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On 15 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius attended the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The EU Foreign Ministers discussed issues related to Moldova, Belarus, climate diplomacy and Syria.

The Council decided to lift majority of sanctions against Belarus, but agreed that the arms embargo and restrictive measures related to four individuals listed in connection with the unresolved disappearances of two persons would be extended. As regards Belarus, the Council reiterated the importance of ensuring nuclear safety beyond the borders of the EU.

“On Lithuania’s initiative, the Council’s conclusions focus on nuclear safety also beyond the borders of the EU and call on Belarus to cooperate constructively with the relevant international authorities on nuclear development,” said Linkevičius.

According to the Foreign Minister, Lithuania’s position is very clear – the EU in every way possible should strive for a maximum progress in both bilateral relations with Belarus and in the EU-Belarus dialogue.

“We have to react positively in response to the decision to release all political prisoners in Belarus. In fact, the developments are positive, but not sufficient, so we have to encourage Belarus to continue to make progress,” said Linkevičius.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also noted that it was now an opportune moment for a more open dialogue. “Democratic processes in Belarus remain important to Lithuania. We will continue to raise nuclear safety issues,” said the Minister.

Linkevičius called on the EU to more actively support the Government of Moldova, while maintaining a proper balance between support and conditions. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister noted that the EU’s support was especially important to Moldova, because the country was facing a difficult period of continuing political turmoil and was on the brink of bankruptcy. According to Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, the new Government should be given a possibility to avoid an even deeper crisis.

“The new Government of Moldova does not request for an advance of unconditional support, only for assistance in implementing the necessary reforms. Real changes in this country have to become a distinctive feature of the new Government and the fight against corruption must bear concrete results. The concrete results of the implementation of reforms will be decisive in determining further financial and political support to Moldova,” said Linkevičius.

For more information about the Foreign Affairs Council, please click here.