Government demands sanctions against Russia at EU council

Cyprus remains extremely concerned for the situation in the Gaza Strip, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said in his remarks at the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Luxembourg on Monday, reiterating the country's readiness continuing operation of the maritime humanitarian corridor.

According to a press release, in his intervention, Kombos also called for restraint and avoiding further escalation and destabilization in the region.

The agenda of the Foreign Ministers' meeting also included the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East and Sudan.

During the discussion on the situation in Ukraine, held jointly by the EU member states’ Foreign and Defence Ministers, Kombos stressed that Cyprus looks forward to full activation of the Ukraine Assistance Fund. Regarding the sanctions against Russia, the Foreign Minister reiterated the need for effective implementation as well as addressing matters of sanctions circumvention.

On developments in Sudan, Kombos said that Cyprus is committed in sending humanitarian assistance and supporting initiatives towards the country's democratic transition and preventing migration flows to the EU.

After the FAC the EU High Representative and Foreign Ministers participated in the European Union - Gulf Cooperation Council High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation.

On the sidelines of the Council, Kombos held bilateral meetings with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kuwait and Bahrain.