The European Union has reiterated its demand to Russia to move its troops away from the Ukrainian border and encourages the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to continue its support to the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to develop a national dialogue, the Council of the European Union said in conclusions on Ukraine adopted on May 12.
“The European Union reiterates its demand to Russia to call back its
troops from the Ukrainian border and to immediately withdraw the mandate
of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil. It also
condemns declarations and visits of high officials engaged in supporting
illegal attempts at separatism and thus contributing to heightening
tensions in Ukraine and other States in the region,” the conclusions
read.
The EU calls upon all sides for restraint and for an end to violence
and provocations. The EU encourages the Ukrainian authorities to
maintain their measured approach in pursuing law and order operations
and calls on all sides to the conflict to contribute further to reducing
tensions.
The council fully supports the efforts undertaken by the OSCE and the
Chairman in Office to contribute to de-escalating and stabilizing the
situation through concrete steps including the establishment of round
tables while ensuring Ukrainian ownership. The EU and its Member States
will continue to provide support to the Special Monitoring Mission and
calls on all other OSCE participating States to do the same.
The EU also encourages the OSCE to continue its support to the
efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to develop a national dialogue.
“The council also encourages Ukraine to immediately develop a
national disarmament program together with OSCE specialists targeting
all illegally armed groups throughout the country and to end all illegal
occupation of public buildings and squares,” the conclusions read.
The council reiterated the EU’s commitment to signing the remaining
provisions of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, including the Deep
and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as soon as possible after the
presidential elections on May 25.
The council welcomes the trilateral energy talks between Russia,
Ukraine and the EU launched in Warsaw on May 2 aimed at safeguarding the
security of supply and transit of natural gas to and through Ukraine on
the basis of a transparent regime.
“The council encourages Ukraine and Russia to find a comprehensive
negotiated agreement ensuring energy supply to Ukraine on the basis of a
fair and transparent market price,” the conclusions read.
