High Representative Catherine Ashton is following closely the worrying developments in Eastern Ukraine, including seizure of public buildings in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk with use of force, her spokesperson said in a statement.
Ashton “commends the Ukrainian authorities for pursuing their law and order operations in a measured manner,” the statement said, adding that she “reiterates the strong support of the European Union for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The High Representative called against any further destabilisation of Ukraine, “whether from the inside or the outside.”
“Political demands should be addressed in a non-violent way through appropriate fora. It is also of vital importance that Ukraine’s constitutional reform is comprehensive and completed without delay. The Ukrainian government needs to reach out to the population from east to west of Ukraine, and ensure that political processes as well as reforms reflect the regional diversity and respect human and civil rights,” the statement said.
“The EU stands by the Ukrainian government in its efforts to stabilise the situation. The High Representative continues the diplomatic efforts aiming at de-escalating the situation in Ukraine,” the statement said, adding that Ashton would meet foreign ministers of the US, Russia and Ukraine next week, while the Foreign Affairs Council would assess the latest developments on 14 April.
Integral statement: http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140408_08_en.pdf
