EU voices grave concern over Ukraine situation

BRUSSELS, April 24 (KUNA) -- The latest news from Eastern Ukraine, and in particular the reported kidnappings, torture, and killings are a cause of grave concern, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said in a statement here Thursday.
She called for "an independent and transparent investigation to shed full light on these deaths and bring the perpetrators to justice." All persons still illegally detained by armed groups in Eastern Ukraine must be immediately released, whether journalists, local leaders or ordinary citizens, said the EU foreign policy chief. "I call for an end to violence, intimidation and provocative actions and statements, as agreed in the Joint Geneva Statement," said Ashton. She stated that all parties to the Joint Geneva Statement on Ukraine of 17 April must ensure that its terms are fully implemented, including by using their leverage on illegal armed groups to stop violence and provocation and to make them hand in their arms. (end) nk.ajs