Foreign Affairs Council: 10 January 2020

Wednesday 15th January 2020 Written Statements

[The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Christopher Pincher)]

On 10 January, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HRVP), Josep Borrell, convened an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels to address recent developments in Iraq and Libya. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa (Dr Andrew Murrison) attended the meeting.

Libya

Ministers exchanged views on recent developments in Libya, including the military escalation around Tripoli and the EU’s engagement. HRVP Borrell briefed on his recent diplomatic engagement, including with the E4 (France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom) and with Libyan Prime Minister Serraj. HRVP Borrell updated Ministers on his plans to engage with all players involved, with the objective of moving towards a political solution within the framework of the Berlin process and UN-led mediated efforts.

The United Nations (UN) Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ghassan Salame, briefed Ministers on his work to prepare for the planned Berlin summit, which will focus on practical initiatives towards long-term stability in Libya.

Dr Murrison expressed full support for German efforts to boost regional co-operation, and underscored the need for international unity, particularly in support of the UN process and of the strict enforcement of the UN arms embargo.

Recent developments in Iran and Iraq

The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg, briefed Ministers on the latest developments in Iraq.

Ministers emphasised the need for the de-escalation of tensions in the region and maximum restraint as well as condemning attacks on coalition forces engaged in the fight against Da’esh. They stressed their continued support for Iraq’s stability and reconstruction and urged Iran to return to full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) without delay.

Dr Murrison supported calls for de-escalation and shared our deep concern at Iran’s latest announcement of non-compliance with the JCPoA. Dr Murrison also offered the United Kingdom’s condolences to those affected by the Ukraine Airlines crash, and called for EU support for a full investigation.

[HCWS37]