Press Release – 3340th Council meeting Foreign Affairs – Luxembourg, 20 October 2014

Main results of the Council

Ebola

The Council voiced deep concern about the ongoing spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa and the increasing number of people being infected and dying from it. Joining in the international effort, the EU and its member states have already committed over half a billion euros to provide urgent medical care and to support the affected governments in mitigating the side effects of the outbreak.

To encourage additional health personnel to work on the ground, the EU is providing a guarantee that international health workers who volunteer will be provided with appropriate care, locally or through medical evacuation, within available resources, should they become infected.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said: ' Good coordination between everyone involved is essential, so we are preparing terms of reference for a possible EU coordinator who can ensure the most effective engagement between the European Union, member states and the UN.'

ISIL / Da'esh crisis in Syria and Iraq

The Council unreservedly condemned the atrocities, killings and human rights abuses perpetrated by ISIL / Da'esh and other terrorist groups in both Syria and Iraq as well as by the Assad regime in Syria. The EU is determined to contribute to the international endeavour to defeat these terrorist groups.

Non-inclusive policies in Iraq, and instability in Syria caused by the Assad regime's brutal war against its own people have allowed ISIL / Da'esh to flourish. As a consequence of its policies and actions, the Assad regime cannot be a partner in the fight against ISIL / Da'esh.

The Council also reinforced EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime, adding 16 persons and two entities to the list of those subject to sanctions.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the ISIL/Da'esh crisis in Syria and Iraq http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-the-isil-daesh-crisis-in-syria-and-iraq/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-libya-2/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Sudan http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-sudan/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ebola http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-ebola/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Somalia http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-somalia/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions Bosnia and Herzegovina http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-bosnia-and-herzegovina/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Yemen http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-yemen/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Afghanistan http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-afghanistan/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-ukraine/

EUObserver, 21.10.14: EU to uphold Russia sanctions http://euobserver.com/foreign/126160

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