EU warns Ukraine prospect of sanctions on table
European Union foreign ministers insist on a peaceful solution to Ukraine’s crisis, warning the prospect of sanctions is on the table.
The bloc’s 28 foreign ministers met in Brussels on Monday and issued a joint statement, saying they were “alarmed by the human rights situation, including violence, cases of missing persons, torture and intimidation” as part of the government’s crackdown against the ongoing protests.
The street protests against the government of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych began late last year after he refused to sign an agreement with the EU.
The EU ministers added that the bloc “remains ready to respond quickly to any deterioration on the ground.”
This refers to the “prospect of sanctions,” said Thierry Repentin, France’s European affairs minister, adding that the message was “addressed to those who would ultimately be touched by these sanctions.”
However, the ministers also said the EU is ready to provide financial assistance to Ukraine, provided a government will be formed to pursue economic and political reforms.
“A new and inclusive government, constitutional reform bringing back more balance of powers, and preparation for free and fair presidential elections would contribute to bringing Ukraine back on a sustainable path of reforms,” they said.
Earlier in the day, Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek said it was unacceptable to see human rights being blatantly violated on the borders of the EU.
“It’s something totally unacceptable, this violence and the role of the authorities in intimidation. It’s something that is very close to our experience in the socialist past,” Zaoralek said.
“I am absolutely convinced that if there is an escalation of violence, I see no chance to avoid sanctions. The EU must use all tools at our disposal,” he said.
Zaoralek made the remarks ahead of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, called to discuss the Ukraine crisis.
Anti-government demonstrations in Ukraine erupted after Yanukovych pulled out of the deal with the European Union, which could have paved the way for Kyiv to join the bloc.
Yanukovych refused to sign the agreement at the third Eastern Partnership Summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on November 29, 2013 after EU leaders called on Ukraine to allow jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko to travel overseas for medical treatment.
The protesters have insisted that only the removal of Yanukovych would placate thousands of demonstrators who have been occupying much of Kyiv’s city center.
GJH/AS/MAM