Budrys at an EU's extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council: The security of European citizens in conflict-affected states is a top priority
On 1 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in an extraordinary meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council. EU foreign affairs ministers held a discussion via video conference on the EU's overall stance on developments in Iran, Iran's attacks on other countries in the region, and possible steps for the EU to de-escalate the situation.
"The security of our citizens in conflict-affected states is now a top priority. Coordinated EU-level action is needed for finding ways for their return and providing consular assistance," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy.
According to the Minister, Iran's nuclear advancements, destructive behaviour, openly anti-Semitic policies, continued support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and repression of its citizens have long threatened international security and destabilized the entire region. The events in Iran send a clear message to Putin, Lukashenko, and other dictators that they are not eternal, and that violence, repression, and terror will have a response.
"We would like to be able to solve all these problems utilizing the established tools of international diplomacy. However, we have seen Iran persistently refraining from engaging in a serious dialogue or merely imitating it. The Iranian regime has repeatedly been warned of the possible consequences," Budrys said.
The Minister called on Iran to immediately stop its attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, Israel, and other countries in the region.
"We condemn the Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. This is a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our partners. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and, at the same time, our strong solidarity with the Gulf countries and all affected states," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy.
Budrys stressed that the stability of the region is closely linked to global security and called on all sides to show restraint and de-escalate the situation, as well as on the international community to do its utmost to avoid a large-scale conflict.
The Minister also stressed that Europe must use this situation to increase political pressure on Putin's regime.
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