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Current affairs
At the beginning of their meeting, the High Representative and EU foreign ministers discussed the Salisbury attack. They adopted a statement expressing the EU's unqualified solidarity with the UK and its support, including for the UK’s efforts to bring those responsible for this crime to justice.
Statement by the Foreign Affairs Council on the Salisbury attack
Syria
Foreign ministers discussed the latest development in Syria with Staffan de Mistura, UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Syria. Ministers commended his relentless efforts to push for a political solution to the conflict. They expressed their full support for these efforts, recalling that the EU has always clearly stated there can be no military solution to the conflict.
Foreign ministers expressed their concern over the increasingly deteriorating humanitarian situation, in particular in Afrin and Eastern Ghouta. They urged all those involved to fully and immediately implement UN Security Council resolution 2401. They also discussed possible repercussions of the situation in Syria for the wider region.
The Council also discussed the upcoming second Brussels conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” on 24-25 April 2018, which will be co-chaired by the EU and the UN.
We would like to use the Brussels conference to send a clear message from the international community that the fighting has to stop and that the political process has to start.Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Syria: Council response to the crisis (background information)
Iran
The Council discussed Iran. Ministers underlined the importance of the Iran nuclear deal, the JCPOA, for the security of the region and beyond. They highlighted the need to ensure the continuous commitment of all parties involved to the agreement.
'We attach strategic importance to the full implementation of the agreement by all parties. It is for us a matter of security, both for Europe and for the rest of the world.Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers also discussed other issues outside the scope of the JCPOA, in particular Iran's ballistic missiles programme, as well as the role of Iran in the increasing tensions in the region, including in Syria and Yemen. In her press conference the High Representative underlined the fact that these topics had to be addressed outside of the scope of the nuclear agreement, adding that there was unity both on the need to preserve the JCPOA and on the need to address regional issues with Iran through dialogue.
Korean Peninsula
EU foreign ministers and the High Representative had an informal lunch with the South Korean Foreign Minister, Kang Kyung-wha. They focused on the situation on the Korean peninsula, in light of the recent announcements made by the DPRK's leadership.
Ministers looked ahead to the summit between Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in foreseen for April and the announced meeting between Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, as these summits could create the conditions needed to work towards a diplomatic solution aimed at the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
EU ministers welcomed the efforts of South Korea aimed at the de-escalation of tensions in the peninsula and improved intra-Korean relations.
Highlights of the press statements by High Representative Federica Mogherini and South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha (VIDEO)
Ukraine
The Council exchanged views on Ukraine. Ministers expressed their appreciation for the High Representative's visit to Kyiv on 11-12 March. They discussed recent developments, in particular in the reform process. Ahead of the Ukraine reform conference to take place in Copenhagen on 27 June, they welcomed the progress achieved on economic reform, while underlining the need to step up efforts on some other areas, including the judiciary and anti-corruption.
One day after the 4th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea, the Council reiterated its commitment to its non-recognition policy and support for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Ministers expressed their concern over the humanitarian side in Eastern Ukraine and reiterated their full support for the work of the OSCE in the region.
EU relations with Ukraine (background information)
Meeting information
Meeting n°3608
Brussels
19/03/2018
Preparatory documents
Provisional agenda, Foreign Affairs Council, 19 March 2018
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Foreign Affairs Council, 19 March 2018
Indicative programme, Foreign Affairs Council, 19 March 2018
Background brief
Outcome documents
List of participants
Outcome of the Council meeting
Press releases
Statement by the Foreign Affairs Council on the Salisbury attack
19/03/2018, 10:35
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