OREANDA-NEWS. February 24, 2011. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy share concern over developments in a number of countries of North Africa and the Middle East.

Reaffirming the positions set forth by Moscow and Brussels in recent days, as well as expressing support for the statement by the Council of the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council press statement issued on 22 February 2011, the Minister and the High Representative declare the following.

We condemn and consider unacceptable the use of military force to break up peaceful demonstrations, as well as any other manifestations of violence and insist on an immediate cessation of such actions. In particular, we strongly condemn the violence and the use of force against civilians in Libya, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. We express deep regret and condolences for the loss of human lives. We urge all parties involved to show responsibility, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, and ensure the safety of civilians and foreign nationals.

Massive protests expose a range of problems that have accumulated within societies. These problems should be addressed by peoples of relevant countries through national dialogue involving all political forces and society strata aimed at reaching public consensus regarding the ways out of the crisis and conducting the much-needed transformations. Democratization processes should evolve in peaceful forms and within a legal framework.

Supporting the peoples of Arab countries in their aspirations for a more just and prosperous life, Russia and the European Union stand ready to provide economic and other assistance to interested countries at their request.