...Ministers agreed that the focus should lie on the immediate future. They underscored the need for positive steps from Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the following areas and agreed to support these efforts where possible. Priority should be given to a smooth transfer of power in the Palestinian Territories. In this respect, Ministers were encouraged by the signals coming from Palestinian leaders. They agreed that Palestinian presidential elections, development of a strong, financially stable and democratic Palestinian Authority, improvement of the security situation and acceleration of the agreed-upon Palestinian reform programme were essential. Ministers recognised the importance of Israel taking the necessary measures to improve the economic and security situation of the Palestinian population. They also stressed the importance
10.  lifting the closures to allow for free movement of people and goods and to facilitate the holding of free and fair Palestinian elections, including in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, Ministers encouraged Israel and the Palestinian Authority to strengthen security co-operation.

 

11.  Ministers reiterated that the decision by the Israeli government to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank would, within parameters as formulated by the EU, represent a significant step towards the implementation of the Roadmap. The economic viability of those territories was considered crucial in this respect.

 

12.  A just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the strategic option for the Arab countries as stated in the Arab Peace Initiative as adopted by the Beirut Arab League Summit of March 2002. Ministers stressed that a comprehensive peace must include Syria and Lebanon.

 

13.  Ministers called on all States in the region to exert every effort to promote peace and urged all states to act to combat terrorism.

 

16.  Partners discussed Libya’s full integration into the Barcelona Process and took note of ongoing consultations in view of addressing outstanding issues.

 

17.  Ministers welcomed the outcome of the meeting on Iraq in Sharm al Sheikh on 23 November 2004 and underscored the objective of a secure, stable, unified, prosperous and democratic Iraq that will make a positive contribution to the stability of the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1546 and underscored the need for a leading role of the United Nations. Ministers welcomed all steps taken by the Iraqi Interim Government to achieve a broad participation of the Iraqi political spectrum in the political process and to hold general elections before the end of January 2005. They also welcomed the commitment to Iraq’s future by its neighboring states, as so clearly stated in the Sharm al Sheikh meeting.

 

18.  Ministers took note of the importance of the International Criminal Court as an effective means to combat impunity from the most heinous crimes of concern to the international community. Ministers of these countries which have ratified or acceded to the Rome statute encouraged other partners to do so.

...

Association Agreements

 

1.      The Agreement with Egypt entered into force in June 2004. Ratification of the Agreements with Lebanon and Algeria is well advanced. Negotiations with Syria have been concluded. Association Councils and Committees are held regularly under the Agreements in force and technical sub-committees have been set up with Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan. Under the MEDA programme, twinning activities between Ministries and other public bodies in EU Member States and Mediterranean Partners have been prepared or launched during 2004 to facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreements with Jordan, Morocco, and Lebanon.

 

European Neighbourhood Policy

 

2.      Consultations with Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority for Action Plans are expected to be finalised soon. Consultations should be pursued for Action Plans with Egypt and Lebanon. The MEDA Neighbourhood Programme for the Mediterranean is expected to be approved before the end of October.

 

Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

 

3.      The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly was set up at a meeting in Athens on 22-23 March 2004. Its three Committees held their constituent meetings in Brussels in September.

 

Financial Cooperation

 

Cooperation with Mediterranean partners has proceeded in the framework of MEDA funding. The increased effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation of programmes has been confirmed and accelerated in recent months. The payments/ commitments ratio will improve dramatically from 28% under MEDA I (1995-1999) to 105 % in 2004. The process of de-concentration has been virtually completed and now all Commission Delegations in Partner countries assume ample responsibilities in the implementation of programmes and projects. This increased efficiency is also the result of a better absorption capacity of Partners’ beneficiaries..