The Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides, participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which took place today in Luxembourg. Τhe Council's agenda included developments in Ukraine as well as a number of other regional and international issues.
Speaking during the debate on Ukraine, the Foreign Minister reiterated that Cyprus condemns the Russian invasion and the crimes committed against the civilian population. The international community is appalled by the images we have seen recently from the province of Bucha, and Cyprus supports the efforts made for a full investigation of these crimes, Mr. Kasoulides underlined.
From the beginning of the crisis, the Foreign Minister said, the EU has acted decisively, taking a number of important decisions, such as the adoption of five packages of restrictive measures against Russia. Staying united, he added, is the best way to secure our ability to put pressure on Russia to end this war. A diplomatic solution is urgently needed and the EU must use all its influence to support this goal, he concluded.
Referring in particular to the restrictive measures that have been imposed so far, the Foreign Minister stressed that the Member States have imposed harsh sanctions, despite the costs they will incur. In the case of Cyprus, he noted, important sectors of the economy are expected to be affected, such as tourism, shipping and services. Stressing the importance of universal implementation of the restrictive measures, Mr. Kasoulides said that, unfortunately, our joint efforts run counter to the non-implementation of sanctions by EU partner countries, which reduces their effectiveness but also allows these countries to benefit from the suffering of the Ukrainian people, despite the fact that they claim to be standing by them. In this context, the Foreign Minister made a specific report, denouncing Turkey's stance.
In the context of the discussions on "current affairs", the Foreign Minister had the opportunity to address the need for the immediate release of EU financial assistance to Palestine. At the same time, Mr. Kasoulides expressed the support of Cyprus for the convening of the EU-Israel Association Council in the near future, with the aim of promoting a positive agenda in EU-Israel relations.
The Foreign Ministers also attended a working lunch in the presence of the Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and the Icelandic Foreign Minister Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir to discuss developments in the EU and Ukraine.
On the sidelines of the Council, Mr. Kasoulides had separate contacts with the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Mr. Ian Borg, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Mrs. Eva-Maria Liimets, with whom he discussed issues of mutual interest. He also attended an informal working breakfast hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Wopke Hoekstra, at the invitation of the Attorney General of the International Criminal Court, Mr. Karim A. A. Khan QC.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, the Foreign Minister will take part in the General Affairs Council. The Council's agenda includes, inter alia, the continuation of the dialogue on the Rule of Law and the Conference on the Future of Europe. In addition, as part of a working lunch, Ministers will exchange views on the green and digital transition.