Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at recent meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in regard to the Ukrainian crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/14]
View answer1231. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the crisis in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1214 and 1231 together.
I attended a regularly scheduled meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July, as well as an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August, where the crisis in Ukraine was discussed. Conclusions were adopted at both meetings.
The July meeting took place in the aftermath of the tragic downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 over Eastern Ukraine, while the intensification of fighting between the Ukrainian armed forces and pro-Russian separatists formed the backdrop to the August meeting. At both meetings, I supported the ongoing efforts of the EU to facilitate a negotiated and peaceful resolution to the crisis and underlined the need for an appropriate and effective EU response in light of the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine and the increased flow of arms, equipment and militants from across the border.
At the July Council, I joined with my EU colleagues in expressing shock and sadness at the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Donetsk, with the loss of so many innocent lives. The Council emphasised the need for all parties to ensure immediate and safe access to the crash site, and supported the call of both the UN Security Council and the OSCE for a full, transparent and independent investigation.
The Council agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.
The EU urged Russia to stop the flow of both weapons and militants across the border, and to bring about an immediate de-escalation of the crisis. I stressed in Brussels that Russia must demonstrate by deeds instead of words that it is committed to resolving the crisis.
At the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council convened in August, the crisis in Eastern Ukraine was again discussed in depth. Ministers made clear their deep concern at the worsening situation on the ground and, in particular, the impact on the civilian population.
The Council called on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States and the OSCE to join the EU in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis, and underlined the importance of implementing President Poroshenko’s peace plan.
With regard to the humanitarian impact of ongoing events in Ukraine, the United Nations-led response plan for Ukraine was welcomed, as was the European Commission's decision to allocate an additional EUR 2.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of the local population.
The Council also reiterated its call of 22 July for all States and actors in the region to ensure immediate and unrestricted access to the crash site of MH17, to allow the investigation to proceed, and the repatriation of the remains and belongings of the victims still present at the site.
Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. Enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.
Ministers regretted the Russian Federation's announcement of measures targeting imports of certain agricultural products originating in the EU. The Council welcomed the Commission’s work in co-coordinating information and an appropriate response.
Finally, the Council extended support for the Commission's efforts to facilitate a resumption of the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the conditions of gas supply, and urged both sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
