EU will not object if North Macedonia allows Russian foreign minister's plane into its airspace – European Commission representative

The European Commission has commented on a possible trip by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, together with a delegation, to attend a ministerial meeting of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to be held in North Macedonia.

Source: Peter Stano, EC Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during a briefing, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stano noted that Lavrov is "of course" under sanctions, but "derogations" or "exceptions" are possible from the restrictions.

Quote: "And this is linked exactly to participation in multilateral forums such as the UN, or OSCE in this case."

He also pointed out that sanctioned individuals can travel to the EU or countries that back EU sanctions if the purpose of their stay "is linked to the reason why they were listed".

"And logically, the OSCE, as an organisation for cooperation and security in Europe, has as a very important part of its agenda the current aggression by Russia in Ukraine," Stano added.

The spokesperson said the EU would not object if the North Macedonian or other authorities permit Lavrov’s plane to fly through their airspace or allow the Russian minister to personally attend the meeting.

"It would be okay if countries decide to allow the plane of the Russian Federation to fly over their territory, or if the authorities of North Macedonia allow the landing and participation of Lavrov in person," he emphasised.

Stano added that the OSCE meeting is another platform where European representatives will be able to confront the Russians face to face about the illegality of their aggression against Ukraine and expose their manipulative statements.

Background: 

• Earlier, reports emerged that the North Macedonian government has given permission for Russian planes to fly over its territory so that the Russian delegation can attend the OSCE ministerial meeting.
• According to media reports, the delegation will consist of a total of 85 people: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, "his doctor, technical staff, security", 17 diplomats, including Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, and 24 journalists.

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