With reference to Iran, Linas Linkevičius noted that it is equally important to ensure European unity concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to protect European economic interests and to maintain strong transatlantic partnership. “Even a negligent sign that could be interpreted as a weakening transatlantic tie would be harmful,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister said
The EU Members’ foreign ministers also discussed a possibility of imposing personal sanctions on several top Venezuelan officials, responsible for violations of human rights and democratic order, after the presidential election. Lithuania is keen on European unity and wishes to ensure the safety of its citizens in Venezuela in case of a crisis. The estimated number of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania in Venezuela is 178 while the Lithuanian community unites approximately 500 people.
The ministers analysed what role the EU can play in looking for a settlement of a political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as tension mounts with general elections approaching at the end of this year. A new Cotonou agreement was another item discussed. The Cotonou Agreement sets forth relations between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and will expire in 2020. After a draft on the negotiating mandate is endorsed shortly, negotiations with the ACP countries are expected to open in late summer.
In an informal debate, the ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East after riots at the Gaza border fuelled by relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which led to loss of human lives. The Ministers urged Israel to resist from unnecessary use of force during mass protests.
