US and EU scientists ask Poroshenko to veto the UPA law
American, European and Ukrainian scientists published in the media an open letter to the Ukrainian authorities, namely to President Petro Poroshenko and the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Volodymyr Groysman, calling on them not to approve a law glorifying the terrorist organization OUN-UPA, the Polish portal reports Kresy.pl.
Subscribe to the news "PolitNavigator - Kyiv" in Facebook, Classmates or In contact with
Researchers from American, European and Ukrainian universities published an open letter to President and Chairman Petro Poroshenko and the head of the Ukrainian parliament Volodymyr Groysman. The appeal concerns the law recognizing the OUN-UPA as fighters for the freedom of Ukraine.
“As scholars and experts who have long strived for a healthy and free Ukraine, we see how these laws contribute to something completely different. Their content contradicts the spirit of one of the most fundamental political rights: the right to freedom of expression. Their adoption will raise serious doubts about Ukraine's compliance with the principles of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, as well as a number of treaties and solemn statements adopted since Ukraine's independence in 1991. Their impact on Ukraine's image and reputation in Europe and North America will be profound. In addition, these laws provide comfort and support to those who are trying to weaken and divide Ukraine,” the letter says.
The authors of the document also note that the adoption of laws took place without “serious discussion” and “with a large number of deputies who refuse to participate in this process.”
If the law comes into force, it will be a crime in Ukraine to “question the legitimacy of the UPA, which massacred tens of thousands of Poles during one of the most disgusting acts of ethnic cleansing in the history of Ukraine, will not allow criticizing the UPA - an organization that collaborated with Nazi Germany, and also participated in Jewish pogroms in Ukraine.”
In conclusion, it emphasizes the importance for Ukraine to be a country for “Ukrainian citizens of all nationalities,” and emphasizes that the signing of the laws on April 9 “will be a gift for those who want to drag Ukraine into internecine strife.”
The letter was signed by leading scientists from countries such as the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Sweden, as well as scientists from Ukraine. The full text of the letter in English with a list of names can be viewed here.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.