Press remarks by Danylo Lubkivsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine

UCMC press center

Ukraine Crisis Media Center, 27 May 2014

 Ladies and gentlemen,

  • Let me congratulate all of us on the successful Presidential and local elections held in Ukraine on the 25th of May.
  • It was a truly historic moment.
  • From now on Ukraine’s democratic rule is fully restored.
  • The long stand-off (with dictator first and with aggressor second) was not in vain.
  • The turnout was high. Especially for a country partly occupied and partly under attack.
  • Around 60% voters from all around the country, Crimea included, as well as from abroad cast their votes.
  • 90% of voting districts were operational.
  • People of all social, cultural and political backgrounds lined up in front of polling stations and were not afraid or tired to stand there for hours to express their will.
  • The main motivators were very clear. Protecting the country. Fighting the Kremlin aggression and insane Russian propaganda of lies and hatred. Returning back to normal lives. Reforming Ukraine.
  • People voted for freedom, dignity and European future.
  • I hope the Kremlin and Kremlin’s helpers throughout the world heard this voice.
  • This is Ukraine. This is our stance.
  • We are proud of this success. But not euphoric.
  • We have a long way ahead of us.
  • It will take lots of work for President-elect Petro Poroshenko and this Cabinet to fulfill the mandate of this election.
  • Internal stabilization, economic recovery, crackdown on corruption, decentralization of the powers, establishment of civil control over government – our to-do-list is extensive.
  • The European integration has no alternative.
  • Dialogue with Russia is important. But this dialogue will never be possible at the expense of Ukrainian independence, territory, borders, sovereign internal and foreign policy, as well as the occupied Crimea.
  • All major candidates already have voiced their approval of the election process and recognized the results.
  • International community recognizes the elections as free and democratic.
  • High representatives of the EU, NATO, OSCE, Council of Europe, as well as leaders of dozens of Ukraine’s international partners supported the free, democratic and transparent expression of will of the Ukrainian people. We do appreciate it.
  • International community has already confirmed readiness to cooperate with President-elect Petro Poroshenko and to provide Ukraine with necessary assistance.
  • ODIHR observers clearly stated that the vote took place with no administrative pressure.
  • Ukraine highly appreciates the role of 3 000 foreign observers who witnessed the electoral process.
  • We are sincerely grateful for their efforts.

 

Dear friends,

  • The newly elected President of Ukraine has already announced his intentions to travel to Donbas right after inauguration.
  • This is a clear signal to everyone in the East of Ukraine that their voice will be heard – as long as it is peaceful.
  • The Kremlin officials promised to “respect the choice of the Ukrainian people”.
  • In light of what is happening now on the border – we take it with a grain of salt.
  • Last night dozens of armed terrorists attacked the Ukrainian border in Luhansk oblast. 40 vehicles of terrorist attempted to break through our frontier.
  • There was no attempt to stop them by the Russian authorities.
  • We strongly condemn this act of unannounced war that’s being waged on Ukraine.
  • Russia is exporting terrorism – in a most brutal, unashamed manner possible.
  • This needs to stop.
  • More than this – the Russian authorities continue to persecute the Ukrainian citizens and take them hostage.
  • We call upon the international community to exercise all possible pressure to release the Ukrainians journalists, TV crews, artists and all citizens illegally detained by Russia or subversive groups.
  • Oleh Sentsov, talented film director, was detained in Simferopol on May 11.
  • Theater director Pavlo Yurov and cultural projects volunteer Denys Gryshchuk have been captive in Slovyansk for over a month.
  • They are Ukrainian patriots and peaceful artists.
  • We urge all international partners to advocate the release of Ukrainian citizens by the Russian terrorists and Security service.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

  • Ukraine watched with attention the elections to the European Parliament.
  • We have no doubt that we will be able to further enhance positive synergy between Ukraine and the EU.
  • Ukraine is grateful to the European Parliament for its consistent support of our country’s European choice.

I thank you.