19:01 22.09.2014

EU notes importance of Minsk memorandum on observing ceasefire to assess implementation of peace plan for Ukraine

2 min read

The European Council's decision to assess the implementation of the peace plan for eastern Ukraine by the end of September 2014 with a view to the the possible revision of sanctions against Russia remains in force, Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, has told Interfax-Ukraine.

She said in Brussels on Monday that the memorandum adopted in Minsk on September 20 regarding the procedure for observing the ceasefire was an important element for the assessment of the implementation of the plan, which is now being prepared.

The latest package of the EU's restrictive measures against Russia over the situation in Ukraine came into force on September 12, 2014.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement in this regard on September 11 that the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) before the end of the month would carry out a comprehensive review of the implementation of the peace plan on the basis of an assessment carried out by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

He pointed to the reversibility and scalability of the EU's restrictive measures.

"Therefore, in the light of the review and if the situation on the ground so warrants, the Commission and the EEAS are invited to put forward proposals to amend, suspend or repeal the set of sanctions in force, in all or in part," Van Rompuy said.

He also added: "It is expected that the Council will consider these proposals urgently with a view to taking action if appropriate."

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