Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the proposals he put forward at the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting of 12 May 2014 regarding the crisis in Ukraine; the actions the European Union will pursue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22031/14]
View answerThe Government was represented at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of 12 May 2014 by the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D. The FAC conclusions reaffirm the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and call upon the Russian Federation to do likewise. The Council expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and was clear that the EU would not recognise the illegitimate and illegal “referenda” in Donetsk and Luhansk. The Council reiterated the EU’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in March and regretted the presence of President Putin at the military parade in Sevastopol on 9 May. Ministers welcomed the Commission’s evaluation of the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and looked forward to the swift implementation of its proposals.
The conclusions call for a thorough investigation into the tragic events in Odessa on 2 May and for all those responsible to be brought to justice. The EU encourages the Ukrainian authorities to maintain their measured approach in pursuing law and order operations and calls on all sides to the conflict to contribute further to reducing tensions. Ministers were briefed by the President of Switzerland, Didier Burkhalter, in his capacity as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE on the critically important activities of that organisation aimed at stabilising the situation on the ground. The Council welcomed the presentation of proposals by the OSCE Chairmanship for a de-escalation of the crisis.
The Council conclusions express the EU’s strong support for the holding of free and fair Ukrainian Presidential elections on 25 May, allowing the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. Ireland will be sending a team of election monitors under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The FAC encouraged continuation of efforts by the Ukrainian authorities to reach out to all regions of Ukraine within the framework of the envisaged national dialogue proposed by the Ukrainian government, including the Government's steps towards inclusive all-Ukrainian dialogue on the constitutional reform process. The rights of persons belonging to national minorities need to be fully ensured in line with the relevant standards of the Council of Europe.
The FAC reconfirmed the EU’s full commitment to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all. The Council welcomed the efforts taken so far by the Ukrainian authorities to this end, while calling on the Russian Federation to take effective steps to fulfil its commitments under the Geneva Joint Statement. The Council reiterated its demand to Russia to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border and to immediately withdraw the mandate of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil. It also condemned declarations and visits of high officials engaged in supporting illegal attempts at separatism which contribute to heightening tensions in Ukraine.
In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze and moved to impose sanctions against a further thirteen named individuals as well as two energy companies in Crimea.
The Council noted that the preparatory work by the Commission and Member States is underway on possible targeted measures, as requested by the European Council in March, so that further steps can be taken should events require. The EU will pay particular attention to all parties’ attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair Presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures.
