Euroasian Jewish News

Petro Poroshenko addressed to Kyiv Jewish Forum

The preservation of democratic values remains the highest priority for Ukraine, especially in conditions where Russian propaganda continues to impose an idea of a wonderful life in the Soviet Union. Ukraine defends democratic values - rule of law, freedom and free elections. It was stated by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during the presentation of the "From Slavery to Freedom" film, which took place in the framework of the Kyiv Jewish Forum.

The President congratulated leaders of Jewish organizations and all participants of the Kyiv Jewish Forum and noted the importance of this event. "I want to thank for the great and long-term cooperation and support of Ukraine," Petro Poroshenko said. He emphasized that in the past five years a number of significant events had been held in Ukraine, including joint commemoration of the victims of mass executions in Babyn Yar.

"I want to congratulate director Arkadiy Kogan, who shot this brilliant film, the entire creative group. I want to congratulate my good friend Natan Sharansky, who is with us today. He is not just a good friend of Ukraine, we do not just consider him Ukrainian, because he was born in Donetsk. We remember and appreciate that," the President said.

“It is a symbol for us. At least for my generation. Where did we first learn about freedom? From "Svoboda" radio, "Free Europe" radio, "Voice of America" radio and London BBC. When you in the second half of the 70's turned on any of these radio stations, whose surname was heard most often there? We did not know who Sharansky was, but we have already respected and loved him. For what? He was genuine, he fought for values ... rule of law, democracy, free elections, freedom," the Head of State emphasized.

Petro Poroshenko noted that the human rights activists who fought for freedom and democracy were also leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev, leader of the People's Movement Viacheslav Chornovil, public and political activist Levko Lukyanenko and many others.

He stressed that the given film told about the movement from slavery to freedom. According to him, the preservation of democratic values remains the highest priority for Ukraine, especially in conditions where Russian propaganda continues to impose an idea of a wonderful life in the Soviet Union.

"Why is it important for us now? All that I have been doing for five years as President is the defense of freedom and democracy. The introduction of European values. Ensuring the rule of law," Petro Poroshenko said. The President added that the elections that took place in Ukraine were recognized by the world as democratic and free and were called a democratic process of transfer of power.

Petro Poroshenko also emphasized the importance of preserving solidarity and unity of all Ukrainians in order to protect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, despite Russia's attempts to divide Ukrainians. "How can we achieve this? Through the dialogue. Dialogue about the past, about the present. And this film will help us in this. Help ensure our unity for the sake of the future. For the sake of a free, European Ukraine," Petro Poroshenko said.

The Head of State also notes that Ukraine and Israel also have effective economic cooperation. "I am proud that during my presidency, we have completed the 14-year process of signing an agreement on free trade with Israel," Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

In addition, he underscored the visa-free regime between Ukraine and Israel that creates opportunities for thousands of tourists and pilgrims to visit both countries.

The Head of State also met with representatives of Jewish organizations in the United States and thanked for the effective cooperation with Ukraine over the past five years. "Thank you for helping to secure and organize broad international solidarity with Ukraine. I also appreciate the close cooperation with the United States, which stand side by side with Ukrainians in our defense against Russian aggression, as well as the in the implementation of reforms," the President noted.

The President told he was proud of the results achieved. According to him, the Ukrainian partners also note that over the past five years Ukraine has made significantly more than in the previous 25 years.

President of Ukraine's official web-site