Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
165. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his engagements with counterparts at European Union level in relation to the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9901/14]
View answer169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the outcome of discussions at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the serious unrest in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9662/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 169 together.
I attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which was held in Brussels on 20 February 2014 to discuss the serious deterioration of the situation in Ukraine earlier in the week. On the same day, my German, French and Polish counterparts were in Kiev for discussions with the Government and opposition and we were kept regularly informed during the Council of their efforts to broker an agreement that would help find a negotiated solution to the ongoing crisis there. The three Foreign Ministers also offered some valuable input into the drafting of the conclusions that were adopted at the end of our meeting.
Those conclusions, which are available on the Council website, called for an immediate end to the violence, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of access to medical assistance, and for urgent independent investigations into human rights violations. The importance of the International Advisory Panel set up by the Council of Europe was underlined in this regard.
The Council also called on all sides to engage in an inclusive dialogue to de-escalate the situation and find a lasting political solution that would include constitutional reform, the formation of a new government and the creation of conditions for democratic elections. It was stressed that the prime responsibility for taking the first step to enable such a dialogue rests with President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian authorities.
In view of the deteriorating situation, the Council also decided as a matter of urgency to introduce targeted sanctions, including an asset freeze and visa ban against those responsible for human rights violations, violence and use of excessive force. The EU also agreed to suspend exports licences on equipment that might be used for internal repression. In my intervention at Council, I recalled that the current crisis began following decisions made about an agreement between the Union and Ukraine and expressed the view that it was only right that the EU should play an active role in finding a solution that is democratic, lasting and fulfils the legitimate aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
I have, therefore, warmly welcomed publicly the agreement reached in Kiev last Friday which was brokered by the three EU Foreign Ministers mentioned and which contains the central elements that the Council considered essential for such a solution. I hope that this agreement will help bring an immediate end to the violence and bloodshed. It is important that there are clear timeframes for fulfilment of the commitments that have been entered into and that it has been witnessed by representatives of the international community, Russia as well as the EU.
These key elements, the rejection of violence and pursuit of constitutional reform, the formation of an inclusive new government and the creation of conditions for democratic elections, remain valid even after the dramatic developments over the weekend. We look to those now in power in Ukraine to behave in a responsible manner and to work in an inclusive way to prepare the elections that have been scheduled for May. For our part, the Council conclusions make clear that the EU offer of political association and economic integration remains on the table and that the EU is ready to support Ukraine in the process of reform to deliver a stable, prosperous and democratic future for its citizens.
