We should spare no effort to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to lay down his arms and prevent the conflict from spreading further, French Ambassador to Cyprus Salina Grenay-Catalano told the Cyprus News Agency when asked about the role of her country, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU this semester, in efforts to address the crisis in Ukraine.
Grenay-Catalano said that "France has always conducted a constant but demanding dialogue with Russia and Vladimir Putin."
She added that "the Russian President chose war when he could have chosen peace," noting that "diplomatic channels for finding a solution to the crisis have always been proposed to Russia."
Grenay-Catalano said this was underlined during French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Moscow, as well as in the many telephone communications he had with Mr Putin, "in coordination with our partners, addressing him even after the start of the attack".
The French Ambassador also said that Russia has been completely isolated, noting the fact that at the UN General Assembly only 4 out of 193 members, excluding Russia itself, voted against the resolution condemning Moscow's actions.
Ms. France and its partners have taken swift action to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine and to deliver equipment for its defence.
"Swift and proportionate sanctions have been taken in various sectors such as the economy, politics and sport. The EU has shown determination and unity."
He also said that "diplomatic initiatives and sanctions against Russia's political and economic leadership will continue", underlining that "our common goal is to stop hostilities and end the war."
He also noted that President Macron has underlined that we are not at war with Russia and the Russian people. "We stand by the Russians who deny this unacceptable war being waged in their name."
The French Ambassador said that this tragedy in Ukraine will change Europe. "There will be economic consequences because of the sanctions but we will protect our citizens from them. Our freedom and the freedom of our children is no longer a given. Now more than ever it requires courage and will to fight for it all the time."
He noted that "this challenge that we face as Europeans shows, according to President Macron, that the EU must reach full sovereignty in the international order."
"To this end, it must strengthen its strength, whether in economic programming, energy independence or its defence capabilities," he said.
He added that these objectives will also set the agenda for the EU Summit to be held on 10 and 11 March in Versailles, under the French Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Source: CNA
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