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Declaration on foreign and European policy by Jean Asselborn at the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, November 25, 2014
The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, delivered the Declaration on foreign and European policy at the Chamber of Deputies, on Tuesday, November 25, 2014.
As Luxembourg’s mandate as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) is about to expire, and as the Grand Duchy is preparing to chair the Council of the European Union (EU) during the second half of 2015, the head of Luxembourg’s diplomacy has laid out the broad guidelines of the country's foreign policy.
The minister stressed the necessity of a strong international framework for a country like Luxembourg in a world where a multitude of crises leads to a general anxiety and where, unfortunately, international law is far too often undermined. He highlighted the indispensability of a foreign policy guided by commitment, solidarity and responsibility to defend the country’s values and interests, as well as the foundations on which the international community is built.
The minister began his speech by referring to the work of Luxembourg in the United Nations Security Council. Apart from describing the philosophy with which the Grand Duchy has endeavoured to meet this historic challenge, he highlighted the tangible results of Luxembourg’s commitment to the Council.
Minister Asselborn recalled Luxembourg’s chairmanship of the Security Council working group on children and armed conflict since 1st January 2013 and highlighted the unanimous adoption in March 2014 of a new resolution on this subject, which represents a genuine advance for the protection of children. Regarding Syria, the minister noted that – despite significant political differences – the momentum generated by Luxembourg led to the unanimous adoption of two resolutions aiming at the improvement of humanitarian aid delivery and access to affected populations. He indicated that the implementation of these resolutions has already translated into tangible progress on the ground.
Minister Asselborn then presented his analysis of the situation in Ukraine, which unfortunately demonstrates that 25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall peace on the European continent is not a given. He condemned in the strongest terms the violation of international law constituted by the illegal annexation of Crimea. Warning against a simplistic view of the situation, he insisted on the obligation for Russia to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions in the east of the country and on the need for Ukraine to implement reforms prioritising the decentralization of power and guaranteeing the rule of law, respect for minorities and the fight against corruption. While current developments are worrying, the minister stressed the importance of not exclusively focusing on the adoption of sanctions, which cannot be an end in itself, but of revitalising through increased efforts the political process initiated in Minsk, in order to break the cycle of confrontation.
Concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the minister strongly regretted the failure of attempts to relaunch the peace process, as the absence of negotiations creates fertile ground for all kinds of extremism. Deploring the rising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, the minister warned against excesses likely to tip the situation towards a religious conflict with disastrous regional consequences. Arguing in favor of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, he said that the creation of a Palestinian state should not be considered a gift to the Palestinian people, but as the corner stone for a solution enabling Israel to live in peace and security. However, the pursuit of settlement policy, which continues to violate international law, renders a two-state solution physically impossible. Furthermore, the atrocious living conditions in Gaza demonstrate the importance of lifting the blockade.
The minister reiterated his active support for the ongoing work in the Security Council, where Jordan is preparing a resolution on behalf of the Arab Group. The minister stressed the importance of a coordinated approach at EU level regarding the question of recognising the Palestinian state, in order to overcome the merely symbolic value of bilateral recognitions. The recognition of the Palestinian state has to be a means to achieve the objective of peace rather than just an end in itself. He warned that if the two-state solution was being obstructed, Luxembourg would not hesitate to shoulder its responsibilities.
Minister Asselborn went on to review the respective situations in the EU’s southern neighborhood countries. He particularly welcomed the democratic transition initiated in Tunisia, stressed the regional strategic role taken by Egypt, deplored the current situation in Libya and detailed the alarming impact of the Syrian crisis on the region, particularly on Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq. As the political deadlock has prompted the emergence of terrorist groups in the region, Minister Asselborn highlighted the need to continue to provide support for moderate Syrian opposition forces, since there is no choice to be made between two tyrannies, whether it be that of Assad or of “Daech”. He then laid out the steps taken to combat “Daech’s” barbarism and deal with the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters.
