Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ukrainian Conflict

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the peace plan in the Ukraine and the President of Russia's commitment to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29040/14]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I assume the Deputy refers to President Poroshenko's 15-point peace plan, which was announced on 20 June 2014, together with a seven-day unilateral ceasefire by the Ukrainian Government. The plan offers an amnesty to separatists who disarm voluntarily as well as corridors to allow Russian and Ukrainian militants to return to Russia. It also envisages changes to the Ukrainian constitution to enable the devolution of more power to the regions, as well as greater protection for Russian-language rights. President Putin expressed qualified support for the plan following its announcement and it has been strongly welcomed by Ireland and its European partners.

At the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 23 June, EU Ministers expressed their support for the peace plan as a major chance for de-escalation and commended President Poroshenko's determined actions towards peace and stability in Ukraine since his inauguration, against the backdrop of increased violent activities by pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. At the European Council, which met on 27 June and was attended by the Taoiseach, EU Heads of State and Government also welcomed the peace plan but expressed regret that the ceasefire had not led to the full cessation of military hostilities. The European Council also noted the Russian President's declaration of support in principle of the peace plan and the Russian Federation Council's decision of 24 June to revoke authorisation that it had previously granted for the use Russian forces to intervene militarily in Ukraine.

Due to repeated infringements by pro-Russia separatists, President Poroshenko announced on 30 June that the ceasefire had come to an end. Since then, there have been intense diplomatic efforts to have the ceasefire reinstated in order to give the peace plan a real chance for success. Following a meeting in Berlin between the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine on 2 July, an agreement was reached on the resumption of trilateral contact group talks, involving Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE to pave the way for a new ceasefire.

I very much hope that all sides, including Russia, will continue to engage in efforts to make urgent progress towards implementing all aspect of the peace plan, which I believe offers the best opportunity for achieving the peace and stability that we all wish to see in Ukraine.

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