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CIS Executive Secretary: Ukraine's quitting CIS will primarily hit itself

14 November 2014 11:18 (UTC +04:00)

CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev told APA while commenting on the possible withdrawal of Ukraine from the organization.

“Yes, there is a right-wing politician with a proposal to quit the CIS. However, this issue was twice raised at the Verkhovna Rada and a majority of deputies voted against. Because those who are intending to cooperate in economic and humanitarian fields are well aware that Ukraine's quitting the CIS will primarily hit itself. Today, the CIS includes 11 countries, though Ukraine occupies an important place in the CIS in terms of economic and human potential, it will be easier for other countries to leave the CIS than Ukraine,” he stressed.

Lebedev said he hopes that Ukrainian politicians will maintain Ukraine’s presence in the CIS: “Everything demonstrates that Ukraine moves toward Europe and will maintain close ties with their neighbors.”

Lebedev noted that there are a wide range of issues that can be easily resolved together and expressed his hope that Ukraine will continue cooperation within the CIS next year. He also expressed concern over what is happening in Ukraine: “Everyone, delivering speeches at the last meeting of the co-chairs in Minsk, expressed their concerns and wishes for the soonest restoration of peace in Ukraine.”

CIS Executive Secretary regarded the meeting held in Minsk with the participation of the presidents of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus as the effort of CIS for stabilization of the situation in Ukraine.