Brussels, 11/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 12 December, the European Parliament called for a new official EU mediation mission to be set up immediately “at the highest political level… to carry out and contribute to talks between the government and democratic opposition, as well a civil society and to ensure a peaceful resolution to the current crisis”.
In the joint resolution they adopted, MEPs call on the Ukrainian authorities to arrange talks with the demonstrators in an effort to prevent an escalation in violence and instability in the country. They also deplore the “violent events” during the night of 9 December and state that these events could lead to an escalation in an already tense situation. Parliament expressed solidarity with those demonstrating in favour of a European future and called for the “immediate and unconditional release of peaceful demonstrators arrested over the past few days”. Parliament also calls on the authorities to respect the freedom of association and right to demonstrate peacefully.
It urges the different political parties to ensure an orderly, calm and responsible parliamentary debate on the economic and political situation and prospects for joining the EU in the future.
EP calls on the EU to remain committed
MEPs criticised the decision of the Ukrainian authorities to suspend the preparations for the association agreement and believe this is “a major missed opportunity” in EU-Ukraine relations and for the aspirations of the country. MEPs reaffirmed their support for this agreement to be “signed as soon as possible” on the condition that the conditions are fulfilled appropriately. Parliamentarians also call on the European Council on 20 December “to send a strong political signal” showing that the door to the EU is still open with the Ukraine for further political dialogue. They call on the European institutions and member states to step up their commitment to Ukrainian society with, amongst other things, “a swift agreement on a visa waiver regime” and for further efforts to be made to fully integrate the Ukraine into the EU's internal energy market. MEPs also reaffirm their condemnation of the “unacceptable” pressure exerted by Russia and called on the EU and member states to address Moscow with a single voice and draw up a political response that is “appropriate and symmetrical to the instruments and measures employed by Russia with regard to Eastern European partners”.
In its more general comments regarding the Eastern Partnership, Parliament underlines that the results from the Vilnius summit and its general context highlight the EU'sneed for a “more strategic and flexible policy to support its eastern partners choosing to strengthen their ties with Europe”.
Georgia and Moldova.
Parliament welcomed the initialling of the association agreements with Georgia and Moldova during the Vilnius summit and it is pleased that these agreements will be signed and implemented as soon as possible and it calls on the Commission to facilitate this process towards their implementation. Parliament also welcomed the Commission's proposal for visa-free travel for Moldovans and the signing of the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan but denounces the repression used against the opposition, NGOs and independent media in this country. It also welcomes the signing of a framework agreement with Georgia on participation in EU crisis management operations. MEPs deplored the fact that the Armenian authorities have decided to join the Customs Union with Russia, after being subject to pressure from the country. (CG/transl.fl)