Freedom House Calls Democratic World to Prevent Ukraine Implementing Scenario of Failed Egyptian Revolution

Mr.Kremer mentioned that he paid a visit to Independence Square - Maidan - and saw “powerful symbols”  of Euromaidan events.  President of Freedom House emphasized: “I previously visited Cairo in 2011 following January events there when about 1100 individuals were killed by security forces. Egyptians strived for better future of their nation. They sacrificed lives, but their revolution got stolen. Demand to enjoy human rights and respect for these rights are no longer there in Egypt. We must prevent this development in Ukraine.” 

According to him, Ukraine’s position in the heart of Europe is the key aspect for the West. “We must keep peace in Europe. The West bears responsibility to assist Ukraine in terms of policy,  finance, economy, advisory and military support, through exchange of intelligence to enhance  Ukraine’s capacity  to protect itself and fight the threat and aggression embodied in Putin and Russia.”

Mr. Kremer believes, when Russia’s aggression evolves, the West should not stay aside and say that nothing has happened: “When we in the West declare that something is inappropriate, these are just words. We need to fill the words with content and demonstrate why it is inappropriate. Two rounds of EU and USA sanctions were the adequate response, however, it is far from what is needed”. He added: “If we fail to make Putin pay high price, Ukraine will be not alone in the crisis. We’ll face much larger crisis, as our enemies stop experience fear and our friends stop feeling confidence”.

President of Freedom House pointed out that there was no alternative to sanctions against Russia: ‘It’s high time to demonstrate determination. The West is to express full solidarity in protecting Ukraine in the face of the threat created by Putin. Annexation of the Crimea is not to get accepted either de-facto or de-jure”.   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The 2-day agenda of Kyiv Security Forum offers six panels, all open to the media. Any changes to the agenda will be posted on the Forum’s web-site.

Media professionals can make use of the press center with work stations, Wi-Fi access, and live broadcast of all the panels. In addition, there is a special media corner in the conference room.

Organizers are ready to facilitate individual interviews with and comments from the Forum speakers on advance notice.

The annual international event, Kyiv Security Forum, was initiated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007. It is a platform for debates on the hottest European and Black Sea security issues. The purpose of the Forum is to enhance cooperation in the security sector between the EU and the Black Sea region, raise awareness on security developments among key players, and increasing the role of independent and non-government actors in identifying solutions to security challenges in Europe.

The event is supported by Victor Pinchuk Foundation, NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine and the Chatham House, UK.

Visit http://ksf.openukraine.org/ for more information on the project

Open Ukraine Foundation is an international charity created on Arseniy Yatseniuk’s initiative for the purpose of strengthening public diplomacy and building up Ukraine’s image globally. The Foundation achieves its goals through implementation of its key programs, e.g.: International Dialogue, Cultural Horizons, Young Leaders. The Foundation brings together a broad range of donors and individuals that care about Ukraine’s image and its future.

For additional info on the Foundation please visit: http://openukraine.org.