The head of Luxembourg’s diplomacy then assessed state of the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and expressed his hope that the E3+3 will be able reach an agreement before the deadline, which is now set for the 30th June 2015. The minister stressed the importance of mutual respect in the dialogue with this major actor in the Middle East and highlighted the fact that the negotiations constitute a genuine window of opportunity in order to attain a normalisation of relations between Iran and the international community.
On Luxembourg's relations with the African continent, the minister reiterated the Grand Duchy’s commitment to the further expansion of the relationship in political, diplomatic and development cooperation, combining economic and cultural components. The minister welcomed the progresses in Africa’s economic development and its growing importance in international trade and commerce. He pointed out that, while the appeasement of some tensions is an encouraging sign, political stability and security should not solely rely on strong leaders at the expense of strong institutions, as only the latter are able to sustainably meet the people's aspirations for greater rule of law and democracy.
The minister provided an assessment of the situations in Mali and in the Sahel-Saharan strip, the Central African Republic and South Sudan and pointed to the serious threats to peace and stability which still weigh on many parts of the African continent. He recalled that the partnership developed over two decades between Luxembourg and several West African countries helped to address the root causes of conflict as it permitted to advance towards socio-economic development. In this context, the minister referred to the commitment of the Grand Duchy to African issues treated at UNSC level as well as to Luxembourg's participation in the EUTM Mali, EUCAP Sahel Mali, EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUSEC DRC Congo missions.
The head of Luxembourg’s diplomacy then gave an overview of the European political agenda and provided an analysis of the European elections in May, which produced of a strong Parliament with a solid majority and an experienced Commission. He gave considerations to the different ways of boosting growth and employment in Europe, which is in the interest of all EU citizens, especially the most vulnerable. He particularly stressed the investment program announced by the President of the Commission and the need to apply the latter with the required flexibility to adjust to the different situations encountered in each country.
The minister then recalled that, both for strategic reasons and ecological ones, the EU requires decisive action on climate and energy. He reaffirmed the ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency, particularly through the 2030 climate and energy package.
Minister Asselborn also renewed his commitment to the enlargement policy of the European Union. He stressed the EU's responsibility to respond positively to the call for peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law uttered by the Balkan countries. The minister was pleased that the negotiations with Turkey were resumed late last year, noting that Turkey is a country with a dynamic economy playing a crucial role in the region.
Minister Asselborn also highlighted the importance of strengthening economic relations between both sides of the Atlantic, serving our mutual interest. Aware of the concerns felt by Luxembourg’s civil society and of the challenges faced by the negotiations on the TTIP, minister Asselborn primarily addressed the issue of social and environmental standards as well as the requirement of strengthening the dialogue with the public and working towards a maximum of transparency. Moreover, he noted that a dispute settlement mechanism included into the treaty cannot override national jurisdictions
Luxembourg's foreign policy remains strongly committed to multilateralism, including in the domain of international trade, where it is more important than ever to resist protectionist tendencies and to address barriers violating international trade is more important than ever, in order to promote economic development especially in the least developed countries. He also reiterated the increased importance the Luxembourg government attaches to its economic diplomacy.
As Luxembourg is getting ready to chair the Council of the European Union (EU) during the second half of 2015, the Minister informed the members of Parliament of the preparations that are being undertaken, as well as of the main guidelines and objectives for the 12th Luxembourg Presidency. In accordance with the strategic agenda and the priorities of the Trio of Presidencies, constituted by those of Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg, the focus will be on the struggle against unemployment, particularly of the young, the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the Europe 2020 strategy for growth as well as climate and energy policy. The minister reminded the members of Parliament that, while the EU was founded with the objective of guaranteeing peace, it now has to take on the mission of ensuring social peace.
The minister concluded by saying that with the experience gained by Luxembourg during its term as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, coupled with its profound European commitment, the Grand Duchy has significantly improved its visibility, credibility and respect on the international stage. Luxembourg will continue, through multilateral as well as bilateral fora, to put its weight into the balance of international law, peace and security.
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