12 Noll 2011, 16:38
The Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs Joe Costello TD was in Washington on 8 and 9 December to address a high-level conference on European Union-Ukraine relations.
Organised by the Polish Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies and the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, the conference featured leading parliamentarians, officials and diplomats from both sides of the Atlantic and from Ukraine itself.
Speaking on his return from Washington, Deputy Costello welcomed the opportunity to exchange views and share ideas on strengthening the partnership between the EU and Ukraine. “When one reflects on the enormous economic and social changes and advantages which membership of the European Union has brought to Ireland, I think we must not undermine those in Ukraine who favour further EU integration.”
“While we welcome the negotiations for an EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, I agree with my European colleagues that the recent conviction and sentence handed down in the trial of Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was deeply disappointing. I echo the concerns expressed that the Ukrainian authorities ensure a fair, transparent and impartial process in any appeal to be brought by Ms Tymoshenko. I am equally concerned about the prosecution of other Opposition members in Ukraine and the serious flaws in the administration of justice there.”
Deputy Costello concluded: “With the EU-Ukraine annual summit meeting taking place later on 19 December 2011, I believe the EU can use its influence and experience during the ratification stages of the Agreement to bring about important reforms. The EU can provide assistance and lend our knowledge to our Ukrainian colleagues in implementing the 90 priorities identified in the Association Agreement, especially those regarding respect for human rights and combating corruption.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Joe Costello, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly