Iraq and relations with Iran.
Turkey will also be discussed by EU Heads of state and government later in the week, at the
European Council meeting of 19 and 20 October.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in the Korean peninsula and in particular the
continuing development of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear weapons
and ballistic missiles in violation and flagrant disregard of UN Security Council resolutions.
Given the persistent threat to international peace and stability posed by the DPRK, the Council
adopted new EU autonomous measures to further increase the pressure on the DPRK to comply
with its obligations. The measures complement and reinforce the UN Security Council sanctions.
They take effect immediately. The new measures include:
–
a total ban on EU investment in the DPRK, in all sectors. The ban was previously limited
to investment in the nuclear and conventional arms-related industry, in the sectors of
mining, refining and chemical industries, metallurgy and metalworking and aerospace;
a total ban on the sale of refined petroleum products and crude oil to the DPRK. These
exports were subject to certain limitations under the UN Security Council resolution of
11 September;
lowering the amount of personal remittances transferred to the DPRK from € 15 000 to
€
5 000; as they are suspected of being used to support the country's illegal nuclear and
ballistic missile programmes.
–
–
In addition, with a view to eliminating remittances to the DPRK, member states agreed not to renew
work authorisations for DPRK nationals present on their territory, except for refugees and other
persons benefiting from international protection.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
16 October 2017
The Council also added three persons and six entities supporting the illicit programmes to the lists
of those subject to an asset freeze and travel restrictions. This brings the total number under
restrictive measures against the DPRK as designated by the EU autonomously to 41 individuals and
11 entities. In addition, 63 individuals and 53 entities are listed by the UN.
Ministers also agreed to actively lobby for a robust implementation of all relevant UN Security
Council resolutions by all UN member states.
Official Journal of 16 October
Human rights
Ministers had debate on the EU policy on human rights in the presence of the EU Special
Representative for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis. The Council adopted:
Conclusions on the mid-term review of the action plan on human rights and democracy
EU annual report on human rights and democracy in the world in 2016
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16 October 2017
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Council conclusions on Myanmar/Burma
The Council adopted the following conclusions on Myanmar/Burma:
"1.
The humanitarian and human rights situation in Rakhine State is extremely serious. There
are deeply worrying reports of continuing arson and violence against people and serious
human rights violations, including indiscriminate firing of weapons, the presence of
landmines and sexual and gender based violence. This is not acceptable and must end
immediately. More than 500 000 people, mostly Rohingya, have fled their homes and
sought refuge in Bangladesh, as a result of violence and fear. When so many people are
displaced so quickly this strongly indicates a deliberate action to expel a minority.
Therefore it is of utmost importance that refugees can return in safety and dignity. Access
for humanitarian assistance and the media is severely restricted in Rakhine State. Needs
can therefore not be fully assessed nor addressed.
The EU has called on all sides to bring an immediate end to all violence. It urges the
Myanmar/Burma military to end its operations and to ensure the protection of all civilians
without discrimination and to fully observe international human rights law. The EU also
reiterates its call on the Myanmar/Burma government to take all measures to defuse
tensions between communities; grant full, safe and unconditional humanitarian access
without delay, including for UN, ICRC, and international NGOs; and establish a credible
and practical process to enable the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of all
those who fled their homes to their places of origin. The EU has stepped up its
humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and stands ready to extend
its activities in Rakhine State in favour of all people in need once access is granted.
The EU and its Member States reconfirm their strong engagement underlined in its
Strategy on Myanmar (June 2016) to support the country's democratic transition, peace,
national reconciliation and socio-economic development. In this context, the EU stands
ready to support the government of Myanmar/Burma in order to ensure the swift and full
implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State,
including the crucial issue of citizenship for the stateless Rohingya population. The EU
welcomes that the government has set-up an Inter-Ministerial Committee for the
implementation of these recommendations.
2.
3.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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4.
The EU welcomes the State Counsellor's commitment to bringing all the perpetrators of
human rights violations and other criminal acts to justice, in accordance with the rule of
law to avoid all impunity, and her statement on 19 September that Myanmar/Burma does
not fear international scrutiny. Credible allegations of serious human rights violations and
abuses, including brutal attacks on children, must be thoroughly investigated. In this
context the EU urges Myanmar/Burma to cooperate fully with the Human Rights Council's
independent international Fact-Finding Mission and to allow it full, safe and unhindered
access to the country without delay. The EU welcomes that the UN Human Rights Council
recently extended the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission.
Furthermore, the EU encourages Myanmar/Burma to enter into a dialogue with its
neighbouring countries, in particular Bangladesh, on finding solutions to common
concerns, notably the repatriation of refugees to their place of origin, in the spirit of good
neighbourly relations. The EU appreciates the constructive role played by Bangladesh
under difficult circumstances.
In the light of the disproportionate use of force carried out by the security forces, the EU
and its Member States will suspend invitations to the Commander-in-chief of the
Myanmar/Burma armed forces and other senior military officers and review all practical
defence cooperation. The EU confirms the relevance of the current EU restrictive measures
which consist of an embargo on arms and on equipment that can be used for internal
repression. The Council may consider additional measures if the situation does not
improve but also stands ready to respond accordingly to positive developments.
The humanitarian situation of populations affected by conflict in Kachin and Shan States,
including 100.000 internally displaced people, is also of great concern. Humanitarian
assistance has also been severely curtailed there and the EU calls on the government of
Myanmar/Burma to restore humanitarian access to all communities affected in these areas.
