Situation in Ukraine

Situation in Ukraine

Decisions

The Deputies,

Having reviewed the situation in Ukraine on the basis of the report presented by the Secretary General on his visits to Kyiv and Moscow on 2-4 September 2014,

Recalling their previous decisions,

1. stressed that the crisis in Ukraine can only be resolved, as advocated by the Secretary General, on the basis of the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes, the full respect of the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and the protection of human rights;

2. welcomed the Protocol signed in Minsk on 5 September 2014, as a first step towards a durable cease-fire and a long-term solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine, and called on all parties to strictly respect and fully implement all twelve principles contained therein without delay;

3. called upon the Russian Federation to use its influence over the separatist movement in eastern Ukraine with a view to de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue in the search of a peaceful and negotiated outcome to the crisis;

4. urged the Russian Federation to withdraw all its troops from Ukraine and refrain from any further military interference in Ukraine, including the supply of military assets to other parties, and to secure the border to avoid the illegal transfer of such assets, in full respect of the United Nations' Charter and its commitments within the Council of Europe, regarding in particular the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes and the full respect of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of States, rejecting any forms of threats of force;

5. condemned the downing of the Malaysian Airlines aircraft on 17 July 2014 and called for immediate, safe and unrestricted access to the crash site to enable independent experts to continue their investigations;

6. underlined the importance for the peace process that the parliamentary elections scheduled in Ukraine for 26 October 2014 are held throughout the whole of its territory in a free and democratic manner and invited the Secretary General to provide any assistance which may be requested by the Ukrainian authorities for the successful conduct of these elections;

7. encouraged the Secretary General to continue to assist the Ukrainian authorities in the conduct of the necessary internal reforms, in particular regarding the Constitution, the judiciary, decentralisation and the protection of persons belonging to national minorities; welcomed the preparation of a new Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine to this effect and stressed the distinct contribution of the Venice Commission and the International Advisory Panel;

8. expressed their deep concern regarding the situation of all persons affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons and refugees, and encouraged the Secretary General to examine how the Council of Europe can address, in co-ordination with other international organisations, the humanitarian needs and the human rights consequences of the military operations in Ukraine;

9. reiterated that the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol cannot form the basis for any alteration of their status, and underlined that the full and effective enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights by all individuals living there, including the native Crimean Tatars and other persons belonging to national minorities, must be secured.