The next European Council summit needs to agree on a text of conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, said during the General Affairs Council (GAC) of the EU, held in Brussels on Tuesday.
EU’s European Affairs ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East in the context of the preparations of the agenda of the next European Council (21 – 22 March). The ministers also discussed rule of law in Poland, following the presentation of proposals by the new government to reverse the previous government’s violations of the rule of law.
In the context of the discussion on the Middle East, Cypriot Deputy Minister referred to the extremely worrying humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to a PIO statement.
Raouna also said that the next European Council should agree on conclusions for the Middle Est that will include the EU’s support for a two-state solution in line with UN Security Council Resolutions, the immediate and unconditional release of
all hostages, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, the condemnation of all terrorist acts, and the need to avoid further escalation and possible spillover of the crisis, according to the statement.
During the broader discussion on the agenda of the next European Council, Ministers exchanged views on the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, on European Defence and Security as well as in relation to the European Semester and fomation of the EU’s Strategic Agenda.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Raouna said that Cyprus looks forward to the adoption of the 13th package of sanctions, with particular emphasis on the need to effectively address circumvention of sanctions.
In her intervention during the debate on Poland and the Article 7 procedure against the country, Raouna welcomed the new government’s action plan, stressing that the rule of law is a fundamental principle of the EU.
Before the meeting, the 27 ministers had an informal working breakfast with Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Co
uncil of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bosnian leader briefed ministers on the progress the country has made in relation to EU accession criteria.
According to the statement, Raouna welcomed the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina towards fulfilling the conditions for the accession process, and expressed Cyprus’ support for the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU on the basis of the conditions and criteria set.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
