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European Council Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Questions (25)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

25. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements at the recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting regarding the position of Ukraine; in particular its decision to postpone signing the Association Agreement with the EU; and the talks he held with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, at that meeting. [1267/14]

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Written answers

The Foreign Affairs Council had a wide-ranging discussion on the situation in Ukraine at its meeting on 16 December 2013 in Brussels.

High Representative Ashton reported to the Council on her visit to Kiev where she held talks with President Yanukovych and other government representatives, the opposition and civil society. There was disappointment with Ukraine’s decision in November 2013 to postpone signing the Association Agreement with the EU, which together with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area was the most ambitious offer made to any partner by the EU. The Council agreed on keeping the door open and on the need for meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders in Ukraine to find a negotiated solution to the political stalemate following the demonstrations.

Our discussions in Brussels continued over lunch with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. The situation in Ukraine was a major topic, although we also considered the EU’s wider relationship with Russia in advance of the next EU-Russia summit. Minister Lavrov defended Russia's approach and was critical of the EU's Eastern Partnership process. He argued that the process in Ukraine was becoming too politicised and that Russia would respect any sovereign choice made by Ukraine which, I believe, is a fundamental condition for achieving a durable political solution to the crisis there. Ministers sent a strong message that Russia’s action towards Ukraine and indeed other Eastern Partnership countries is unacceptable.

For my part, I also availed of the opportunity to raise with Minister Lavrov my concern over Russia's LGBTI-related legislation and with the broader human rights situation in the Russian Federation.

I should note that the situation in Ukraine was also considered by the European Council at its meeting on 19-20 December after which a statement was issued underlining the Union’s readiness to sign the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, with Ukraine, as soon as Ukraine is ready. Calling for a democratic solution to the political crisis that would meet the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, the Heads of State and Government emphasised the right of all sovereign States to make their own foreign policy decisions without undue external pressure.

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 14.
Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 21.
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