Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to meet Cyprus President Demetris Christofias
On Friday 5 September Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will be meeting President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, who is on an official visit to Sweden. The meeting agenda includes the Cyprus issue and current EU issues.
Extraordinary European Council meeting
An extraordinary meeting of the European Council will be held today, Monday 1 September, in Brussels. The meeting will be devoted to the crisis in Georgia. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt will represent Sweden at the meeting.
Sweden to send military observers and logistics support to Georgia
At an extra cabinet meeting today, the Government decided to make equipment available to the OSCE mission in Georgia via the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. In addition, last week the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to recruit military observers for the OSCE mission. The reason behind the two decisions is that the OSCE mission in Georgia is to be substantially expanded.
Angela Merkel to visit Sweden
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Sweden on Monday 25 August for talks with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The agenda includes preparations for the Swedish EU Presidency in autumn 2009, climate and energy issues and current foreign policy issues.
Pilot project for new type of embassy in Luanda
The Government today decided to reverse its decision to close down the Swedish Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Instead, a pilot project will be implemented involving a new type of embassy with a limited number of operational tasks. This will secure Sweden's presence in the country at a reduced cost.
Election observers to Belarus
Sweden sends 18 election observers and two statisticians to Belarus prior to the parliamentary election on 28 September. Three of the observers will soon be travelling to Belarus to be in place well in advance of the election.
Sweden demands cease fire and withdrawal of Russian troops
Russia's Chargé d'Affaires in Sweden, Michail Skupov, was summoned today to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs where he was notified of Sweden's serious view of Russia's conduct in Georgia.
Carl Bildt to Georgia
Today Carl Bildt, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and Terry Davis, Council of Europe Secretary General, travel to Georgia.
"The Swedish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers is convinced that sustainable peace and stability are based on respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law," says Carl Bildt in a statement.
The situation in Georgia
"I urge the Russian Federation, Georgia and the separatist South Ossetian and Abkhaz administrations to immediately enter into a cease-fire, in order to stop hostilities. I call upon the parties to agree to direct talks and to cooperate in international efforts to achieve a cease-fire. The suffering of the civilian population must be brought to an immediate end," says Carl Bildt, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in a statement on Saturday.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Georgia
"The way in which the situation in South Ossetia has deteriorated is cause for profound concern. It is extremely important that all those involved show restraint and play their part in bringing about a political solution," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement.
