EU foreign ministers gather in Athens for informal meeting; talks to focus on Syria, Ukraine

by  Associated Press EU foreign ministers to discuss Syria, Ukraine Associated Press - 4 April 2014 04:35-04:00

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Foreign ministers from across the European Union are gathering in Athens for a two-day informal meeting, with talks on the first day to focus on the situation in Syria and in Ukraine.

Ukraine's fledging government and Western leaders have expressed concern about a buildup of tens of thousands of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border.

Ministers were to meet in Athens early Friday afternoon, and again on Saturday. Greece currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

Earlier this week, EU finance officials said they were working "intensively" on plans to join the International Monetary Fund's planned loan package for Ukraine. The IMF's executive board is expected this month decide on assistance worth up to $18 billion, with the EU considering a further $10 billion.

News Topics: General news, Government and politics, International relations

People, Places and Companies: Athens, Europe, Ukraine, Greece, Western Europe, Eastern Europe

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