BRUSSELS, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Monday discussed the Middle East peace process, including the recent US proposals for peace in the region, and how best to relaunch a political process that is acceptable to both Palestine and Israel.
The ministers touched on the unfolding crisis in northwest Syria, where the military offensive by the Syrian regime and its allies results in a humanitarian crisis in Idlib, according to an EU statement released after the meeting this evening They cautioned that the risks of the Syrian conflict could undermine the wider regional stability.
The Council was debriefed about the outcome of the recent follow up meeting on the Berlin process on Libya in the margins of the Munich Security Conference, and had an exchange of views on Libya.
In this context, ministers reached a political agreement on the launch of a new operation in the Mediterranean, aimed at implementing the arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council.
Secondary tasks may include fighting the organised crime responsible for migration, and training the Libyan coast guard and navy.
The Council discussed EU-African Union relations, with a view to providing political orientations on future strategic priorities with Africa, and to coordinating outreach to African partners ahead of important forthcoming meetings.
During an informal lunch, the Council and the minister of External Affairs of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, had a discussion ahead of the 15th EU-India Summit that is expected to take place in March in Brussels.
The main focus of the exchange was on multilateralism and upholding the rules based global order, climate change and environmental protection, foreign policy issues and regional security, as well as, trade and investment.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell told a press conference after the meeting that the issue of Kashmir was not raised at the meeting with Jaishankar.
Finally ministers referred to Venezuela, and to the Sahel region, noted the EU statement. (pickup previous) nk.gb