First Vice Speaker Herashchenko discusses in UK situation in Donbas, visa liberalisation

30.10.2017 17:25

Ukrinform

First Vice Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Iryna Herashchenko has discussed with British Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan the security situation in Donbas, human rights violations in the occupied Crimea and visa liberalisation for Ukrainians.

"I have a busy visit to the UK. Today, I have met with Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan. We have discussed the security situation in Donbas and violation of human rights in the occupied Crimea," Herashchenko wrote on her Facebook page.

According to the first vice speaker, she called on the United Kingdom to assist in the release of hostages, involving all possible mechanisms and taking mediation efforts.

In addition, a peacekeeping mission in Donbas was discussed. "It's good that the British government is well aware of the nuances and difference between the mandate of a true peacekeeping mission and the hybrid proposal of Moscow aimed at freezing the conflict," Herashchenko added.

Iryna Herashchenko and Alan Duncan also discussed the pace of reforms in Ukraine. At the same time, according to first vice speaker Herashchenko, she asked the British minister to pay attention to complaints of Ukrainians about unjustified UK visa refusals. Herashchenko expressed opinion on the need for negotiations on liberalisation of visa regime for Ukrainians.