EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Syria, Lebanon, Libya and more

President:  Catherine Ashton, High Representative of theUnion for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Main results of the Council

The Council held an exchange of views on the Middle East Peace Process. It adopted conclusions pointing to the need for urgent progress towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reiterating its concern at the continuing stalemate in the Peace Process and calling on the parties to show the highest sense of responsibility and to resume direct and substantive talks.

The Council held an exchange of views on the Southern Neighbourhood, in the light of the latest developments in the region and focussing on Syria, Libya and Lebanon. It adopted conclusions on each of these three countries.

The Council adopted a decision creating the position of EU Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean and appointing Bernardino León in this position.

The Council discussed the need for EU climate change diplomacy, in view of the threat posed to global growth and prosperity by climate change. It adopted conclusions.

Over lunch, ministers discussed Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were joined by the Secretary-General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, for the discussion on Afghanistan.

The Council appointed Peter Soerensen EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.