Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Ukraine continues to feature in discussions at European Union level with particular reference to the need to maximise efforts for a lasting ceasefire and peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19776/16]
View answerUkraine, and in particular resolution of the ongoing conflict in the east of the country, remains a priority for the European Union. Discussion of the situation in Ukraine has featured on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council in January, March and April this year, either as a standalone item, or in broader discussions around the European Union’s relationship with Russia and the Eastern Partnership. Most recently at last week’s European Council, EU leaders discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts towards achieving full implementation of the Minsk agreements in the context of the renewal of EU sanctions against the Russian Federation.
In March last year the European Council agreed that the duration of these sanctions should be directly linked to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Despite limited progress in some areas, key elements of these agreements remain to be implemented. Agreement on a number of issues, including the modalities for the holding of local elections in separatist-held parts of eastern Ukraine, as called for in the Minsk “Package of Measures,” has yet to be achieved.
As the Minsk agreements offer the only basis for a stable and lasting political resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, the EU will continue to support and facilitate their full implementation as a matter of urgency.
