Joint statement
of Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Mr. Volodymyr Groysman
and President of German Bundestag
Mr. Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert
Kyiv February 16, 2015
In view of topical challenges in the region, chairpersons of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and German Bundestag announced their intention to continue developing relations between the parliaments, as well as strengthening cooperation on the basis of common European values and agreements, especially with consideration of the necessity to enhance European security.
Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada remains loyal to deep systemic reforms that are of crucial importance for stability, economic recovery and democratic development of Ukraine. Key role in this process is assigned to implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including to preparation for introducing deepened and comprehensive free trade zone between Ukraine and the EU. Visa regime liberalization, that we aspire, is also among the issues that shall be clarified within this framework.
On his part, President of German Bundestag shall uphold the upcoming decision on ratification of the Association Agreement that should be adopted prior to Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga, and shall provide also for the adjusted additional micro-financial assistance to Ukraine on the part of the European Union and international financial institutions with a view to stabilize economic situation and support reforms.
Chairpersons of both parliaments confirm the unlimited sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and call on all the Parties to complete fulfillment of the package of measures adopted in Minsk on February 12, 2015 and based on Minsk Protocol of September 5, 2014 and Memorandum of September 19, 2014 that opens the way for continuous peaceful political settlement of Donbas issue. Minsk agreements are the basis for reaching lasting peace and stability in the region. Chairpersons of parliaments welcome aspirations of leaders of Ukraine, Germany, Russia and France to use their leverage to implement the package of measures adopted on February 12, 2015.
Chairpersons of Ukrainian and German parliaments demand the release of Nadiia Savchenko, a pilot taken hostage at the end of June, who is a deputy of the Ukrainian Parliament and a member of Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Chairpersons of parliaments condemn illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol on the part of the Russian Federation which contradicts the Charter of the United Nations, Helsinki Final Acts, and especially Budapest Memorandum of 1994. In this connection, chairpersons of parliaments point to the importance of the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 of March 27, 2014 that confirms sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.
Chairpersons of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and German Bundestag confirm their intention to activate interparliamentary cooperation at all levels. Information exchange concerning the processes in Ukraine; promoting implementation of the Association Agreement by Ukraine; support for the process of reforms; and parliamentary support for important decisions at the level of Federal Government and the EU Council on providing assistance to Ukraine and further rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU are the key themes of mutual interest.