Mogherini on Ukraine’s territorial integrity
The European Union’s foreign policy chief reiterated the EU’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity as the bloc considered moves to extend economic sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. Federica Mogherini, speaking in Brussels on December 8 after meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, condemned Russia’s continued militarization of the Crimea region, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014. She also assailed Russia for the deterioration of human rights in the region and restated the EU’s “call for the immediate release of all Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in illegally annexed Crimea and in Russia.” The EU, along with the United States, has imposed economic sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine, where it also backs separatists fighting Kyiv’s forces in the eastern part of the country in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since it began in April 2014. The EU sanctions, which mainly target the Russian banking and energy sectors, were imposed in the summer of 2014 and have been extended every six months since then. EU diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL on the sidelines of the meeting that French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will recommend at the December 14 EU summit that the sanctions be extended a further six months through July 2018. The decision on sanctions will likely be made by EU diplomats just before the Christmas break, officials said. (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/RL’s Rikard Jozwiak)
Ukraine will not receive EU money
Ukraine will not receive the third tranche of the European Union’s financial assistance as Kyiv failed to meet some of the EU requirements, the head of the EU delegation to Ukraine said. Hugues Mingarelli said at a press conference at Oshchadbank in Kyiv on December 13 that Ukraine had met only 17 out of 21 preliminary requirements of the program for receiving the third tranche of 600 million euros ($705.5 million U.S.). According to Mr. Mingarelli, the European Commission would assess Ukraine’s need in external financial aid in upcoming months. Under the program that ends in January 2018, Ukraine received two tranches totaling 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) out of 1.8 billion euros ($2.1 billion) of the financial assistance. Mr. Mingarelli said earlier that the requirements Ukraine failed to meet included the abolition of a moratorium on the export of round timber, the fulfillment of conditions in the field of energy, fighting corruption and requirements in the field of trade as well as in social payments for immigrants. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Interfax and Kyiv Post)
Saakashvili released from detention
A Ukrainian court has released from detention opposition figure Mikheil Saakashvili, who is accused by prosecutors of assisting a criminal organization. Ukrainian prosecutors had sought to place Mr. Saakashvili under house arrest, but a judge on December 11 turned down the request. Mr. Saakashvili told journalists after the hearing that he planned to continue his political activities with the aim of “constitutional, calm, but very necessary transfer of power in the country,” accusing the Ukrainian authorities of corruption and “usurping power.” But he said he “has no presidential ambitions” himself. Judge Larysa Tsokol told Kyiv’s Pechersk district court that the prosecutors’ request to put Saakashvili under house arrest pending trial was “dismissed,” prompting applause by Mr. Saakashvili’s supporters in the courtroom. Mr. Saakashvili praised the judge’s ruling as “courageous,” and said, “It means not everything is lost in Ukraine.” Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko later said on ICTV that he will appeal the judge’s ruling. (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service and news agencies)
Poroshenko on anti-corruption efforts
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he has not interfered in the work of state anti-corruption agencies, comments that come amid mounting domestic and foreign pressure over Kyiv’s commitment to combating graft. Mr. Poroshenko’s remarks to reporters on December 8 following a meeting with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite came in the wake of accusations by critics this week that the government is trying to torpedo anticorruption efforts.” Over more than 2.5 years of the activity of anti-corruption bodies, everyone, including the leadership of these bodies, stated that there had never been an interference in the activities of these bodies on the part of the president,” Mr. Poroshenko said in Vilnius, according to a transcript posted on his website. He was speaking a day after activists and reformist lawmakers managed to derail parliamentary consideration of a bill – authored by lawmakers from Mr. Poroshenko’s party and that of former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk – that would see the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) removed. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and United States voiced concerned about Ukraine’s willingness to tackle graft. Mr. Poroshenko said in Vilnius on December 8 that he would “not allow any threats of political interference in the activities of anti-corruption institutions.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters)
U.S. on International Human Rights Day
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson on December 10 released a statement on International Human Rights Day, noting that, “Sixty-nine years ago today, in the aftermath of World War II, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to recognize and elevate the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all individuals, and that these rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” He went on to note: “For those who are caught in or displaced by internal unrest, or who are fighting against repressive governments and being exploited for the profit of others, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a beacon of hope. Standing up for human rights and democracy is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of our country. In commemoration of International Human Rights Day, we renew our commitment to our core democratic values and to advocating for the human rights, freedom and dignity of all people. The United States urges all nations to respect their commitments enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and apply them equally to all. The world is safer when every person can live up to his or her full potential, and every nation is free from tyranny.” (U.S. Department of State)
