GENERAL AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COUNCIL: MINISTERS TO DIGEST OUTCOME OF PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS.

• Position: Brief Article

General Affairs.

Ministers are to hold a public debate on the Council's operational programme for 2006 and the European Commission's annual work programme. Commission President Barroso is due to present an annual progress report on implementation of the EU's 'Lisbon' economic reform strategy.

External Relations.

Ministers will be taking stock of the latest developments in world trade negotiations. Trade Ministers are also set to discuss the matter when they meet informally on January 29 in Brussels.

On the Western Balkans, Foreign Ministers are set to adopt conclusions and approve Christian Schwarz-Schilling of Germany as the new EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to succeed the departing Paddy Ashdown.

Ministers should address, and adopt conclusions on...