EMFA
Today in Brussels Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will discuss the situation in Europe’s southern neighbourhood and Africa as well as connections between energy and foreign policy with his colleagues.
Paet stated that Estonia feels it is necessary to make the European Union’s energy-related foreign policy more effective and improve information exchange among EU member states, the European Commission, and EU delegations. “We feel it is essential that the European Union and its member states speak to third countries on energy issues with one voice and a unified message, and for member states to act with solidarity,” said Paet. “It is also important to develop the European Union’s common energy policy in regards to Russia,” he added.
Regarding the situation in Syria, the foreign minister said that the continuing violence is unacceptable and crimes against humanity must be investigated on an international level and the perpetrators held accountable. “Estonia also condemns all violence against civilians in Mali as well as violence by armed groups against civilians in Congo and supports finding peaceful resolutions to the armed conflict in Sudan and South Sudan,” Paet added. The foreign minister also noted that it is positive that the first free elections in Libya took place fairly peacefully. “The European Union must be ready to help the new leadership of the country establish democratic principles if necessary,” he stated.
At their meeting the European Union foreign ministers will also discuss topics related to the Joint Security and Defence Policy. “We support utilising the joint capabilities of the European Union and NATO, since a strong and well-functioning European Union Security and Defence Policy is in Estonia’s interests,” said Foreign Minister Paet.
Paet: More Unified Energy Policy Will Help Improve Energy Security of EU and Estonia
Rahvusvahelised uudised | 23 Jul 2012 | EWR
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