From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Wed Apr 01 2009 - 06:53:37 EST
Following are excerpts from the joint communique of IGAD - EU
Ministerial Troika Meeting:
Ethiopia – Eritrea
"IGAD and the EU exchanged views on overall relations between Ethiopia
and Eritrea, their roles in the region and the border situation between
the two. Noting Security Council resolutions they recalled that the
primary responsibility for resolution of the dispute lies with the
parties themselves. IGAD and the EU agreed that the normalization of
relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea would contribute significantly to
stability and development in the Horn of Africa. The EU expressed its
readiness to support a peaceful settlement.
Djibouti - Eritrea
IGAD and the EU, noting Security Council resolutions on the matter,
accordingly expressed their strong conviction that the differences
between Eritrea and Djibouti over the common border should be settled
diplomatically and called for urgent steps to be taken in that
direction. IGAD recalled the outcome of the IGAD Summit of 14 June 2008
as well as the contents of Security Council resolution 1862."
(Below is the full text of the meeting)
Communiqué: IGAD - EU Ministerial Troika Meeting
Wednesday, 01 April 2009
(BRUSSELS, 31 MARCH 2009) The third ministerial Troika meeting between
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the European
Union (EU) was held in Brussels on 31 March 2009 under the Co–Chairs of
His Excellency Dr Tekeda Alemu, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Chairperson of the IGAD Council
of Ministers, and Jan Kohout, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Czech Republic representing the President of the Council of the EU.
The IGAD Troika further included the Executive Secretary of IGAD, His
Excellency Mahboub M. Maalim, His Excellency Al-Samani Al-Wasila
Al-Samani, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan
and Honourable Richard Onyonka, Assistant Minster of Foreign Affairs of
Kenya. The EU Troika included Louis Michel, European Commissioner for
Development and Humanitarian Aid, Joakim Stymne, State Secretary for
Development Cooperation of Sweden and a representative of the High
Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Discussions were held in an open and constructive atmosphere, addressing
issues of mutual concern. The parties exchanged views on a number of
regional and global issues, including the global financial crisis. The
EU and IGAD shared the focus of making regional cooperation and
integration the building blocks for peace and sustainable development in
their Member States.
IGAD REVITALIZATION AND REFORM
The parties noted that IGAD was in a stage of reform and revitalisation,
focussing its activities on priority areas of regional cooperation and
strengthening the effectiveness of the IGAD Secretariat and Member
States' commitments. IGAD informed the EU of its plans for
revitalization and reform.
The Parties agreed that IGAD reform presents a unique opportunity to
engage more strongly the IGAD Member States. The Parties agreed that it
was important to continue the inclusive approach of IGAD to reintegrate
Eritrea as an active Member State. They underlined that IGAD, as
acknowledged by the African Union, has a strategic role both as a
vehicle for promoting economic integration among Member States and as a
forum for promoting cooperation for peace, security and stability in the
region, particularly in promoting confidence and mutual cooperation
between Member States thereby contributing to defuse problems that might
arise in connection with border disputes and other types of conflicts.
The EU stated its readiness to support the efforts of IGAD Member States
to revitalise, reform and strengthen IGAD. The parties agreed that
political and financial commitments from Member States were a
pre-requisite for effective regional cooperation of mutual benefit. The
EU welcomed IGAD's Minimum Integration Plan as a means to deepen
regional cooperation and integration. It should create synergies with
the overall economic integration effort within the continent as a whole
and in concert with other regional organisations.
JOINT AFRICA-EU STRATEGY AND IGAD'S ROLE
The parties welcomed progress made in the implementation of the Joint
Africa-EU Strategy and its first Action Plan (2008-2010) and underlined
the role of the regional organisations in this process. The EU welcomed
IGAD's involvement in the implementation of the First Action Plan of the
Joint Strategy and both sides called on all parties to expedite efforts
with a view to attaining tangible results as agreed within the timeframe
of the first Action Plan. Parties moreover underlined the necessity to
involve Non State Actors, Parliaments and the Private Sector in the
implementation of the partnership.
As regards the cooperation and partnership in the area of peace and
security, the parties recalled the progress made by the African Union
and the regional economic communities in Africa, including IGAD, in
contributing to conflict management. The parties notably commended the
efforts of conflict-prevention and mediation, monitoring and early
warning, peace-support missions and post-conflict recovery. The EU
commended IGAD initiatives in the field of peace and security,
especially ICPAT and CEWARN.
