Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Legislation, Lithuania

Edgars Rinkevics in Luxembourg. Photo: flickr.com

Preparing for the upcoming EU-Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, the Council discussed the results to be achieved during the Summit and took stock of Ukraine's progress with regard to the criteria set by the EU.

Genuine progress is expected in relations with the bloc's Eastern Partnership countries, emphasized Rinkevics. Latvia is gratified with Ukraine's progress and expects that the country will continue efforts so that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement could be signed at the summit, pointed out the minister. The initiation of association agreements with Moldova and Georgia, as well as sustaining cooperation with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus will also be significant.

Even though the Vilnius Summit is a crucial point of reference, it is important how the further process of bringing partners closer to the EU will take place, noted Rinkevics. One of the objectives that can actually be accomplished ahead of the next EU-Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Riga during Latvia's presidency of the Council of the European Union is progress in the area of visa liberalization. According to the minister, Russia's pressure on Lithuania, the bloc's presiding country, and the Eastern Partnership countries which have decided to move closer to the EU is unacceptable.

The Council also discussed the latest developments in Syria, devoting special attention to the organization of the 2nd Peace Conference in Geneva and the humanitarian situation in Syria. Rinkevics emphasized that the perpetrators of war crimes in Syria must be held accountable and tried at the International Criminal Court. At the same time, the minister expressed serious concern over the continued violence, civilian deaths and the dramatic humanitarian situation in the country. In view of the alarming developments in Syria, the minister informed the Council about Latvia's solidarity with the international community and the recent decision by the government of Latvia to make payments towards the destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons program as well as providing assistance to Syrian refugees. The Council also reviewed the current situation in Egypt and Libya.