Jim O'Keeffe
Question:18 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's attitude to the Ukraine following its referendum on independence.
Written Answers. - Ukrainian Independence Referendum.
Ireland shares fully the attitude of the Twelve to the Ukraine, as expressed in the declaration issued by Foreign Ministers on 2 December.
In that declaration, the European Community and its member states took note of the referendum in the Ukraine and welcomed the democratic manner in which the Ukrainian people declared their wish for their republic to attain full sovereignty.
They pointed out that, as the transformation of the Soviet Union enters a crucial phase, it is incumbent upon the representatives of Ukraine, of the Union and of the other republics to take matters forward in a peaceful, democratic and orderly way. They called upon the Ukraine to pursue with the Union and the other republics an open and constuctive dialogue intended to ensure that all the Soviet Union's existing international obligations and commitments are carried out.
The Twelve expect the Ukraine to honour all commitments undertaken by the Soviet Union in the CSCE process, especially those concerning the protection of persons belonging to national minorities. They also expect the Ukraine to honour and, as appropriate, implement all the Soviet Union's international obligations in respect of arms control and nuclear non-proliferation, and to do nothing which might call into question control of nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory. They expect Ukraine to join the other republics in accepting joint and several liability for the Soviet Union's foreign debts.