Cyprus has expressed its readiness to contribute to the completion, as soon as possible, of the processing of proposals by the European Commission for a “maintenance and alignment” package regarding sanctions imposed against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides said, during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on Monday.
The proposal, presented by the Commission last Friday, has been described by EU officials and media as a complementary package to the previous six sanctions packages. It includes a ban on gold imports from Russia, as well as ways to better implement the agreed measures.
According to an official statement, during his intervention Kasoulides made particular reference to the recent conference held in The Hague regarding accountability in relation to the invasion of Ukraine.
Kasoulides expressed Cyprus’ support to a proposal of the Greek Foreign Minister to declare the city centre of Odessa a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kasoulides reiterated that the EU acted with unity to put pressure on Russia, adding that many initiatives are being taken to provide financial, humanitarian and military assistance to the country, as well as practical support towards its recovery and reconstruction.
Cyprus also gave its support to the possibility of convening the EU-Israel Association Council in the near future.
Also on the agenda of the Foreign Ministers of the EU were relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sri Lanka. The issue of digital diplomacy was addressed by the Foreign Ministers during a working lunch.
Source: Cyprus News Agency