The Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine should be signed as soon as possible, Foreign Minister János Martonyi declared following the extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

The foreign ministers condemned Russia's aggression because it had violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unless Russia reduces the tensions it has created, the EU may introduce measures that will have an impact on bilateral relations, such as suspending talks on visa affairs and the updating of general regulations. Moreover, further targeted measures could also be considered. The Hungarian Foreign Minister said Hungary concurred with the joint EU position.

As regards the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, the Joint Declaration reconfirmed the European Union’s offer of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and stated that the Association Agreement does not constitute the final goal in EU-Ukraine cooperation.

Mr Martonyi said that the Visegrad Four foreign ministers stressed, after their recent visit to Ukraine, that signing the Association Agreement with Ukraine was urgently needed. No further decision was necessary on the part of the EU and technical preparations were ready to begin, he added.
Another important element of the V4's joint position was recognising Ukraine's new government as legitimate, and a financial aid package should be prepared in short order, he said.

Commenting on his impressions after visiting Transcarpathia, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said the idea of autonomy for the region had only come up in Hungary and not in Transcarpathia. If the Ruthenians bring up this issue, then it will be necessary to take into consideration whether it is beneficial for the Hungarian minority, which represents only 12 percent of the population. Hungary's interest is to prevent a Ruthenian-Ukrainian conflict from developing, he added.

Mr Martonyi declared that it would be irresponsible for Hungary to recommend autonomy or federalism for the region. However, if there was a demand by the Hungarian community of Transcarpathia for the creation of an administrative unit along the Tisza River, then Hungary would lend its support.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)