The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said she was alarmed by the worsening security situation in Eastern Ukraine and called Russia to take concrete action in support to Geneva accord.
“I am alarmed by the worsening security situation in Eastern Ukraine. The downward spiral of violence and intimidation undermines the normal functioning of the legitimate State institutions. A number of people have been killed, wounded, tortured or kidnapped in the last few days,” Ashton said in a statement.
” I notably condemn the shooting of Mayor of Kharkiv Henadiy Kernes today and the detention of military observers from OSCE participating States in Slovyansk by armed separatists since last Friday. All persons still illegally detained by armed groups in Eastern Ukraine need to be immediately released,” she said.
Ashton also expressed concerns “about continued attacks on journalists and the deterioration of media freedom environment in Eastern Ukraine, including the illegal seizure of TV transmission towers.”
“These developments run counter to the Joint Geneva Statement on Ukraine of 17 April, which set out key steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security,” she said.
Welcoming actions taken so far by the Ukrainian government, Ashton called Russia to take steps to contribute de-escalation of the situation.
“I call on Russia to take now concrete action in support of the Geneva accord,” the High Representative said, adding that the EU was strongly supporting the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.
Full Ashton’s statement: http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140429_02_en.pdf
