BRUSSELS, August 15 (RIA Novosti) – In the middle of their summer break, EU foreign ministers will gather for an extraordinary meeting to discuss a response to Russia’s EU food imports ban and aid for Iraq.
Of the 28 EU foreign ministers, 20 are expected to attend. This will be the first opportunity for them to discuss Russia’s decision to ban food and agricultural imports from the EU in response to the Western economic sanctions.
A high-profile EU official told the press Thursday that the ministers would assess the consequences of possible measures and decide whether to legally challenge Moscow. He also noted that filing a suit to the World Trade Organization is the prerogative of the European Commission, however, the ministers could send out a political signal backing such a move.
The EU representative stressed that discussing new sanctions against Russia is not on the agenda. “With regard to a new round of economic sanctions, I think it is a little bit too early at this stage,” he said.
Also, the Foreign Affairs Council meeting is to clarify the future of contacts between Brussels and third countries which can potentially replace European states in food exports to Russia. The diplomat said the EU was not going to ask these countries to join the sanctions, but would explain them the reasons for anti-Moscow economic restrictions.
The ministers will also touch on the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine, the issue of Russia’s humanitarian convoy to the region and political reconciliation in the country.
The fight against Islamic extremists in Iraq will be another item on the agenda.
“This will be the issues you are well aware of – military support, the delivery of arms, ammunition and other possible items to the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional government. It’s the member states who are to make a principal decision, but it will be important to understand whether the Council itself will support these efforts,” the EU representative said.
Also, the European Union intends to work with Middle East states. The Brussels official said Islamic State insurgents must face a reaction from these states, which are better aware of the terrorists’ nature and their possible threats.
A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will also be discussed. “Tomorrow we will also discuss, how could the EU contribute to the [organization] of long-term negotiations. This might be the issue of the access to Gaza, the aid to Gaza, organization of a more efficient economy,” the diplomat said Thursday.
