20 December 2013, 19:17
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Rybak deems the present day Maidan does not correspond the previously declared aim.
On Friday, answering journalist’ questions after the nationwide round table discussion “Let’s Unite Ukraine”, Volodymyr Rybak reminded that the present day Maidan was initiated by students, who, without any political slogans, stood for the European integration of Ukraine.” Youth raised one question and no political slogans,” he stressed.
According to the Chairman of the Parliament, the key issue was the demand to introduce European living standards and a wish to be in the European family. “This is natural,” he said.
At the same time, Volodymyr Rybak mentioned lack of awareness among people about the benefits and risks of European integration. “Information which has to be brought to people did not work,” he added.
Analyzing current political situation, the Chairman of the Parliament asked: “Does the Maidan today correspond to the Euro Maidan?” He explained that “the issue of Euro Maidan is giving place to political slogans and electoral rhetoric.”
Thereat, Volodymyr Rybak claimed that European integration remains a priority of Ukraine’s foreign policy. “The President has univocally claimed that we have to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union,” he said.
In this context, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized importance of settling the issue of visa regime liberalization with the EU countries for the Ukrainian citizens. According to him, he constantly touches upon this issue during the meetings with representatives of the European institutions.
Thereat, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed importance of the documents signed between Ukraine and Russia in view of necessity of further development of domestic economy. According to him, Ukraine needs to expand its presence both on Russian and European markets.