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On 2-3 September in Bratislava, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius participated in an informal meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers (Gymnich), where he stated that for the Minsk agreements to be implemented, it is necessary to ensure consistent application of sanctions and for Russia to recognise the obvious facts.

“We have to be consistent with regard to sanctions against Russia and to avoid conflicting information related to the importance, effectiveness of sanctions as they are the only means of pressure on Russia. If the effectiveness of sanctions is insufficient, we can introduce additional sanctions. In August, we heard Russia’s statements about the possible withdrawal from the Normandy format – we cannot let that happen,” emphasized Linkevičius.

According to the Minister, it is necessary to demand for Russia to stop pretending not to be part of the conflict.

“We cannot expect for success of the Minsk process if Russia continues to deny the obvious facts, i.e. deployed military equipment and troops. Furthermore, recently we became aware of the fact that around 4500 troops were awarded “for distinguishing performance in the battlefield,” said Linkevičius.

As regards the situation in Crimea, Linkevičius emphasized the need of firm reaction to the obvious violations of human rights, especially human rights of the minority of Crimean Tatars.

“Crimea applies “old methods”. The former head of Bakhchisaray district administration Ilmi Umerov is currently “treated” in psychiatric hospital,” said the Minister.

During the meeting, the Ministers also discuss further cooperation with Turkey after the July 15 coup attempt and the implementation of the EU Global Strategy on foreign and security policy.

On 3 September, the second day of the meeting, the Ministers will meet with the Turkish Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik; later a discussion with the Ministers of the EU candidate countries – Albania, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey – will be held on counterterrorism and prevention of radicalisation.