I have the honor to convey the greetings of the Government of Ukraine to this distinguished Meeting that brought together the leaders ofthe Association of Caribbean States and thank for the invitation and opportunity to address the Summit.

On behalf of my Government let me thank all Caribbean nations that supported Ukraine, voting for the UN General Assembly on March 27, 2014, and all the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that on March 5 adopted the Statement where supportedthe territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and called on to reduce tensions and avoid destabilization in the region.

‘TheRevolution of Dignity’ took place in Ukraine since November 2013 till February 2014. The Ukrainian people acted against criminal regime and unbelievable corruption of the previous authorities and let Ukraine remove its way towards state of law, democracy and economic development.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine was formed after President Yanukovych escaped from the country to Russia and refused to perform his duties. The Government in its current composition enjoys support of a clear parliamentary majority comprising 250 from 450MPs. Each cabinet nomination was passed in a strict adherence to procedure, with a clear parliamentary majority.

TheGovernment of Ukraine has proclaimed a very clear and comprehensive agenda: formation of state of law, reform of the political, economic and judicial system, creation of favorable and transparent economic environment, guaranteeing democratic values and development of civil society, rights of all minorities and citizens. Special attention is paid to the ongoing constitutional reform and decentralization of powers as one of its essential elements.

Priorities will be given to restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening the banking sector, reforming the energy sector, eradicating corruption and improving accountability as well as enhancing the investment climate and better targeting of social assistance.

Thekey signal for international partners as well as international financial institutions to return their confidence in Ukraine is the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU.Deep and comprehensive free trade area offers a unique chance to the Ukrainian exporters to benefit from their country’s proximity to the largest market for goods and services in the world.Meanwhile the European Council approved the unilateral trade preferences for Ukraine expected to become effective within a short period of time. It will allow Ukraine to benefit from trade preferences without delay.

Atreacherous aggression of Russia in Crimea and its annexation, the ongoing Russia’s attempts to destabilize situation in Eastern Ukraine have arisen very different challenges. These aggressive acts are in flagrant violation of international law, including obligations of Russia in accordance with the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, bilateral treaties and agreements.

Upon having annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Russia began its second occupation phase against Ukraine, using terrorist groups and destabilizing situation in Southern and Eastern regions of Ukraine.

Terrorist groups, organized and guided by Moscow seize and capture administrative building and critical infrastructure objects in Eastern Ukraine, tend to separate regions from our country and annex them to Russia, destabilize political and economic situation and work on undermining Presidential Elections on 25 May 2014.

Addresses of separatist groups which call themselves a “public power” for Russia’s military assistance are integral part of such a scenario.

Ukraine is determined to stabilize situation at South-Eastern regions of Ukraine, applying all legal means and measures.

Proofs of Russia’s actions towards destabilizing situation at South-Eastern regions of Ukraine are regularly presented to the international community.

This distinguished Summit takes place in the aftermath of quadripartite talks between Ukraine, the EU, the US and the Russian Federation held in Geneva on 17 April 2014 which resulted in agreement on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens in Ukraine. It was an important international effort to seek de-escalation through diplomatic means, with participation of the Russian Federation. The Geneva agreements presented an opportunity, through dialogue, to undertake initial immediate steps aimed at de-escalation where most needed.

The Government of Ukraine has taken steps aimed at immediate implementation of the agreements reached at the Geneva meeting.

First, the Government of Ukraine submitted to the Parliament of Ukraine a draft law on the amnesty of participants of the riots in the Eastern regions.

Second, the Parliamentary coalition invited all political forces represented in the Parliament of Ukraine to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the ways to resolve the situation in Eastern Ukraine.

Third, the active phase of the counter-terrorism operation has been suspended. The operation itself continues. Its main task remains to ensure a security perimeter against armed separatists and to prevent civilian casualties.

Fourth, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Concept of reforming local self-government and territorial organization of power in Ukraine, which provides for decentralization of power in the country, a significant empowerment of local communities, change of management system at regional and district levels. A broad public debate on the subject will continue until October 1, 2014.

Fifth, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service continue implementing the active campaign launched earlier to seize illegal arms from the population.

Sixth, upon the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regular consultations with the participation of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, representatives of the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship, EU, Russian Federation and U.S. were launched.

These are concrete and meaningful steps taken by the Ukrainian Government in implementation of the Geneva agreements. Implementation of those agreements requires commitment by all parties, including the Russian Federation. So far, unfortunately, we register absence of relevant steps that could indicate commitment by the Russian Federation to implementation of Geneva agreements.

We call on the Russian Federation to implement its part of the Geneva agreements, renew full and good-faith implementation of its international obligations and the UN principles and commitments, in particular on respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other participating States.

Your Excellencies,

Let me thank you once again for this kindest opportunity to address the distinguished leaders of the Association of Caribbean States. Ukraine calls to increase joint efforts to support fundamental principles that are the basis of international security, economic and social development. The democratic Ukraine is a real partner to trust and highly interested in further strengthening of cooperation with your countries, cooperation which is based on mutual benefit, rejection of any political pressure, and good will of our nations in the name of peace and prosperity.

Thank you very much for your attention.

 

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