Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo participated in an extraordinary ministerial video-conference meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers, convened on Friday 14 August 2020, and which discussed inter alia the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the current political climate and protests in Belarus, as well as information points on the tragedy in Lebanon, and the political situation in Venezuela.
Welcoming the convening of the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Bartolo expressed agreement with the High Representative on the importance of dialogue and endorsed the efforts of the HRVP and Germany to enhance and hold the much needed dialogue.
Minister Bartolo reiterated the importance to go back to the negotiating table and deescalate the situation, also outlining that the EU should insist that all parties must agree on a moratorium on all activities that would harm a possible future solution. Minister Bartolo acknowledged that the situation is difficult but stressed the importance of persisting in dialogue to find a workable solution. He concluded that the delineation of an Exclusive Economic Zone is not the only solution and other solutions can be found.
On the political climate in Belarus, the Minister expressed concern on the unfolding developments in Belarus and the various reports which called into question the credibility of the presidential elections. The Minister stated that protesting and freedom of assembly is a universal right and any disproportionate violence and unjustified arrests must come to an end.
