Vienna (OTS) – On Tuesday, 17 January 2006, State Secretary Hans Winkler will meet the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Elmar Brok, the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Jo Leinen, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Development, Luisa Morgantini, and the Chairman of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Jean-Marie Cavada, for talks within the framework of the European Parliament’s plenary sessions.
The talks with Elmar Brok will focus on cooperation on matters of foreign policy for the next few months, including EU enlargement, the Austrian Presidency's plans with regard to the Western Balkans, transatlantic relations and recent developments regarding foreign-policy issues. The discussions with Jo Leinen will revolve around the approach to be adopted towards the debate on the future of the EU during the Austrian Presidency, and in particular the European Parliament’s contribution towards the period of reflection. During the talks with Luisa Morgantini, Hans Winkler will also discuss the main focus of the Committee on Development, such as the future financing of development cooperation, the Africa Strategy and involving human rights in dialogue with third countries. Talks with Jean-Marie Cavada will centre on the Agency on Fundamental Rights. Subsequently, Hans Winkler will attend the meeting of the Interinstitutional Group on Communication as a representative of the Council. The talks will focus on the coordination of specific measures to support the discussion of the future of the EU between the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission at all levels.
As representative of the Council, State Secretary Winkler will wind up the first round of questions during the Austrian Presidency on 18 January, and at the same time comment on foreign-policy issues of a general and topical nature. Presentation of the programme of the Austrian Presidency to the Council of Europe is a further item on the agenda.
Contact:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Department
Within Austria: 050 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
International: ++43 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: 050 1159 213 bzw ++43 50 1159 213
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