Brussels, 16/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 14 June, Europeans condemned the attack on a military plane, claiming the lives of 49 people the same day. The Ukrainian military transport plane was struck down by pro-Russian separatists near Lugansk airport (eastern Ukraine).
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy expressed his condolences to the government and people of Ukraine “for all the lives lost in the dramatic violence which is affecting the eastern provinces of the country and which continues to worsen”. “While legitimate force must always be used with restraint, there is no doubt that the Ukrainian government has an obligation and a duty to restore order within its borders”, Van Rompuy stated.
In Van Rompuy's opinion, “the armed fighters that are terrorising and disrupting the lives of citizens in Ukraine are enjoying external support, including arms supply and reinforcement through foreign fighters”. He believes that Russia, as a neighbouring country, bears “a primary responsibility” for ensuring that any such traffic and external support through its borders is “immediately” stopped. “Any other attitude, and public ambiguity in relation to what is happening, is not compatible with Russia's international obligations within the OSCE or the UN”, he stated.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was “shocked and appalled” at the attack, stating that this event showed the urgent need for a ceasefire - the establishment of which has been announced by Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko. “For such a ceasefire to last, Russia must control its borders with Ukraine effectively so as to stem the flow of weapons and fighters. The Russian government must exercise its influence on the pro-Russian separatists so that they respect the ceasefire”, she added. The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague said that “this tragic incident underlines once more the urgency and importance of Russia taking further measures to prevent the escalation of violence”. (CG)