Press Release: 3346th Council meeting Foreign Affairs – Brussels, 17 November 2014

Main results of the Council

Ukraine was the main focus of today's Foreign Affairs Council. The Council once more urged all parties to fully implement the Minsk documents. It called in particular for respect of cease - fire, the withdrawal of all illegal forces and military equipment, as well as for securing the Ukrainian - Russian border.

The Ukrainian elections on 26 October were an important step in Ukraine's aspirations to consolidate its democratic development, the Council said. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini added: 'We also made it clear that we ask the new government to commit to reforms internally as this is crucial to guarantee that EU support and assistance is there. I will pay a visit to Kiev as soon as the new government is formed.'

Having assessed the situation on the ground, the Council called on the European External Action Service and the Commission to present a proposal on additional listings targeting separatists. A decision is due by the end of this month.

The Council also set 1 December as launch date of the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine). The mission will advise on reforms in the civilian security sector in Ukraine and mentor the implementation of reforms. The High Representative and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin also signed the status of mission agreement for EUAM Ukraine.

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-the-middle-east-peace-process-mepp/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ebola http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-ebola-2/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-ukraine-eu-moves-to-sanction-ukraine-separatists/

ESO: Background information: Council Conclusions on Georgia - Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-georgia-action-plan-on-visa-liberalisation/

ESO: Background information: EU to launch Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform in Ukraine on 1 December, signs agreement with Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-to-launch-advisory-mission-for-civilian-security-sector-reform-in-ukraine-on-1-december-signs-agreement-with-ukraine/

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