Kyiv, June 11, 2014 – there is only one way for settling the conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk regions – through comprehensive political and economic dialogue between the East and central authorities of Ukraine. It was said by one of the coordination center “Donbas” leaders, Oleh Saakyan, during his press conference in Ukraine Crisis Media Center. «Not only pre-term election to Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is important, but local council election too. It is essential that politicians able to organize a dialogue between people in the east and the central authorities should come to power as a result of this election. Nevertheless, successful holding is possible only on condition of border closure with the neighboring state and armed groups localization. At the same time it is necessary to distinguish between militants and people who had been either deceived or forced to mount the barricades. These people already repent and are ready to the dialogue with authorities».
According to Oleh Saakyan, decentralization process might take up several years. «Either Polish or French pattern of decentralization of power might be suitable for Ukraine».
Coordinator of the center “Donbas” also mentioned certain dangerous messages circulating in the West and East of Ukraine. «One of such messages reads – «Why should we battle for Eastern Ukraine which does not protect itself?». I would like to emphasize: a true Ukrainian will not divide his country into “our” and “their” regions. We are strong only when we are together. Such statements are manifestation of separatism and support those who want to split our country», stated Oleh Saakyan. «Another dangerous argument is as follows: refugees from Eastern Ukraine came when all hard work is done and they do not want to work. The truth is, people from Eastern Ukraine have always been very hard-working. Part of those who moved to other regions of Ukraine are ready to work. That is why we apply to various authorities, trade unions, for instance, with a request to provide employment assistance to refugees from Donbas. Ukrainian people should stay united, like it always has happened, for example, during Chornobyl disaster.
