European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, referring to the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, announced that the EU has proposed sending reinforcements to the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
The EU Council of Foreign Ministers met in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Commission, said that sanctions against Russia and Iran, Kosovo-Serbia tensions and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations were discussed at the meeting. Borrell said, “Today we decided to provide an additional 2 billion euros for 2023 under the EU Peace Facilitation Fund, which will of course facilitate continued support for Ukraine and our defense policy. We also decided to impose sanctions against Iran for violating human rights and we have prepared a 9th package of sanctions against Russia, which we will continue to address. People in Ukraine are deprived of water, electricity and heating because of Russian aggression. Russia is committing crimes against humanity. It is committing war crimes. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba told us about the latest situation and conveyed the financial, military and humanitarian needs,” he said.
Stating that 200 new individuals and institutions will be included in the new sanctions package against Russia, Borrell said, “The new sanctions will cover the defense sector and the military. Members of the judiciary and members of parliament, media outlets and disinformation will be targeted. The sanctions are working. Putin will not win this war. Russia has lost this war morally. According to the ministers, Ukraine will win this war.
DECISION ON SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
Stating that another important issue discussed by the EU Foreign Ministers was sanctions against Iran, Borrell said, “The death penalty in Iran continues to target demonstrators. Another demonstrator arrested in Iran a month ago was executed. This was the second demonstrator to be executed. The death penalty against demonstrators is unacceptable. We will continue to support the Iranian people. We have imposed the toughest and strongest sanctions since 2019 for Tehran’s support for Russia, for the delivery of drones. Iran should not have nuclear weapons either. But we must separate the weapons issue from sanctions. Iran continues to pursue its program. We continue our support to revive the (nuclear) deal. My role is to coordinate this with the UN,” he said.
ATTACKS AGAINST EULEX AND KOSOVO POLICE UNACCEPTABLE”
Stating that the tension between Kosovo and Serbia continues, Borrell said, “There are important security problems. Attacks against EU forces EULEX and Kosovo police are unacceptable. The barriers must be removed and dialogue must return, as befits those who want to join the EU. I have proposed to send support to EULEX and our EU member states support this. We hosted Serbian and Kosovar representatives, supported by the UN, and presented our proposals. Our proposals on license plates and other issues need to be taken into account urgently. I am very pleased to have the support of the ministers and these are not only my proposals but those of the 27 EU member states. I will also inform the leaders about the latest developments.
AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA WERE ALSO DISCUSSED
Stating that Azerbaijan and Armenia were also discussed at the meeting, Borrell said, “Our monitoring process with Armenia is also continuing. In order to continue the dialogue with Azerbaijan and Armenia, an EU delegation will go to Armenia on December 19 on a civilian mission. Borrell added that a military support decision was taken for Niger and said, “We want to support regional peace with this.
