DOCSLIB.ORG

Security Council Provisional Asdf Sixty-Ninth Year 7311Th Meeting Wednesday, 12 November 2014, 2.30 P.M

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Security Council Provisional Asdf Sixty-Ninth Year 7311Th Meeting Wednesday, 12 November 2014, 2.30 P.M United Nations S/ PV.7311 Security Council Provisional asdf Sixty-ninth year 7311th meeting Wednesday, 12 November 2014, 2.30 p.m. New York President: Mr. Quinlan . .................................... (Australia) Members: Argentina . ...................................... Mr. Oyarzábal Chad .......................................... Mr. Mangaral Chile .......................................... Mr. Olguín Cigarroa China .......................................... Mr. Wang Min France ......................................... Mr. Delattre Jordan ......................................... Mr. Omaish Lithuania ....................................... Ms. Murmokaitė Luxembourg .................................... Ms. Lucas Nigeria . ........................................ Mr. Laro Republic of Korea ................................ Mr. Oh Joon Russian Federation ............................... Mr. Pankin Rwanda ........................................ Mr. Nduhungirehe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ... Sir Mark Lyall Grant United States of America ........................... Ms. Power Agenda Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136) This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506. Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 14-62253 (E) *1462253* S/PV.7311 Ukraine 12/11/2014 The meeting was called to order at 2.30 p.m. reforms to which the Ukrainian authorities have committed themselves. Clearly, the ability of the Adoption of the agenda leading coalition to work constructively alongside the opposition bloc will also be key for the unity and The agenda was adopted. stability of Ukraine. We also hope to see an urgent start of a comprehensive national dialogue to rebuild Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the cohesion and address all outstanding critical national Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the issues. United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136) On 2 November, rebels in Donetsk and Luhansk held their own elections, in defiance of the Ukrainian The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Government, which were deplored by many in the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the international community, including the Secretary- representative of Ukraine to participate in this meeting. General. These elections have been condemned by the In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s Ukrainian authorities as being outside the framework provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following of the Ukrainian Constitution and law. Following the briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Jens Anders elections, the rebels have engaged in inflammatory Toyberg-Frandzen, Assistant Secretary-General ad rhetoric, declaring themselves as de facto independent interim for Political Affairs; Ambassador Ertuğrul from Ukraine and threatening to expand the territory Apakan, Chief Monitor of the Organization for Security under their control. A full mobilization, including the and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring creation of local armies and security forces, was also Mission to Ukraine; and Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, announced. In response, President Poroshenko has representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. proposed that Parliament revoke the law providing for three years of greater autonomy or special status On behalf of the Council, I welcome Ambassadors for the rebel-controlled areas that had been offered as Apakan and Tagliavini, who are joining today’s meeting fulfilment of a key tenet of the Minsk protocol. Also, on by video teleconference from Kyiv. 5 November, Prime Minister Yatsenyuk announced that The Security Council will now begin its pensions and subsidies would be halted to areas under consideration of the item on its agenda. rebel control. I give the floor to Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen. On 3 November, hostilities in the east reignited, with the potential to further undermine the Minsk Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: My briefing today will agreement. Currently, the security situation in Donetsk focus on two specific issues: political developments and Luhansk almost rivals the period immediately in Ukraine and the latest developments related to the preceding the ceasefire agreement of 5 September. conflict in the east of the country. I will also provide a Citing credible threats from the rebel leadership that brief update on the United Nations activities