Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia

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31.03.2016 11:46

World ought to continue lending civil and military support for Ukraine

In late December of last year the International Advisory Council (IAC) was established for the President of Ukraine, which has to facilitate implementation of reforms in the state based on the best international experience. The first inaugural meeting of the IAC has been recently held in Kyiv. It was chaired by President Petro Poroshenko and attended by many prominent world political figures, including former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott.

It was the Abbott government in 2014 that unequivocally condemned the Russian aggression against Ukraine and one of the first countries in the Pacific Rim enforced sanctions against Russia and provided Ukraine with logistical support. Mr. Abbott was known for his ostracizing rhetoric on Russia and Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Australia in 2014. The word he used "shirtfront" (wrestling with a rival to knock him down) even became the "word of the year" in the Macquarie dictionary.

The IAC meeting was held on a short notice, so it was impossible to talk to Mr. Abbott in Kyiv. However, he agreed to briefly answer questions submitted by the Ukrinform’s correspondent in Australia regarding the results of the IAC session and Ukrainian-Australian relations in general.

- You have recently flown to Kyiv to take part in the first meeting of the International Advisory Council for the President of Ukraine, of which you are a member. What is your opinion about this initiative of the Ukrainian leadership and potential for this forum?

- Of course, this is a good initiative because it allows engaging people from other countries to the reform processes, people who support the Ukrainian government and want to make their contribution to it. In addition, it helps remind the world that the program of reforms in Ukraine is under way.

- Australia supported Ukraine in its most difficult period of time, but now it seems that due to the Syria crisis, developments in the South China Sea Ukraine has disappeared from the foreign policy "radars" in Australia. Can we consider your visit as a sign of ongoing support for Ukraine by Australia?

- The fact is that the world tends to forget about the existing crises against the backdrop of new ones, even if the previous ones keep on flaring. But I think this is a big mistake and danger. In the case of Ukraine, I am convinced that the international community must continue to lend civil and military support for your country, at least until the threat from the Russian side continues.

- By the way, speaking of the crises - in your article "By ignoring Ukraine, we help Russia"published recently in the Herald Sun, you wrote that in connection with the pullout of the Russian military from Syria, "Putin may try to play again with his muscles," what did you mean by that?

- I genuinely believe that after the Middle East the biggest threat to peace and freedom in the world is posed by Russia's aggression against its neighbors. While in Kyiv, I was informed that along the contact line in the east of your country about 60,000 Ukrainian servicemen face over 45,000 rebels, of whom about 10,000 are the Russian secret services staff. In addition, at least 50,000 Russian military are mobilized in the combat groups on the other side of the official border.

- You also stated that "the treat lies in the fact that the world as a whole may lose interest in Ukraine, when its support is the most needed."

- Yes, it is true, this threat does exist. We know that the IMF provided financial support for Ukrainian government, the EU contributes to the development of civil society, the United States and Great Britain help train the Ukrainian army. However, some European countries seek to lift sanctions against Russia. Pressure is put on Ukraine to force it to hold local elections in compliance with the Minsk agreements. However, regardless of ceasefire agreement, the truce is partial, and the election results in the rebel-held areas will unlikely be objective.

Because of fearing Putin no country was ready to sell Ukraine even defensive weapons. It is difficult to realize why the legitimate democratic government that is under real threat was denied anti-tank and anti-aircraft arms, which the West so easily gives to the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan.

As I already pointed out in my comments on Russia, having such a large number of problems in the world, the last thing we all need now is a powerful country that extends its influence by means of war.

- The MH17 plane crash brought together our nations. For many Australians, it was the beginning of realizing the sheer scale of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. After the Russian veto in the UN Security Council to set up an international tribunal there is still no mechanism for bringing those responsible to justice. What solutions does Australia see for this issue?

- This is a very sensitive issue which cannot be left unanswered. It is essential to return to its consideration and review options for bringing the perpetrators to justice. Decision should be made taking into account the published results of the criminal case, which is conducted by the Dutch authorities.

- It was during your premiership that the President of Ukraine traveled to Australia for the first time. How do you evaluate the performance of agenda worked out during the visit, what bilateral cooperation projects do you consider to be the most promising at this stage?

- I do hope that the volume of Australian investment

in Ukraine will increase, because all conditions are in place. In addition, I hope that the agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Australia on cooperation in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (it’ planned to be signed during the Washington summit on nuclear security later this month - ed.) will allow Australia to sell nuclear fuel to the Ukrainian market, thereby replacing uranium exports from Russia, which we refused to buy in the past as part of sanctions against Russia.

- What reforms do you think are the most important for the Ukrainian state today? How Australia can assist Ukraine?

- All reforms are important. Decision making process for the key issues should be accelerated, anti-corruption efforts are key in this list.

Following the tragedy of the Malaysian airplane MH17 flight the Australian Government provided Ukrainian army with logistical support worth $5 million and started negotiations on banning exports of Australian uranium to Russia. We launched the Australian Embassy operation in Kyiv - not only as a center for efforts coordination to bring to justice the perpetrators of the tragedy, but also as a sign of solidarity with the country that strives to be free. This is a modest support, but during my visit to Kyiv I realized that it was appreciated by the Ukrainian government and the people there.