EU foreign affairs ministers to discuss the situation in eastern Mediterranean and Belarus

EU foreign affairs ministers will hold an informal video conference on 14 August. Finland’s representative at the meeting will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. The main topics of discussion will be the situation in the eastern Mediterranean and Belarus. The situation in Lebanon and Venezuela will also be addressed.

The foreign affairs ministers will discuss the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, where tensions between Turkey and Greece have increased. Finland stresses that diplomatic efforts to find solutions must be continued. Dialogue and cooperation are needed in this situation.

The meeting will also discuss the situation in Belarus. Finland considers that the presidential elections held in Belarus on 9 August failed to comply with the country’s international commitments and generally recognised standards of democracy and the rule of law, and that the elections were not free or fair. Belarus must respect international human rights and citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly.

Inquiries: Matti Nissinen, European Correspondent, tel. +358 295 351 780
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