The European Union on Saturday welcomed the release of seven OSCE observers in Ukraine, but expressed a deep sadness over the victims of fire and violence in Odessa, urging “everyone to exercise utmost restraint” and does not fuel further violence.
“The EU welcomes the release of the seven unarmed military observers under the OSCE Vienna Document from Germany, Denmark, Poland and the Czech Republic as well as of the Ukrainian military personnel accompanying them who had altogether been held hostage in Slovyansk for more than a week,” the High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
“We are grateful to all those who have contributed to this positive development. This should now be followed by the release of all other hostages held by illegally armed groups in east Ukraine,” she said.
However “the EU is deeply saddened by the many deaths and injured in yesterday’s events in Odessa and conveys sincere condolences to the families of all those victims of blind violence,” Ashton said.
She called for an independent investigation and that those responsible be brought to justice.
“The EU urges everyone to exercise utmost restraint and not to exploit this tragedy to fuel more hatred, division and senseless violence. This should be a moment of reflection for everyone and an occasion for all Ukrainians to come together and to find ways to overcome the artificially fuelled divisions over the last months,” Asthon said.
“All political forces must now assume their responsibility and engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue to find a joint way out of the crisis. All signatories to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April must reinforce their efforts in view of its implementation. The EU is fully committed and will continue to do its utmost,” she added.
