Bulgaria’s caretaker foreign minister: The situation in the Western Balkans is worrying

"The situation in the Western Balkans region is worrying. In recent months, we have seen rising tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, between Kosovo and Serbia, and political instability in the Republic of North Macedonia. The EU must use all available tools to support domestic political dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the normal functioning of the institutions ", said Bulgarian caretaker Foreign Minister Svetlan Stoev, who is participating in the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on November 15.

Among the main topics on the agenda of the meeting were the situation in the Western Balkans, Belarus, the Sahel region, the conflict in Ethiopia, the situation in Sudan, disregard for international law in Varosha.

Emphasis was also placed on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the domestic political situation in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Minister Stoev referred to the recent contribution of Bulgaria, containing proposals for strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkans in various areas of mutual interest, including security, hybrid threats, strategic communication, illegal migration and others.

"European integration is a two-way street that requires commitment not only from the EU but also from partner countries. They should adhere to European values, including good neighbourly relations and respect for human rights," the Bulgarian top diplomat stressed.

The Council discussed the situation in Belarus and unanimously condemned the actions of the regime in Minsk and the hybrid actions against Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. There is political agreement to adopt a new package of sanctions against the regime in Minsk and the participants in actions related to the current escalation of illegal migration.

"The current escalation of tensions on the borders of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia with Belarus is absolutely unacceptable. The border of these countries is also a European border. Bulgaria reaffirms its full solidarity with our friends at this difficult time. Belarus' behaviour requires a clear, firm and common answer, which should include a new round of sanctions against the regime in Minsk," Minister Svetlan Stoev stressed.

The ministers discussed the situation in the Sahel region, which remains extremely complex and volatile. They agreed on the need to implement various instruments for political stabilisation, security and economic recovery in the region. The conflicts in Ethiopia and Sudan were also discussed.

High Representative Josep Borrell reported on his visit to Peru and Brazil in early November 2021. The Council also discussed the situation regarding Varosha.

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