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Disarmament DocumentationBack to Disarmament Documentation EU Foreign Ministers' meeting, Luxembourg, June 16, 2003General Affairs and External Relations, 2518th Council
meeting, Provisional Version, 10369/03 (Presse 166), Luxembourg,
June 16, 2003. ... WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION - Council Conclusions"The Council discussed the issue of proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and means of delivery such as ballistic missiles constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The Council considered that the acquisition of Weapons of Mass Destruction or related materials by terrorists would represent an additional threat to the international system. The Council gave its endorsement to the document entitled "Basic principles for an EU strategy against proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction" as a living document. The Council also approved the "Action plan for the implementation of the basic principles for an EU strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction". It asked the PSC and other Council bodies, in co-operation with the SG/HR and the Commission, to begin work immediately on the implementation of the Action Plan..." IRAN - Council Conclusions"1. The Council discussed developments in relations with Iran following its decision to launch negotiations on agreements concerning trade and co-operation and political dialogue. 2. The Council recalled that in deciding to open these negotiations it expected that deepening of economic and commercial relations between the EU and Iran should be matched by similar progress in all other aspects of the EU's relations with Iran. It identified in particular the need for significant positive developments on human rights, non-proliferation, terrorism and the Middle East Peace Process.The Council continues to have significant concerns about these issues, especially in respect of the handling of the recent demonstrations. 3. In particular, the Council has taken note with concern of the Report on implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran submitted by the Director General of IAEA on June 6. 4. The nature of some aspects of Iran's programme raises serious concerns, in particular as regards the closing of the nuclear fuel cycle, especially the uranium centrifuge, announced by President Khatami. The Council stressed the need for Iran to answer timely, fully and adequately all questions raised regarding its nuclear programme. It called on Iran to fully co- operate with the IAEA. 5. The Council called on Iran to conclude and implement urgently and unconditionally an Additional Protocol. This would be a significant step in demonstrating Iran's stated peaceful intentions with regard to its nuclear programme. 6. The Council reiterated its full support to the Director General of IAEA and decided to revert to this issue in the light of the forthcoming debate at the Board of Governors. 7. The Council will continue to follow closely developments on this issue and the other areas of concern. It reiterates that progress in these matters and strengthened dialogue and co- operation are interdependent, essential and mutually reinforcing elements of EU-Iran relations." Source: Council of the European Union website, at http://ue.eu.int/pressData/en/gena/76201.pdf. © 2003 The Acronym Institute. |