in relation it would launch a new offensive, on 4 November, to Ukraine. President Poroshenko ordered army reinforcements to On 26 October, Ukraine held its early parliamentary key cities in southern and eastern Ukraine. Reaffirming elections. Although there was no voting in Crimea and that Kyiv sees no military solution to the conflict and the parts of Donbas under rebel control, elections were that it would not attempt to retake rebel areas held by held throughout the rest of Ukraine in a manner that rebel force, the President’s stated objective is to protect Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Ukraine’s territory from any further incursions. (OSCE) observers welcomed as largely upholding This past weekend, particularly on the night of democratic commitments. Yesterday, 11 November, the 9 November, hostilities were reported to be at their Central Electoral Commission announced the official worst in months, with a heavy exchange of artillery results of the elections. and shelling in and around Donetsk. A similar level of Discussions are under way for the formation of fighting was reported today. Lives continue to be lost a Government, and we are hopeful that the leading daily, including those of two schoolchildren as a result coalition will be committed to the rapid implementation of shelling in Donetsk on 5 November. of the comprehensive political, legal and economic 2/24 14-62253 12/11/2014 Ukraine S/PV.7311 The upsurge in fighting comes amidst regular With nearly 1 million people now displaced by reports from the OSCE of an influx of large convoys of this conflict, both within Ukraine and to neighbouring heavy weapons, tanks and troops flowing into rebel-held countries, humanitarian agencies continue to scale areas. In that connection, there is no doubt that a failure up their presence and respond to the growing needs. to secure the Russian-Ukrainian border is a factor that The United Nations is also leading a comprehensive continues to impede the path to peace. Meanwhile, the recovery and peacebuilding assessment to conflict- humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in parts affected, Government-held areas in eastern Ukraine of Donbas. With the onset of harsh winter conditions, that also includes participation by the European Union the number of internally displaced persons is expected and the World Bank. Finally, in continuation of the to increase. If there is a return to full-scale fighting, the Secretary-General’s good offices, Under-Secretary- numbers could grow exponentially. General Feltman is slated to travel to Ukraine again in the near future, pending the formation of the new While Ambassador Apakan will brief members Government. in more detail as to the situation on the ground, one thing is clear — the ceasefire of 5 September is In conclusion, the promise of renewal and of renewed under continuous and serious strain. If the prevailing energy towards solving Ukraine’s problems embodied hostilities continue, the Minsk agreements could in the recent parliamentary elections threatens to be undoubtedly be in jeopardy. Further consultations of overshadowed by the worsening security situation in the Trilateral Contact Group with rebel representatives the east of the country. Nonetheless, the prospect that have not been scheduled, while the self-proclaimed a new, reform-oriented ruling coalition will be formed, leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics empowering it to move the country closer to a path have reportedly signalled that they would not participate of peace and stability, provides the avenue for all to in future consultations, appointing persons of lesser support Ukraine out of this debilitating conflict. authority in their place. Ambassador Tagliavini will be With the Minsk agreements in question and providing further details on that issue. uncertainty over how much strain the ceasefire can Yet, while these agreements have been breached in withstand, we are deeply concerned by the possibility various respects and are fragile, it is critical to note that of a return to full-scale fighting. Alternatively, the no side has unilaterally abrogated them. In recent days, conflict may simmer this way for months, with sporadic, there have been some small, albeit positive steps toward low-level battles marked by periods of increased implementation, such as a meeting between the general hostilities and further casualties. While either scenario staff of the Russian and Ukrainian military on a line would be a catastrophe for Ukraine, a third prospect of of delimitation.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Minsk II a Fragile Ceasefire
