Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 March 2014
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in relation to the difficulties in Ukraine; the proposals he put forward for discussion and for follow up by the EU in relation to this continuing political instability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra44. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position regarding the situation in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11461/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 44 together.
I am deeply concerned about developments in Ukraine in recent days. I have strongly condemned the Russian action in Crimea, which severely threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and have called on Russia to withdraw troops immediately to their bases. Russia’s actions are in clear breach of international law and of the obligations to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I conveyed these concerns to the Russian Ambassador when I met with him on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday 3rd March, EU High Representative Ashton convened an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) to discuss the situation in Ukraine and, in particular, on the Crimean peninsula. Ministers adopted Conclusions that strongly condemned the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty by the Russian armed forces as well as the authorisation given by the Federation Council of Russia on 1 March for the use of the armed forces on the territory of Ukraine. The Council agreed that these actions are in clear breach of the UN Charter and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, as well as of Russia's specific commitments to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 and the bilateral Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership of 1997. We called on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stationing, in accordance with the Agreement on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet stationing on the territory of Ukraine of 1997.
The Council indicated that in the absence of de-escalating steps by Russia, the EU shall decide about consequences for bilateral relations between the EU and Russia, for instance suspending bilateral talks on visa matters as well as the New Agreement and would consider further targeted measures.
The Council also commended the government in Kiev for its measured response so far in the face of this provocation. In line with the conclusions agreed of the FAC on 20 February, Ministers decided to move swiftly to freeze the assets of those responsible for human rights violations in Ukraine.
The EU has called for a peaceful solution to the current crisis and stands ready to engage in talks with all parties to resolve this crisis. We will work with the United Nations and the OSCE to facilitate a peaceful resolution of this dangerous situation. At Monday’s FAC, Ministers also agreed that the EU would lend its full support to an international assistance package to address the urgent needs of Ukraine, based on a clear commitment to reforms. We reiterated the EU’s offer of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, in order to bring opportunities for sustainable economic development and prosperity to all the regions of Ukraine, including Crimea, as well as to its neighbours.
In light of the serious situation in Ukraine, President Van Rompuy is convening a meeting of Heads of State and Government in Brussels today, together with EU Commission President Barroso and High Representative Ashton, in order to exchange views on the ongoing crisis. The Taoiseach will represent Ireland.
