Ukrainian MP: "We can feel Azerbaijan's support" - INTERVIEW

ANN’s Kamal Ali has interviewed Mikola Katerinchuk, head of the European Party of Ukraine, who was in Baku to attend the 23rd session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE).

- How do you get along with members of the Russian delegation at the OSCE PA? 

- We meet very rarely, and these meetings are proposed by Russians. Yesterday we had a meeting of the liaison group set up by the OSCE. We discussed the occupation of Crimea within this format. Problems have increased in numbers, so has the need for talks. We are concerned about the problems of prisoners of war (POW) and the Ukrainian nationals that have fled to the Russian Federation temporarily. The first meeting on Crimea was held in Vienna. The second meeting focused on POWs and refugees. The liaison group also includes several other countries. 

- Moscow says that for Russia, the issue of Crimea has been resolved. What are you still discussing with them?

- It is not important what Russia thinks. It is more important what Ukraine and the civilized world have to say. We are discussing the problems of Ukrainians living in Crimea. They are faced with political, social and legal problems connected with the illegal Russian military presence in Crimea and other Russian actions that are in violation of the international law. These discussions are not for media. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed during the so-called referendum in Crimea. Russia says it has no information about that, asking us for information to investigate the killings. There are many other issues that I cannot talk about now. The OSCE platform provides an opportunity to ask tough questions and resolve many problems that make life difficult for Ukrainians in the occupied territory.

- Your delegation includes members known for their pro-Russian views. What are they up to?

- Our delegation comprises representatives of political parties represented in Ukrainian parliament. One of the delegates is a former Communist, who has his own view of issues. He thinks that Ukraine needs to maintain economic ties with Crimea despite the occupation. He supports the Russian delegation and all of their proposals. The Americans have come up with a resolution that is very critical of Russia. We are going to discuss it. A member of our delegation has said he will vote against the American resolution.

- Why did efforts to ensure a ceasefire in Ukraine fail? 

- Ukraine unilaterally ceased fire for 10 days. We embarked upon political dialogue. During these days, however, the criminal separatists carried out more than 100 attacks on Ukrainian army positions, killing five people and injuring more than 17 on our side. A Ukrainian anti-aircraft army unit was captured. The inflow of weapons from Russia didn’t stop. Our border with Russia remains open. They (separatists) have only released members of the OSCE mission – eight people. No other hostages were released. Three servicemen were exchanged with captured gunmen. Four countries supported President Poroshenko’s peace plan, which had a clear timetable and schedule of actions. Ukraine ceased fire, but the Russians did not meet most of their obligations. Therefore, the Ukrainian president decided to continue the anti-terrorist operation until all separatists comply with their obligations to find a peaceful solution of the problem. Only then will political dialogue resume.

- What is your assessment of Azerbaijan’s stance on the Ukrainian-Russian crisis?

- Azerbaijan holds quite a balanced position. It cannot be radical, we understand that. We are aware of Azerbaijan’s relations with the Russian Federation. You have your own territorial problem. The occupation of part of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia was stopped following an agreement with Russia. You have been through all of these, which is why you understand (Ukraine). We can feel your support.

- Armenia strongly criticized Ukraine…

- Armenia would not have ensured Russian support if it had not criticized Ukraine. Everybody understands that. So, you cannot fool anyone.

Bakudaily.az