Brussels, 16/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - Condemning the escalation of tensions in the East of Ukraine, the members of the European Parliament called on the European Union on 17 April to take additional measures against Russia. In the joint resolution on “Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries and in particular destabilisation of eastern Ukraine”, which they adopted (437 votes in favour, 49 against and 85 abstentions), the MEPs “take the view that the current situation requires the Council to reinforce the second phase of sanctions and to prepare to launch the third phase (economic sanctions), which must be triggered immediately”. The MEPs repeat their calls for an embargo on weapons and double-use technology. The Parliament also calls for measures to be taken against Russian companies and their subsidiaries, “particularly in the energy sector”, and against Russian investments and assets held within the EU. It invites the Union to review all of its agreements with Russia with a view to their possible suspension.
In their resolution, the MEPs strongly condemn the escalation of the destabilisation and provocations in the east and south of Ukraine and reiterate their “serious concern at the swift deterioration of the situation and the bloodbaths” in these regions. They welcome the patience with which the Ukrainian government has so far approached the current phase of the crisis. Russia must “immediately withdraw its support from violent separatists and armed militia who have taken over public buildings”, “immediately” cease any incitement to disorder and destabilisation and withdraw its troops from the eastern border of Ukraine, the Parliament adds.
The Parliament calls on Moscow to work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis by political and diplomatic means, stressing that it must begin “constructive dialogue” with the Ukrainian government “as a matter of urgency”. The MEPs await with interest the quadripartite meeting held that same day in Geneva, hoping that this will help towards “reducing tension and looking at an overall diplomatic and permanent solution to the crisis”. However, “Ukraine's future must be based only on the choices made by the Ukrainian people in the framework of a democratic, open and transparent process”, they add.
The Parliament also welcomes the idea of holding a national referendum on the future status and territorial organisation of Ukraine and welcomes the intention of the Ukrainian government to hold its general elections early. It also rejects any external pressure which could delay the presidential elections scheduled for 25 May.
The MEPs also welcomed the Council's intention of helping Ukraine to reform its civil security sector, to support its police and support respect for the rule of law. (CG)