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EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Middle East, Darfur, Somalia

The informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers – the traditional "Gymnich" meeting – took place this year in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen on March 30 and 31.

On the Middle East conflict, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated at the final press conference that "since the middle of last year Europe has proved that it no longer merely comments on development in the region." Europe's commitment has become visible both in the securing of Israel's northern border and in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Steinmeier particularly emphasized the revitalization of the Middle East Quartet, which to date has met twice. The option of a further meeting in the region, possibly involving Arab interlocutors, was discussed. With its voice in the Middle East Quartet, Europe will continue to work intensively on the basis of a two-state settlement.

Regarding contacts with members of the government of national unity, Foreign Minister Steinmeier said that the EU wanted to meet those government representatives who accepted non-violence, the agreements concluded with Israel, and Israel's right to exist. This was the basis of the shared understanding, Steinmeier said, although no concrete decisions were taken.

Tense situation in Darfur
The foreign ministers discussed the current situation in Darfur, which shows no sign of improvement. Prior to discussing further steps, they invited UN Special Envoy Eliasson to the next meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in April, particularly in order to report on the status of efforts to renew the agreement between the various rebel groups. This agreement could form the basis for new talks with the government.

EU sends Troika to Somalia
In view of the renewed violence in Mogadishu, an EU Troika has been sent there to initiate talks with the government. The aim must be to ensure that suitable preparations are made for a conference of national reconciliation.
On the issue of missile defense, the foreign ministers decided to await the discussion within NATO and the NATO-Russia Council before making any decision on how to deal with the issue in the EU.

Long tradition of “Gymnich” meetings
The “Gymnich” meeting is named for the first meeting of this kind, organized in 1974 by the then German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel of the time in Schloss Gymnich near Bonn. Since then there have been huge changes. The division of Europe is now history, the number of foreign ministers has grown from nine to 27 and, at this year's final working lunch, they will be joined by their colleagues from the candidate countries Croatia, Turkey and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

In keeping with the tradition of the Gymnich meetings, the topics on the agenda have been limited so as to allow plenty of time to examine issues in depth and in a relaxed atmosphere. No formal decisions are taken at Gymnich meetings.

April 2, 2007

Government & Politics