Plenary opening: Minute’s silence for Ukraine

European Parliament President Martin Schulz (pictured, centre) called a minute’s silence for victims of violent repression in Ukraine. He also urged the Indian authorities to expedite any legal proceedings against two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala in February 2012.

The minute’s silence marked Parliament’s respect for the Ukrainian people’s commitment to democracy and justice, and remembrance of those who died for this cause, said Schulz.
The key challenges for Ukraine now are to bring about national reconciliation and political stability, not least by electing a government that reflects all the powers in the land, he added, welcoming the release of Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko last Saturday and noting that presidential elections are scheduled for 25 May.

Italian marines held in IndiaSchulz noted that two years had passed since two Italian marines were detained and accused of killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala. Without commenting on the substance of the accusation, he urged the Indian judiciary to expedite any legal proceedings against them.

He also noted Italy’s wish that India should abide by the UN Law of the Sea Convention, and stressed that EU-India relations must be based on mutual respect, diplomacy and dialogue.
Agenda changes

A request to defer the vote on the Tobacco Directive will be put to a vote on Wednesday, just before the vote on the directive itself is scheduled to take place.

The debate on Venezuela will be wound up with a resolution, to be voted on Thursday (27 February).