Europe again calls on Russia to withdraw its troops and calm militants

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - 12:16 (EEST) Section: Latest news

The European Union has again noted Russia’s responsibility for the removal of illegal armed groups from Ukrainian territory.
This is stated in the conclusions on Ukraine made after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, a Ukrinform correspondent reported.
“The [EU] Council underlines the Russian Federation’s responsibility in this context, and calls for the withdrawal of illegal armed groups, military equipment, fighters and mercenaries, as well as for the securing of the Ukrainian-Russian border with permanent monitoring under OSCE verification,” reads the document.
The EU also expects the unwavering practical commitment by the parties to the holding of the early local elections in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in full conformity with Ukrainian law and international standards.
Moreover, the EU decision notes that those directly and indirectly responsible for the downing of the MH17 plane should be held accountable and brought to justice as soon as possible.
The EU also welcomed the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of laws on prosecutor’s office and the fight against corruption.
The foreign ministers of EU member states also approved the Operational Plan of the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform (EUAM Ukraine).