The “Big Five” format works. We are planning further meetings – in Paris, Madrid and maybe even in Kiev – said the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski, on Thursday in Berlin. The topics of the talks between the heads of diplomacy included threats from Russia, defense of Europe, protection of Ukraine and the situation in Syria.
On Thursday, Sikorsky participated in the meeting of foreign ministers of the “big five” countries: Poland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. In addition, British, European Union and Ukrainian ministers took part in the negotiations. Topics included threats from Russia, the defense of Europe, support for Ukraine and the situation in Syria.
The Polish minister said at a press briefing before returning to Poland that the expanded format of the “big five” is working and the exchange of views was very effective. – It seems that this format is working and will become permanent, because we have already proposed and planned further meetings – in Paris, Madrid and maybe even in Kiev – he said.
Asylum applications for “representatives of the Assad regime” have been suspended
During the briefing, Sikorsky referred to the situation of refugees from Syria. He admitted that some countries have stopped accepting asylum applications from Syrians. – As I understand, at this stage, he should not grant asylum to the representatives of the Assad regime (Bashar Assad – ed.), who are currently fleeing, – he explained.
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The minister assured that he is not afraid of a large number of refugees in Poland. – I don't think it will happen, he said. “But in fact, those who killed and tortured for Assad have reasons to be afraid of accountability,” he added.
Poland “is a haven of political stability”
The head of Polish diplomacy answered the question about the relations between Warsaw and Berlin, that “the Germans often say that there is a delay in the relations between Poland and Germany.” – In fact, Poland is the main pillar of political stability compared to the countries of the Weimar Triangle. Sikorsky noted that this was not always the case.
Sikorski: Poland is a bastion of political stability compared to the countries of the Weimar Triangle.
He said that “our office in Berlin” reports that “Poland is an element of political and electoral discussions in Germany as a desired partner” for the country. – As I understand, a certain competition is taking place, which is necessary for the intensification of relations with Poland, – he continued, “this is good, not bad.”
“These issues are for Ukraine to decide”
Journalists also asked whether a Ukrainian consulate would be established in Poznań. – It depends on the Ukrainian side, if Ukraine asks for my consent to establish a consulate in Poznan, such consent will be granted and under what conditions and where and how many staff positions this consulate will operate – these are the issues. for Ukraine's decisions and Ukraine's negotiations with the city of Poznan – noted the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Tuesday, when asked about the destruction of the monument to the soldiers of the Home Army in Russia, the minister admitted that “it is difficult to say who is the author of this next example of destruction.” “Unfortunately, we cannot count on the kindness of the Russian authorities,” he said.
Sikorsky: Unfortunately, we cannot count on the kindness of the Russian authorities
The talks in the German capital were a continuation of the “big five” format, which had previously met on November 19 in Warsaw. This format includes representatives of the five largest countries of the European Union. The British and Ukrainian ministers, as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, also took part in the meeting on Thursday. Poland will be represented at this meeting by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radoslav Sikorski, who arrived in Berlin together with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sibiha.
Main photo source: PAP
