Brussels, 10/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - Deeply concerned about the situation and persisting political crisis in Ukraine, the European foreign affairs ministers stated on Monday 10 February that the EU “remains ready to respond quickly to any deterioration on the ground”.
On arriving at the Council on Monday, several ministers underlined that, if the violence continued in Ukraine, it would be necessary to take out sanctions.
In its conclusions, the Council says it is alarmed by the human rights situation “including violence, cases of missing persons, torture and intimidation” and it deplores the deaths and injuries “on all sides”. It calls on all actors to refrain from violence and dissociate themselves from radical action.
“On the basis of a new Ukrainian government pursuing economic and political reforms, the EU is ready to further pursue its efforts with the international community and international financial institutions to assist Ukraine, in line with well-established conditions, to find a sustainable way out of its difficult economic situation”, state the ministers. The Council also calls on High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and on the European Commission to continue their efforts to this end. The Council welcomes the “tireless efforts” from Ashton and the Commission to facilitate the dialogue between the actors. “The EU will remain actively engaged with Ukraine and maintain its high level presence in order to assist the stakeholders in their efforts to stabilise the situation and bring Ukraine out of the current crisis”, adds the Council. Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle will visit Kiev on 12-13 February.
The Council calls for further efforts in order to find a lasting and democratic solution to the political crisis through inclusive dialogue. “A new and inclusive government, constitutional reform bringing back more balance of powers, and preparations for free and fair presidential elections would contribute to bringing Ukraine back on a sustainable path of reforms. The EU stands ready to provide expert support in all areas judged useful.”
Implied accession?
The Council again underlines its commitment to signing the association agreement as soon as Ukraine is ready. “The Council expresses its conviction that this agreement does not constitute the final goal in EU-Ukraine relations”, the EU foreign affairs ministers state, implying the outlook of possible Ukrainian accession to the EU, as already evoked by Füle. (CG/transl.fl)