FM Pejčinović Burić attends Foreign Affairs Council

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 13-14 May 2019 attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 13-14 May 2019 attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).

The ministers discussed Libya together with the UNSG Special Representative for Libya Ghassan Salamé, and exchanged views on possible next steps to avoid further escalation in the conflict. They expressed concern over the risk of increased terrorist threat across the country. The Council called on all parties to immediately implement a ceasefire and to engage with the United Nations to ensure a full and comprehensive cessation of hostilities. It reaffirmed its full support for the work of the SRSG and UNSMIL.

The discussion on the Sahel was a preparation for the session the following day of EU defence ministers with foreign and defence ministers from the five Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger). The EU is committed to the security and development of the Sahel, and is the leading partner in the region. It has a comprehensive approach integrating political and diplomatic dialogue, security and stability, and development and humanitarian support. The goal is to strengthen these countries so they could better deal with challenges and threats, notably immigration and terrorism. To reach that goal, a stronger engagement and responsibility are needed, which was the message of this meeting.

The ministers also discussed the situation in Venezuela, describing it as extremely difficult. The underlined the importance of creating conditions for a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis through political process. It is vital to continue sending aid that will reach all citizens, bearing in mind also the large number of European descendants there, including some 5000 Croats.

The Council also touched on the situation in Iran. The EU remains fully committed to the preservation and full implementation of the JCPOA, a key achievement of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture. The ministers agreed to continue calling on Iran to meet its obligations.

On the margins of the FAC, a ministerial meeting of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) was held, bringing together the EU foreign ministers and their counterparts from the six EaP countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine). The ministers highlighted the importance of the EaP as 2019 marks its 10^th anniversary. The Council supported its Eastern European partners’ continuation of comprehensive reforms, which the EU will assist through a tailor-made approach. Croatia will continue to offer assistance by transferring the know-how and experiences gained in the EU integration and reform.

 

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