The Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy expressed his gratitude to Vincenzo Coppola, the EEAS Director for Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability-Civilian Operations Commander for the furtherance and support in reforming the civilian security sector Ukraine had been rendered by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in the difficult times for the state.
During the meeting on May 29, the participants discussed ways of further cooperation in reforming Ukraine’s security sector.
The head of parliament stressed that for Ukrainians the EU's unwavering and consistent position regarding the non-recognition of Russia's occupation of the Crimea and the occupied territories in the Donbas, as well as its steadfast stance on sanctions against Russia is utterly important. "We look forward to the same position in the future," he said, and informed the interlocutor about a wide range of reforms carried out under the Russian aggression.
A.Parubiy also expressed his confidence that Ukraine’s presidential shift would not alter the country’s heading on to the EU and NATO.
When informing about the progress in reshaping Ukraine’s security and defenсe sector, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine noted that the parliament had approved a basic law on national security, as well as some specialized supportive laws.
The speaker then stressed that the hot phase of the fight between the two nations is still on throughout the demarcation line and, therefore, proliferation of the mission’s presence both in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as in the Crimea, is of strategic importance for Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada Chairman also expressed his confidence that the work would continue. "The electoral factor cannot be taken as a shutdown for reforms," ??underlined A. Parubiy. According to him, a ponderable part of MPs, who worked in the security sector, would move to the next parliament and have enough strength to proceed with reforms in that area.
In his turn, Vincenzo Coppola stressed that the EU's position towards Ukraine remains unchanged and the EU would continue to render aid. "This position is, for instance, acknowledged through further prolongation of the mission’s mandate until 2021," said the officer of high standing.
V. Coppola also emphasized the importance of follow-up work over the draft bill on parliamentary control in the security sector. The EEAS Director for Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability-Civilian Operations Commander assured that EU representatives are ready to attract additional resources to the security sector of Ukraine and respond to the needs of Ukrainians.
"I have had the privilege to observe how Ukraine has been moving forward and I am proud to be part of this process," said Vincenzo Coppola, adding then that the mission remains in Ukraine, its mandate has been extended for another two years, and the very essence of the said mandate has been expanded to cover a larger area of ??activity.
“Ukraine is ‘doomed’ to success,” underscored Vincenzo Coppola.