Minister Zbigniew Rau attends FAC session of EU foreign ministers
22.03.2021
Relations with Turkey, the EU’s southern neighbourhood, and a discussion with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights were the major points of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) held in Brussels on Monday. Covering the current agenda, ministers discussed relations with Russia and adopted a round of sanctions under the human rights violations regime, which targets individuals and entities from different countries.
Discussing current international affairs, Minister Rau pointed to the need for the EU to respond to the increasing repression of civil society in Russia. He emphasised that human rights should be at the heart of the EU’s political dialogue with Russia. The Polish foreign minister stressed that the heads of state and government at the next European Council need to agree on the continuation of the EU’s strong and balanced Russia policy based on the five guiding principles.
Relations with Turkey were discussed in preparation for leaders’ discussion at the March European Council. The chief of Polish diplomacy expressed his hope for a lasting improvement in relations between Turkey, an ally in NATO and a key partner of the EU, and Greece and Cyprus. He observed that in its further efforts, the EU must continue an approach that combines differentiated policy scenarios towards Turkey.
In their discussion on the southern neighbourhood, ministers stressed the advisability of an effective and balanced EU policy, including increasing the intensity of high-level contacts with the EU’s southern neighbours in order to encourage them to undertake the necessary reforms while respecting local circumstances and sensitivities. They also agreed on the need to support the economic development prospects of the EU’s neighbours and to strengthen their state structures with respect to border management.
During talks between EU foreign ministers and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, Minister Rau expressed his gratitude for her work in documenting human rights violations, including the latest report on Belarus. He expressed his hope that the current Human Rights Council will adopt a resolution on Belarus establishing an accountability mechanism to monitor the human rights situation in Belarus, with an active role for the Office of the High Commissioner.
The Council has moreover adopted a package of sanctions against 11 individuals and 4 entities responsible for human rights abuses in various countries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Office
Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA
