EU
Josep Borrell – High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The decision of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to suspend Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reinforces the authority of the principal organ of the United Nations, the EU high representative said on Friday. “This suspension is necessary to uphold the integrity of the Human Rights Council. The decision reinforces the authority of the UN General Assembly and demonstrates the readiness of the international community to act” Borrell stated.
CHINA
Zhao Lijian – Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
China does not see Russia’s membership suspension from the United Nations Human Rights Council as a good step, Zhao Lijian Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a press briefing on Friday. He called the preparation of the resolution “not transparent,” adding that “there was no consultation of all the Member States.”
RUSSIA
Sergey Lavrov – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine “are not easy” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference after talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. “We will ensure that all tasks facing these negotiations are fulfilled,” Russia’s top diplomat stated. He further noted that, in general, he was “very satisfied with the results of the meeting with his Armenian counterpart and thanked him for his cooperation” on this matter.
FRANCE
Emmanuel Macron – French President
“I think we will experience very difficult scenes in the next days and weeks in the Donbas,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday during an interview on RTL France. Macron also said that Russia’s military operation will move to other regions of Ukraine.
