The visit of the PACE President to Syria together with the Russian deputies is striking cynicism – Kuleba
The visit of the head of the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pedro Agramunt to Syria in the group together with state Duma deputies and deputies of the PACE was a complete surprise for Ukraine. About this TSN said the Ambassador, permanent representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Dmitry Kuleba.
“Usually, we, the diplomats, unofficial sources have information about such events, even if they have not been officially announced. This time the information came as a complete surprise, surprise. We’re trying to figure out what happened and what status is the President of the Assembly in Syria. It is a political signal and will have political consequences. Mystery visit is very annoying, because it is extrinsic diplomacy,” – said Kuleba.
Information about the visit appeared on the eve, however, while the diplomat is unknown, no decision of the parliamentary Assembly, which would authorize Agramunt on such a visit. However, it is not the first time resorted to attempts to return the Russian delegation in PACE.
“We must pay tribute to the Chairman of PACE in his consistency in plans of returning Russia to parliamentary Assembly. Although last year this issue was thwarted, not least because of the Ukrainian delegation, but he continues his efforts. This visit to Syria is really amazing how cynical you can behave in this situation, because the status of the current leadership of Syria, and Russia’s role in war crimes in Syria are well known. In such circumstances, the President of the Assembly finds sufficient grounds to work together with Russian lawmakers to visit Syria,” – said the diplomat.
Kuleba noted that the Ukrainian delegation will work on this issue. In particular it will be carried out the necessary work backstage, and the main work will be in April at the PACE session. Also waiting for the reaction of other countries, and most importantly, explanations of Agramunt.
Information about the visit of Pedro Agramunt in Syria appeared on March 20. Russia announced this event as the signal that is still present in the PACE, although two were sent to Strasbourg a list of his delegation. And before that the Russian delegation was deprived of voting for the annexation of Crimea, and then, offended, Russia stopped work at PACE, and this year expressed a desire to return.