In particular, the EU did not support Russia’s demands aimed at depriving sovereign countries of the right to elect their own security associations and alliances.
The Council of the EU reaffirms the full commitment of the European Union to the key principles on which European security is built / photo ua. depositphotos.com
The European Union rejected Russia’s demand for the restoration of “spheres of influence”.
This is stated in the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, adopted today, January 24, in Brussels.
“Dialogue in accordance with the key principles that underpin European security is the way to improve the security situation and protect peace and stability on our continent. Notions of “spheres of influence” have no place in the 21st century,” the conclusions say.
It is also said that the EU will continue to coordinate positions and actively make a significant contribution to these discussions within the framework of existing mechanisms in which Russia is involved, on issues affecting security and strategic interests.
In this regard, the Council of the EU reaffirms the full commitment of the European Union to the key principles on which European security is built, which is enshrined in the UN Charter and the founding documents of the OSCE, in particular the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter.
“This includes especially the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states, the inviolability of borders, (the need to) refrain from the threat or use of force, and the freedom of countries to choose or modify their own security measures,” the conclusions note.
“These principles are not subject to discussion, revision or interpretation. Their violation by Russia is an obstacle to the common and indivisible security space in Europe and a threat to peace and stability on our continent,” the conclusions say.
As UNIAN reported, on December 17, 2021, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a draft agreement between the Russian Federation and the United States on “security guarantees” and a draft agreement on measures to ensure the security of Russia and NATO member states.
In particular, Russia offers NATO to refuse to accept Ukraine into NATO, as well as “from any military activity on the territory of Ukraine.” The Russian Federation also offers the United States not to create military bases on the territory of the countries of the former USSR and not to accept these countries into NATO.
In this regard, on January 10, a dialogue on strategic stability between the United States and Russia was held in Geneva , on January 12, a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, and on January 13, a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who led the American delegation at a meeting in Geneva, after negotiations with representatives of the Russian Federation, announced a tough position on supporting Ukraine . In particular, the United States did not agree with the proposals of the Russian Federation on the rejection of Ukraine in NATO.
In Brussels on January 12, at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, issues of security in Europe were discussed. After the meeting, NATO member countries called on the Russian Federation to immediately reduce tension around Ukraine , refrain from aggressive deployment of troops, and withdraw troops from Ukraine, including from Crimea.
In addition, NATO member countries at a meeting with the Russian Federation confirmed the policy of “open doors” for the admission of new members. Also, all member countries stated that they would not refuse to deploy troops on the eastern borders of the Alliance.
(C)UNIAN 2022