Kaja Kallas warns of negotiation trap for Ukraine

European Union foreign ministers gathered for an informal meeting in Limassol, Cyprus, to address critical developments in the region. Responding to journalists' questions upon entering the meeting, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas made striking assessments regarding both the instability in the Middle East and the potential negotiation processes to be conducted with Russia. Kallas stated that discussions over who will represent Europe at the negotiating table are a "trap," underlining that the union must act as a single body.

ISSUES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERSONALITIES

Stating that debates over who will sit at the negotiating table provide the ground Russia desires, Kallas said this situation is being used to distract Europe. Kallas reminded that Russia is trying to divide the union by attempting to choose its interlocutors, but that negotiations are a team effort. Touching on the importance of a strategy involving good cop and bad cop roles, the High Representative stated that the real issue is not who is at the table, but which issues are being defended. She responded to a question about whether she would be the chief negotiator by saying that focus should be placed on Europe's collective power rather than individual roles.

RUSSIAN TROOPS MUST WITHDRAW FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

Sharing her views on the scope of a possible peace agreement, Kallas stated that Russia must return to international law not only in Ukraine but throughout the region. She emphasized that it is of vital importance for Europe's security interests that Russian troops stationed in countries such as Georgia and Moldova be removed from these territories. Kallas also argued that Russia must take a step back on issues such as election interference and the violation of sovereign rights, and that any military limitation requested from Ukraine must also be reflected on the Russian side based on the principle of reciprocity.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC COST

Touching on the tension in the Middle East, Kallas said that freedom of navigation in the region was a priority item in meetings held with representatives from India and Saudi Arabia. Pointing out that the Strait of Hormuz is currently at an uncertain point between war and peace, Kallas reminded that failure to ensure security in this region would result in very high costs for the entire world. She reiterated once again that Europe must conduct an active and unified diplomacy in resolving these crises for both its own security and its economic interests.

News Source: 12punto