Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2014
17. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the most recent EU sanctions against Russia are sufficient; the further sanctions that will be considered pending the outcome of the presidential elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/14]
View answerThe Government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and has emphasised the importance of seeking a negotiated political settlement. Let me begin by welcoming the holding of Presidential elections in Ukraine on Sunday and the election in the first round of Petro Poroshenko. While there were difficulties in holding the elections in Eastern Ukraine owing to the security situation, elsewhere millions of ordinary citizens exercised their democratic right in choosing the future direction of their country. I hope that this represents an important stage on the path towards the stabilisation of Ukraine and the consolidation of an inclusive, representative and peaceful future. This hope was reflected in the consideration of Ukraine at the informal meeting of Heads of State or Government held yesterday evening.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the constructive role played in the election in Ukraine by the 17 Irish observers who have been deployed under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. EU Heads of State and Government on 6 March set out a calibrated, three-phase roadmap in relation to targeted measures against the Russian Federation in the absence of steps to de-escalate the situation. They also endorsed the decision of Foreign Ministers on 3 March to suspend talks with Russia on visa matters and on a New Agreement, both stated priorities of the Russian Government.
Following the holding of the illegal referendum in Crimea on 16 March, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) implemented the second phase of measures involving the imposition of travel restrictions and an asset freeze against 21 Russian and Ukrainian individuals involved in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That number has since been progressively increased to 61 individuals, both Russian and Ukrainian. At the last Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May, in the light of developments and in the absence of steps towards de-escalation, Ministers widened the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to restrictive measures and imposed sanctions for the first time on two energy companies based in Crimea whose ownership has been transferred contrary to Ukrainian law. Ireland fully supports the carefully targeted and measured approach adopted by the EU and has taken the necessary internal steps to implement the sanctions.
The May Foreign Affairs Council noted that the preparatory work by the Commission and Member States is underway on possible targeted measures, known as Phase Three measures in the trade and economic spheres, as requested by the European Council in March, so that further steps can be taken should events require. In that regard, the European Union is paying particular attention to all parties’ attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair Presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures. While I very much hope that we will not be faced with an escalation which would necessitate a move to Phase Three, the EU is committed to taking decisive action should it be required.
