Landsberg: Let’s stop Nord Stream 2 until Putin holds free elections



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According to the minister, Russia has long abandoned democracy, respect for human rights and sovereignty of neighboring countries, the EU should abandon the illusion that Russia’s behavior can realistically change and evaluate Russia’s actions and the lessons learned.

“Let’s give Vladimir Putin the opportunity to hold free Duma elections this fall with the participation of the opposition, and in the meantime stop the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister. EU-Russia relations, human rights and democracy situation in Belarus, Myanmar and Hong Kong, and EU security and defense initiatives.

The Council considered that, despite the hostile and unconstructive behavior of Russian officials towards the EU, it was necessary to strengthen the support of the EU and its partners to Russian civil society, independent media, youth and the democratic opposition . In response to the ongoing trials of Alexei Navaln, Minister Landsberg proposed to respond quickly and unanimously by imposing personal sanctions on officials responsible for systemic human rights violations.

Speaking about the situation of democracy and human rights in Belarus, Myanmar and Hong Kong, the Minister emphasized that the EU must defend these values ​​in the world against regimes that repress the democratic aspirations of its citizens, and that the EU must react quickly. . and decisively as the situation deteriorates.

“We are seeing a new wave of repression in Belarus against the media and human rights defenders. If we really want to help them, let’s not delay the fourth package of sanctions, let’s seek an international investigation into the crimes committed by the Belarusian state; Perpetrators must be held accountable for their crimes. “As soon as we present an economic support plan for a democratic Belarus, it will give the people perspective,” the minister said.

The Minister noted that Belarus is using ENSREG’s expert mission to the Astrava nuclear power plant for propaganda purposes, seeking to legitimize a nuclear power plant that does not meet international nuclear safety standards.

The priorities of transatlantic cooperation were discussed at a remote meeting of EU foreign ministers with US Secretary of State A. Blinken. Landsberg stressed the importance of the United States as a strategic partner and guarantor of European security, and called for greater cooperation and coordination between the EU and the United States on Russia and China, with active support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the countries of the East. Partners

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