Welcome
Statement by Foreign Minister Maas on the summoning of Belarusian Ambassador
Statement by Foreign Minister Maas on the summoning of Belarusian Ambassador Denis Sidorenko (May 24):
The Belarusian government's explanations for the forced landing of a Ryanair plane in Minsk are implausible and not credible. We need clarity about what really happened yesterday - on board and on the ground. And we need clarity about the situation of Roman Protasevich and his partner, who must be released immediately. To this end, we have summoned the Belarusian Ambassador to the Federal Foreign Office for this evening. State Secretary Miguel Berger will conduct the talks. At the same time, the EU heads of state and government will discuss a joint EU reaction at today's informal European Council. This transgression cannot remain without consequences.