    Briefing 16 July 2015 Ukraine: Follow-up of Minsk II A fragile ceasefire SUMMARY Four months after leaders from France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia reached a 13-point 'Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements' ('Minsk II') on 12 February 2015, the ceasefire is crumbling. The pressure on Kyiv to contribute to a de-escalation and comply with Minsk II continues to grow. While Moscow still denies accusations that there are Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly admitted in March 2015 to having invaded Crimea. There is mounting evidence that Moscow continues to play an active military role in eastern Ukraine. The multidimensional conflict is eroding the country's stability on all fronts. While the situation on both the military and the economic front is acute, the country is under pressure to conduct wide-reaching reforms to meet its international obligations. In addition, Russia is challenging Ukraine's identity as a sovereign nation state with a wide range of disinformation tools. Against this backdrop, the international community and the EU are under increasing pressure to react. In the following pages, the current status of the Minsk II agreement is assessed and other recent key developments in Ukraine and beyond examined. This briefing brings up to date that of 16 March 2015, 'Ukraine after Minsk II: the next level – Hybrid responses to hybrid threats?'. In this briefing: • Minsk II – still standing on the ground? • Security-related implications of the crisis • Russian disinformation
    [Show full text]
  • Resolution 2202 (2015)
    United Nations S/RES/2202 (2015) Security Council Distr.: General 17 February 2015 Resolution 2202 (2015) Adopted by the Security Council at its 7384th meeting, on 17 February 2015 The Security Council, Recalling the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirming its full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, Expressing its grave concern at the tragic events and violence in eastern regions of Ukraine, Reaffirming its Resolution 2166 (2014), Firmly convinced that the resolution of the situation in eastern regions of Ukraine can only be achieved through a peaceful settlement to the current crisis, 1. Endorses the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements”, adopted and signed in Minsk on 12 February 2015 (Annex I); 2. Welcomes the Declaration by the President of the Russian Federation, the President of Ukraine, the President of the French Republic and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in support of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements”, adopted on 12 February 2015 in Minsk (Annex II), and their continuing commitment therein to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements; 3. Calls on all parties to fully implement the “Package of measures”, including a comprehensive ceasefire as provided for therein; 4. Decides to remain seized of the matter. 15-02151 (E) *1502151* S/RES/2202 (2015) Annex I Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements Minsk, 12 February 2015 1. Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and its strict implementation as of 15 February 2015, 12 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Unpacking Complexity in the Ukraine Peace Process
    CSS Analyses in Security Policy CSS ETH Zurich No. 243, April 2019, Editor: Benno Zogg Unpacking Complexity in the Ukraine Peace Process The conflict in and around Ukraine seems to be immune to political settlement. The lack of political will of the parties and technical chal- lenges have led to a stalemate in the implementation of the Minsk agreements, signed under international pressure. Unpacking the complexity of the Minsk Process allows for a better understanding of the challenges and modest results achieved so far. By Anna Hess Sargsyan The armed conflict in and around Ukraine entered its fifth year with ongoing ceasefire violations and with no political resolution in sight. The multi-format peace process dealing with the conflict, known as the Minsk Process, has very modest outcomes to show for it, despite regular meetings within the Trilateral Contact Group for- mat, the mechanism mandated to work out modalities of implementation of the Minsk agreements. In the run-up to presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine, the implementation of the security and politi- cal provisions of the Minsk agreements, signed under international pressure, remain elusive. When a peace process lasts for four years without tangible outcomes, it becomes an easy target for criticism as being ineffective and irrelevant, and runs the risk of discred- The dilapidated pedestrian bridge of Stanytsia Luhanska is the only crossing point between government and non-government-controlled areas in the Luhansk region. ICRC iting conflict resolution efforts. Some schol- ars pondered whether the conflict in Ukraine would become yet another pro- tracted conflict that Russia would use to se- cure its stronghold in the post-Soviet space.
