EP-voorzitter Schulz veroordeelt vrijheidsbeperking wetsvoorstel Oekraïne (en)

European Parliament President Martin Schulz i made the following statement in reaction to recent decisions of the Ukrainian parliament:

"I am deeply worried by the Ukrainian Parliament's adoption of draft laws that could limit the basic freedoms of citizens, impede on freedom of assembly and speech and curtail the activities of NGOs. If they become law, they would push Ukraine back towards its authoritarian, Soviet past. Haste, a lack of transparency and violation of parliamentary procedures are not the way to make sound laws.

I call on President Yanukovych not to sign the draft laws and ensure that any legal changes are compatible with Ukraine's international commitments.

The door to Ukraine's integration with the European Union remains open. Yet we need to see a clear commitment from the Ukrainian authorities that they are serious and sincere about Ukraine's European integration. These latest developments not only disrespect the will of people protesting on the Maidan Square, but also could move Ukraine away from its European path and, indeed, away from the civilised world."