Minister Odobescu spoke about the situation in Israel and Gaza and support for Ukraine at the FAC

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, participated on Monday in the meeting of the heads of diplomats of the Member States of the European Union - Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), which took place in Brussels, where she spoke about the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip and support for Ukraine.   With regard to the situation in Israel and Gaza, the Romanian minister reiterated the condemnation of the terrorist attacks of Hamas, as well as the firm support for the right of Israel to defend themselves, in line with the international humanitarian right, relates a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).Similarly, minister Odobescu expressed her regret for the huge number of civil victims and for the worsening humanitarian situation. She also mentioned the support for the efforts to supply humanitarian assistance and welcomed the adoption of the EU statement regarding daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza starting with 12th November, which represents a sign of EU unity.The Romanian official reported on the evacuations from Gaza of Romanian citizens who wished to leave the region and their families, stressing the importance of consular coordination. She also called for continued coordination within the EU, at regional and global level, in particular with the US, with the aim of preventing the conflict in the region from spreading. Minister Odobescu stressed the importance of the EU's involvement in restoring the political horizon for the resolution of the crisis and the return to the two-state solution, the only guarantee for security and stability in the region. On the subject of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, EU foreign ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and the Union's support for Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba spoke by video-conference, the MFA press release said.   Luminita Odobescu showed that ‘as Russia is preparing for a long term war, the EU must confirm the firm support for Ukraine as long as it is necessary’ and thus it is necessary to finalise a comprehensive package for Ukraine, which should be adopted on the occasion of the European Council in December 2023.This package should include macro-financial support for Ukraine, including under the European Peace Facility/EPF, new sanctions on Russia, the adoption of EU security commitments in support of Ukraine, as well as the leaders' agreement to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to the EU.   In this context, the Romanian Minister welcomed the European Commission's recommendation to the EU Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the positive assessment of the decisive progress made on reforms by the two countries included in the EU 2023 Enlargement Package.   At the same time, Odobescu showed the importance of the continuation of diplomatic efforts to mobilise the global support for the Peace Formula.As regards the relations Armenia – Azerbaijan, minister Luminita Odobescu mentioned the recent contacts with the Romanian party both with Armenia ( political consultations with deputy foreign affairs minister to Bucharest, 30th October) and with Azerbaijan ( the visit of the Azeri foreign affairs minister to Bucharest, 6h November).   She presented to her European counterparts the main conclusions resulted after these discussions at high level, showing the commitment expressed by both parties for involvement in the peace process.   The Romanian minister expressed support for the EU measures for Armenia, from a humanitarian, political and economic point of view. At the same time, she pleaded in favour of balanced and constructive approach of the EU, to protect its role of mediator, through the efforts of the chairman of the European Council, Charles Michel, shows the quoted source.