EU Calls for Speedy Implementation of Ukraine Accord

The European Union called Tuesday on all sides to implement speedily the terms of the Geneva accord aimed at defusing the Ukraine crisis.

"We call on all sides to respect the terms and conditions of the agreement in Geneva," a spokesman for EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said.

"Everything that is in the agreement should be implemented," Michael Mann said, adding: "We have seen initial signs of implementation and that is good."

However, tensions in eastern Ukraine remain high amid charges Russia is not sticking by the Geneva accord signed last week on getting pro-Moscow militias there to disarm and leave seized government buildings.

Moscow in turn says the United States and the EU are undermining the agreement and encouraging the Kiev government to renege on its commitments.

U.S. President Barack Obama has threatened more sanctions on Moscow, with White House press secretary Jay Carney warning Monday that Washington would impose further "costs" if there was no progress in coming days.

Asked whether problems with the accord meant EU plans to impose more sanctions on Russia were  being speeded up, Mann said only: "The process is still underway.

"What happens in terms of sanctions is very much dependent on what happens on the ground in Ukraine."

The EU has already hit 33 Ukrainian and Russian officials and business leaders, including members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, with visa bans and asset freezes.

EU leaders have also agreed to study tougher measures, including outright economic measures, and sources say reports on the possible impact on member states of these steps have been circulated.

Last week, EU foreign ministers agreed to expand the list of those hit with sanctions but stopped short of taking the next step to economic measures pending the outcome of the Geneva talks.