Statement from Desmond Swayne on situation in Ukraine

25 Sep 2015 04:01 PM

International Development Minister responds to news that separatists have ordered UN and international aid agencies to leave Ukraine.

Responding to news that separatists have ordered UN and international aid agencies to leave Ukraine, International Development Minister, Desmond Swayne, said:

It is outrageous and shocking that separatists in Ukraine have ordered out UN and international aid agencies with almost immediate effect.

These are neutral, impartial organisations that are looking to help people in desperate need.

As UN Under-Secretary-General Stephen O’Brien has made clear, it is imperative that separatists ensure the immediate resumption of UN and international NGO activities.

These organisations must be allowed to get on with the business of saving lives.

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