EU expects continuation of investigation into shooting on Maidan

30.12.2019 12:18

Ukrinform

The EU welcomes significant exchange of detainees held on December 29 by decision of the Trilateral Contact Group and expects that investigation into the crimes against Maidan protesters and efforts to prosecute those responsible will be continued.

“A significant exchange of detainees took place following an agreement reached by the Trilateral Contact Group. This is a welcome example of implementation of one of the measures agreed at the Normandy 4 Summit of 9 December. The European Union expects all parties to further build on this momentum. Work to implement the measures agreed at the Summit must continue,” reads the statement by the Spokesperson posted on website of European Union External Action.

“We take note of the exchange of people related to the tragic events on Maidan in 2014. We expect all accusations will continue to be investigated and the parties concerned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the Spokesperson emphasized.

The European Union reaffirmed its support to the work of the Normandy format, the OSCE and the Trilateral Contact Group, stressing the importance of the implementation of the Minsk agreements in full, including a permanent ceasefire.

“It is the only way to reach a sustainable and peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The European Union remains in steadfast support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement underscores.

On December 29, seventy-six Ukrainians returned home following the detainee exchange in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine transferred 127 detained people, including five former officers of Berkut riot police allegedly involved in shootings of Maidan protesters.

On December 9, 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 stated at the Normandy format summit in Paris that the parties would take measures to encourage the Trilateral Contact Group to contribute to release and exchange of the conflict-related detainees by the end of the year on “all-for-all” basis, starting with “all identified for all identified” principle on the understanding that international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), would be given full and unconditional access to all detained persons.