24 September 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
UWC endorses European Parliament assessment of Russian pressure on Ukraine
On 24 September 2013, Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Eugene Czolij sent a letter to European Union (EU) leaders endorsing the assessment by the European Parliament of the escalating political and economic pressure being applied by Russia against Ukraine in the run-up to the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit.
In a resolution adopted on 12 September 2013, the European Parliament stated that the various types of pressure that were building against Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, to deter them from entering into an association with the EU, were unacceptable.
Reaffirming its strong support in favour of proceeding with the association agreements with various Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, at the Vilnius Summit, the European Parliament also stressed the need for the EU to fulfill its responsibility and, in the spirit of solidarity, engage and defend those Eastern Partnership countries that have been exposed to Russia’s open, alarming and escalating pressures.
“At this critical time, the Ukrainian World Congress calls upon the EU leaders to ensure that the historic EU‑Ukraine Association Agreement is signed at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit, to be held on 28‑29 November 2013,” said UWC President Eugene Czolij. “This would be the most effective practical measure that the EU could take to support Ukraine as a partner country in a time of crisis, and to reconfirm the intrinsic European character of the people of Ukraine. It will also provide a strong stimulus to democracy and social progress in Ukraine, which is clearly in the best interests of the EU.”
Media Contact: Irene Mycak
UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS
145 Evans Ave., Suite 207
Toronto, ON
M8Z 5X8 Canada
Tel. (416) 323-3020
Fax (416) 323-3250
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.ukrainianworldcongress.org
The UWC is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has member organizations in 33 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 14 additional countries. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit corporation, the UWC was recognized in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status.
