Ashton's Letter to Defense Ministers
(BRUSSELS2) Catherine Ashton, failing to be present at the informal Council of Defense Ministers, in Palma de Mallorca, sent them a letter in English (which I was able to read). This letter first has one objective: to apologize for his absence, present some ideas that intends to defend EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Common Security Policy. I have already mentioned the idea of a Formal Council of Defense Ministers. Here are some other elements (unofficial translation):
• Partnership with NATO occupies a prominent place. "JI am determined to work closely with the Secretary General explains Catherine Ashton, “ confident that the constellation of a new treaty, new personalities as well as new structures bringing together military and civilian crisis management will offer us a window Welcome opportunity to accomplish this. I will make concrete recommendations with NATO and I intend to reinforce the practice of informal meetings between the Secretary General and myself to discuss operational solutions of common interest.”
• Learning lessons from Haiti. " EU crisis management missions will continue to increase in 2010 adds Catherine Ashton, who underlines how much the EU response was appropriate and effective in the face of the earthquake in Haiti ". But we shouldn't rest on our laurels.This should not, however, mislead us into complacency")." Lessons from the EU's response to the crisis in Haiti, including the employment of CFSP and military means, must be learned”.
• Consensus to extend Operation Atalanta “It is essential to maintain the deterrent function of EU naval forces. It is necessary to find long-term solutions (...) allowing the transfer of suspected pirates for trial. It is also important to tackle the causes (in particular) the contribution of the EU to the construction of a regional maritime capacity. (...) There is also a consensus to extend the operation. This will facilitate the generation of forces and will be a strong signal from the EU to the sustained commitment of the international community. »
(also read on this topic Atalanta will receive the mandate to monitor the Somali coast)