Ukraine in the focus of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
12 May 2014 News
The events in Ukraine were in the focus of the talks of EU Foreign Ministers, who gathered today in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). The participants reaffirmed that the EU stands firm in upholding Ukraine's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and calls upon Russia to do likewise.
In the first paragraph of the conclusions on Ukraine, it is emphasized that the tragic events in Odessa of 2 May with many dead and injured must be thoroughly investigated and all those responsible brought to justice. In accordance with the launched by the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin initiativein the Council of Europe, FAC encouraged the coverage of this investigation by the International Advisory Panel on Ukraine as a way to ensure its independence and transparency.
The participants called on all parties to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April 2014on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all Ukrainian citizens. In the meeting participated the Chairman in Office of the OSCE, Didier Burkhalter, who presented the organization's activities in Ukraine. EU ministers welcomed the presentation and expressed strong support for the work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in the country, aimed at assisting in the implementation of the Geneva agreements.
The importance of holding peaceful, free and fair Presidential elections on 25 May was pointed out, in order to allow the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. The European Union will contribute to the efforts to ensure the transparency of the electoral process and the EU Member States will actively participate in the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission for the elections.
It was emphasized that the EU will pay particular attention to all parties' attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair Presidential elections in Ukraine when deciding about possible future measures. The top EU diplomats said that the Union will not recognise yesterday's nor any future illegitimate and illegal "referenda"in the country.
At the same time, the EU encouraged the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to achieve national consensus by conducting a comprehensive national debate on constitutional reforms that guarantee the rights and freedoms of all Ukrainian citizens, including national minorities.
The Ministerial Council reiteratedthe EU's commitment to sign the remaining provisions of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as soon as possible after the Ukrainian presidential elections. The EU will provide financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of over 1 billion euros to guarantee the stability and implementationof major economic reforms. The possibility of providing expertise in the security sector and rule of lawwas also discussed.
The Council has agreed to expand the criteria for imposing restrictive measures against individuals and entities who actively support actions or policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
Another topic on the agenda of the ministers was the Middle East peace process. The need to continue the consistent support of EU for the efforts to Secretary of State John Kerry was pointed out, as well as the possible EU’s assistance to resume negotiations.
The Council adopted conclusions on the kidnappings inNigeria, expressing deep concern over the terrorist attacks in the northern part of the country and condemned the kidnapping of more than 200 girls. Ministers held an informal discussion on the European Neighbourhood Policy and exchanged views on its adaptation to the current challenges.