"The groundwork laid down by the creation of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine is believed to have great possibilities and huge success," -- the Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy participated in the inauguration session of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
A.Parubiy reminded that this year had seen the centenary of proclamation of the three states and the establishment of diplomatic relations. "The common history and common challenges bring us together. Our countries not merely in words but in deeds see well enough the occupation, as in Moldova, Georgia, the Crimea, as well as in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, there are Russian occupation forces, and we have to jointly respond to these challenges," he said. According to the speaker, "as resolving the issue one should remember that it is necessary to bear responsibility for each other".
The head of the parliament stressed that "all of us are consolidated by the desire to defend independence and protect our countries", and recalled that the threat that often comes from the Russian Federation is not only militaristic. “The aggression spreads through all spheres: energy, information, spiritual, through cyber-attacks. We can feel it every day," said A.Parubiy. "Therefore, developing a common strategy is one of the challenges we face. Unfortunately, Russia does not want to make use of the highest achievements made by the European civilization, such as freedom of assembly, to utilize its methods of destabilization and influence".
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada drew attention to the threats for electoral processes slated to take place this year in all the three countries. "The threat of influence upon the electoral process is utterly high. It should not be underestimated. Therefore, the overall strategy of cyber-security, information security, reciprocal support through observers and elaboration of a common position are the most pressing challenges we do face at present," he said.
A.Parubiy also stressed that Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are united by their heading to NATO, the EU through their association agreements, as well as cooperation in the EuroNest. "This is our future, in which we go together," he stressed. - We have a common past and a common future. And it's in the European Union".
The Verkhovna Rada Chairman noted that the cooperation between the countries of the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea regions and all those abutting on Russia is intense, because they are threatened by the Russian Federation. "This is the information shield of Europe that protects the entire free civilized world," he said. - The road to the EU, our close cooperation with the Union is the keynote to our countries".
Speaking of Georgia’s occupied territories experience, Georgia who concurrently raises its economy in a quick way and is an example for Ukraine, A.Parubiy expressed his confidence that the foundation which is being laid down at the moment "will have broad prospects and great success".
"The great friendship between our countries is the earnest of the success. We shall win, as God and the truth are on our side," said the Verkhovna Rada Chairman lastly.