Brussels, 27/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 November, the permanent representatives of the EU agreed to take out sanctions on 13 more people and 5 more entities in connection with the Ukrainian crisis, due to their involvement in action to undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity. According to French news agency AFP, the 5 entities (which have their assets frozen) are reportedly political parties. A European source told EUROPE that the 13 people (whose sanctions include an assets freeze and a visa ban) are pro-Russian separatists and “there is no one in Moscow”.
The political agreement that was reached is the subject of a written procedure that will close at 1.00pm on 28 November, and publication of the legal acts in the Official Journal is planned for 29 November. Without counting these new measures, 119 people and 23 entities have already had sanctions imposed on them in connection with the Ukrainian crisis.
This decision for further sanctions follows the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 November during which ministers invited the European External Action Service (EEAS) and European Commission to present a proposal for a decision by the end of the month on the additional lists targeting separatists (see EUROPE 11198).
Discussions to strengthen the non-recognition of Crimea's annexation. Elsewhere, the ambassadors listened to an initial presentation of proposals to strengthen the EU's policy of not recognising Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, including a strengthened ban on investments in Crimea. The strengthening of this policy was also called for by the foreign affairs ministers on 17 November. Discussions will continue at experts' level. (CG)