Belgian PM clarifies remarks on "normalising relations" with Russia
Belgium supports increasing pressure on Russia and backing Ukraine, but would like the European Union to be at the negotiating table with Moscow on a future peace settlement.
Source: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, ahead of the European Council meeting on Thursday 19 March, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels.
Details: The Belgian prime minister clarified his position on the future of EU-Russia relations.
Quote from De Wever: "If I talk about the normalisation of relations, that's of course in the situation that we would reach an acceptable and sustainable peace with Russia. That's a long-term situation," he said, responding to journalists' requests to explain his earlier remarks about the need to "normalise relations" with Russia.
He stressed that there are no differences of opinion with Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
Quote from De Wever: "There's no difference in our point of view. Belgium wants to keep supporting Ukraine 100% and keep the pressure on Russia very high. We're very much advocating the 20th package of sanctions."
He reiterated his explanation regarding "normalisation".
Quote from De Wever: "What I've said is that I don't think it's normal when we're financing the war but are not represented at the negotiating table. That's not a normal situation. We must negotiate to reach an acceptable peace," De Wever said.
Background:
- On 14 March, De Wever said in a media interview that relations with Russia should be "normalised" in order to resume purchases of cheap energy resources.
- Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot later warned that attempts to normalise relations with Russia would be perceived as a sign of weakness.
- EU High Representative Kaja Kallas also criticised De Wever's remarks as contradicting the EU's official policy of maintaining a tough stance towards Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and ending reliance on Russian energy resources.
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