September 25, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today met with his G7 counterparts on the margins of the UN General Assembly, including representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
The foreign ministers agreed on joint statements condemning the brutal violence of ISIL, expressing grave concern about the situation in Ukraine and about the unprecedented spread of Ebola in parts of West Africa.
The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2170 (2014) and demanded the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those who are kept hostage by ISIL or associated individuals and entities. They also agreed to take a comprehensive approach to fighting ISIL to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
On the situation in Ukraine, the foreign ministers welcomed the Minsk agreements of 5 and 19 September as an important step towards a sustainable, mutually agreed ceasefire, a secure Russian-Ukrainian border and the return of peace and stability to eastern Ukraine with the establishment of a “special status” zone. The ministers urged Russia to meet its own commitments to the Minsk agreement, including by withdrawing all of its forces, weapons and equipment from Ukraine; securing and respecting the international border between the two countries with OSCE monitoring; and ensuring that all hostages are released.
On Ebola, the foreign ministers expressed sadness with the loss of thousands of lives and the suffering the disease is inflicting. While recognizing the courageous efforts undertaken by volunteers and health workers in the region, they urged the international community to bring high-quality medical care to Ebola patients, including healthcare workers, and to accelerate development and testing of vaccines and therapies.
