Let me join the colleagues in condemnation of violence and casualties in streets of Kyiv. When we deplore the escalation of confrontation we should not forget the chronology of the events and, of course, their context.
Let’s not fool ourselves: nothing would have happened should Russia have not exerted consistent and rather aggressive pressure upon Ukraine in the run up to Vilnius Summit so that it would not sign the agreement to the detriment of Ukraine’s political and economic interests. Should this pressure not have been applied, instead of these dramatic scenes we would have seen a major step of Ukraine towards membership of the European family, which would of course benefit everyone – first and foremost Ukraine’s citizens. That this pressure had indeed been applied is proved by statements of the Ukrainian government itself during and after the summit.
Dear colleagues,
Saying that the recent events highlight divisions in the country is wrong and reinforces the Russian narrative. Ukraine is one consolidated nation where the European idea enjoys overwhelming support.
Let’s not forget the core of the problem: the Russian Federation views movement of its neighbors – in this case Ukraine – towards the European family of free and democratic nations as a threat to its system. For many years, Russia has done everything to undermine this process not only in Ukraine, but also in Georgia would it be through demonization of Europe through its stooges or outright invasion.
Of course we should condemn violence but it would be wrong to place equal responsibility on both parties. Like anywhere, the Ukrainian government has more responsibility and I am sure the Ukrainian government too does not want to see Ukraine slide towards chaos and position of Putin’s vassal.
I therefore reject calls to limit this discussion just to human rights and mediation – we are politicians, not bureaucrats.
Dear colleagues,
The events in Ukraine also showed how much traction and power the European idea has in eastern neighborhood of the EU. That European idea is still alive and has undisputed legitimacy over ideas of restoration of Soviet Union in whatever form. I want to appeal to European leaders, please support Ukraine and the aspiration of its people to move towards civilization. This support should also mean unequivocal condemnation of any effort to impose the so-called “exclusive sphere of influence” in whatever form.
Much more is being decided now than fate of some laws or even Ukraine’s association with the EU. What is at stake is whether Ukraine will manage to pull itself out from what Russia views as “sphere of influence” and definitively reject that concept or not. Ukraine’s success will mean definitive disproval of the longevity of the paradigm that full-fledged democracy is by definition not possible in the former Soviet Union.
No it is possible anywhere, in Ukraine, in Georgia and indeed in Russia!
Georgi Kandelaki is a member of the United National Movement of Georgia. He was to make this speech last week at the PACE debate on Ukraine
