President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel said that the European Union is ready to start playing an active role in preventing and resolving conflicts with the participation of the Eastern Partnership countries.
He said this during the summit in Brussels on December 15.
He assessed the protracted conflicts in the region of the Eastern Partnership countries as a fundamental problem.
– They require new efforts for their solution in accordance with the principles and norms of international law. We are ready to play an active role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, Michel said.
He recalled that there is no Belarus at the summit, which suspended its participation in the Eastern Partnership, but for which an empty chair was left as a symbolic place.
– A few days ago, I, together with High Representative Josep Borrell, met with representatives of the Belarusian democratic opposition. I have heard about their personal struggles and seen their courage. We are united in our support for the Belarusian people and their aspirations for a democratic future, – said Charles Michel.
A photo with an empty chair for Belarus was posted on Twitter by the Brussels correspondent of Radio Liberty Rikard Jozvyak, calling it the sharpest image of the summit.
