Brussels, 13/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 February, after meetings in Ukraine with the president, the opposition and representatives from civil society, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stressed the need for Ukraine to take “urgent steps on constitutional reform, and formation of the new inclusive government, ensuring free and fair elections”.
Füle believed it was necessary to nominate the remaining member of the Council of Europe's investigation advisory panel, and to make this panel start its “important” work as soon as possible. “It would ensure that the investigations by the Ukrainian authorities proceed in a way which is compatible with Ukraine's international commitments”, Füle told press.
Reiterating that trust is important for the political process and that trust cannot be achieved as long as the arrests, intimidation and harassment of protesters and activists continue, Füle called for the respect and protection of human rights and freedoms, and for an end to the intimidation and harassment. He also called for swift and transparent investigations into the acts of violence. “More security, no impunity”, he said. “Politicians must think about the impact of their actions or non-actions”, Füle stated.
While the EU is ready to help, “only one plan can work here: a Ukrainian plan agreed by Ukrainians and implemented swiftly” “We are ready to step up our efforts, together with international partners, to help Ukraine in dealing with the difficult economic situation”, Füle reiterated. He did not want to give any indication of the amount of financial aid that could be provided. He stated that the aid, if not linked to the association agreement, depends on reforms. Elsewhere, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton met the director general of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, on 13 February, to discuss Ukraine inter alia. (CG/transl.fl)