>>> EU's Van Rompuy: EU has agreed call on Russia to withdraw from the Ukraine;

EU's Van Rompuy: EU has agreed call on Russia to withdraw from the Ukraine; Ukraine situation must 'de-escalate' 
- EU Joint statement on Ukraine
- EU notes Russia must allow international observes into Crimea 
- EU has suspened bilateral discussions with Russia over visas, and G8 preparations should be suspended 
- Could make decisions on asset freezes and travel bans at a later date 
- Crimea referendum decision was illegal - EU adopts special trade measures for Ukraine 
- EU wants to sign association agreements with Georgia and Moldova no later than the end of August 
- Germany Chancellor Merkel: Russia actions in Ukraine require a response, EU is threatening broad economic sanctions against Russia. 
- EU leaders will discuss putting sanctions on Russia if Moscow makes not progress in talks over Ukraine crisis 
- UK PM Cameron: Talks between Ukraine and Russia need to begin soon 
- Asset freezes and travel bans on Russia officials could happen very quickly 
- EU's Barroso: EU will sign political deal with Ukraine soon. 
- France President Hollande: Prep work for the June G8 summit is suspended as of now 
- If Russia does not engage in negotiations with Ukraine, EU will pursue travel bans, asset freezes and cancel G8 participation 
- If Russia does more to destabilize Ukraine, more measures will be taken 
- France wants to avoid suspending military contracts with Russia, will not stop sale of Mistral ships to Russia 
- Poland PM Tusk: Meeting on decision to impose sanctions on Russia was pretty stormy, not all attendees agreed with the proposals 
- EU urgently needs to sign association agreement with Ukraine, opposition to this step will be strong. 
- Canada PM Harper: Crimea is under illegal military occupation