Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the stability of the whole of Europe depends on stability in the Ukrainian state while speaking in Leipzig during events marking the anniversary of the start of the 1989 peaceful revolution in the GDR.
“No one should forget this. The European community is interested in seeing Ukraine on track toward a mature democracy,” the press service of the mayor of Kyiv quoted him as saying.
He emphasized that Ukraine and the former German Democratic Republic have the same historic experience because they both have lived under Soviet totalitarian rule for many years. Both countries saw political upheaval and won their right to freedom and democratic values.
“We, Ukrainians have never abandon seeking for our own independent democratic and free country. Millions of my compatriots – victims of political repressions, the Holodomors, and wars have sacrificed their lives for reaching this dream. Ukrainian patriots were shot to death, died in prisons, and starved… My people paid a heavy price for their right to live in an independent country and build a democracy in it,” said Klitschko.
The mayor of Kyiv noted that due to the Revolution of Dignity, the war with authoritarian Russia and its occupation of the large portion of Ukraine’s territory Ukrainians learned that their freedom and European choice must be uncompromisingly and consistently defended.
“The Revolution of Dignity revealed the developmental choice of our nation which is the European model based upon democratic values. One hundred Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred have sacrificed their lives for it as well as our patriots in the east,” Klitschko stressed.
The mayor of Kyiv stressed that Ukraine is well aware that it is impossible to build a developed European state without systemic structural reforms.
Klitschko also stressed the importance of developing primary democracy, local self-government.
“I am certain that democracy is impossible to achieve without strengthening and broader empowerment of local governments. Political debates, free competition of ideas and views are essential components for democracy,” said Klitschko.
He thanked the European partners for their help and support for the European choice of Ukraine.
“We understand that no one except ourselves – Ukrainians – will change our society and our state. At the same time, it is important that we rely on the support and best practices of our friends and partners. This, in particular, is a very important part of our cooperation with the sister city of Leipzig. Your achievements stimulate us to take further steps aimed at the development of a still young Ukrainian democracy,” said Klitschko.
As reported, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Kyiv and Leipzig. On October 9, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, together with the mayor of Leipzig Burkhard Jung, who also chairs the Association of German Cities, kicked off the Days of Kyiv in Leipzig.
