Press Release: 3361st Council meeting Foreign Affairs – Brussels, 15 December 2014

Main results of the Council

Syria and Iraq: Today's Foreign Affairs Council was focussed on the situation in Syria, Iraq and the threat from ISIL. The discussion will feed into the preparation of an EU comprehensive regional strategy.

Ministers also exchanged views on the crisis in Syria with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. The EU is fully committed to support his efforts to achieve a strategic de-escalation of violence as a basis for a broader political process. The EU stands ready to concretely support the development of his proposal to build on local freezes of hostility in Aleppo and elsewhere.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Council agreed a renewed approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), without changing the EU accession conditions, including the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling. It invited the High Representative and Commissioner Hahn to engage with the BiH leadership to secure its irrevocable written commitment to undertake reforms for EU accession. Once this commitment has been agreed by the BiH presidency, signed by the BiH political leaders and endorsed by the BiH parliament, the Council will decide on the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

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

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

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