Verklaring van Ashton over internationale vrouwendag (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 9 March 2012 A

Remarks by High Representative Catherine Ashton upon arrival to the Gymnich meeting, Copenhagen, 9 March 2012

Can I first of all say it is fantastic to be in Copenhagen and in this venue which has seen a great deal of action over the years. This is a place where many discussions are taking place and I hope today will be no exception in terms of the ability to talk to each other in depth

The Gymnich is the occasion when ministers are able to discuss in greater detail not only the issues that we focus on in foreign policy on a day-to-day basis, but also to talk about in a more strategic way the building of the European External Action Service, how in the backdrop that we have we can make European foreign policy even more than it is now and to consider too how we can more effectively work together both within the team of foreign ministers and also through the delegations and the embassies on the ground

So that will be the theme for today and in the course of that, no doubt, there will be a number of issues that will be discussed. Ministers will be able to in a sense use the discussions to talk about current situations that hit different parts of the world

I have just returned from visiting some of our member states on the Arctic. My purpose in doing so is to support the ability for the European Union to become a permanent observer to the Arctic Council. I also wanted to see for myself and talk to people directly engaged in the Arctic, people living there, the indigenous people, those involved in economic activity and those involved in scientific research, especially on issues of climate change

I have very a strong relationship with Alain Juppé and what I always invite my ministers to do is to work together in groups and teams to send me their comments and views on different issues in order that we can work together in the best way possible. So first of all, I welcome his letter, it's a very useful contribution as we look forward to the next half of my mandate and how we can build the service even further. I've encouraged him and others to give regular input and to be very open in the dialogue

I want to express my condolences to both families of the hostages in Nigeria for their tragic loss. We condemn in the strongest possible terms criminal actions like the taking of hostages. Perpetrators must be brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes

Of course I don't have details on how the decisions were made and who was informed so I'm not going to comment on that

In terms of what happened in India I've already had conversations with the Italian government, my door is always open, we're always ready to support. For many countries often there is a bilateral track that is pursued and can be successful. But the EU and the delegation on the ground and myself are always there, and I've already discussed this with the government and we're ready to work closely to see what we can do

I think we're taking an absolutely united stand on what's happening in Syria. We have been appalled by the violence that is going on. Up to 10000 people have been killed, mainly men but also many children and of course many women. And we have also said that you cannot be a leader and murder your own people. We stand absolutely united. What we're also doing is working with our member states and the Security Council to try and push forward and supporting the Arab League in their Action Plan and proposals. And I spoke to Kofi Annan a couple of days ago to wish him every possible speedy success in what he's trying to do and every possible support. What we have to do is get behind that, but in doing that, talking to people on the ground trying to make the right decisions. These are complicated issues and we need to consider the options, but we're very clear about what needs to happen