Algeria 
Egypt 
Jordan 
Lebanon 
Libya 
Morocco 
Palestine * 
Syria * 
Tunisia Foreign Affairs Council: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the meeting
We had a very intensive discussion on the Middle East. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is, of course, welcomed, but it is a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately without obstruction and at scale because this is what is needed. I have made these points also [during] my talks with Israelis. I have had talks with [the] UN and the regional leaders as well. Pressure is necessary to change the situation. It is clear from today’s discussion that there is a strong majority in favour of [the] review of Article 2 of our Association Agreement with Israel. So, we will launch this exercise and, in the meantime, it is up to Israel to unblock the humanitarian aid. Saving lives must be our top priority. On Syria, Ministers agreed to lift all economic sanctions while maintaining those related to Assad’s regime and human rights violations. This decision is reversible and conditional also on progress. There can be no peace without the path to economic recovery, and we all need a stable Syria. Is everything ideal there? No, it is not. It is very clear. But I think we need to give the Syrian people a chance. Then, we also discussed the situation in Da’esh camps in addition to ongoing fights, work on [the] fight to radicalisation. A financial package worth of €18 million will go towards improving the conditions in the camps.
Countries covered:
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Palestine *
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Syria *
