Strasbourg, 15/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament, while calling for the continuation of the sanctions against Russia, “in particular with a view to the upcoming March 2015 Council meeting” as long as Russia does not fully respect its obligations, stressed on Thursday 15 January that “sanctions should be part of a broader EU approach towards Russia”. “The political and diplomatic channels towards Russia must stay open”, MEPs add. Parliament calls on EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn “to take steps within their power to facilitate a political solution of the Ukraine crisis that that would be respected by all the parties involved”.
MEPs again condemn “Russia's aggressive and expansionist policy” and “acts of terrorism and criminal behaviour of the separatists and other irregular forces in eastern Ukraine”. Renewed violence has flared over the last few days.
In the face of the information war, MEPs also call on the Commission to propose a communication strategy within the next two months to counter the Russian propaganda campaign (see EUROPE 11226).
Parliament also calls on the EU to do more to help Ukraine in its reforms with “more substantial technical assistance” along with further financial assistance and for both military and humanitarian purposes. (CG)