The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis
Kasoulides, participated in the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU
which was held today in Brussels.
The
Council deliberations focused on the ongoing crisis
in Ukraine. During the discussion the Foreign Ministers had the
chance to be briefed by OSCE’s Swiss Chairperson-in-office, Mr
Didier
Burkhalter,
on the efforts made by the international organization for
de-escalation of the crisis.
In
his intervention, the Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated the
OSCE on its initiatives and actions, and supported observance of the
Roadmap suggested by the OSCE for immediate measures to be taken with
a view to de-escalating the tension in the country and implementing
the Geneva decision. At the same time, he added, we should not
overlook certain positive elements in the statements made on the part
of Russia. On the contrary, we should take them seriously and find
the right balance between strictness and the maintenance of open
channels of communication with the Russian Government. Our primary
goal right now is to defuse the crisis, he stressed, and urged all
parties and stakeholders to exercise restraint and wisdom. Only then
can the necessary conditions be created for achieving the political
solution we all seek, which will lead to the restoration of security
and stability in the country, the Minister concluded.
The Council’s agenda
also included items such as the Middle East Peace Process and the
European Neighbourhood Policy.
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