Brussels, 22 February 2014

 

The staff of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU with deep concern and hope follows developments of the last weeks and days in Ukraine. The loss of lives in the center of Kyiv is a terrible and unspeakable tragedy. Unfortunately, the words do not help in this situation. We bow our heads before the Heroes of Ukraine.

Yesterday's Agreement on resolution of crises, facilitated by the European Union, tipped the balance in needed advantage for whole Ukraine. We witness the consequences of this decision: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine votes with heart and soul, working for the sake of its own people.

Today, the main task is to stabilize the political and economic situation in Ukraine, to prevent artificial criminal attempts to split the country, to preserve the territorial integrity and state sovereignty. It is also important to refrain from any radical actions that could disrupt the delicate balance.

As soon as these tasks are achieved we have to return to the origins of the most critical political crisis in the modern history of Ukraine. We remember that the protests in Ukraine have started when a surprising decision for all of us was taken not to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union. This decision called into question the results of years-long work by the diplomats and civil servants, a goal to which many of us have devoted their lives. But the most important is that the people of Ukraine was deprived of a symbol of hope – to have better European future.     

We confirm that the European Union remains ready to sign the Association Agreement with Ukraine as soon as our state is ready for it, as this document is an effective instrument for the modernization of the country as well as the best answer to a question “What should be done further?”. We have no right to lose this historic chance.  

We call for to use this momentum to continue systemic reforms, required by the European choice of Ukraine. We have to change deeply the election system, create a genuine and credible judiciary, as well as to adopt the legislation necessary to the introduction of the visa free regime between Ukraine and the EU.   

We are grateful to the European Union for dedicated meditative efforts. We sincerely hope that the positive news from Ukraine, which we missed so much in recent months, will come every day.

The staff of the Mission was and remains at the service of the Ukrainian people!