UN-Russia cites Ukranian famine in escalating tensions
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008His Excellency, Mr. Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations said several Ukranian delegates have expressed concern about the victims of the famine of 1932-33 and the subsequent years of suffering and deaths of Ukranians during the Soviet era. Mr. Churkin admitted many suffered during the famine and Soviet regimes but rejected that the regime oppressed only Ukranians. He asked us to look at other areas and countries including Kazakhstan, where tragedies took place. Kazakhstan was denied a voice at the GA last week when their representative attempted to address the sufferings of the countries civil society during Soviet occupation.
Churkin claimed the Ukranian leadership is looking at these historical circumstances in a negative way. He cited many incorrect statements made by Ukrainian delegates including accusations of genocide against Ukranians, as breaking the “brotherly bond” between the Russian and Ukranian people. Churkin also inferred: “the hyperactive attitude of the United States delegation is aimed at exacerbating the situation between Russia and Ukranian delegates.”
Churkin also believes these issues are being brought up now by the political motivation of some leaders in the current United States and United Kingdom administrations in order to spark unrest. He is hopeful for a “fresh opportunity for new US leadership” to help resolve these issues but would not say which presidential candidate the Russians support. The General Assembly spokesperson, Enrique Reyes, responded to Churkin’s allegations and said there was no agreement from members on the issue of the famine-forcing the President of the GA to postpone the meeting.
