Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman on Monday expressed concern about the rapid worsening of the situation in the Middle East and humanitarian developments in the Gaza Strip, underscoring Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international humanitarian law. He welcomed the Commission’s recommendation to launch accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. In addition, the minister that he hoped that progress would be achieved until the end of the year concerning the possibility for opening the accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as holding the first thematic meeting for negotiating chapters with Albania and North Macedonia.
"We are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The protection of civilians and delivery of aid remain our priorities," the Croatian foreign and European affairs minister said in Brussels before the start of the EU Foreign Affairs Council's two-day meeting.
Grlić Radman reiterated that Israel has the right to self-defence in compliance with the international humanitarian law and that hostages kept by Hamas must be unconditionally released.
EU should help Egypt, Jordan
The EU should provide assistance to Egypt and Jordan, which are also seriously affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, the minister said.
Today, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the latest developments concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan.
On Monday evening, the EU ministers are expected to participate in the EU-Western Balkans ministerial meeting together with the six Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkans partners. The meeting will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
On Sunday, the joint statement released by the 27 members regarding the developments in the Middle East, calls for "immediate pauses" in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Gaza.
The EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas.
Welcomming recommendation to open accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova
In the context of Ukraine, Grlić Radman said the EU has to be in agreement about safety guarantees. He welcomed the Commission’s recommendation to launch accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
The minister added that he hoped that progress would be achieved until the end of the year concerning the possibility for opening the accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as holding the first thematic meeting for negotiating chapters with Albania and North Macedonia.
Text: Hina/MVEP
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