Jean Asselborn at the EU International Affairs Council on 23 January 2023 in Brussels

In the face of continued Russian aggression, Minister Asselborn recalled the significance for the EU and its Member States to remain united within their support for Ukraine. Within this context, he welcomed the release of the 7th tranche associated with €500 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) plus €45 million to equip Ukrainian soldiers trained beneath the EUMAM Ukraine mission. The conference concluded with a discussion upon topical issues, including latest developments in Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia and Ethiopia. With regard to Iran, Luxembourg welcomes the particular adoption of the 4th bundle of sanctions against thirty seven individuals and entities accountable for serious human rights infractions in Iran. “The next EU-Ukraine summit and the peace summit will allow us to reiterate the unwavering support for Ukraine and to commit ourselves alongside Ukraine to help shape the ten-point peace plan offered by the Ukrainian President, inch said Jean Asselborn, just before pointing out that The duchy of luxembourg is particularly attached to point seven of this peace plan: “The peace process cannot be successful without the restoration of justice. We must continue our efforts to ensure that Russia’s key politics and military leaders are usually held accountable. Luxembourg facilitates the creation of a special tribunal for the crime associated with aggression, which is the only way to create those most responsible for Russian aggression to justice within due course”. The head of Luxembourg’s diplomacy then stressed that the EUROPEAN must speak out much more clearly against the serious violations of international law introduced by the Israeli government, such as the forced transfer of more than 1, 000 Palestinians from the Masafer Zatta area or the demolition of primary schools. Lastly, Jean Asselborn also anxious the need to hold elections in Palestine, while recalling the importance of respecting freedom of appearance and protecting human rights. The Ministers then held an informal trade of views with Perfect Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh plus Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki on bilateral relations, the situation in the region and the Center East Peace Process. Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Asselborn welcomed this dialogue and confirmed Luxembourg’s support for the establishment of a normal high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority, as well as for the opening associated with negotiations on partnership focal points and a full association contract. In the margins of the Council, Minister Asselborn also met his Belgian and Dutch counterparts, Hadja Lahbib and Wopke Hoekstra, to informally mark the beginning of the Dutch Presidency of the Benelux Union and to trade views on current problems. In the afternoon, the ministers discussed the latest developments in the countries of the Sahel and the West African coast. Luxembourg is following with great concern the alarming situation in the Sahel, which is dealing with numerous challenges such as terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government or the presence of third parties such as the Russian mercenary company Wagner. In the same vein, he furthermore welcomed the individual measures announced in recent weeks with a number of partners to provide Ukraine with heavy weapons. Because of its part, Luxembourg will carry on and support Ukraine in 2023 within the limits of its opportunities. Following a videoconference intervention by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, EU foreign ministers held an in-depth discussion on issues related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including EU military support in order to Ukraine and the question of justice and criminal accountability. Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and Western european Affairs 

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