    [Show full text]
  • DECISION No. 1400 EXTENSION of the DEPLOYMENT of OSCE OBSERVERS to TWO RUSSIAN CHECKPOINTS on the RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN BORDER
    PC.DEC/1400 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 21 January 2021 Permanent Council Original: ENGLISH 1299th Plenary Meeting PC Journal No. 1299, Agenda item 3 DECISION No. 1400 EXTENSION OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF OSCE OBSERVERS TO TWO RUSSIAN CHECKPOINTS ON THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN BORDER The Permanent Council, Recalling its Decision No. 1130 of 24 July 2014 on the deployment of OSCE observers to two Russian checkpoints on the Russian-Ukrainian border (PC.DEC/1130), Decides: 1. To extend the mandate of the deployment of OSCE observers to the two Russian border checkpoints of Donetsk and Gukovo on the Russian-Ukrainian border until 31 May 2021; 2. To approve the arrangements and the financial and human resources for the Observer Mission as contained in document PC.ACMF/5/21 of 18 January 2021. In this respect, authorizes the use of 468,000 euros from cash surplus to fund the proposed budget for the duration of the mandate to 31 May 2021. PCOEW8747 PC.DEC/1400 21 January 2021 Attachment 1 Original: ENGLISH INTERPRETATIVE STATEMENT UNDER PARAGRAPH IV.1(A)6 OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE The delegation of Portugal, in its capacity as EU Presidency, passed the floor to the representative of the European Union, who delivered the following statement: “In connection with the decision of the Permanent Council on the extension of the deployment of OSCE observers to two Russian checkpoints on the Russian-Ukrainian border, the European Union would like to make the following interpretative statement under the relevant provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
    [Show full text]
  • Minsk Declaration and Resolutions Adopted by the Osce Parliamentary Assembly
    AS (17) D E MINSK DECLARATION AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY AT THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL SESSION MINSK, 5 to 9 JULY 2017 Table of Contents Preamble 1 1st Committee Resolution: Political Affairs and Security 1 2nd Committee Resolution: Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment 8 3rd Committee Resolution: Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions 13 Resolution on Ensuring a Coherent, Shared and Responsible Governance of Migration and Refugee Flows 19 Resolution on Migration 25 Resolution on Promoting Gender Inclusive and Responsive Mediation 27 Resolution on Restoration of the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine 30 Resolution on Strengthening the Role of OSCE in Countering Terrorism 35 Resolution on Strengthening Energy Security in the OSCE Region 38 Resolution on Developing a Timely and Effective Legislative, Regulatory and Administrative Response to the Emergence of New Psychoactive Substances 40 Resolution on Drinking Water: Fostering Co-operation to Protect a Scarce Resource 44 Resolution on Observation of New Voting Technologies 48 Resolution on Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation Online through Advances in Technology 50 Resolution on Abolition of the Death Penalty 53 Resolution on Multiculturalism – The Role of Cultural Values in the Development of Democracy in the Context of Globalization 55 Resolution on Unacceptability of Discrimination and Intolerance Against Christians, Muslims and Adherents of Other Religions 57 PREAMBLE We, Parliamentarians of the OSCE participating States, have met in annual session in Minsk from 5 to 9 July 2017 as the Parliamentary dimension of the OSCE to assess developments and challenges relating to security and co-operation, in particular on Enhancing Mutual Trust and Co-operation for Peace and Prosperity in the OSCE Region, and we offer the following views to the OSCE Ministers.
    [Show full text]
  • Normandy Format Whose Member States Are Committed to Their Full Implementation
    The President of the French Republic, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, the President of the Russian Federation and the President of Ukraine met in Paris today. The Minsk agreements (Minsk Protocol of 5 September 2014, Minsk Memorandum of 19 September 2014 and the Minsk Package of Measures of 12 February 2015) continue to be the basis of the work of the Normandy format whose member states are committed to their full implementation. They underline their shared aspiration to a sustainable and comprehensive architecture of trust and security in Europe, based on the OSCE principles, for which the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is one of several important steps. On this basis, they decide on the following: 1. Immediate measures to stabilize the situation in the conflict area The sides commit to a full and comprehensive implementation of the ceasefire, strengthened by the implementation of all necessary ceasefire support measures, before the end of the year 2019. They will support the development and implementation of an updated demining plan, on the basis of the decision of the Trilateral Contact Group on demining activities, dated March 3, 2016. They will support an agreement within the Trilateral Contact Group on three additional disengagement areas, with the aim of disengaging forces and equipment by the end of March 2020. They encourage the Trilateral Contact Group to facilitate the release and exchange of conflict-related detainees by the end of the year, based on the principle of “all for all”, starting with “all identified for all identified”, with the understanding that international organisations including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) be granted full and unconditional access to all detained persons.
