Dimitris Avramopoulos: The situation in Ukraine is complex

The minister was reporting on the results of an informal EU defence ministers' council that he had just finished chairing, which was held in the Greek EU presidency's headquarters at the Zappion building in Athens.

"It was agreed to suspend exports of materials and equipment that might be used for internal repression. Of course, nothing is final. Our proposal as Europe is that the political partnership relation with Ukraine and economic integration remain on the negotiating table," Avramopoulos said according to ANA-MPA

Asked about the possibility of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, he said that no such issue had been raised.

Concerning the other items discussed at the meeting, he said the EU defence ministers had made a positive assessment of the December summit conclusions and discussed the next steps in their implementation.

Regarding the planned operation in the Central African Republic, Avramopoulos said that preparations to put together a force were continuing so that it will be ready to take action for the protection of civilians in early March. Greece will participate in the operation through the EU operational command in Larissa, he added.