Finland Times

Helsinki, February 16 -  Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will to leave for Brussels Sunday to attend a crucial meeting scheduled to discuss on issues concerning Middle East peace process and the European Union’s southern neighbourhood among many others.

The Foreign Affairs Council of EU will also take stock of the situation in Iraq, Mali and North Korea, where the alienated government carried out its third nuclear test earlier this month causing concern among the global communities.

With regard to the EU's Southern Neighbourhood, the main topic of discussion by the council is the situation in Syria, said an official release Friday.

The EU is deliberating on strengthening its measures for the peaceful support of the Syrian opposition and for protecting civilians, it said adding that the meeting will also review the situation in Tunisia.

Towards the Middle East peace, the debate will focus on measures the EU can take to promote the return to peace negotiations and how the union can best support stability and unity in Iraq.

The discussion concerning Mali, where the EU is about toe launch a military training mission, will focus on the latest situation there and on the EU's actions to ensure stability in the region..

Foreign Minister Tuomioja will also take part in the Northern Dimension Ministerial Meeting that will be held in the sidelines. The EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland will be represented at the meeting.