The Presidency of the European Union is increasingly concerned about recent developments in Ukraine. The Presidency urges President Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yanukovych to assume the responsibility which they have to resolve the political crisis in Ukraine through negotiations, as agreed.
All efforts should now be focused on reaching a peaceful joint settlement quickly. The agreements reached on 4 May with regard to the holding of parliamentary elections represent an important starting point and should now be built upon.
The Presidency urgently appeals to all those with political responsibility to distance themselves from action which could result in any further escalation of the dispute, and in particular the use of armed security forces.
