After Petro Poroshenko’s inauguration ceremony as President of Ukraine, a number of politicians expressed their opinions regarding Ukraine’s future.
Thus, the head of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy wrote on his twitter: “Today new hope in #Ukraine. Strong mandate for reforms, for united modern democratic #Ukraine. All neighbours stand to benefit. All neighbours need to respect #Ukraine’s sovereign choices, including stronger ties with the European Union, and its territorial integrity.”
“Warm congratulations to @petroporoshenko! We believe in #Ukraine, support and will help along the way! Ukraine is Europe! Glory to Ukraine!” wrote Lithuanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius on his twitter.
Lithuanian President Dalia Gribauskaite, who arrived in Kyiv at the inauguration of the new President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, stated that for our country the key issue at the current stage is fight against corruption.
“Today I was flying over your country and saw how big and beautiful it is, but it is not enough. It is important that the new President understands the full extent of the responsibility that has been lain upon his shoulders today. 5 years for a country is not a long term, Lithuania took 10 years to reach the EU, because we also needed to conduct reforms. And the most important thing for you is to defeat corruption, which cannot be done quickly,” she stated.
Deputy to the general secretary of the NATO Alexander Vershbow wrote on his twitter: “Poroshenko sent clear messages on national unity and dialogue, European perspective for #Ukraine, reform, anti-corruption, strong defence.”
The Russian oppositional politician Boris Nemtsov thinks that Poroshenko has a heavy burden to carry. He wrote about this on his Facebook page.
“Poroshenko has a heavy burden to carry. And a heavy sceptre. He has to both protect the country and achieve peace, and also to lead the economy out of a deep crisis. And realise the European choice of the country. Let us wish him and all Ukrainians luck and success on this difficult path! And another thing. Belief in miracles cannot be defeated. Poroshenko is now being viewed like Yushchenko after the Orange Revolution. With hope and faith. The over-estimated expectations may lead to swift disappointment, just like it happened with Yushchenko. I hope Petro Poroshenko doesn’t repeat the fate of Victor Yushchenko,” noted Nemtsov.
The Russian ambassador in Kyiv Mikhail Zurabov, who was present at Petro Poroshenko’s inauguration ceremony, stated that official visits of the representatives of the Russian government in Ukraine, and representatives of the Ukrainian government in Russia are now being planned yet. According to Zurabov, at the moment the parties are at the beginning stage of dialogue.
“But I imagine that common sense, which is seen at the first phase of the contacts, testifies to the fact that the parties will seek, first and foremost, solutions and compromises. If we move from conflict issues, we are unlikely to regulate that which is necessary, and regarding what regulation can be achieved. The Crimean factor will be present here, but I would say the following – as an issue of secondary importance,” said Zurabov.
Belarus President Alexandr Lukashenko, who arrived in Kyiv for the inauguration of the newly-elected President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, expressed his conviction that Ukraine will be able to find common ground with Russia.
“Ukraine not only is able to, but Ukraine is simply obliged to make peace with everyone, Russia included. Ukrainians are my family. Very intelligent, hard-working, and the most important things for them currently is to get out of this situation,” said Lukashenko while exiting the Verkhovna Rada after Poroshenko’s inauguration.
Source: Obozrevatel
Translated by Mariya Shcherbinina
