Press Release: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 12 May 2014

Main results of the Council :

Ukraine
The Council held an in-depth discussion on the situation in Ukraine. It expressed its alarm at the continued efforts to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said: 'The European Union will not recognise any illegitimate and illegal 'referenda'. We believe it's very important that all parties concentrate on implementing the Geneva Statement, of which dialogue and the end of violence and provocation are essential elements.'

The Council also strongly supported the holding of free and fair presidential elections in Ukraine. It took note of recent related declarations from the Russian President and expects support for the holding of these elections on 25 May.

The Council held an exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine and on the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission with Didier Burkhalter, OSCE Chairperson in Office, and welcomed the presentation of his proposals for Ukraine.

In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to broaden EU sanctions: It expanded the criteria allowing to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities and targeted 13 further persons and two entities with these measures.

The EU remains ready to assist Ukraine in the field of civilian security sector reform, including police and rule of law. The Council tasked the European External Action Service to work on elements for a possible civilian CSDP mission in this area with a view to a decision on further steps at its next meeting.

Abductions in Nigeria
The Council strongly condemned the indiscriminate killing of hundreds of civilians and the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Borno State, Nigeria. High Representative Ashton said: 'We call for their immediate and unconditional release and for those responsible to be brought to justice.' The EU and its member states also offered their support to Nigeria in the resolution of this despicable crime and ongoing efforts to protect its citizens: €10m can be made available to assist Nigeria in its anti-terrorism efforts.

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the establishment of a Human Rights Dialogue with Myanmar/Burma http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-establishment-of-a-human-rights-dialogue-with-myanmar-burma/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-middle-east-peace-process-4/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-developing-a-european-union-policy-towards-the-arctic-region/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Brussels, 12 May 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-ukraine-foreign-affairs-council-meeting-brussels-12-may-2014/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the EU's comprehensive approach http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-eus-comprehensive-approach/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on abductions in Nigeria http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-abductions-in-nigeria/

ESO: Background Information: The Council adopts the Guidelines on Freedom of Expression online-offline http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-the-council-adopts-the-guidelines-on-freedom-of-expression-online-offline/

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