Pittella "Reforms are best guarantee for a strong, independent and sovereign Ukraine"

In a two-day mission to Kiev, Gianni Pittella, the president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, met the highest Ukrainian authorities - President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk and president of the Rada Volodymyr Hroysman. He stressed the importance of implementing political and social-economic reforms as the best guarantee for a strong, independent and sovereign Ukraine.

"The most effective defence for Ukrainian sovereignty and independence is to rapidly implement reforms: a reliable and impartial judicial system, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, decentralisation, media freedom and minority rights. Ukrainian citizens are waiting for them. European Union and western partners are waiting for them. The EU will continue to support the new government's efforts to build a new Ukraine, including through the possibility of a new conference of donors. Nevertheless, without a genuine reform process both international entrepreneurs and international organisations will be reluctant to invest in Ukraine, investment which would allow the economy to recover. We want Ukraine to be a reliable partner and not just a beneficiary of aid.

"This is the major message I stressed during our mission in Ukraine and in my meetings with Poroshenko, Yatseniuk and Hroysman. It is fundamental that the president, premier and the coalition government work together for the benefit of the Ukrainian people.

"The European Union has not been blind and silent when faced with Russia's aggressive attitude. We urge Russia to fully respect the Minsk arrangements. The maintenance, reinforcement or lifting of sanctions will depend on Russia's willingness in this regard.

"While recognising the right of Ukraine to apply to join NATO, this is not the right time for these discussions and we would stress that a closer relationship with the EU does not imply NATO membership.

"We agree with President Poroshenko and the government's intentions to move forward for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. It is time to start an inclusive reconciliation process."