Foreign Ministers to discuss the situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East

Press release 51/2010
18 February 2011

Foreign Ministers to discuss the situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union will meet in Brussels on 21 February. The main items on the meeting agenda are the current situation in the EU's southern neighbourhood and the EU's support to the region. Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb will represent Finland at the meeting.

Because of the turmoil of societies in Northern Africa and the Middle East, the Foreign Ministers will discuss the Union's support to change processes in the region. It is important for the EU to support a controlled and peaceful transition towards democracy and economic development in the countries of the region. The reform processes must, however, be in the hands of the countries and their citizens. Finland emphasizes that Northern Africa and the Middle East must be seen as a whole, but taking into consideration each country's own special features.

The Foreign Ministers will also discuss the Middle East peace process and the impact of the region's political turmoil on the peace process. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton will present a report on talks held by the Quartet (the EU, the USA, Russia and the UN) in Munich on 5 February. In Finland's view, there is a rapid need for a peace solution. The EU must redouble its efforts to ensure that the negotiations are resumed. The Quartet must strive to remain active in the coming weeks.

The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss the EU's measures and strengthening of the Union's role in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finland stresses that the EU must have a strong representative in the country, and this representative must have effective means available to discharge his duties. The EU must rise to become internationally the most influential actor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The strongest means for encouraging the country to carry out reforms is to support the rapprochement process with the EU.

In addition, the Foreign Ministers will discuss freedom of religion and will present conclusions on the topic. The strategies for the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa are also on the agenda.

Additional information: Counsellor Lasse Keisalo, Unit for European Common Foreign and Security Policy at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5330 or mobile tel. +358 40 505 2046, and Päivi Pohjanheimo, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 55332 or mobile tel. +358 40 511 3786