Russia used diplomatic levers in UN, political expert Anatoly Romaniuk says

October24200821:35

“Russia has used various forms of diplomatic pressure to strike the Holodomor issue of the UN General Assembly agenda. UN takes its decision by a majority. The majority include many Russia-friendly countries, Anatoly Romaniuk told ZIK Oct. 24.

“Under the circumstances, Russian diplomats cashed in on their personal relationships with other countries. Russia has many sympathizers in the governments of France, Germany and Italy. Some countries, at least half of the African countries, are debtors of the former Soviet Union. Therefore, Russia can influence their attitude,” A. Romaniuk points out.

The expert also stressed that for many countries Russia is the heir of the Soviet Union. Therefore, in any military conflict in the Middle East Russia’s stand must be taken into consideration. That is why Russia is supported by so many countries of the third world, Romaniuk says.

Although the 1932-1933 Holodomor issue is important, it shouldn’t be pushed on the UN agenda. Ukraine must reach out to the world on a bilateral basis, explaining its position. This is what Pres Yushchenko is doing so successfully, he said.

Since many third world countries have experienced famines and humiliation in the past, they will eventually be responsive to Ukraine’s position. “When we see that sufficiently large number of countries will back Ukraine, the issue may be presented to the UN consideration,” the expert noted.

Comment by ZIK

Following tense debates, the UN General Assembly refused to put the Holodomor issue on its agenda, Ukraine’s foreign ministry reports. “Using its SC permanent member leverage, by open blackmail and pressure, Russia has denied Ukraine to put an important issue on the UN agenda, the FM statement continues.

“Such actions contradict the letter and the spirit of the UN charter. Russia’s unproductive stance runs counter to the view taken by the world community on the Ukrainian Holodomor reflected in the recent recognition by the European parliament as a tragedy of the Ukrainian people.”