Western ambassadors in Kiev 'disappointed' by resignation of Ukrainian Minister of Economy
Diplomats say that Ukraine’s former Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Aivaras Abromavičius, and his advisers sought to overcome the corruption that hinders the development of Ukraine.
Diplomatic representatives of six Western countries issued a joint statement in Kiev with regard to the resignation of Abromavičius. The Ambassadors of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania and Sweden have expressed “deep disappointment” at the resignation of Abromavičius and his group of advisers.
The statement was published on the website of the Swedish Embassy in Ukraine. It stated that the former minister and his team had made important steps in the promotion of the difficult but necessary economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the Ukrainian economy. These diplomats also noted that the efforts and conditions made to undermine corruption correspond to the requirements of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These measures were designed to uphold the principles of openness and transparency in the work of the Ukrainian government.
The joint statement also stressed that the stability and prosperity of the future of Ukraine will require consistent efforts of professionals who are able to “put the interests of the Ukrainian people above their own.”
In addition, the statement noted that the Ukrainian leaders should put aside their differences and selfish interests which for decades have stood in the way of the progress of Ukraine. They should also start implementing vital reforms.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, former Minister Aivaras Abromavičius explained that his decision was in part due to the increasing resistance against reforms that were implemented by him.
In addition, Abromavičius stated, “My team and I don’t want to cover up blatant corruption, or to be puppets manipulated by those who want to live in the old regime and who want to establish control over state money.”
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, said that the final decision on the resignation will be made by the Verkhovna Rada. Yatsenyuk also called the resignation an “escape from the battlefield.”