The EU will continue to address these vital issues and all challenges linked to the process
of democratic transition in the framework of its continuing engagement with the
government of Myanmar/Burma and in all relevant international fora, notably the UN. The
EU also intends to seize the opportunity of the forthcoming ASEM Foreign Ministerial
Meeting (Nay Pyi Taw, 20/21 November 2017) to engage, in the margins thereof, in a
constructive dialogue with the government and will also continue to liaise with all Asian
partners in this regard. The EU also encourages its partners in ASEAN and the region to
engage in this process."
5.
6.
7.
8.
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Council adopts new strategy on Afghanistan
The Council adopted conclusions on an EU strategy on Afghanistan. The Council reconfirmed the
EU's and member states' long-term commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in
Afghanistan and to support its sustainable development.
The strategy on Afghanistan focuses on four priority areas: promoting peace, stability and regional
security, reinforcing democracy, the rule of law and human rights and promoting good governance
and women's empowerment, supporting economic and human development, addressing challenges
related to migration.
Read the
conclusions
Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council adopted the following conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina:
1.
The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU
perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The Council regrets that a divisive
rhetoric rooted in the past and an early electoral agenda have over the last months slowed
down the pace of reform and affected the political climate.
The Council recalls the importance of the country's commitment to the EU integration
process. It notes positively that the initial implementation of the Reform Agenda has
provided the first steps of structural adjustments to the economy of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. It nevertheless urges the authorities to step up implementation of
comprehensive reforms, in an inclusive manner, to the benefit of citizens. Additionally, the
Council calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions to step up efforts including regarding
the functioning and the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and
organised crime as well as the fight against terrorism and the prevention of radicalisation.
The Council also encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue the work done to answer
the Commission's Opinion Questionnaire through the coordination mechanism on EU
matters. The Council reiterates its calls on all levels of governance in Bosnia and
Herzegovina to ensure the effectiveness of the coordination mechanism, including for the
purpose of ensuring harmonised and consolidated answers to the Commission's Opinion
Questionnaire.
2.
3.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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4.
Whilst acknowledging that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina lists Bosniacs,
Croats and Serbs as constituent peoples (along with Others), the Council reiterates that the
principles of equality of all citizens and non-discrimination shall be fully warranted. The
Council underlines that no legislative or political steps should be taken which would make
the implementation of the Sejdić-Finci
ruling and related rulings more challenging.
In addition to the outstanding OSCE-ODIHR recommendations to further improve the
electoral framework, the Council expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to address, within the
necessary deadlines, the December 2016 ruling by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and
Herzegovina concerning specific electoral provisions on the Federation House of Peoples.
The Council considers that electoral reforms should be approached in a spirit of consensus
and dialogue, as an important matter, thereby also calling on Bosnia and Herzegovina to
implement OSCE-ODHIR recommendations in order to move the country towards
European standards, improving democratic processes of future elections.
The EU continues at the same time to urge the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with
the support of the international community, to accelerate their efforts to address the
disposal of excess ammunition and demining and other outstanding issues.
The Council welcomes the continued presence of Operation Althea, which retains the
capability to contribute to the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities' deterrence capacity if
the situation so requires while focusing on capacity building and training. In this context,
as part of the overall EU strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council confirms the
EU's readiness to continue at this stage the executive military role of Operation Althea to
support Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities to maintain the safe and secure environment,
under a renewed UN mandate. The Council looks forward to the presentation of the
foreseen Strategic Review, as a basis for discussion with Member States on options for the
future of the Operation, also bearing in mind Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in its EU
integration process and taking into account the security situation on the ground.
The Council recognises the importance of continued coordination of EUFOR Althea with
other international actors on the ground."
5.
6.
7.
CFSP Exercise programme
The Council approved the EU programme of exercises and exercise-related activities under the
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for 2017–2021. The programme foresees several
crisis exercises over the coming 4 years.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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Relations with the Kyrgyz Republic
The Council approved the signing and conclusion of a protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation
Agreement establishing a partnership between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic to take account of
the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.
COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
EU Advisory Mission in Iraq
The Council established and launched a new CSDP mission to support security sector reform in
Iraq. The Council also adopted the Operation Plan, and a decision authorising the opening of
negotiations to conclude an agreement on the status of EUAM.
Read the
press release
High Representative's report on the six-monthly review on the Operation ALTHEA
The Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) continues to implement its mandate and
stands ready to support the BiH authorities to maintain a safe and secure environment, or to respond
if so required.
DEVELOPMENT
Relations with Carribean states
The Council adopted two decisions on the positions to be adopted by the EU within the joint
Council of Caribbean states (“CARIFORUM”) and EU member states, to be held on 17 November
2017.
The first decision regards the amendment of the definition of overseas countries and territories
contained in annex IX of the first protocol to the CARIFORUM-EU economic partnership
agreement (EPA).
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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The second decision concerns the establishment of a list of individuals specialised in law and
international trade who are willing to serve as arbitrators, in the context of the dispute settlement
mechanism established by the EPA.
The CARIFORUM signed in 2008 an economic partnership agreement with the EU which aims at
promoting trade and investment between the two blocks. The agreement contributes to sustainable
development and poverty reduction, in line with the framework established through the Cotonou
agreement in 2000.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
European Border and Coast Guard Agency - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro
The Council adopted three decisions, authorising the opening of negotiations with Albania,
Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina for agreements on actions carried out by the European
Border and coast Guard Agency in these countries.
The conclusion of such international agreements ('status agreement') with third countries
neighbouring at least one member state, will allow the EU to deploy European Border and Coast
Guard teams (FRONTEX) with executive powers on the territory of these third countries, to
strengthen EU cooperation with the Western Balkans in the field of migration.
The Commission, with the support of EEAS, has already started negotiations for a status agreement
with Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. These three new decisions will
authorise the Commission to start similar negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and
Montenegro.
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