Danylo Lubkivsky: Ukraine is strongly committed to accomplishing Geneva arrangements

Kyiv, April 29, 2014 – Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said at a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center that nothing could justify the recent capture of the OSCE inspectors. Commenting on the situation Mr. Lubkivsky noted that this incident clearly indicated that Russian separatists have no intention to fulfill Geneva agreement. “They have no real political agenda and simply execute orders from Russian authorities”, says Mr. Lubkivsky.

Deputy Minister added that Ukraine is strongly committed to accomplishing its part of the Geneva arrangements and Ukrainian government steps on implementation of Geneva statement are recognized by the OSCE monitors. The government prepared a special plan to free the OSCE inspectors. It promises amnesty to those who surrender weapons, free illegally seized administrative buildings and did not commit capital crimes. Dialogue between East and West of Ukraine is underway with a memorandum to be signed between all political forces.

“Guided by the European values, Ukrainians struggled for dignity and against criminal economy. Today is time for our European partners to follow our example. I just returned from Washington and New York where I had very efficient meetings in the US State Department, United Nations, with leaders of Jewish organizations and primary think tanks. Ukraine is being heard and does not fight alone”, notes Mr. Lubkivskiy.

Danylo Lubkivsky said that crisis agenda and ambitious plans of strategic partnership were discussed during his meeting with US officials. The United States and the European Union expanded a list of companies and individuals against whom sanctions are exposed. “This step should provide an additional pressure to stop Russian aggression. A dialogue is being continued with Jewish organizations globally on eliminating any manifestations of anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance”.

According to Mr. Lubkivsky, all-European security is threatened by Moscow as it cynically breaks the principles of the Vienna document on confidence and security-building measures. According to Chapter III of the Vienna document, Ukraine invited the Russian Federation to consultations on the issue of maneuvers of the South and West defense commands. Russia refused falsely objecting that this Chapter cannot be applied to the situation on our Eastern borders. Ukraine encourages Russia to straightforward and open dialogue under European confidence-building measures.

“We are doing everything possible to secure peaceful problem solution and to return to negotiations. But in case Russia crosses the border and starts military confrontation we will respond in the same way”, comments Mr. Lubkivsky.

Photo: dyvys.in

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