United Nations: Phone call between HR/VP Josep Borrell and Secretary-General António Guterres

10.09.2020
Brussels

EU High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, held a phone call with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on 10 September 2020.

The call was an opportunity to exchange views on several important issues. In particular, High Representative Borrell debriefed the UN Secretary-General on the outcome of his recent trip to Libya, as well as on European Union responses to the situations in Belarus and in the Eastern Mediterranean following the informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting held on 27-28 August.

On Libya, the HR/VP welcomed the 21 August ceasefire announcement and underlined the importance of creating the conditions for a permanent agreement. He also expressed the EU’s full support for the UN-led Berlin Process and efforts to reinvigorate the political process, implement and monitor a ceasefire and lift the oil blockade.The HR/VP expressed concern about the political and human rights situation in Belarus, and the escalating violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. He stressed the importance of respect for the fundamental freedoms of the Belarusian people and the need for the Belarusian authorities to engage in an inclusive national dialogue.

The High Representative/Vice-President and the UN Secretary-General exchanged views on the worrying escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the potential for unilateral action to further fuel tensions and insecurity. The High Representative stressed the need for all parties to engage in good faith in immediate de-escalation and to take a clear path towards stability and lasting solutions.

Other issues covered during the conversation were the situation in the Sahel and the International Criminal Court, with High Representative Borrell expressing the EU’s full and continued support for the role and work of the Court.

The HR/VP looked forward to the forthcoming 75th UN General Assembly.  As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations this year, the United Nations continues to be an indispensable forum for multilateral solutions to global challenges.

Nabila Massrali
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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Xavier Cifre Quatresols
Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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