In Kiev ended a 14-th forum of the Yalta European strategy YES, who, after the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia is carried out in the Ukrainian capital.
The conference was attended by hundreds of politicians, economists, and political scientists. “Today” has collected the most high-profile quotes YES-2017.
Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine: “next year we’ll meet in Yalta. To expedite this process, we need unity and solidarity. The unity of the world. That is why Putin was so happy last year when Europe was disintegrated, the elections were unpredictable. In Russia, everything is predictable, any election. But unpredictability is a sign of democracy, and democracy won this year, won.”
Pavlo Klimkin, Minister of foreign Affairs of Ukraine: “We believe that under any circumstances Russia as country-aggressor, cannot be part of peacekeeping forces. It is generally going through the roof! How Russia, which actually occupied the territory of Donbass, may be present in this mission?”.
Condoleezza rice, former U.S. Secretary of state: “I want to tell the Ukrainians: while there is time, use it to strengthen energy independence, to create a beautiful image in the eyes of the population of the Eastern regions. In a word, not sit and wait for the international community to isolate Russia forever. This does not happen, because it remains an important country.”
Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house of representatives of Congress: “it seems to Me that the world did not retreat. The personality of Vladimir Putin is that it is almost impossible for him to act otherwise as hostile. The pressure will be stronger, will be more sanctions. Most likely, Ukraine will be supplied with defensive weapons. And all of this will increase the price of opposition to Putin. He first loses in the East of Ukraine, then — in the Crimea.”
Maros Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission: “Over the past few years Ukraine has made more reforms than in the previous 20 years… YES I remember two years ago when we watched in horror over the exchange rate of the hryvnia, inflation. We must not forget that it was only two years ago. And now the country’s cleared the banking system, the growth of the economy.”
Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD):”For the stable development of Ukraine it is necessary to remove the last barriers to investment. Ukraine can not afford to delay reform, they need to occur immediately. According to the European chamber of Commerce in Ukraine now more investors than ever. But this is still not enough”.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General: “to get Rid of the legacy of 70 years of communism and two decades of trial and error is impossible in one night, even the most reformist government. Reforms take time. This is another reason why the EU and the West must continue to support Ukraine, showing the benefits in the long term will reward the hard work of present and future generations of Ukrainians.”
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister: “peace is possible only with those partners that wish to do so. With the people for whom the negotiations are not a gambit aimed at deception, or a way to buy time to prepare for the next phase of the conflict. Watching the resolutions, which gives Russia in the UN, it is important to understand that it comes from a partner who really wants reconciliation or is it a tactical maneuver? So the world was established, the partnership should be real.”
Wolfgang Ischinger, head of the Munich international security conference: “I don’t see on the horizon any chance that all NATO members voted in favor of Ukraine’s accession. No chance, while in your country shots are fired. Sorry, but it’s true. People will be scared. They, directly or indirectly, will be participants in this conflict.”
Bernard-Henri levy, French philosopher: “a Few weeks ago, the process of Turkey’s accession to the European Union was called a farce, a Comedy, a joke. I would like to say: so far, Turkey, welcome to Ukraine! And, unfortunately, UK. Welcome to Ukraine!”.
Yalta European strategy (Yalta European Strategy, abbreviated as YES forum) is an annual conference organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
The conference gathers the most influential politicians and businessmen of Ukraine and the world, it has been held annually since 2004.
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- Yalta European strategy YES: what you need to know
The aim of the conference is the development of Ukraine and its European future, as well as establishing international ties.
The founder of the Yalta European strategy, Victor Pinchuk, a prominent Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist.