The parties underlined the importance of consolidating the work of IGAD
in these areas, within the framework of the African Peace and Security
Architecture.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION HORN OF AFRICA INITIATIVE
The EU stated its intention to step up its engagement in the Horn of
Africa in order to promote peace and security and the rule of law,
including respect for principles of international law governing
interstate relations, through enhanced regional cooperation, confidence
building and development to the benefit of the peoples and countries in
the region. The EU welcomed further cooperation with IGAD and its seven
Member States in this context. The Parties welcomed the progress that
has been made so far within the framework of the Horn of Africa
Initiative of the European Commission, which forms the basis for
concrete engagement through development cooperation, and agreed to speed
up the implementation of the Initiative on the basis of the outcome of
the IGAD Summit of 14 June 2008.
The Parties expressed their interest in developing a political
partnership to advance peace and sustainable development in the region
of the Horn of Africa, based on the principles of international law,
human rights and democratic governance. The parties recognized the need
to work closely with relevant partners engaged in the Horn of Africa,
including the African Union, the League of Arab States and Regional
Economic Communities.
IGAD welcomed closer cooperation with the EU. It particularly welcomed
the announcement by the European Commission to open a Delegation in
Djibouti. The EU welcomed IGAD's intent to nominate an IGAD-EU liaison
officer which will greatly facilitate collaboration between the EU and
IGAD.
REGIONAL ISSUES
Somalia
IGAD and the EU, recalling the communiqué of the International Contact
Group on Somalia of 27-28 February 2009, welcomed the progress in the
Djibouti peace process, under the leadership of the Special
Representative of the UN Secretary General Ould Abdallah, and support
the commitment demonstrated by the new Transitional Government of
Somalia to address, as a matter of urgency, security and the rule of
law, continued outreach and reconciliation and early recovery for the
conflict-torn Somali people. The Parties encouraged therefore all
Somalis to join the peace process and all countries to support it. They
also expressed their appreciation and backing for the role of the AU, in
particular the deployment of AMISOM and the crucial troop contributions
by the Governments of Burundi and Uganda. The Parties noted the
importance of the upcoming pledging conference in Brussels in April on
support to the Somali security sector through AMISOM and the UN.
Both sides recognised the need to closely coordinate their initiatives
with the UN and the AU and continue their discussions so that they will
be in a position to contribute effectively to what the Transitional
Government of Somalia needs. The EU welcomed the recent appointment by
IGAD of a Facilitator on Somalia. The EU confirmed its commitment to
continue and increase its support to the policy of the new Transitional
Government to broaden its base and bring on board all those who are
committed to peace and national reconciliation. IGAD commended the EU's
contribution to the international efforts to curb piracy and protect the
shipment of humanitarian relief off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of
Aden, through the deployment of the maritime military mission EU NAVFOR
ATALANTA hosted by Djibouti. IGAD further commended the EU's
contribution to address the root causes of piracy through sustainable
development and the restauration of the rule of law in Somalia.
The Sudan
IGAD and the EU exchanged views on the situation in the Sudan, including
the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an
arrest warrant concerning the President of the Sudan. The Parties
recognised the statements of the AU, the EU, the League of Arab States
and IGAD on the ICC decision and its consequences.
The Parties agreed that it is important to respect the distinctly
separate roles of humanitarian assistance and politics. The Parties
recognised the importance of development assistance to address the
underlying causes of conflict and crisis. They further agreed that the
most important long term challenge is peace and stability in Sudan
achieved through the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
(CPA), as sponsored by IGAD, including the elections and the peace
processes in Darfur and East Sudan. The parties agreed to engage and
dialogue with Sudan on all issues, including the ICC-decision.
Ethiopia – Eritrea
IGAD and the EU exchanged views on overall relations between Ethiopia
and Eritrea, their roles in the region and the border situation between
the two. Noting Security Council resolutions they recalled that the
primary responsibility for resolution of the dispute lies with the
parties themselves. IGAD and the EU agreed that the normalization of
relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea would contribute significantly to
stability and development in the Horn of Africa. The EU expressed its
readiness to support a peaceful settlement.
Djibouti - Eritrea
IGAD and the EU, noting Security Council resolutions on the matter,
accordingly expressed their strong conviction that the differences
between Eritrea and Djibouti over the common border should be settled
diplomatically and called for urgent steps to be taken in that
direction. IGAD recalled the outcome of the IGAD Summit of 14 June 2008
as well as the contents of Security Council resolution 1862.
Both parties agreed to further develop and deepen their contacts and
work towards enhanced cooperation.
http://www.igad.org/index.php?option=com_content
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