    [Show full text]
  • Ukraine Crisis and Mediation Not Business As Usual
    security and human rights 27 (2016) 327-341 brill.com/shrs Ukraine Crisis and Mediation Not Business as Usual Christian Schläpfer (former) Political Advisor to the Special Representative of the osce Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine (until February 2016); Currently employed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Abstract This contribution examines mediation efforts undertaken by the Organization for Se- curity and Cooperation in Europe (osce) in the context of the current crisis in and around Ukraine. It describes the establishment and evolution of the Trilateral Contact Group (tcg) and the mediated peace talks on the conflict in eastern Ukraine – the Minsk Process. Drawing from the author’s insider perspective, it sheds light on the unique aspects of the framework compared to classical mediation processes. It argues that, due to its connectivity with high-level diplomacy as well as its ability to adapt to a constantly evolving conflict, the Minsk Process represents a valuable, flexible, at times untypical, mediation framework. Keywords Ukraine crisis – mediation – osce – Trilateral Contact Group – Minsk Process – Minsk agreements *** * Christian Schläpfer received a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2008 and a Master’s degree and PhD in History from the University of Cambridge in 2009 and 2013 respectively. His doctoral research focused on counter-subversion in early Cold War Britain. ** The author is expressing a personal point of view in this contribution. The opinions stat- ed in this text should not be regarded as the official position of Switzerland, of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs or of the osce.
    [Show full text]
  • Minsk Agreements
    Briefing 12 February 2015 Minsk peace agreement: still to be consolidated on the ground SUMMARY On 12 February, after more than 16 hours of negotiations in Minsk, the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. The pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine also signed the deal, which includes a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, to begin on 15 February, followed by the withdrawal of heavy weapons. In a joint declaration, Angela Merkel, François Hollande, Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko stated their commitment to respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The document states that regular meetings will be held to ensure the fulfilment of the Minsk agreements. The tenor of most official international reactions was cautiously optimistic. International leaders said the deal gave 'hope', but at the same time emphasised that the agreement must now be implemented on the ground. Intense fighting continued during the talks, with the strategic transit hub of Debaltseve still contested. Moscow denies Ukraine's accusations that Russia is supplying troops and weapons to separatists fighting for the territory which Putin calls 'New Russia'. The on-going crisis in Ukraine erupted after former President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign an Association Agreement (AA) with the EU in November 2013 and sought closer ties to Russia. Following radical protests from pro-Western groups, Yanukovych stepped down and fled to Russia. Moscow responded by annexing the Crimea in March 2014, sparking wide-ranging EU sanctions. In this briefing: Merkel–Hollande peace initiative and the Minsk Summit Initial reactions Background: the Ukraine crisis Uncertainty over number of casualties as both sides boost troops Increasing hostility towards the EU in Russian media and public opinion Support for Ukraine from the EU and the international community President Petro Poroshenko meets European Council President Donald Tusk following the Minsk agreement.
    [Show full text]
  • European Union
    European Union Background Guide B CAHSMUN XVII Letter from the Director Dear delegates, My name is Cynthia Gan, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the European Union committee (EU). I will be serving as your Director, and along with my Chair and Assistant Director, Owen Hawes and Stephanie Hai, I look forward to watching the committee engage in debate over the course of CAHSMUN 2021. Starting my own Model UN journey as a shy—and somewhat terrified—delegate at the beginning of my sophomore year, I have since seen myself and those around me grow in various aspects since that first raised placard and nerve-wracking walk to the podium. On a deeper level than simply a public speaking activity, Model UN challenges you as a global citizen and as a thinker; through Model UN, I have attained some of my most cherished memories, and I whole-heartedly encourage you to strive beyond your comfort zone, whether you are new to the Model UN scene or a seasoned veteran. This year, the committee will be tackling the issue of Asylum Policy Review within the EU and assessing the effectiveness of the Minsk Protocol. With the effects of these issues being intricately interconnected to the global community as well as to each of the member states within the Union, delegates will need to address the various aspects of these multi-faceted topics in order to come to a comprehensive solution. It is expected of delegates in the EU to prepare and research thoroughly on both topics as well as your own country’s stances and policies in order to uphold fruitful and productive committee sessions.
