Ruslan Stefanchuk called on the Parliament of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels to adopt an act in support of Ukraine's European integration aspirations
22 June 2022, 20:09
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has called on the deputies of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels Parliament to adopt an act in support of granting Ukraine the status of an EU candidate country.
He stressed the importance of this decision in a video address during the plenary session of the Parliament of the Francophone Community of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of the Kingdom of Belgium. According to him, such a decision will not only bring an end to this bloody war in Europe but will also give new impetus to the EU itself.
"This would serve as a strong signal for both Ukrainians and French-speaking parliaments of the world [...] Granting Ukraine the status of an EU candidate country at the summit on June 23-24 will be the right and far-sighted decision," said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also thanked for the assistance provided and asked the parties of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Parliament to support an increase in Belgian defense assistance to the Ukrainian army.
"This will be a reliable investment in the further security of the whole of Europe," the head of the Ukrainian parliament explained.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to Belgium for supporting the sixth package of sanctions against russia and for internal restrictions on russian goods.
"A full energy embargo and disconnection of russian banks from SWIFT would be the right next step," he added.
He also called for Belgium's financial support for Ukraine within United24 initiative – charitable fundraisers for Ukraine.
In addition, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed the need to jointly find ways to safely deliver grain from Ukraine to other countries that need it. In this context, he mentioned that Ukraine survived the Holodomor and said that now russia wants to repeat the crimes of almost 90 years ago.
"Therefore, the decision of the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to recognize the Holodomor in Ukraine in 1932-33 as an act of genocide would be a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people," said Ruslan Stefanchuk, adding that it would also help levels of the federal parliament.
In addition, according to the Speaker of the Parliament, Ukraine needs the support of French-speaking parliaments in the international arena and the promotion of Ukrainian interests among French-speaking countries, particularly among the relevant African countries, where russian narratives are often heard.
"Acquiring Ukraine's observer status in the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly would be a powerful tool for presenting and defending Ukraine's position among the respective states. I ask you to support such an initiative, " Ruslan Stefanchuk urged.
Finally, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed hope for strengthening inter-parliamentary contacts and intensifying the dialogue.
Source: Secretariat of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine