European Parliament calls for sanctions against Ukrainian officials

Deputies of the European Parliament adopted a resolution in which they call for sanctions against Ukrainian officials and businessmen, the press service of the EP reports . Before the vote, an amendment was adopted, mitigating the wording - the word "introduction" was replaced by "preparation" of sanctions.

In the resolution, the European Parliament “calls on the EU countries and the EU institutions to take immediate action”, including the establishment of increased diplomatic pressure and the preparation of personal measures (in particular, to freeze assets and property) “in relation to all officials of Ukraine and business sponsors (oligarchs)” responsible for the death of protesters in the country.

Deputies of the European Parliament condemn excessive violence used by the Ukrainian security forces, Berkut and allegedly sponsored by the Government “Tithees” and urges the Ukrainian authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators. The resolution is condemned by an amnesty recently adopted by the Ukrainian parliament, which "turned the victims into hostages." Deputies demand the unconditional liberation of all protests.

The EP also considers it necessary to activate efforts to counteract money laundering by Ukrainian companies and businessmen in European banks. Deputies call on the EU, the USA, the IMF, the World Bank, the EBRD and the EB to continue the preparation of the long -term package of financial assistance to Ukraine.

Ukraine has not yet concluded an agreement on financing from the IMF. It was reported that the fund demanded from Ukraine the fulfillment of a number of conditions in exchange for loans, including the devaluation of the hryvnia. The European Commissioner for the expansion and policy of the neighborhood, Stefan Fules the day before stated that the EU is ready to increase assistance to Ukraine if it will advance in the direction of political and economic reforms in cooperation with the IMF.

The European Parliament also advocates creating its permanent mission in Ukraine to help relieve tension and establish a dialogue between the conflicting parties. Deputies also consider it necessary to create an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in the course of riots in Ukraine. The resolution says that such a commission should work under the auspices of the institution recognized by the international community, such as the Council of Europe.

On the eve of the European Commissioner for the expansion and policy of the neighborhood, Stefan Fules said that Ukraine should present a plan to get out of this situation itself. Neither the plan developed, in Brussels, neither created in Moscow will be successful, he said.

In the near future, measures will be taken to accelerate the release of detainees during mass shares, assured by the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych Assistant State Secretary of the United States on Europe and Eurasia Victoria Nuland. This was reported by UNIAN with reference to the presidential press service. The parties discussed the ways of resolving the domestic political situation in Ukraine based on the dialogue of the authorities and the opposition. Yanukovych emphasized that he was a supporter of the speedy constitutional reform in compliance with all the necessary procedures