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February 22, 2021In the face of the "worrying" situation in Burma, "we reached a political agreement with the ministers to apply sanctions that target the military responsible for the coup, and their economic interests", but not to the detriment of the population.



EU High Representative Josep Borrell said this at a press conference at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council.



Iran: optimism about resumption of negotiations


Borrel then said he was "very worried" by Iran's intention to suspend nuclear agreements, but also "reasonably optimistic" about the possibility of resuming negotiations.



"The ongoing contacts with the authorities in Tehran - he said - could" soon bring positive news "." In these days - the high representative added - intense diplomatic contacts are underway "to find a solution also in the light of new stance taken by the United States in favor of a strengthening and extension of the nuclear agreement. Furthermore, Borrell welcomed the provisional agreement reached as a positive "glimmer" in the perspective of giving "new life" to the agreement between the IAEA and Tehran about the possibility of carrying out adequate checks in the Iranian plants under observation. 



Meeting with Blinken "very positive"


The first

discussion

with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was "very positive", said Borrell. "The focus of bilateral relations is not only on deepening our partnership but on joint leadership on fronts such as the fight against the pandemic, economic recovery, climate and the defense of values

re democratic ".

With Blinken, Borrell added, there was also talk of relations with Russia and China.

Not only.

The secretary of state also received "very encouraging" words regarding the American commitment to tackle the issues closest to Europe, starting with Iran but also Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa. 



Hong Kong: two-phase path


"The situation in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate and we have decided to move forward with a two-phase path, with a series of short and long-term actions. Among the first measures, support for civil society. But we have also decided what steps to take in the event of a new deterioration of the situation ", said the EU High Representative.



Belarus: new sanctions


evaluated "We evaluate new sanctions" for the Belarusian regime.

We have already sanctioned 84 individuals and 7 entities and are ready to go further.

There is a technical group working on it. ”Borell said.