Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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439. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to monitor the situation in the Ukraine with particular reference to the need to ensure the protection of democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38231/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Ukraine remains a major priority for the EU and we continue to closely monitor developments there. Member States are resolved to do all they can to help facilitate an inclusive and negotiated settlement of the current conflict, and have actively engaged in efforts to promote dialogue between all sides, including the Russian Federation, since the outset of the crisis

Ireland has previously welcomed the fact that the EU’s relationship with Ukraine has been strengthened by the signature of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. I further welcome the simultaneous approval of this agreement by the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament on 16 September. The Association Agreement is a blueprint for a closer relationship between the Ukraine and the EU based on common values, in particular full respect for democratic principles, rule of law, good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The implementation of the Agreement will ensure progress towards not only peace and economic stability in Ukraine but ongoing reforms and the strengthening of democracy.

Presidential elections were held in Ukraine on 25 May this year. According to the assessment of the OSCE/ODHIR, the election was characterised by a high turnout and the clear resolve of the Ukrainian authorities to hold a genuine democratic exercise in line with international commitments. The EU welcomed the outcome and encouraged the Ukrainian authorities to build on the legitimacy of the newly elected President.

President Poroshenko has set 26 October 2014 as the date for fresh parliamentary elections in Ukraine. The OSCE has confirmed that it will send an Election Observation Mission, comprising 80 long-term and 600 short-term observers, to oversee the election. The EU has agreed to cover the cost of 105 short-term observers, three from each of the 28 Member States as well as from EU candidate and potential candidate countries. Ireland is sending nine election observers as part of these monitoring missions. We welcome this election, which offers the people of Ukraine an important opportunity to express their views clearly on their preferred future path.

The EU stands by Ukraine in pursuing the process of reform ahead, and has reaffirmed the need for the Ukrainian authorities to ensure inclusiveness at all levels of government. This involves reaching out to all Ukrainian regions and population groups and ensuring the protection of national minorities in accordance with Ukraine’s international commitments. In this regard, we encourage Ukraine to draw on the expertise of the Council of Europe and the OSCE.