Source

Brussels, 17 May 2012 A 229/12

The Spokesperson of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, issued the following statement today:

“Following the statement on Mali by the EU Council on 23 April, the High Representative is concerned about the continuing failure to restore a legitimate and constitutional civilian government.

(excerpt)

1. OVERALL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This document reports on progress made in the implementation of the EU-Georgia ENP Action Plan between 1 January and 31 December 2011. Developments outside this period are also considered when deemed relevant. It is not intended to be a general review of the political and economic situation in Georgia. For information on regional and multilateral sector processes, please refer to the Eastern Partnership report.

1. OVERALL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This document reports on overall progress made on the implementation of the EUPalestinian Authority ENP Action Plan between 1 January and 31 December 2011, although developments outside this period are also considered when deemed relevant.

(excerpt)

3166th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting

Brussels, 14 May 2012

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1 The Council welcomes the publication by the Commission of information for 2011 on EU Official Development Assistance (ODA), analysing the trends in EU aid with regard to the collective and individual ODA commitments. The Council stresses that ODA is an essential and catalytic element in the overall development financing available for developing countries.

Brussels, 14 May 2012 9816/12 PRESSE 202

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It froze the assets of two entities financially supporting the regime and targeted three additional persons with a travel ban and an asset freeze.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said: "The EU sanctions target the Syrian regime, not the civilian population. As long as the repression continues, we will continue to put pressure on those responsible for it."