Council Decision 2012/422/CFSPDangos y teitl llawn

2.1. Project 1: Seminar in support of a process leading to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East prior to the 2012 Conference U.K.

2.1.1 Purpose of the project U.K.

(a)

to provide a follow-up event related to the EU seminar to 'promote a process aimed at establishing a zone free of WMD and means of delivery in the Middle East' which was held in Brussels on 6-7 July 2011 in the form of a general track-2 meeting, prior to the 2012 Conference;

(b)

to discuss issues related to regional security in the Middle East, including proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery and conventional issues;

(c)

to explore possible confidence-building measures to facilitate the process towards the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East;

(d)

to discuss possibilities to universalise and implement international non-proliferation and disarmament treaties and other instruments;

(e)

to explore perspectives for peaceful nuclear cooperation and related assistance activities.

2.1.2. Expected results of the project U.K.

(a)

supporting the Facilitator of the 2012 Conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the run up to and the organisation of that event;

(b)

deepening dialogue and generate trust within civil society and governments in order to achieve further progress in support of a process leading to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East;

(c)

increasing mutual understanding of issues affecting the regional security landscape, including proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery and conventional issues;

(d)

increasing the awareness, knowledge and understanding of practical steps required for the establishment of a Middle East zone free of WMD and their means of delivery;

(e)

contributing to efforts to universalise and implement international non-proliferation and disarmament treaties and other instruments;

(f)

facilitating international and regional cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with the best standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

2.1.3. Description of the project U.K.

The project provides for the organisation of one two days seminar, which will take place preferably in Brussels or in the Middle East Region. Participants will include representatives of relevant Union Institutions, Member States, all Middle East countries, nuclear weapon states, relevant international organisations and academic experts. Approximately 150 representatives are expected to participate.

Discussions will be led by academic experts. In view of the sensitivity of the topics to be addressed, discussions will be carried out under the Chatham House Rule to enable a more informal and open debate without identifying the source of information received at the meeting.

Invited participants and speakers (academics and non-Union officials) will have their costs covered: travel, accommodation and per diems. The Council Decision also provides financial means to cover all other costs, including conference facility, equipment, lunches, dinners, coffee breaks. The working language of the seminar will be English.

The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium, in close consultation with the representative of the HR and Member States, will invite participants to the seminar and prepares the agenda for the conference.

A report of the meetings will be prepared by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium and sent to the representative of the HR and the Facilitator. The report may be shared with relevant bodies in the Union, all Middle East countries, other interested countries, and competent international organisations.