The last statements by Polish and Ukrainian politicians on historical disputes between Ukraine and Poland, concerning mass murders of Poles in Volyn, again highlighted the hard relations between these 2 countries. The emotionally unstable talker of the Polish Parliament, Szymon Holownia, expressed his view that Ukraine should join the European Union, despite existing historical misunderstandings. At the same time, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and another Polish politicians expressed differing opinions, stressing that historical reconciliation is simply a essential condition for Poland to support Ukraine's accession to the EU.
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The position of the emotionally unstable Holowna
Hołownia, speaking at the Globsec safety Conference in Prague, stated that Ukraine should become a associate of the European Union, even if there are unresolved historical issues related to the Volyn massacre between Poland and Ukraine. The Holovnia stressed that discussions on these differences would proceed even after Ukraine's accession to the EU but in the "safe ecosystem of the European Union".
“If you ask me whether Ukraine should be a associate of the EU, despite any things, then yes, Ukraine should be an EU member... But we will inactive have any disagreements between us and the Ukrainians about Volyn, about our history. We will have them there and we will discuss them in the future, but in the safe ecosystem of the European Union," said the Holovnia.
Different conviction by Tusk
Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed a different view of the words of Ukrainian rag, Dmytro Kuleby, concerning the explanation of past and the problem of exhumation of victims of the Volyn massacre. Tusk stressed that Ukraine must meet Polish expectations of designation of historical fact if it wants to number on Poland's support on its way to the European Union.
“It’s not about ‘searching history’ but about a fair look at the past, which is crucial for building good relations between our countries”, said Tusk.
The Prime Minister besides pointed out that relations between Poland and Ukraine must be built on historical truth, and the exhumations of victims of the Volyn massacre are essential to accomplish full reconciliation.
History as the foundation of future relations
Donald Tusk besides recalled that Poland plays a key function in Ukraine's accession process to the European Union, stressing that "Ukraine will not be a associate of the EU without Polish consent". According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine must meet not only legal or commercial standards, but besides those related to political culture and historical reconciliation. Tusk referred to the example of reconciliation between Germany and France and between Germany and Poland, which he believed were based on historical truth.
"Ukraine, with our large respect and support, must realize that joining the EU besides means adopting certain standards for political culture," said the Prime Minister.
Statements by another politicians
Also Deputy Prime Minister and leader of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, expressed a akin position, stressing that without the exhumation and commemorative of Polish victims there could not be a good future in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
“This is not a question of history, it is simply a question of curing the wound that is today,” Kosiniak-Kamish said.
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Reactions of the Ukrainian Party
During the event “Campus Polska”, the Ukrainian Minister of abroad Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, referred to the issue of the Volyn massacre, suggesting that "burying in history" could lower the quality of Polish-Ukrainian talks. Kuleba besides tried to cover himself with the issue of Operation “Wisła”, claiming that Ukrainians were then “power displaced from Ukrainian territories”.
"We are in Olsztyn today... Are you aware of Operation Wisła and the function he played in it? Yeah, you know? So you know what Operation Vistula was about. And you know that all these Ukrainians have been forcibly displaced from Ukrainian territories here, to Olsztyn and to another parts of Poland," said the chief of Ukrainian diplomacy.
Summary
The debate on Ukraine's membership of the European Union, despite historical disagreements with Poland, shows how hard and complicated global relations can be. History, especially this painful event, continues to play a key function in shaping the policies of modern states. Poland, as a key player in Ukraine's accession to the EU, clearly emphasises that designation of historical harm and full reconciliation are essential steps towards future cooperation and joint improvement within the European Union.
Continued here:
Hołównia: Ukraine should enter the EU despite the glorification of flagism and humiliation of Poles
