Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2014
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Ukraine remains to the fore in discussions at EU or UN level; if a facility exists for ongoing dialogue between the Russian and Ukrainian authorities on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45522/14]
View answerEnding the conflict in Ukraine remains a key priority for the EU. The issue has been discussed by Ministers at every meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council this year, most recently on 17 November.
Since the outset of the crisis, the EU has been at the forefront of efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We have strongly supported the OSCE, including through financial assistance and seconded staff, in their crucial role in both negotiating a ceasefire and monitoring its implementation. The EU has also directly pursued the path of diplomatic dialogue to achieve an outcome to the crisis which fully respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the UN level, we supported and worked to promote the adoption of the resolution on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russian actions to destabilise eastern Ukraine, the EU introduced sanctions which have been gradually stepped up as the situation on the ground has developed. We believe that these sanctions are an effective means by which to encourage all sides to come to the negotiating table.
The main forum for dialogue between Ukraine and Russia is the Trilateral Contact Group which was set up in June following the election of President Poroshenko. The group, which is facilitated by the OSCE, meets regularly and provides a framework for ongoing dialogue between representatives of the Governments of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The Trilateral Contact Group negotiated the ceasefire and peace plan agreed in Minsk in September and is taking forward the work on implementing the commitments signed up to under the Minsk agreements. It is crucially important that all parties live up to these commitments.
A direct line of communication is also maintained between President Poroshenko and President Putin, who periodically speak by telephone. They have also met on the margins of major international events. The most recent talks between the two Presidents aimed at resolving the crisis took place during the ASEM summit in Milan on 17 October.
