UN security council highlights close cooperation with EU

The UN Security Council on Friday welcomed the close cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, encouraging further strengthening of the institutional relations and strategic partnership. In a presidential statement issued by Lithuania's delegation, which holds the council's rotating presidency this month, the 15- member body stressed that cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. The statement welcomed the EU's comprehensive approach to the maintenance of international peace and security, and commended the EU and its member states "for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and financial as well as logistical support." The wide-ranging text noted the extensive cooperation between the EU and the UN, in particular its significant humanitarian assistance to the affected people in Syria and in neighboring countries. "The Security Council and the European Union reiterate their shared objectives in promoting and facilitating the political solution to the Syrian conflict based on the full implementation of the Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012," it said. The council also commended the EU's role in supporting the UN operations in the areas of mutual concern, and welcomed the ongoing cooperation in strengthening the UN's response in promoting development cooperation, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Turning to the justice and rule of law, the council highlighted that the EU can "contribute to accountability through support for enhancing the capacity of the national justice systems, as appropriate, and through cooperation with international mechanisms, courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court."