Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins urges European Union to take stronger action in issue of Moldova

On 26-27 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part at the meeting of the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxemburg that focused on the preparation of the European Council meeting of 28-29 October, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and in the Middle East, as well as on the issues of Moldova, Iran and Sri Lanka.

During the General Affairs session, the ministers debated the upcoming European Council meeting, which is to deal with the implementation process of the Lisbon Treaty and with institutional issues, including the establishment of the European External Action Service, the economic and financial situation, employment and illegal migration. The European Council also intends to approve the EU's Baltic Sea Strategy, which is the first EU internal strategy for a European macroregion. The document is based on an integrated long-term approach to the implementation of the EU policy in the Baltic Sea Region.

The Baltic Sea Strategy has four main aims: the Baltic Sea region shall become cleaner, more dynamic and prosperous, more accessible and attractive, and security and safety in the region shall be improved. Latvia is interested in the approval of the Strategy and would like to see it launched as soon as possible. In preparation for the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December, one of the main points on the European Council's agenda will be a common position on the global climate change policy after 2012. Latvia supports the EU's efforts to achieve in Copenhagen a global and comprehensive agreement involving in its implementation all countries of the world.

At the External Relations session, the ministers reviewed the current situation in Afghanistan ahead of the second round of presidential election on 7 November this year, as well as discussed recent developments in Pakistan. The ministers adopted the Council conclusions on Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the action plan to strengthen EU action in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The ministers also discussed the Middle East peace process and the current situation in the region. A report on the situation in the Middle East was presented by the EU High Representative Javier Solana.

Another issue for discussion was the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a particular focus on an eventual abolishing of the Office of the High Representative and the transition to a stronger presence of an EU Special Representative's.

When speaking about the relations with Moldova, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasised that the European Union should seize this moment's opportunity and provide active support to the European aspirations of the new Moldovan government both by applying economic instruments and launching consultations on a new partnership agreement. The Minister also noted that a visa dialogue with Moldova should be started at earliest convenience.

The participants of the meting examined the political situation in Iran and debated urgent topics regarding the EU-Iran relations – the nuclear issue and the human rights situation.

The GAERC agenda also included discussion on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka following the end of the civil war in May this year.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of EU foreign ministers convenes on monthly basis and is chaired by the Foreign Minister of the country which holds the EU Presidency.  

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