“Ukraine must recognize the independence of Kosovo”, confirmed the Ukrainian deputy, Oleksi Goncharenko, adding that the Serbian shells that his country is receiving indirectly, are postponing this decision.
In an interview for A2news, the lawmaker, a friend of Albanians and Kosovo in particular, expresses concern that Serbia may be feeding Russia’s appetite for destabilizing the Balkans, as it has the same ambitions as Russia, to create an empire.
His advice for official Pristina is to continue with international memberships, especially European ones, as they are protective umbrellas against any threat.
A2CNN: We know that you are a strong supporter of Kosovo and a lobbyist for its recognition in the Ukrainian parliament… What has led you to such a position…?
Gocharenko-…not only in the Ukrainian parliament, but also at the European level and in the Council of Europe. First of all, it is the emotional argument, as I think that the Ukrainians are now going through what the Kosovars went through 25 years ago. I am talking about genocide and unfortunately this is a tragedy for both our nations. This makes us understand each other better than anyone else. Second, I think the countries of the free world should unite and support each other. Kosovo is a democracy, it wants to become a member of the European political family. Kosovo deserves to be recognized and be a member state. Not only its own citizens would benefit from this, but also the whole of Europe as more countries would unite according to the same values. That is why I am and will be a supporter of the recognition of Kosovo for them to walk on this European path.
A2CNN: But why has Ukraine not yet made a decision regarding the recognition of Kosovo, even though, as you claim, the two countries share the same dramas…?
Gocharenko-This is a decision that according to the Constitution belongs to the president of Ukraine. And he hasn’t got it yet. I think that sooner or later this decision will be made. Today there are probably some obstacles, maybe you have heard that Serbia is producing shells which Ukraine then takes. Not directly, but through third parties. Maybe there are other reasons that I don’t know, but this decision is not being made. I think that sooner or later there will be a movement in this direction. I sponsored the draft law on the recognition of Kosovo in the parliament. I don’t think we should play games with Serbia or any other country. I think we should have our own position, which is clear; Kosovo should be recognized”, he said.
