The Rada demands the repeal of the law on free trade with Crimea
The Ukrainian leadership must immediately repeal the formally existing law on the “free trade zone” with Crimea, which Kyiv considers “a territory temporarily occupied by Russia.”
Although this law does not work anyway (trade was stopped after the blockade was introduced by “activists”; subsequently Russia also introduced protective measures for Ukraine as a non-member of the EAEU), but its repeal will be a signal to the West about Kyiv’s readiness to intensify the fight for Crimea. This was stated during the plenary meeting of the Verkhovna Rada by the adviser to the former leader of the Mejlis, deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Rustem Umerov, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“For the eighth year in a row, we have been operating the “free economic zone Crimea.” This means that for the eighth year in a row, preferential working conditions with the occupier have been created.
In 2015, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine banned trade with Crimea until the day the peninsula was returned. Why is the law that creates a free economic zone in Crimea still in effect? We create opportunities with our own hands that help sponsor the occupiers,” he said.
Umerov demanded an urgent repeal of the law.
“This free economic zone must be abolished. I am sure that this, and the adoption of the “Crimean Platform” package of laws, will become a powerful signal for international partners, including those who will come to Ukraine in August for the first summit of the Crimean Platform.
We must constantly show the world that Ukraine is not only asking for help, but is also taking important steps to de-occupy the peninsula. This law must be repealed,” the deputy added.
In addition, the parliamentarian was indignant that Crimeans who fled to Ukraine are de facto considered foreigners in this country
“We say that Crimea is Ukraine, but we equate Ukrainian citizens with Crimean registration with non-residents, in fact with foreigners. Our citizens with Crimean registration have a lot of bureaucratic problems. For example, limited access to banking services. Or the person who received the inheritance must pay more taxes, like a foreigner,” Umerov concluded.
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