Oleksandr Korniyenko is one of more than 1000 deputies from around the world who will participate, starting this Monday, in Luanda, in the 147th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIP).
In an interview with Lusa, the Verkhovna Rada deputy stated that the main mission of the Ukrainian delegation is to publicize, on international stages, the commitment of Ukrainians to "stop Russian aggression" and get Russian troops to withdraw from their territory and maintain international attention focused on Ukraine.
"We really want to reach peace, but we want to stay in our land and defend our land", he highlighted, adding that Ukraine continues to need financial and military support, as well as "the moral support of other countries, the African continent, the Asia, from Latin America".
Asked about the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, Oleksandr Korniyenko said that they are closely following everything that is happening and that the important thing is not the name given to the terrorists.
"It doesn't matter if it's Hamas, if it's the Russian Federation or the Wagner group, what we're talking about is humanity, about violence against civilians and children. And we see this situation happening to Ukrainian children and happening in Gaza , we have to join forces to talk about these crises and these problems", he indicated.
Regarding Ukraine's position in relation to this conflict, he stated that the biggest concern is the massacres of civilians and that "the Western world and Israel must find a solution" for the Middle East.
The Ukrainian official also addressed the need to make reforms and changes in the international security system, which will also be discussed at the IPU meeting, "an important part of the United Nations family".
"It is impossible, in the 21st century, for us to suffer such aggression from a permanent member of the Security Council", he criticized, saying that parliaments also have a role to play.
"Deputies represent the people and our role is very important because it is through parliaments, parliamentary democracy, that we can promote and disseminate ideas about what we want for the world, in terms of stability, humanity, conflict prevention, the effects of climate change, etc.", he highlighted.
Therefore, these activities are important to find solutions and consensus through debate: "We have to be united, it is very important for the future of the world", he said.
Regarding relations with Angola, he considered that they could be strengthened, suggesting a meeting between the presidents of the two countries, in addition to the development of interparliamentary activity and economic relations.
Currently chaired by the Portuguese deputy Duarte Pacheco, the UIP will elect, in Luanda, his successor, running for the position, the president of the Parliament of Tanzania, Tulia Ackson, and the deputies Catherine Hara, from Malawi, Adji Diarra Kounaté, from Senegal, and Marea Hagi, from Somalia.
Under the motto "Parliamentary action for peace, justice and strong institutions", the 147th Assembly of the IPU also has the participation of a delegation from the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, led by the president of the AR, Augusto Santos Silva.
