AFRICAN FLAVOUR FOR SEPTEMBER 3-4 INFORMAL FOREIGN MINISTERIAL.

EU Foreign Ministers are to meet their counterparts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)* on September 4 in the Netherlands, with what the Dutch EU Presidency says is the aim of strengthening the partnership between the two organisations in the field of peace, security and stability in West Africa. The Presidency already said back at the July General Affairs and External Relations Council that this partnership "could serve as an example of effective EU support to African peace-keeping". The informal working meeting is expected to discuss plans to promote peace and security in the region, and how the EU and ECOWAS could support them. Possible agenda items also include ECOWASs relationship with other African organisations, small arms, security sector reform and capacity-building.

Prior to the EU-ECOWAS gathering, the EU-25 Foreign Ministers will convene for their own twice-yearly informal meeting, or "Gymnich", on September 3-4 in Chateau St Gerlach, near Maastricht. Among the topics likely to be broached are the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, as well as the Middle East, Iraq, Iran...