EU-UKRAINE summit in Paris - 9 September 2008

GEORGIA

The European Union and Ukraine are gravely concerned by the open conflict which has broken out in Georgia, by the resulting violence and by the disproportionate reaction of Russia. Military action of this kind is not a solution and is not acceptable. We deplore the loss of human life, the suffering inflicted on the population, the number of displaced persons and refugees, and the considerable material damage.

The European Union and Ukraine recall that a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in Georgia must be based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity recognised by international law, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The European Union and Ukraine emphasise that all European States have the right freely to determine their foreign policy and their alliances, while respecting international law and the principles of good neighbourliness and peaceful cooperation. They are concerned by the impact which the current crisis is having on the whole of the region and affirm their common desire to participate actively in the strengthening of regional cooperation.

The European Union and Ukraine undertake to contribute actively to the full implementation of the six-point agreement signed by the parties to the conflict, to the lasting restoration of peace in Georgia and to the humanitarian, economic and social rehabilitation of the areas affected by the hostilities.