Parliament conveys message of support for Ukraine

The Romanian Parliament has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Roxana Vasile, 01.03.2022, 14:00

The
Romanian Parliament has firmly condemned the military aggression of the Russian
Federation in Ukraine, after Moscow previously recognized the independence of
the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk on Ukraine’s territory. On
Monday, in a joint session, Parliament adopted a declaration firmly condemning
Moscow’s irresponsible actions, calling for an immediate and unconditional
ceasefire and for the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine. Nicolae
Miroslav Petrețchi, a representative of the Group of National Minorities, told Parliament:

The
Romanian Parliament reaffirms its full solidarity with Ukraine and the
Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression and expresses its support
for the humanitarian relief efforts addressing the people of Ukraine, including
refugees on Romania’s territory.

Nicolae
Miroslav Petrețchi
is also a representative of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, and actually
adddresed Parliament from Sighetul Marmației
in northern Romania, which is home to a refugee shelter. Romanians have
mobilized from the first day of the war to support their fellow neighbors,
innocent human beings fleeing a country ravaged by war and choosing to seek
safe haven in Romania. On a visit to Bucharest on Monday, European Commissioner
in charge of home affairs and migration, Ylva Johansson, praised Romanians for
their solidarity. The launch of the Russian invasion on the night of February
24, 2022 is an attack on the lives and destinies of the Ukrainian people who
wanted to choose their own path, a fundamental right in any democracy, the
resolution of the Romanian Parliament reads. Parliament also states that, eight
years since the illegal annexation of Crimea, Ukraine is punished for its
sovereign decision, Russia seeking to rewrite history and to divide the world
in spheres of influence by means of unprovoked and unwarranted acts of
aggression. Here is MP Nicolae Miroslav Petreţchi again:

We
recall that Ukraine is home to a numerous Romanian community, contributing to
the richness and diversity of Ukrainian society and representing a bridge
between our two countries. The members of the Romanian ethnic community have
been loyal and faithful to Ukraine, who understand the obligations deriving
from this status. To a similar extent, just like all other citizens of Ukraine,
they have legitimate expectations that their rights should be fully observed.
The Romanian Parliament expresses confidence that Ukraine’s commitment to
democratic reforms, the rule of law and close relations with Europe will help
fulfill all these objectives.

The
Romanian Parliament has also expressed its full support for Ukraine’s EU and
NATO accession aspirations. (VP)