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Speech of the Head of the Party of Regions faction in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.F.Yanukovych at the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Collaboration Committee
27.02.2008, 12:38
Dear co-chairmen!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Dear friends!
First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate our colleagues with a significant event – ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty by the European Parliament.
The European Union has once again proved its ability to solve the most difficult and sensible issues through compromise and respect to interests of everyone.
It is an inspiring example, especially for us.
As you know, Ukraine currently experiences another "interesting period" of society development.
I would diplomatically describe it as "dynamic Ukrainian-Ukrainian dialog on the necessity of observing European values".
I would especially underline – observing rather than just declaring.
Primarily, the case in point is that the power should act transparently and in public, exceptionally within legal framework, respect laws and the Constitution and, foremost, its own people.
To keen regret, lately we have observed motion backwards.
The letter of three heads of the state on Ukraine's joining the NATO Membership Action Plan has accelerated the events.
I am not an adherer of introducing our internal problems to broad international public. We can and should manage ourselves.
However, within consideration of an issue on our agenda, I would like to explain the Party of Regions position concerning reasons of present political crisis in Ukraine.
We in principle oppose the vital problems of state's life to be settled secretly, without discussion and adoption of decisions in the Government and the Verkhovna Rada.
Especially it concerns issues that entail acute discussions in the society.
Unfortunately, situation with NATO is not a single example. Serious disturbance is caused by attempts to amend substantially the Constitution passing over the Parliament of Ukraine.
As for NATO itself, the Party of Regions position is clear and understandable. The people and only the people are to express their own opinion on entering into the Alliance at the referendum.
Summarizing the part of my speech concerning home policy, I will mention that all points on the agenda could be settled through a dialogue and search for compromise provided there is good will.
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Among matters which unite and consolidate the Ukrainian society, one of the greatest significance is European integration.
For this reason I would like to express profound gratitude to the Committee members for political courage and foresight with which they addressed this problem.
A final statement and recommendations of the Committee on Parliamentary Collaboration last meeting, that took place in Kyiv and Donetsk, as well as drafts which we are to approve today, give, as they say, right signals in right time.
It is important that they should be heard, and recommendations should not only be taken into account but also implemented.
By the way, with regard to fruitful performance of the Committee's 9th meeting, I ask for considering a suggestion about regular holding of Committee's arrangements in Donetsk.
It is fundamentally important that the Committee's position on Ukraine 's European prospects should be completely taken into account at negotiations on signing a new substantial treaty between Ukraine and the EU.
Absence of such prospects may cast doubt on the treaty itself.
We support subsequent development of bilateral collaboration in the sphere of the Common foreign and security policy of the EU.
Successful functioning of the EU Mission on assistance at the Ukrainian -Moldavian border is among considerable outcomes of such collaboration.
During our Government's work we rendered various assistance to the Mission's performance.
I would point out visa issue among challenges to be addressed primarily.
I rather thoroughly stated about this problem during my speech in the European Parliament almost a year ago.
I think that all of you will agree with me that a situation when in a peace-time ten thousands if not hundreds of thousands of our citizens are deprived of basic right for free movement, when their honour and dignity are rudely humbled in standing in endless queues for visas during interviews, and especially, refuses without any explanation, is completely inadmissable.
An agreement on visa regime simplification, unfortunately, so far have not given a perceptible result for an average citizen.
And after new countries joined the Schengen Agreement, life of many dwellers of boundary regions has become a real hell.
I state regretfully that preparation for this was ineffective.
Thus, the situation requires permanent control and reacting. I propose to form a special working group or identify speakers on this issue.
We cannot, do not have a right to pretend as if nothing extraordinary occurred.
To conclude I would like to express support for Final statement and recommendations draft.
Thank you for attention. | |
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