Common foreign and security policy

Statements

Within the framework of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the European Union has recently issued a number of statements, details of which are set out below:

Rwanda: condemnation of events in Kibeho

Declaration of 25 April 1995

The European Union utterly condemns the violence which led to several thousand civilian deaths in the Kibeho camp during Rwandan army operations to close down the camp on 22 April. The Union urges the Rwandan authorities to launch an inquiry without delay in order to identify those responsible for the massacre and to take all the necessary sanctions speedily. Events of this gravity can only make it more difficult for refugees and displaced persons to return, this being an essential prerequisite for national reconciliation and a lasting solution to the Rwandan problem. The EU would point out that its development aid for Rwanda is conditional on respect for human rights and progress towards national reconciliation. It emphasises that international aid to the local population must be allowed to proceed unhindered. It therefore calls on the Rwandan authorities to make it easier for the international and non-governmental organisations to carry out their task of relieving suffering.

Rwanda: development aid suspended

Joint Council and Commission declaration of 12 May 1995

Following the events in Kibeho, implementation of the aid programmes for the Government of Rwanda undertaken by the Community pursuant to the recommendations of the Development Council on 25 November 1994 in the light of the objectives and priorities defined in the common position of 24 October 1994 has been temporarily suspended. Following detailed consultations, it has been established that the suspension will affect the Community's development aid programmes and will not affect humanitarian and emergency aid, aid to the health and education sectors or measures in support of human rights and the rule of law. Subject to action to be taken following the conclusions of the Committee of Inquiry, which must work in total independence, the gradual resumption of assistance will depend on the concrete efforts of the Rwandan authorities to achieve the objectives and priorities of the common position adopted by the Council on 24 October 1994. The Commission will provide the Council with further information as necessary.

 

Rwanda: dialogue on the resumption of aid

Joint Council and Commission declaration of 2 June 1995

Taking account of the positive response of the Rwandan Government to the conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry, and the need to provide support towards improving the situation, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission have decided, fully respecting the common position of 24 October 1994, to engage in political and technical dialogue with the Rwandan government aimed at the full resumption of EU assistance to Rwanda and at the pursuit of efforts designed to establish ways and means of promoting rehabilitation and reconstruction within the country.

 

Niger: peace agreement with Tuareg rebels

Declaration of 10 May 1995

The European Union welcomes the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of Niger and the Armed Resistance Organisation (ORA). It is heartened by this decisive step towards national reconciliation, which offers hope to the population of Niger and the region as a whole, urges the signatories to do their utmost to consolidate the peace, and will, in future direct its cooperation with Niger towards attainment of that objective.

 

Angola: Dos Santos and Savimbi meet

Declaration of 10 May 1995

The European Union welcomes the fact that the long-awaited meeting between President Dos Santos and Mr Savimbi finally took place smoothly in Lusaka on 6 May. It pays tribute to all who worked for the holding of that meeting.

It considers that the meeting represents an important development making possible the swift of UNAVEM III forces and contingents. It hopes that the climate prevailing at those talks will impart fresh impetus to the application of the peace agreements on the ground and will serve to strengthen in practice the essential process of national reconciliation in Angola.

Sierra Leone: European hostages freed

Declaration of 18 May 1995 The European Union welcomes the release of the ten European hostages abducted in Sierra Leone and pays tribute to all those who played a role in securing their release. The European Union notes that the continuation of the conflict has led to the death, displacement or disappearance of many innocent Sierra Leoneans and calls on all parties to seek an end to the hostilities and to work towards national reconciliation. It welcomes the statement made by the Sierra Leonean Government proposing a cease-fire and unconditional peace talks and announcing the lifting of the ban on political activity. It counts on all Sierra Leoneans to participate wholeheartedly in the peace process. The European Union strongly supports the efforts made by the United Nations Secretary-General and his special representative to promote peace in Sierra Leone. It also welcomes the active commitment of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States and other States in the region.