EU Council Conclusions on General Affairs

Main results of the Council

The Council renewed the embargo on EU arms against Uzbekistan, while deciding not to renew the travel restrictions applying to certain members of the Uzbek regime. This follows on from the conclusions of its meeting on 13 October 2008, in which it welcomed the progress achieved by Uzbekistan with regard to respect for the rule of law and in the protection of human rights, while remaining concerned by the situation in certain areas.

The Council also decided not to apply, for a renewable six-month period, the travel restrictions on certain leading figures in Belarus, following the conclusions of its meeting on 13 October 2008. The aim of the decision, following the recent elections in Belarus, is to encourage dialogue with the Belarusian authorities and the adoption of measures to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights.

The Council approved the granting of more than EUR 215 million to Somalia from the European Development Fund, to support institution-building and economic and social development there, taking account of the needs of the poorest sections of the population.

The Council deplored the lack of progress towards a transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar. The 2010 elections will have no credibility unless the authorities unconditionally release all political prisoners and initiate a political process with the full participation of the opposition and ethnic groups.

The Council also welcomed the return to normal functioning of the Lebanese institutions and encouraged all the parties to engage in dialogue in a spirit of compromise and consensus, in the interests of all the Lebanese people. It welcomed the announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria.

CONTENTS: ITEMS DEBATED

PREPARATION OF THE DECEMBER EUROPEAN COUNCIL

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

EXTERNAL RELATIONS
- Uzbekistan - Restrictive measures
- Belarus - Restrictive measures
- Iran - Restrictive measures
- Aid for Somalia
- Burma/Myanmar - Council conclusions
- Lebanon - Council conclusions
- Trilateral relations with Africa and China - Council conclusions
- EU-Africa Partnership - Council conclusions
- Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
- Somalia - piracy
- Middle East - Rafah border assistance mission
- Development of the military capabilities of the EU
- European Defence Agency
- Civilian ESDP missions - Lessons learned

TRADE POLICY
- Ukraine - Trade in services - Accession to the WTO

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
- Contributions for the European Development Fund in 2009 and 2010
- Health care in developing countries - Council conclusions
- Local authorities as actors for development - Council conclusions

GENERAL AFFAIRS
- Work in the Council's other configurations

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA
- European Economic Area Council

FISHERIES
- Atlantic tuna
- Black Sea - Fishing opportunities and conditions for 2009*

TRANSPORT
- Inland waterway vessels - Regulatory procedure with scrutiny

TRANSPARENCY
- Public access to documents

For details, download the complete General Affairs Council Conclusions.

| Arriba |

• Report du Sommet UE/Chine - Déclaration de l'Union européenne (26/11/2008)
• EUHR Solana congratulates Commodore Papaioannou on appointment as EU Force Commander for EU NAVFOR Somalia (12/11/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on External Relations (11/11/2008)
• EU Commissioner Michel concerned over aid workers seized in Somalia (5/11/2008)
• Burma/Myanmar Day: civil society and future prospects  (29/10/2008)
• EU Presidency Declaration concerning individual Uzbek cases (28/10/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Belarus (13/10/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Belarus (15/9/2008)
• Assistance to Lebanon: European Commission stands by its commitment (17/7/2008)