STATEMENTS BY FOREIGN MISSIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS
21 November - 31 DECEMBER 2013
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OSCE
OSCE media freedom representative condemns brutal attack against Ukrainian journalist, calls for thorough investigation
VIENNA, 25 December 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed deep concern about journalists` safety in Ukraine following an attackagainst Tatyana Chernovil, a journalist with Ukrainskaya pravda.
Chernovil was severely beaten last night after being followed on her way from Boryspil to Kyiv. Reportedly she suffered serious injuries, including a concussion and broken nose.
"Attacks on journalists cannot be tolerated, there must be no impunity for the perpetrators. I welcome that President Yanukovich condemned this attack and call on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice,” Mijatović said
Media reports that police has launched an investigation on hooliganism charges. According to Ukrainskaya pravda, Chernovil´s latest and critical reports covered high-level law enforcement officials.
Mijatović also reiterated her callto the Ukrainian authorities to improve the safety of journalists which has unfortunately deteriorated in recent weeks.
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The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
20 December 2013
Ukraine: the authorities need to seek a consensus, co-rapporteurs say
Strasbourg, - The co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Ukraine of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Mailis Reps (Estonia, ALDE) and Ms Marietta de Pourbaix-Lundin (Sweden, EPP/CD) today stressed the need for the authorities to seek a broad consensus among all political forces in Ukrainian society on the future geo-political direction of the country and its further European integration.
"The sudden U-turn of the authorities with regard to the Association and free trade agreements with the European Union has raised legitimate questions among individuals and groups in the Ukrainian society that must be answered", the co-rapporteurs stated.
They welcomed the agreement reached between the opposition and the ruling majority in the Verkhovna Rada on a general amnesty for those involved in the Euromaidan protests. However they stressed that a genuinely independent inquiry into the police violence on 30 November is still needed.
" The amnesty agreement underscores both the need and potential for a continuing dialogue between authorities and the political forces united in the Euromaidan, about the further European integration of the country. We call upon all political forces to seriously commit themselves to such dialogue. In addition we expect that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful manifestation will be fully respected. The search by security forces of the headquarters of an opposition party contradicts such principles", the co-rapporteurs added.
The Assembly will discuss the developments in Ukraine during its Winter Session (Strasbourg, 27-31 January 2014). The rapporteurs expressed their readiness to return to the country before that debate if the political developments in Ukraine so warrant.
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United States Mission to the OSCE Statement on Events in Ukraine
19 December, 2013
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna
The United States continues to follow closely the situation in Ukraine, and like others, we continue to urge non-violence and to see credible political dialogue as the only way forward. As we have stated previously, the United States supports a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Ukraine. We note that a number of individuals who were detained in connection with the protests have been released, but the charges against them have not been dropped. Going forward, the government of Ukraine should ensure that those who have led or participated in peaceful protests are not subject to prosecution. Journalists should be able to cover anti-government demonstrations and activities without fear of retribution. Civil servants participating in those events as private citizens should not be penalized by their supervisors.
Continued engagement by the international community can inspire trust among the Ukrainian people. The OSCE should make its relevant resources, expertise, and mechanisms fully available and actively encourage a peaceful, credible, political solution.
We encourage Ukraine to demonstrate its continuing leadership as the Chairman-in-Office by making use of the OSCE and to adhere fully to its OSCE commitments and principles.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
Strasbourg, 18 December 2013
Ukraine: Declaration of the Committee of Ministers
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, representing its 47 member States, calls for dialogue among all political forces in Ukraine, urging them to resolve the ongoing crisis with mutual consideration and through democratic and peaceful means. It calls on the government as well as the opposition forces and the country`s civil society to agree on a mutually acceptable resolution of the crisis.
The Committee welcomes the beginning of a dialogue in the form of National Round Tables with the participation of all political forces in Ukraine and the release of a number of people arrested during the clashes in Kyiv on 30 November and 1 December 2013.
The Committee expresses its full support for the recent initiative taken by the Secretary General, and accepted by both the authorities and the opposition in Ukraine, to promote confidence through an independent investigation into these incidents.
The Committee of Ministers recalls that the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Ukraine is a Party, must be guaranteed. This applies in particular to the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression and information. The Committee calls on all parties in Ukraine to ensure full respect for these rights.
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The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia
12 December 2013
Protests in Ukraine
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Julie Bishop, has expressed concern about recent political developments in Ukraine.
Over past weeks, the people of Ukraine have gathered in protest against their government`s decision to suspend preparations for the signing of an Association Agreement with the European Union.
Ms Bishop has joined many in the international community to deplore the Ukrainian Government`s use of violence against peaceful protestors in Kyiv, which was disproportionate and excessive.
Ms Bishop has urged the Ukrainian authorities to exercise utmost restraint in regard to the protests; to ensure Ukraine`s international commitments to the freedoms of assembly and expression are fully upheld; and to listen to the voices and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
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The United States
11 December 2013
Readout of US Defense Secretary Hagel`s Call with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Pavlo Lebedyev
Today US Defense Secretary Hagel spoke by phone with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Pavlo Lebedyev. Secretary Hagel warned Minister Lebedyev not to use the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the civilian population in any fashion. He underlined the potential damage of any involvement by the military in breaking up the demonstrations and called for restraint. Minister Lebedyev stated that it is President Yanukovych`s position not to use the Armed Forces against the protestors and said he would pass the Secretary`s message directly to President Yanukovych.
http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16416
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The Government of Canada
11 December 2013
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Developments in Ukraine
Pretoria, South Africa
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on developments in Ukraine: “Canada is deeply concerned with last night’s developments in Ukraine. The decision by Ukrainian authorities to use riot police against peaceful protests in Kyiv’s Maidan Square is undemocratic and excessive. It is particularly troubling as it follows on the police violence against peaceful protestors, mostly students, only days ago. “Canada and the international community expect Ukrainian authorities to respect and protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to express their opinions freely. “Canada stands with the Ukrainian people during this difficult time and will continue to forcefully oppose all efforts to repress their rights and freedoms. The House of Commons dedicated time to discussing the situation in Ukraine yesterday. “We and like minded allies will be monitoring developments closely and considering all options at our disposal.”
http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2013/12/11/statement-prime-minister-canada-developments-ukraine
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom
11 December 2013
Foreign Secretary William Hague urges calm in light of further violence in Ukraine.
