EU's response to Ukraine so far inadequate - Main contents
Reacting to news of escalating violence in Ukraine, Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE leader called on the High Representative of the EU to take urgent action.
He said "The High Representative should urgently convene the EU Foreign Ministers to an extra-ordinary meeting of the Council on the escalating crisis in Ukraine. Today's violent and bloody clashes between the protesters and the police is a clear indication that the EU response so far has been inadequate.”
He continued “What was a tense and polarised situation is now spinning out of control with unpredictable consequences.The Yanukovich regime and the Party of the Regions seem to be unwilling to real compromises and real efforts to defuse the situation, while the opposition and the protesters must make further efforts to rein in extremist elements and to secure the legitimacy of their cause by only applying peaceful means.
The Foreign Affairs Ministers should now consider a reinforced EU strategy to end the crisis in Ukraine. Such a strategy should be based on three elements:
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-The urgent deployment of a High level EU mediation team to assist in the talks between the government and the opposition.
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-The finalisation of a substantial short and medium term financial support package for Ukraine.
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-The introduction of targeted individual sanctions and asset freeze of those officials involved in repressive measures against peaceful protesters and civil society organisations.”
Hans van Baalen, ALDE spokesperson on Ukraine concluded
“It should now be clear for President Yanukovich and people surrounding him that they no longer can continue to govern Ukraine under the current terms. I call for united action from the EU, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and ODIHR to put in place a comprehensive roadmap that could assist Ukraine to hold elections urgently. Only a fresh democratic mandate from the Ukrainian people can now stabilise the country."
Foto: demonstraties in Kiev, eind 2013