EU / US. – US and EU open a direct line to de-escalate tensions with Russia

Brussels, 15 (Europa Press)

The United States and the European Union on Tuesday agreed to establish a straight line in a high-level channel to address rising tensions and deteriorating relations with Russia that follows the current one on China.

“We are united in our principled approach to Russia and are prepared to respond strongly to its negative behavior patterns and harmful activities, which Russia must address to prevent further deterioration of relations,” the joint statement said. ” President Joe Biden, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after a meeting in Brussels between the US.

In particular, he has pledged to launch “high-level talks” focused on Russia, with whom “to coordinate its policies and actions.” This came as they jointly condemned the “continuous repression” of civil society and the free press in the country and demanded the release of political prisoners.

In a press conference after the summit, Michel defended the unity of action of the European Union with regard to Russia, while colluding with the United States as a “proactive strategy” to promote values ​​in the face of authoritarian regimes. , a message that has circulated within hours of Biden meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Geneva.

“Relationship with Russia is in a negative spiral. We want to change that and move towards a more predictive relationship,” advocated von der Leyen, who has defended against human rights bankruptcies or attempts to attack the European Union. Asked to face Moscow, but seized opportunities for cooperation where possible.

With regard to the eastern neighbourhood, the European Union and the United States have pledged to support reforms in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova while facing a common front against the Alexander Lukashenko regime in Belarus and have assured that they will increase Minsk will be held responsible. About the attacks on fundamental freedoms and the “unacceptable hijacking” of Ryanair aircraft.

Negotiations on Coordination on China and Departure in Venezuela

The joint statement also reflects the intention of Washington and Brussels to coordinate their actions on the challenges posed by China’s rise on the international stage. In particular, they agree to closely consult and cooperate on all issues relating to the Asian giant, which it insists include “elements of cooperation, competition and systemic rivalry”.

It already has a diplomatic channel in place to address shared concerns, a tool they have committed to uphold and with which they will review the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as the democratic drift in Hong Kong. and will review cases of “economic coercion”. , propaganda campaigns and regional security issues.”

With respect to other geographic regions, they welcome the ceasefire in the Middle East and agree on the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to enjoy freedom, security, prosperity and democracy within the framework of the two-state solution.

Similarly, both powers are committed to strengthening their cooperation with Latin America, supporting their recovery after the crisis, and strengthening their democracies, including “a dialogue process that leads to free and fair elections in Venezuela.” is.”