Ukraine, China to implement joint projects
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reported: “Ukraine and China mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and transfer to a new strategic level of cooperation envisaging the implementation of joint projects for a total of about $7 billion (U.S.).” Agreements on this cooperation were reached during a meeting between Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ma Kai. The meeting was held in the framework of the third session of the commission on bilateral cooperation. “China has been and still remains our strategic partner and our strategic priority. And today we are opening up new opportunities for deepening our partnership and re-launching the implementation of joint projects and initiatives,” Mr. Groysman commented. In response, his interlocutor emphasized that China pays great attention to cooperation with Ukraine, both in the political and economic spheres. ”We believe that we are united in this regard. Hence, we express readiness to encourage and boost our cooperation,” emphasized the vice-premier. The parties noted that China has always demonstrated strong support for Ukraine and is now in the top three of its trading partners. During the first nine months of 2017, trade turnover between the countries increased by 14.5 percent. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Briefing)
IMF managing director comments on Ukraine
Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, spoke with Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko on December 7. Following the call, Ms. Lagarde stated: “I had a constructive and open discussion with President Poroshenko on Ukraine’s efforts to fight corruption, which is expected by the Ukrainian society and is critical to improve transparency and accountability and create the conditions for sustainable growth. I emphasized that investigating and promptly adjudicating incidences of corruption is critical to advance these objectives and maintain public trust. In this regard, we agreed on the need to maintain the independence and enhance the operational capacity of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.” She continued: “We also agreed that the prompt establishment of the anti-corruption court is an essential complement of these efforts. In this regard, I supported the president’s agenda for the submission of a draft law to Parliament in the coming days consistent with the Venice Commission’s recommendations and past agreements under the IMF-supported program. It will be important that all members of Parliament unite behind the bill and approve it as a matter of priority. I assured the president that the IMF stands ready to continue to support Ukraine, along with other international partners, in the fight against corruption and encouraged the authorities to accelerate the implementation of reforms that are necessary to further improve the prospects of Ukraine’s economy and its people.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Briefing)
Centennial of Crimean Tatar Kurultai
On Monday, December 11, Etobicoke Center MP and chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group Borys Wrzesnewskyj delivered a statement on the floor of Canada’s House of Commons commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Crimean Tatar Kurultai (also spelled Qurultay). His statement read: “In December 1917, 100 years ago, the Crimean Tatars proclaimed their Democratic Republic and launched their national assembly, the Qurultay. The Bolsheviks abolished this state and in 1944 [Joseph] Stalin attempted ethnocide through the mass deportation of Crimean Tatars into Central Asia. Almost half perished during the deportation. However, starting in 1989, Crimean Tatars began returning home, and under independent Ukraine were provided citizenship and a formal right of return. Sadly, history seems to be repeating itself. With Russia’s 2014 military invasion and illegal occupation, the Crimean Tatars are once again facing disappearances, the murder of leaders, exile, and collective repression and persecution. As we commemorate the centenary of the Crimean Tatar Qurultay, let us reaffirm that Crimean Tatars are the indigenous people of Crimea and that Crimea is Ukraine.” Mr. Wrzesnewskyj has frequently spoken out against Russian state-sponsored human rights abuses directed against the Crimean Tatars and has hosted meetings in Ottawa and his riding with their legendary leader Mustafa Dzhemilev who spent 18 brutal long years in Soviet gulags for demanding the right of return for his people. (Office of MP Boris Wrzesnewskyj)
EIG supports upgrade of Kharkiv metro
The European Investment Bank (EIB) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending Ukraine 160 million euros to finance improvements to the public transport system in Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city. EIB funds will support the extension of the Kharkiv metro network to a residential area with a high population density, making it more attractive for commuters. ”The EIB loan will facilitate the shift away from an excessive car use to a more sustainable transport system with positive consequences on climate and the quality of the urban environment in the city. It will contribute upgrading public transport in the southern part of the city of Kharkiv, an area which is currently only served by trolleybuses, buses and mini buses,” the EIB reported. The head of the EU delegation in Ukraine, Hugues Mingarelli, stated, “Much-needed new investment in the Kharkiv metro will connect the city’s business, universities and daily commuters via a modern and environment friendly transport link, which later could be extended to Kharkiv airport. I have no doubt that this project will also help build this city a stronger economy – something that we consider one of the key foundations of the EU-Ukraine partnership.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Briefing)