Iraq crisis is going beyond the humanitarian dimension and threatens EU security
15 August 2014 News
The crisis in Iraq is going beyond the humanitarian dimension and directly threatens the security of the EU external borders, including Bulgaria, with its high refugee potential, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The extraordinary Council was convened to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Iraq, the growing violence in Libya and the negative consequences of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, with emphasis on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
EU foreign ministers reiterated their firm commitment to Iraq's territorial integrity and their support for the civilian population. They condemned the atrocities and abuses of basic human rights of ethnic and religious minorities in the country by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which may constitute crimes against humanity. The Council also welcomed the decision by individual Member States to respond positively to the call by the Kurdish regional authorities to provide urgently military material in accordance with the capabilities and national laws of the Member States, and with the consent of the Iraqi national authorities.
Foreign Ministers expressed their deep concern over the increasing violence in Libya and its devastating effect on the lives of the civilian population. They declared support for the on-going efforts of the UN to achieve an immediate ceasefire and to end the bloodshed and urged the newly elected Libyan Parliament to play its rightful role in creating the dynamics for an inclusive political dialogue embracing all sides in the conflict.
Ministers welcomed the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip which has been in place since 11 August and expressed support to the considerable efforts and commitment of Egypt. They called for the provision of immediate humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip to address the serious humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population and for the disarmament of all terrorist groups in Gaza.
The extraordinary Council identified the unilateral military actions on the part of the Russian Federation in Ukraine as a blatant violation of international law. In his statement, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov pointed out that Russia is responsible for the situation in Eastern Ukraine, but Kiev should coordinate the sanctions against Moscow with the EU because they may have negative consequences for the Member States.
The top EU diplomats called for the delivery of humanitarian aid with respect for the international law and principles and in agreement with the Ukrainian side. A detailed assessment of the impact of Russia's ban on imports of agricultural products from the EU is due to be made. It was declared that the security of energy supplies through Ukraine is of utmost importance for the EU.