Duma demands foreign politicians stop inciting Ukrainian crisis

Russia’s lower house has passed a unanimous statement that the ongoing aggravation of the political and social situation in Ukraine should be blamed not only on radical opposition, but also on certain foreign political circles.

The statement ‘On aggravation of the situation in Ukraine’, prepared by the parliamentary Committee for CIS Issues and Eurasian Integration, was passed unanimously on Wednesday morning.

The document blasted Ukrainian protesters, saying their actions were growing in scale and becoming more aggressive.

The pro-opposition rioters are launching unsanctioned rallies, occupying and blocking various administrative buildings, and destroying historical monuments, including those erected in memory of the heroes who perished in WWII. Law enforcers who try to maintain order are attacked by organized groups of people using weapons and petrol bombs, the statement reads.

The responsibility for the current crisis should be shared by the Western politicians, who rudely interfere with Ukraine’s internal affairs and voice threats towards authorities at opposition rallies, the MPs claim.

The State Duma expressed readiness to boost the cooperation with the Ukrainian parliament – the Verkhovna Rada – in order to further develop the partnership between nations.

However, no moves aimed at overcoming the financial and economic crisis, at restoring and developing the national economy, would be effective in the conditions of growing civil standoff and systematic violations of the law, the Russian legislators stated.

The State Duma called for foreign political circles to stop violating the international law by interfering into Ukraine’s domestic affairs. It also again addressed the Ukrainian political opposition with a call to abandon all forms of violence, immediately stop the violent standoff and start a constructive dialogue with the authorities.

‘The internet is a gift from God’ - Pope Francis

Pope Francis has proclaimed the internet a “gift from God,” lauding its ability to connect disparate groups and foster communication across religious, economic, and political divides. The comments were part of his message for World Communications Day.

“A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive,” read the pontiff’s statement.

He outlined ways in which the world we are living in is “growing smaller” and edging towards the “unity of the human family.” He added that the digital world is not “a network of wires,” but rather “a network of people.”

“Media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances. The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God,” he stated.

Date: 2015-02-03; view: 849