    [Show full text]
  • Minsk Agreements: Peace Plans with Limited Progress in Early September 2014, a Peace Plan for Eastern Ukraine (The Minsk Protocol) Was Signed
    At a glance March 2018 A UN peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine? As the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine enters its fifth year, the debate on the possibility of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission has resurfaced, with a new report and a combination of developments on the international stage creating new momentum. Some see such a mission as a potential opportunity to contribute to unfreezing the Minsk II peace deal, paving the way for local elections. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone is deteriorating. Background: How the crisis started In 2013, Ukraine's then-President, Viktor Yanukovich, decided against signing the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). The decision triggered major pro-European protests in Ukraine. In February 2014, the Ukrainian parliament voted to impeach President Yanukovich, who then fled Kyiv. Russia responded by annexing Crimea in March 2014, in violation of international law, and by launching an undeclared hybrid war (adding strong economic pressure and targeted disinformation measures to its military aggression) against Ukraine. The EU, the United States and other countries imposed sanctions on Russia, which retaliated with counter-sanctions. The Minsk Agreements: Peace plans with limited progress In early September 2014, a peace plan for eastern Ukraine (the Minsk Protocol) was signed. Following immediate violations, a follow-up agreement was negotiated and signed two weeks later. However, fighting continued, and escalated in January 2015. In February 2015, leaders from France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a new ceasefire, the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements (the 'Minsk II' agreement), which entered into force three days later.
    [Show full text]
  • Policy Brief
    Policy brief Reporting on the Minsk II Agreement: the Effect of Russian æ Narratives in French and German Media Issue 2016/17 • October 2016 by Svitlana Kobzar This Policy Brief is the second in a two-part fea- Introduction ture that examines Russia’s ability to influence French and German narratives on the Minsk II After the summer of increased flare-ups and casualties from the agreement and Ukraine’s evolving position in war in Ukraine, the month of September has witnessed fresh dis- the international system. While the first Policy cussions about the revival of the Minsk II agreement.1 The French Brief analysed the gap between Ukrainian-Rus- and German foreign ministers recently visited Ukraine, including sian interpretations of the Minsk II agreement, its eastern conflict-ridden regions, ‘to shore up a 2015 peace deal this Brief traces how these narratives are con- that has foundered amid continuing fighting in eastern Ukraine’ textualised in French and German media land- (PressTV, 2016). Despite the increased attention to the Minsk II scapes. The research concludes that while agreement, there is still a gap in the different interpretations of there is a consistent presence of Russian nar- the agreement and its implementation.2 ratives in public discourse in these countries, they had limited impact on their public opin- The interpretation of Minsk II is important, particularly within ion. The German/French news coverage of the the EU Member States which hold sway over the decision as to Minsk II agreement as well as the role of Russia whether to continue sanctions against Russia.
    [Show full text]
  • Policy Brief 2016:3.Pdf
    Policy brief Mind the Gap: interpreting the æ Minsk II Agreement Issue 2016/3 • March 2016 by Svitlana Kobzar This Policy Brief is the first of a two-part The importance of the so-called Minsk II agreement1 has been stated many times feature that examines Russia’s ability to by the European Union (EU), its member states, the United States (US), Ukraine and influence French, German and EU narratives Russia (see Council, 2016; President of Russia, 2016; Ukrinform, 2016). On 14 March 2016, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council agreed to five principles that would guide on the Minsk II agreement and Ukraine’s the EU’s policy towards Russia. The first principle stressed that the ‘implementation evolving position in the international of the Minsk agreement’ is a precondition ‘for any substantial change in the EU’s stance towards Russia’ (Council, 2016). system. This first Policy Brief will focus on the competing Russian and Ukrainian Notwithstanding the fact that all actors involved pay lip service to the importance of the agreement and the lack of any viable alternatives, interpretations of Minsk II narratives surrounding Minsk II. Thus, it vary widely. Linas Linkevičius, the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, eloquently will examine Russia’s efforts to portray makes this point: ‘some [EU Member States and Russia] are reading Minsk literally and believe it is possible to make decisions on decentralisation [and] on Ukraine as a ‘failed state’ and a ‘semi- other political issues’ before any de-escalation of the conflict has been achieved sovereign’ subject, and to blame the West (Gotev, 2015).
    [Show full text]