On early local elections in Eastern Ukraine: Statement by the Spokesperson

EU News 435/2014

Brussels, 29 October 2014
141029/01

"We deplore Minister Lavrov's remarks about Russia's forthcoming recognition of the elections "on the territory of the proclaimed Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics" in the context of the implementation of the Minsk Protocol. We recall that the Minsk Protocol, co-signed by representatives of the Russian Federation and the two self-proclaimed "republics", foresees early local elections in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in accordance withthe Ukrainian law on interim self-governance.

The holding of "presidential" and "parliamentary" elections, called by the self-appointed authorities, would run counter to the letter and the spirit of the Minsk Protocol and disrupt progress towards finding a sustainable political solution in this framework. The EU would not recognise them. We urge Russia to use its influence to help pave the way towards local elections in accordance with the Ukrainian law. This would be a highly welcome contribution to the implementation of the Minsk Protocol."

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/141029_02_en.pdf

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