The statement of national cultural societies of Transcarpathia (DOCUMENT)

August 23, in the Center of national minorities cultures in Transcarpathia (Uzhgorod), there was a meeting with the management of the regional state administration and heads and active members of ethno-cultural communities in Transcarpathia. During the meeting, they discussed the socio-political situation in the country and the role of national minority organizations in preserving the territorial integrity and inter-ethnic accord in connection with the events in Eastern Ukraine.            

The event was attended by the First Deputy Governor Andriy Serbaylo, the Deputy Head of the Department of Minorities and Religions of the RSA Natalia Shutanych and representatives of public organizations of national communities.

The First Deputy Governor Andriy Serbaylo congratulated the participants on the National Flag Day and the 23rd anniversary of Independence of Ukraine. The official briefed on the situation in connection with the events in Eastern Ukraine and noted that in times of great challenge, when our country is going through a difficult crisis that threatens its sovereignty, the main task is to prevent escalation of conflict and intensification of radical forces. Today, all efforts of the authorities are aimed at strengthening the security of the country and overcoming the armed confrontation.

Also Andriy Serbaylo noted the role of the civil society organizations of ethnic communities in the preservation of international peace and sovereignty of Ukraine, stressed the importance of further cooperation between local authorities and national and cultural associations to strengthen the historical and traditional tolerant coexistence, friendly inter-ethnic relations and a high level of mutual understanding between people of different minorities.

         During the event, representatives of national communities expressed an uncontested desire of the multinational community of the region to live in a unified Ukraine, condemned the provocations and attempts to incite ethnic hatred and unanimously adopted a statement on the preservation of territorial integrity of Ukraine, peaceful and friendly international relations in connection with the events in Eastern Ukraine.