00:50Belgium: Ashton "concerned" over developments in Ukraine
Belgium: Ashton "concerned" over developments in Ukraine
The EU Foreign Affairs chief Catherine Ashton said the Council of the European Union is very concerned about developments in Ukraine, in particular legislation adopted by the parliament last week, in a statement following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Ashton, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission, said: "I want to just add one particular item that we added to the agenda because we were very worried about developments in Ukraine. We are very concerned about the legislation adopted by the parliament last week which significantly restricts the fundamental rights of the citizens of Ukraine, and we urge the authorities to ensure this legislation is reversed and brought into line with Ukraine's European and international commitments. We are also concerned about events over the weekend, it is absolutely vital that all sides engage in inclusive dialogue to find a democratic solution to this political crisis".
A press release concluded that the council urges all actors to seek "a democratic solution to the current political crisis through inclusive dialogue, and to exercise restraint". It also states that the EU remains committed to Ukraine's political association and economic integration, and to signing an Association Agreement once Ukraine "is ready".
00:50Belgium: Ashton "concerned" over developments in Ukraine
The EU Foreign Affairs chief Catherine Ashton said the Council of the European Union is very concerned about developments in Ukraine, in particular legislation adopted by the parliament last week, in a statement following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Ashton, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission, said: "I want to just add one particular item that we added to the agenda because we were very worried about developments in Ukraine. We are very concerned about the legislation adopted by the parliament last week which significantly restricts the fundamental rights of the citizens of Ukraine, and we urge the authorities to ensure this legislation is reversed and brought into line with Ukraine's European and international commitments. We are also concerned about events over the weekend, it is absolutely vital that all sides engage in inclusive dialogue to find a democratic solution to this political crisis".
A press release concluded that the council urges all actors to seek "a democratic solution to the current political crisis through inclusive dialogue, and to exercise restraint". It also states that the EU remains committed to Ukraine's political association and economic integration, and to signing an Association Agreement once Ukraine "is ready".