In the context of recent events in Ukraine and Poland, COMECE releases on Wednesday 16 November 2022 a statement elaborated by the COMECE Commission on the External Relations of the EU during its second annual meeting. The Commission is chaired by H.E. Mgr. Rimantas Norvila. Download the Statement
Screenshot of the second annual meeting of the COMECE Commission on the External Relations of the European Union. (Credit: COMECE)
“We express our deep concern over the latest developments in Ukraine and Poland. Since the beginning of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the entire world has been holding its breath, fearing a major global conflict.
While still being investigated, the incident that occurred last night on the Polish territory at the border with Ukraine is yet another reminder on how this war bears the risk of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences for the whole humanity.
Following recent Russia’s brutal attacks on cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine – in blatant breach of international law -, and the incident in Poland, we wish to offer our prayers to the victims and condolences to their families. We also wish to offer our closeness to the people in Ukraine left without access to basic services, including water and electricity.
We ask: what else must happen so that finally an end is put to this ‘madness of war’?
We urge all parties to vigorously work towards de-escalation, and the European Union, in particular, to step up its diplomatic efforts and continue its active engagement for halting this spiral of violence.
In unity with the numerous appeals made by Pope Francis and the Holy See, as well as by people of good will across the world, we reiterate our call to Russian authorities immediately to suspend the hostilities, and to all parties to open themselves up, with the help of the international community, to negotiation of ‘serious proposals’ for a just peace, to work towards a solution to the conflict, which respects international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
