Aleksander Kwasniewski: “I am an advocate of Ukraine”
Kyiv, Ukraine — Aleksander Kwasniewski announced his willingness to support Ukraine on its way to the EU.
“Europe without Ukraine is not the same Europe as with Ukraine. Take a look: 50 million people, strategic location, European and Christian background, immense potential. I consider EU’s ignorance of such a partner, and a future member, as a big mistake”—said former Polish President at the Diplomatic Club meeting in Kyiv on April 15th, 2009. The event was organized by Aresenij Yatsenyuk’s foundation Open Ukraine and YES (Yalta European Strategy).
Aleksander Kwasniewski also emphasized the fact that Ukraine should concentrate on the mutual dialogue with Europe since the European Community expects mutual cooperation and responsible partnership from Ukraine”.
In order to strengthen Ukraine’s role in the international affairs, Kwasniewski recommends Ukraine to develop relations both with the Russian Federation and the West and aim for political balance. Ukrainian policy should be clear and understandable for its European partners.
Kwasniewski believes that young democracies should develop democratic culture, maintain stability, and be cautious with the amendments to their constitutions. “A constitution does not change people’s characters. Even a bad constitution in the hands of good people can work properly”,--said former Polish President.
Aleksander Kwasniewski claimed himself as “a strong advocate of Ukraine” and stressed the fact that Ukraine plays an important role in his political career.
The Diplomatic Club was attended by the 1st President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, the 2nd President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, former Ministers of foreign affairs Ananoliy Zlenko and Borys Tarasiuk, representatives of diplomatic, business and expert communities.
Mr. Kwasniewski is a member of the Board of the Yalta European Strategy for more than 5 years. YES is a independent international organization, which unites famous politicians, business and public opinion leaders, journalists; supports necessary European integration and positive image reforms in Ukraine.
Aleksander Kwa?niewski is the former President of the Republic of Poland (1995 – 2005). He was born on the 15th November 1954, in Bia?ogard, Poland.. Long – standing supporter of Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, Aleksander Kwa?niewski inspired the international mediation efforts during the 2004 Orange Revolution. He couragesly confronted the past, significantly contributing to the reconciliation between Poles and the German, Jewish and Ukrainian people. During his Presidency Poland became a member of the EU on May 1, 2004.
The Diplomatic Club – co-initiative of Open Ukriane Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation
Partner of the Diplomatic Club: Yaltal European Strategy (YES, yes-ukraine.org) – international net-work, founded by Victor Pinchuk in 2004 to support reforms in Ukraine and integration into the European Union
Open Ukraine web-site - http://www.openukraine.org/
YES website- http://www.yes-ukraine.org/
Victor Pinchuk Foundation web-site - http://www.pinchukfund.org/
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