First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, discussing the expansion of the list of sanctioned persons from Russia. “A decision was reached, but it will be made public in a week so as to give room for the second round of Minsk talks and come up with a new solution,” Pusić said.
Asked what should transpire in Minsk in order for the list to be postponed, Pusić said: “A ceasefire agreement of sorts would have to be reached, i.e. a gradual peace strategy. Also, concrete elements of its implementation should be visible. So, we’re not just talking a piece of paper but implementation on the ground. It will be easy to see if there is firefight going on or not.” Pusić explained that if today’s decision did not come into effect, then the FAC would have to reach a new one. “The decision will come into effect unless the situation on the ground changes, necessitating a different decision,” Pusić said.
Also on the agenda was a discussion on fighting and preventing terrorism through communication, integration and education in European states. Pusić underlined that “given Croatia’s positive experience with our Islamic community and its leadership, we could maybe include those leaders in an exchange of experiences of sorts with the EU member states that also have Islamic communities and that would like to see a positive experience like ours.”
The EU foreign ministers also adopted conclusion on Yemen and postponed the discussion on Africa for the next FAC meeting.