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Memory of the Holocaust calls us to oppose political extremism, says FM Sikorski

28.01.2025 12:20
The first meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council during Poland’s EU Presidency began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Holocaust, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
In Brussels, International Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
In Brussels, International Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.European Parliament

"I believe that the memory of this horrific crime imposes on all of us the duty to oppose political extremism, which has resurfaced on our continent," said Poland's top diplomat in a comment to the media in Brussels.

EU Foreign Affairs Council marks Holocaust Remembrance Day

On the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, dozens of state leaders traveled to Poland to participate in the related ceremonies. EU leaders issued a statement condemning the growing anti-Semitism in Europe, including the rise in violence, Holocaust denial, and the spread of conspiracy theories and prejudices against Jews.

On January 29, the European Parliament will commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special plenary session in Brussels. President Roberta Metsola will open the event, which will include an address by Corrie Hermann and a performance of Pál Hermann's concerto.

Hungary agrees to extend sanctions on Russia, but rejects joint statement on Belarus elections

Polish FM Radoslaw Sikorski attends Foreign Affairs Council at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 27 January 2025. EU foreign ministers discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and exchanged views on EU-US relations and recent developments in the Middle East, including Syria. Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA Polish FM Radoslaw Sikorski attends Foreign Affairs Council at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 27 January 2025. EU foreign ministers discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and exchanged views on EU-US relations and recent developments in the Middle East, including Syria. Photo: OLIVIER HOSLET/PAP/EPA

Minister Sikorski, summarizing Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council discussions, stated that he had both good and bad news to share.

"On one hand, Hungary has lifted its objections to extending sanctions on Russia, granting another six months, but on the other, they did not agree to a joint statement on the 'sham elections' in Belarus," noted the head of Polish diplomacy.

Regarding transatlantic relations, Sikorski confirmed that many EU politicians, following his own discussions, spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"The emerging picture is that we are mutually necessary and should respond to facts, not just words," emphasized the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Pierwsza Rada ds. Zagranicznych ?￰ﾟﾇﾺ podczas ?￰ﾟﾇﾱ Prezydencji. Po dwóch stronach Atlantyku jesteśmy sobie nawzajem potrzebni, a reagować powinniśmy na czyny, a nie słowa.

Pierwsza Rada ds. Zagranicznych ?￰ﾟﾇﾺ podczas ?￰ﾟﾇﾱ Prezydencji. Po dwóch stronach Atlantyku jesteśmy sobie nawzajem potrzebni, a reagować powinniśmy na czyny, a nie słowa.

Opublikowany przez Radosława Sikorskiego Poniedziałek, 27 stycznia 2025

Source: IAR/X/@MSZ_RP/@Europarl_EN/Facebook.com/radeksikorski

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