“Ukraine is ready for dialogue, but not prepared for any compromises towards its territorial integrity,” – Dmytro Razumkov

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine held a meeting with the 14^th Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric.

The Chairman expressed his thanks to M. Pejcinovic Buric for her position in respect of observance of human rights, especially in the temporarily occupied territories.

“In fact, all countries of the globe do understand that the parts of the territory, both in the Donbas and Crimea, are Ukrainian territories. I realise that the mechanisms to return the territories may vary, however both of the parts have the greatest value of our state - people,” the politician stressed.

At the same time, the speaker of the parliament noted that the return of the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe remains to be unacceptable for Ukraine.

“We also do not understand the situation with the powers of our delegation.  I do hope this will not set a precedent for the future.  We are ready for dialogue, but we are not ready to force ourselves for compromises with our conscience, as well as against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and human dignity,” the speaker underlined.

Dmytro Razumkov assured the Secretary General of Ukraine's readiness to work for the benefit of both Europe and the Council of Europe.

The speaker also observed that the Baltic Plus Group does not seek a destructive position in the Council of Europe.

“We are committed to upholding the basic principles and values that were laid down when creating this organization.  Because the principles of democracy and freedom, human rights are the backbone, both for Europe and for Ukraine,” the Chairman emphasized.