It is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the Ukrainian nation. I would say at least the vast majority of Ukrainians. We welcome very much this decision of the European UnionJakarta (ANTARA) - Ukrainian people warmly welcome the country's status as a candidate for the European Union, Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia Vasyl Hamianin stated.
"It is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the Ukrainian nation. I would say at least the vast majority of Ukrainians. We welcome very much this decision of the European Union," Ambassador Hamianin noted in a special interview with Antara here on Saturday.
The ambassador remarked that the decision will open a new page in the history of Ukraine and also the history of the united European Union.
He noted that Ukraine, in fact, belongs to Europe traditionally, culturally, and linguistically.
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"It has been a part of Europe for a long time, and even those parts, like in the past, were colonized by the Russian Empire. That time, they (Europe) were trying to get rid of this slavery," he stated.
However, a lot of work needs to be done and major reforms need to be made to finally become part of the European Union, he emphasized.
Out of the total efforts that must be made to become part of the European Union, Ambassador Hamianin affirmed that Ukraine had reached 70 percent of its demands and requirements.
"Hence, now, it is like 30 percent still needs to be done," he stated.
According to the ambassador, this decision opens a new page for Europe and marks a new milestone in the history of the united Europe.
"(This is) because the more united Europe is, the stronger it is, the more capable of opposing these threats, the more we are capable of facing challenges and the more capable of resolving the great global problems," the ambassador stated.
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Ukraine will be a major strength for Europe, as it has the most capable army in Europe and also in the world, he remarked.
"Hence, it will be a stronghold of the European Union between peaceful Europe, democratic Europe, and the aggressive colonial Russia," Ambassador Hamianin remarked.
Moreover, Ukraine has ample resources, including natural resources, as well as the land and people, as 60 percent of Ukrainian graduates are from universities. Hence, he said it is a highly educated nation, and it will be a significant contribution to the development of the European Union.
The ambassador further deems it crucial to note that Ukraine never had kings or emperors through centuries.
"Hence, this is a big difference. We have the democracy. The democracy, the freedom, the independence. Hence, this will give a great impetus for Europeans to develop, to protect its principles, principles of humanity, principles of human rights, and democracy," Ambassador Hamianin stated.
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Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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