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<p>The occupation by armed groups of government buildings in towns in eastern Ukraine
is a further dangerous escalation of an already dangerous situation. On 14 April the
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the
Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) made a statement condemning these acts and
said that it was important that the EU gave a clear, strong and united response. He
also called on Russia to repudiate these lawless acts.</p><p>On 17 April, the Foreign
Secretary welcomed the commitments made in talks between the EU, US, Ukraine and Russia
in Geneva; that all illegally armed groups must be disarmed, all illegally seized
buildings must be returned to legitimate owners, and all illegally occupied streets,
squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated. He
said that rapid implementation was essential. On 23 April, he spoke about this issue
with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, urging Russia to take steps to fulfil the Geneva
Statement and to de-escalate the situation in eastern and southern Ukraine, including
making a clear public statement calling for illegally armed groups in eastern Ukraine
to disarm and vacate occupied buildings. He also invited Russian diplomats to join
efforts by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Monitoring Mission
in the eastern Ukraine.</p><p>The British Government will continue to work closely
in support of the government in Ukraine, and encourage Ukraine's political leaders
to continue to respond to events calmly and with determination, in order to harness
the united efforts of all Ukrainians to work together for a successful future.</p>
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