Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the latest situation in Ukraine

EU News 189/2014

Brussels, 24 April 2014
140424/01

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"All parties to the Joint Geneva Statement on Ukraine of 17 April must ensure that its terms are fully implemented, including by using their leverage on illegal armed groups to stop violence and provocation and to make them hand in their arms.

The latest news from Eastern Ukraine, and in particular the reported kidnappings, torture and killings, including the cases of Volodymyr Rybak and Pavel Kovelko, is a cause of grave concern. I extend my condolences to their relatives. An independent and transparent investigation should shed full light on these deaths and bring the perpetrators to justice. All persons still illegally detained by armed groups in Eastern Ukraine must be immediately released, whether journalists, local leaders or ordinary citizens.

I call for an end to violence, intimidation and provocative actions and statements, as agreed in the Joint Geneva Statement."

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140424_01_en.pdf

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