People are dying, but where is the visa abolition promised to Ukraine? – Poroshenkovites blame the EU
Ukraine has fully complied with all EU requirements, but the European Union has not provided Kyiv with the promised visa-free regime. First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Irina Gerashchenko stated this at a press conference.
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“I want to remind our European partners that it is Ukrainians who are dying today for European principles. It is unlikely that we can give an example of at least one European who gave his life for principles over the past few decades. Therefore, we are exactly an equal European partner in defending our values and principles.
In this context, Ukraine, as an equal, responsible partner, appeals to our respected colleagues... (I would like to) call on Europeans to take a responsible position in fulfilling their obligations to Ukraine,” she said.
Gerashchenko recalled that the current parliament has fulfilled all 144 points of the action plan for visa liberalization. However, the EU did not cancel visas for Ukraine, citing differences between members of the union regarding the mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime.
“We urge not to apply double standards to Ukraine. Despite the fact that today a mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime is being developed, you do not interrupt the visa-free regime for those dozens of countries where it operates,” she said.
“We see that the visa-free regime for other countries is working. Where is there any explanation as to why they are delaying it for Ukraine?” – Gerashchenko laments.
Interestingly, at the same press conference, the head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Hugues Mingarelli, said that Ukrainians pay too much attention to providing a visa-free regime.
In his opinion, the reforms that the government is carrying out during the implementation of the liberalization plan are needed primarily by Ukrainian citizens, and not by Europe.
“Your government is carrying out reforms. Who benefits from these reforms – the European Commission or Ukrainian citizens?
So, the reforms carried out during the implementation of the visa liberalization plan are carried out for the benefit of Ukrainian citizens. And the visa liberalization plan is for the benefit of Ukrainian citizens,” he said.