Europe for all long-standing friendly relations between the EU and the USA needs it as a friend to clearly Express its position every time the two sides have differences. This opinion was expressed by the head of EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini.
“Especially when those differences relate to our fundamental values. We do not agree with (anti-immigrant – Ed.) a decree promulgated by the President of the United States on January 27. As, however, disagree with him and many Americans,” said Mogherini at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Explaining the application of this decree, the high representative of the Union for foreign Affairs continued: “the State Department said yesterday that European Union citizens will not be affected by the ban, even if they have dual citizenship, including one of those countries that are in the presidential decree”.
“We welcome this clarification. But to be clear: this does not question our overall assessment of this presidential decree”, – said the head of European diplomacy.
“No one may be deprived of rights by reason of the place of his birth, his religion or ethnicity – both in Europe and in the United States of America. This is noted in our Constitution,” said Mogherini voiced her earlier position.
According to her, Europeans know from their own, often tragic, history that “every human being primarily is a person enjoying fundamental rights that cannot be suspended.”
Mogherini noted the sad coincidence that this presidential decree was adopted on 27 January the international day of remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust, when people think about those who are victimized and their rights.
She recalled that many asylum seekers are fleeing from the ISIS terrorist groups, they are victims of terrorism. Mogherini said that he wants it clearly understood: the European Union will not deny anyone, who is entitled to international protection. “That is our position, and such it will remain,” said EU high representative.
“I was worried about tendencies that can be noted in American society. This is the reason why, with all due respect to him, I ask the American President to pay attention to what is happening in his own country”, – said Mogherini.
“Only respect and cooperation will make us more confident, but respect and cooperation will help us to cope with the multiple crises that we face in the world”, – said the head of European diplomacy.
According to her, cooperation is needed, not closed doors, we need dialogue, and the EU will remain a partner for all countries in the region, whatever their religion, and they can count on the EU.
Mogherini said that the EU remains ready to work with the new US administration to continue the implementation of the commitments taken together before, including in the framework of the UN to protect the human rights of all refugees and migrants and against manifestations of hatred towards them.
