Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union, will travel to Moscow in early February to meet with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergej Lawrow and convey the EU's demands in the case against opposition leader Alexej Nawalny.
Asselborn notes: "We demand the immediate release of Nawalny, as well as his supporters that were recently detained following public protests. Borrell will then return the EU council and report on the progress of the situation."
Further steps are to be initiated once it becomes clear if Russia will cooperate or not. None of the EU member states have yet demanded to impose new immediate sanctions. Nevertheless, they could still be introduced, similarly to the ones that were initiated in October following the poisoning of Nawalny in August.
When asked about the EU's relations with Turkey, Minister Asselborn stated the latter had shown interest in renewing their cooperation: "Naturally, actions speak louder than words, meaning we still have to await if Turkey respects the weapons embargo in Libya, changes direction in the Syrian conflict, respects human rights within its very own borders, and releases journalists and humanitarian activists."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs made it clear that the EU will not fall victim to charming promises. However, talks between Ankara and Athens about a gas dispute in the region have begun, a first sign of progress.
RTL Today article: Russia owes an explanation: Jean Asselborn
