Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The parliamentarians were attempting to come to terms with very complex political issues. Having said that, I want to look on the bright side for Ukraine. It is not right that Right Sector has four ministries. Svoboda does not play a progressive role but it is a voice and it has to be listened to and engaged with. Therefore, the very next day after the agreement was struck on 21 February, the parliament made a silly decision to revoke the language agreement whereby the regions could have a second language. I congratulate the acting President, Mr. Turchynov, who vetoed that decision of parliament which was taken in haste in what must have been a very fraught atmosphere.

I believe the parliamentarians made a mistake. His Excellency will appreciate that all of Europe, in particular the French, the Poles and the Germans who had negotiated the deals were very disappointed with that decision. Having said that, we must condemn out of hand the role of the Russians in Ukraine. The diplomacy that the Russians seem to engage in, and there is history attached to it, is that if one does not listen to what the Russians say, one will get a hard fist. An invasion has occurred.
It is to be applauded that the OSCE has put in observers very quickly. It is a rolling issue and we do not know if the OSCE observers have been allowed into the country. One member of the Defence Forces is assigned to OSCE. Thirteen countries have sent in observers with the OSCE. I hope the Russians will allow this observation mission to play a role in Ukraine.
I hope that Ireland will play a more significant role, given the history of the OSCE and that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade recently served as its chairman. It would play a more significant role in the presence of long-term observers and short-term observers of the elections in Ukraine, which are planned for 25 May. Tragically, Ireland has only sent one LTO to Ukraine. That is an amazing miscalculation by Ireland Inc. DoesMr. Reva think it would be possible to have presidential elections throughout Ukraine on 25 May? If it is feasible, my argument is that our Government, other European governments and all affiliates of the OSCE must flood Ukraine with observers to reassure the people from the eastern and western sector that personnel with OSCE election monitoring hats will ensure that, whatever way they vote, the people are guaranteed that their votes will be interpreted fairly by the OSCE. I understand some 900 STOs are spoken of and the more we can send to observe the pre-term presidential election the better. I would appreciate a reply to my question on whether it will be feasible to hold elections in the current circumstances.