EU FMs to discuss regional impact of Syria crisis

The situation in Egypt, Syria, Libya as well migration issues will be on the agenda of the regular meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday. EU sources told journalists in Brussels that ministers of the 28-member bloc are to debate the latest developments in the Syrian crisis, in particular the efforts for a political solution to the conflict and to address the humanitarian situation. They will debate and adopt conclusions on the regional impact of the Syrian crisis, said the sources speaking on condition of anonymity. Ministers are to address latest developments in Egypt. The EU has consistently supported the Egyptian people's legitimate request for their civil, political and socio-economic rights, calling for a peaceful and inclusive transition, noted the sources. They will exchange views on the situation in Libya following the latest acts of violence in the country in which 30 people were reported killed in Tripoli on Friday. The ministers are expected to approve conclusions on Tunisia, reiterating EU support to the transition process. EU High Representative for foreign and security policy Catherine Ashton will update the ministers on the negotiations with Iran on the nuclear issue. She is to chair another round of international talks with Iran in Geneva on Wednesday. Ashton will also brief the ministers on her visit to Myanmar where she chaired the EU-Myanmar Task Force on Friday. The EU Foreign Ministers will debate migration issues, covering migration flows through both the Mediterranean and EU land borders. The meeting will begin Monday morning with a debate on the preparations for the Eastern Partnership summit with six eastern European countries in Vilnius , Lithuania, on November 28-29. Ministers will also discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and take stock of preparations for the EU-China summit on November 21th in Beijing. On Monday afternoon, EU Foreign and Defence ministers will hold a joint session devoted to the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, and to prepare for the EU summit in December which will be devoted to defence issues. On Tuesday, EU Defence Ministers will hold a separate meeting chaired by Ashton with discussions focused on the security and defence industry in Europe. Ministers will also take stock of EU military operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mali, and Somalia.