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Council conclusions on Ukraine

EU News 72/2014

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Brussels, 20 February 2014

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. The European Union is appalled and deeply dismayed by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. No circumstances can justify the repression we are currently witnessing. We condemn in the strongest terms all use of violence. Those responsible for grave human rights violations should be brought to justice. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives and with the injured. We call for an immediate end to the violence, full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of access to medical assistance, and for urgent independent investigations into Human Rights violations, notably through the Council of Europe International Advisory Panel. We call upon the Government to exercise maximum restraint and opposition leaders to distance themselves from those who resort to radical action, including violence. It urges the Ukrainian government to abide by its obligations under international Human Rights instruments to which it is a State party. Any further escalation, including the introduction of a State of Emergency, or the use of the armed forces against protesters must be avoided.

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4. In light of the deteriorating situation, the EU has decided as a matter of urgency to introduce targeted sanctions including asset freeze and visa ban against those responsible for human rights violations, violence and use of excessive force. Member States agreed to suspend export licences on equipment which might be used for internal repression and reassess export licences for equipment covered by Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. The Council tasked the relevant Working Parties to make the necessary preparations immediately. The scale of implementation will be taken forward in the light of developments in Ukraine.

5. Faced with such grave crisis in Europe, the EU will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community, including in support of both the OSCE and the Council of Europe, to find a lasting, inclusive solution that respects the rights of all Ukrainians.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/141110.pdf