The EU Foreign Affairs Council expressed shock and saddeness over the crash of the Malaysian Airlines Flight in Ukraine, calling the separatist groups in the area to ensure full access to the site. It agreed to accelerate preparation for new sanctions against Russia. The Council also discussed recent developments in the Middle East, urging the sides for an immediate cessation of the hostilities.
“The Council was shocked and deeply saddened by the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in Donetsk and the tragic loss of so many innocent lives. The Council called on the separatist groups in the area to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the site in order to proceed with victim identification as well as to recover remains of those deceased,” the Council said in a statement.
Reiterating support to the call for a full, transparent and independent international investigation in accordance with the international civil aviation guidelines, the Council urged Russia to actively use its influence over the illegally armed groups, the statement said.
“Those directly or indirectly responsible for bringing down this plane must be held accountable and brought to justice,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton said.
The Council agreed to accelerate the preparation of the sanctions agreed at the European Council of 16 July and to expand “restrictive measures with a view to targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine.”
The Council also requested the Commission and the European External Action Service to finalise preparatory work on possible targeted measures and to present proposals for action, including on access to capital markets, defence, dual use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.
EU foreign ministers also held an in-depth discussion on recent developments in the Middle East. The Council called for an immediate cessation of the hostilities based on a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.
“In this regard, the Council welcomed on-going efforts by regional partners, in particular by Egypt, and reiterated its readiness to provide the necessary support,” the statement said.
“We are extremely concern at the continued escalation of violence in Gaza and condemn the serious loss of life,” Ashton said.
See Council conclusions and press release on Ukraine.
See Council conclusions on Middle East.
A comprehensive press release is available here.
