EU's Borrell Doubts People In Africa Who Support Russia Know About Putin, Donbas
Umer Jamshaid Published December 09, 2022 | 12:40 AM
BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th December, 2022) EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday that he doubted that people in African countries who showed their support for Russia knew who Vladimir Putin was or where Donbas was located.
"Russia is able to deflect blame, twist realty and find an audience in some parts of world. I have seen in tv screens these young African people on the streets of Bamako (Mali's capital) with billboards saying '(Russian President Vladimir) Putin, thanks. You have saved Donbas and now you will save us.' It is shocking. You can consider that these people do not know where Donbas is or maybe they do not even know who Putin is," Borrell said during a session of the EU Parliament's Special Committee on Foreign Interference.
The EU foreign policy chief claimed that there were also such people in the Balkans, in the countries seeking EU membership.
Borrell's remarks immediately drew criticism from member of the parliament Ozlem Demirel, who said that such statements were arrogant.
"To be honest, what you have said sounds not quite respectful. Such an arrogant tone and lack of respect for Africa have consequences. That is why it is not surprising when Africans are disappointed, nervous and then turn to Russia for help," the lawmaker said.
It is not the first time Borrell made controversial statements that sparked accusations of racism. In early October, speaking at the opening of the European Diplomatic academy in Bruges, Borrell said that Europe was a "garden" and the rest of the world was a "jungle" that can invade this garden if "gardeners" do not take care of it.
Recent Stories
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
Pakistan embassy organizes scholarship award ceremony in Kathmandu
SC to hear case pertaining IHC judges' letter on April 30
SC orders removal of barriers outside buildings in Karachi
PFA launches crackdown, impose fine for selling expired drinks, food items
ICRC, Rehab Initiative host diplomatic spouses' tour
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
More Stories From World
-
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
20 minutes ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
20 minutes ago -
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
20 minutes ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
47 minutes ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
45 minutes ago -
Oman, UAE deluge 'most likely' linked to climate change: scientists
1 hour ago
-
BHP launches $38.8 billion takeover bid for rival Anglo American
2 hours ago -
Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
2 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
2 hours ago -
Haiti transitional council sworn in after months of violence
3 hours ago -
Ukrainian village battles mines year after Russia forced out
3 hours ago -
China's Shenzhou-18 mission takes off bound for space station
3 hours ago