Following reports of riot police taking down protest barriers in Kyiv overnight the Foreign Secretary said:
I am deeply concerned by the Ukrainian Government’s decision to send riot police to confront peaceful demonstrators on Independence Square this morning. As we have made clear to the Ukrainian authorities over recent weeks, the concerns of protesters should be met with dialogue not violence. Such action is unacceptable. The United Kingdom stands firmly with the Ukrainian people’s desire for a future built on closer association with their European partners and respect for democratic values.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-calls-for-restraint-from-ukrainian-government
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The European Union
11 December 2013
Ashton says Yanukovych promises to decide in 24 hours on resolving crisis situation in Ukraine
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych promised her to take steps to resolve the crisis in Ukraine within 24 hours.
Ashton said at a news conference in Kyiv on Wednesday that from what she had heard from Yanukovych, something should be done within 24 hours. Yanukovych said many times that he had always wanted to see strong ties and close relations with the European Union, Ashton said when asked whether the EU planned to sanction the Ukrainian authorities in case of undemocratic actions on peaceful protestors.
The EU high representative said she made clear to the Ukrainian president that the current way of dealing with the situation could continue no longer. This is not right and one should use dialog in which people will be able to exercise their right to peaceful demonstrations, assemblies instead of provoking people, which would push them to further protests, she said.
Ashton said that peaceful solution to the situation should be found, however difficult this could be.
On the positive side, the EU high representative noted that the people arrested after an attempt to storm the presidential administration in Kyiv were released from custody.
http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/181221.html
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The European Parliament
11 December 2013
EU Parliament is considering sanctions against Ukrainian officials and oligarchs responsible for the use of violence against the protesters.
Sactions may apply to policement, prosecutors and judges, as well as oligarchs, said Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, in an interview to Deutsche Welle Ukrainian service.
EU doubts that Yanukovych is considering peaceful resolution of the current crisis. The events of the night of Dec. 11 showed once again that Yanukovych cannot be trusted. "We no longer believe that Yanukovych is looking for a peaceful solution and has European aspirations," said Brok.
He stated that if there will be no progress on the dialogue with the opposition, EU should consider introducing the ban on entrance to the EU and economic sanctions, such as blocking bank accounts, with respect to specific persons. "But should still wait for the developments in the next coming days," said Brok.
http://zn.ua/POLITICS/v-evroparlamente-vserez-zadumalis-o-sankciyah-k-ukrainskim-chinovnikam-i-oligarham-134841_.html
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The United States
11 December 2013
US: Sanctions possible against Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department says it is evaluating all options, including possible U.S. sanctions, against the Ukraine, where government security forces are cracking down against demonstrators.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki would not say what types of punitive sanctions the U.S. was considering.
In the past, the U.S. has imposed asset freezes and travel bans on senior officials in oppressive governments.
Western diplomats have increased their pressure on the Ukrainian president to seek a solution to the tensions that have paralyzed the economically troubled nation of 46 million.
Opposition leaders on Wednesday rejected the president`s offer of talks, saying they will not sit down with him until he fires his government and releases all arrested demonstrators.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/24195864/us-sanctions-possible-against-ukraine
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The United States
11 December 2013
The Statement by Senator John McCain on Developments in Ukraine
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the use of violence by Ukrainian authorities against peaceful demonstrators in Kiev, Ukraine:
“It is appalling that Ukrainian authorities have chosen to use violence and oppression against peaceful demonstrators in Maidan Square in Kiev. Such despicable conduct violates the most basic universal rights – especially the freedom to speak and associate – that are owed to all people.
“If Ukraine`s government thinks that brute force and the politics of fear can see it through the current crisis, it is woefully mistaken. More and more Ukrainians are showing that they are no longer afraid. Those brave men and women should know that they are not alone. Their friends across the world stand in solidarity with them. We will keep the world`s attention on Ukraine`s struggle for freedom, justice, and opportunity, and we will demand consequences for any crimes perpetrated against Ukrainians who are peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights.”
http://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e2d4a7bc-ce67-4f59-a87a-1b472ab849f2
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Transparency International
11 December 2013
Ukraine: The People Speak Out
The people protesting in Ukraine should not be subject to brutal repression by the security forces. Ukrainians are braving physical and legal attacks in their efforts to send a strong message to their political leaders that they want a more transparent and accountable government that answers to the people.
Attacks by the government have included the raiding of opposition offices, shutting down media outlets and the intimidation of civil society. The executive director of Transparency International Ukraine Oleksii Khmara was sentto courton 9 December to face administrative charges for a case that was initially dismissed months ago due to falsified evidence.
"I fear that the authorities are trying to stop us reacting to the events that have unfolded in Ukraine over the last few weeks. I see this as a purely politically manoeuvre caused by the activities of Transparency International Ukraine, including our tough assessment of the security services during the recent violent dispersal of Euromaidan protestors in Kiev.”