President Poroshenko reacts to Dutch referendum result

"This is an attack on the unity of Europe, the attack on expansion of the European values. It is also demonstrated by the debate that began on the eve of the referendum. I thank everyone who voted in favor of the deal - and their number is hundreds of thousands of supporters for Ukraine. I thank all those who participated in the popularization of Ukraine in the Netherlands among them politicians and volunteers, and sports stars and culture celebrities. However, I want to emphasize that this referendum, according to the Constitution and laws of the Netherlands, has exclusively advisory nature. So now the ball passes to the government, parliament, and politicians in Holland. I am sure that this strategic event is not an obstacle to Ukraine to join Europe. I want to make a responsible statement that regardless of the polls outcome, Ukraine will continue to implement the Association Agreement, ensure deep and comprehensive free trade area with the EU since it is a path to modernize the Ukrainian state and strengthen its independence. I highlight that we do not turn back from the path towards the European integration. Ukraine like freedom cannot be stopped."

tl