EU condemns pseudo-elections in so-called ‘Donetsk/Luhansk People’s Republics’ – statement

The European Union condemns the “elections” scheduled for November 11, 2018 in the non-government controlled territories of the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic” and “Donetsk People’s Republic”.

This is stated in a declaration by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU on the "elections" in the occupied areas of Donbas.

“The EU considers the “elections” planned for 11 November 2018 in the non-government controlled territories of the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic” and “Donetsk People’s Republic” as illegal and illegitimate and will not recognize them,” the statement reads.

The EU condemns these ''elections'', as they are in breach of international law, undermine the commitments taken under the Minsk agreements and violate Ukraine's sovereignty and law. 

The Minsk agreements exclusively provide for local elections to be held within the framework of the Ukrainian legislation and under the OSCE standards and observation. These reasons render these so-called “elections” null and void.

"We expect the Russian Federation to make full use of its considerable influence over the separatists it backs. The provisions of the Minsk agreements should be implemented fully and without further delay, starting with a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, so as to create the necessary conditions for the political transition through local elections they foresee," the EU stated.

ish