Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to attend General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting in Luxembourg

On 27 April, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Luxembourg.

The General Affairs session will discuss the question of accession negotiations between Croatia and the EU. Latvia supports the continuation of EU accession negotiations with Croatia.

At the External Relations session, the European Commission will inform about and prepare a report to the Council and to the European Parliament on the achievements and realisation of the European Partnership Policy (EPP) for 2008 and on the results of reforms among the EP states. Latvia is pleased about two successful initiatives within the EPP – the Eastern Partnership and the Union for the Mediterranean.  These new initiatives play a significant role in the strengthening of neighbour state relations. It is especially important for Latvia to continue to develop a closer co-operation with its eastern neighbours within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.

The ministers will have to agree on the extension of the extant and in-force EU Council position on sanctions against Burma/Myanmar. The meeting will also debate the further direction of the Middle East peace process, the situation in Gaza, U.S. involvement and the European Union contribution to the promotion of the peace process. The ministers will also discuss the EU battle against illegal immigration in the Mediterranean region, taking note of the increase of illegal immigrants as the summer season approaches.

At luncheon, the ministers will review the results of the 5 April informal EU member state Heads of State and Heads of Government meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama. The ministers will also discuss the political and economic situation in Ukraine as well as relations between the EU and Moldova, taking especial note of the outcome of the 5 April parliamentary elections in Moldova. The ministers also plan to discuss the outcome of the 20 – 24 April Durban Review Conference.

The Presidency will also inform the ministers about the three summits scheduled for early May: on 7 May, in Prague, there will be an Employment Summit as well as an Eastern Partnership Summit whereas on 8 May a Summit: "Southern Corridor – The New Silk Road" will be held.

European Union Foreign Ministers General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings take place once each month. Proceedings are directed by the Foreign Minister of the presiding EU member state.

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