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EU mulls civilian law and order mission for Ukraine

10 April 2014, 21:50 CET
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(BRUSSELS) - The European Union is considering the dispatch of a civilian expert mission to Ukraine to assist with judicial and policing matters, EU diplomats said on Thursday.

The idea was put to ambassadors from the 28-nation bloc jointly by Britain, Poland and Sweden on Wednesday and will be discussed by foreign ministers at talks in Luxembourg on Monday, said a diplomat who asked not to be identified.

The three nations behind the mission are hoping for a quick green light from the EU and for a launch by June.

But not all EU states are in favour, with a second diplomat saying it was "essential to be reasonable" by avoiding any decision that "might undermine dialogue with the Russians" ahead of key talks next Thursday.

The top EU and US diplomats meet counterparts from Russia and Ukraine in Europe for the first such talks on April 17.

"Nobody's opposing the mission but there are doubts about whether this is the best moment to launch it," added the second diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"It would comprise policing experts, judges, prosecutors," said another source, and could "run into three figures".

It has been likened to a smaller version of the EU rule of law mission in Kosovo, EULEX, a 2,000-strong unit that has investigated corruption and advised on judicial and policing matters in that country since 2009.

A written proposal circulated by the three countries and seen by AFP said the plan is "in response to repeated calls from Kiev" with the aim of "re-establishing confidence in the rule of law in Ukraine".

The mission, whose task would be "monitoring, mentoring and advising", would primarily focus on Kiev but should also have a remit to work in the regions.

"This would provide a clearer idea of the pressures and challenges in the regions, and give a greater understanding of what is happening on the ground," the document states.


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