In an intense schedule of an informal visit to Ukraine and, in particular, to Crimea, French National Front leader, MEP Marine Le Pen found a few minutes to talk to a Ukrinform reporter in Simferopol. Moreover, it was the first interview that Marine Le Pen gave to a Ukrainian journalist.
They were talking about European values, France's relations with Ukraine, the future of the European Union, as well as Crimea, which Marine Le Pen called the "cradle of civilization", and about the wonderful Crimean wine.
Q.: Madame Le Pen, what is the purpose of your visit to Ukraine and, in particular, to Crimea?
A.: I came here to take part in a series of international forums ECO-2 Science, which took place in Yalta and Sevastopol, during which we discussed the future of the European community.
Q.: To what extent the issues discussed during the Forum were urgent?
A.: I believe that the crisis, which has now covered Europe, pushes us that we find a way out of it together. This applies to both Ukraine and the European Union.
Q.: And what do you think is the way out of this crisis?
A.: I believe that people themselves should take in their arms the care of their fate, and in all countries of the European Union, first of all, in terms of the economy. At the forums in Crimea we talked about how to get out of the crisis. This, in particular, concerned the establishment of a cooperative bank in order to allow people to manage their own finances, without supranational superstructures. This idea was the key point during the whole meeting.
Q.: The idea of a cooperative bank should be implemented only within the European Union?
A.: It's a matter of all nations, as a lot of debts have accumulated in the EU, and somehow we need to find a way out of this situation. This applies to all Europeans.
Q.: In this regard, there is a question: should Ukraine strive for the association with the EU?
A.: Association is currently the best option for Ukraine. This concerns visa facilitation and so on.
Q.: Should Ukraine take a full-fledged membership in the EU?
A.: I think that, in general, joining the European Union would be a mistake for your country. Ukraine is able to develop even without the European Union. The EU crashed and unfortunately, I have to admit that all are now trying to withdraw from it.
Q.: Do you confirm your intention to run for the President of France?
A.: Yes, our movement is gaining momentum in France and I think in a few years I will become the President of France.
Q.: What is your vision of France, Europe and relations with Ukraine?
A.: In my opinion, nations should be sovereign and free. Each nation should develop freely. And Ukraine has its own special place in the family of European nations.
Q.: How did Crimea meet you? What did impress you most?
A.: I was very well received. I'm enthused! I'm happy to visit the cradle of civilization, which is located in Crimea. I think that Crimea has great potential, especially in terms of tourism. Now, when many tourist centers are in crisis, Crimea has a new wave. It should promote the peninsula, and all the tourists who previously chose other countries, which are now in trouble, should rest just in Crimea. But for this it is necessary to develop the infrastructure and make little effort for Crimea could go up to the desired level. Now all the cards are in the hands of Crimea.
I visited Yalta, Livadia Palace, toured historic sites in Sevastopol. Crimea is very rich in its history and its nature is very beautiful. I think there is every opportunity in Crimea, and it should become a favored tourist destination.
Q.: Did you happen to try the Crimean wine, what do you think of that?
A.: Yes, of course! I tasted it almost every day while I stayed in Crimea. Very good wine.
Q.: What kind of a souvenir did you bought in Crimea?
A.: The program of the visit was very intense. I visited Sevastopol panorama, which impressed me strongly. Despite all the nuances, this is a page in our common history, even though it was sad. Unfortunately, but I could not buy a souvenir. I thank you that you gave me a pen with a logo of Crimea (laughs).
Q.: You depart from Ukraine to Russia, what meetings are planned there?
A.: I was invited by the State Duma of Russia, I will visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. I will have the opportunity to talk to very important Russian government officials. We will talk about the future of Europe. Whom I will meet is a secret. [As it became known later, Le Pen held a meeting with the Speaker of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin - ed.].
Thank you, welcome to Ukraine and Crimea.
АМ