French senator’s frankness

Ukraine’s presidential campaign is being closely followed by the international community, only natural considering that the world first saw Ukraine as a free and independent country after the Orange Revolution. The West is keen to see the Ukrainians’ verdict on the five year of presidency of Viktor Yushchenko, the leader of the revolution. Diplomats accredited to Ukraine admit off the record that this election actually involves two candidates: Viktor Yanukovych, the leader of the opposition, who typifies the ‘old school’ mentality, and the incumbent Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who represents a new way of thinking. European Parliament members say that Tymoshenko is unpredictable, despite her pro-European stand. Europe fears that as President of Ukraine she may alter Ukraine’s course, steering it towards Russia. What do the French think about Ukraine’s presidential election and the leading candidates? Why has NATO and the EU failed to positively respond to Ukraine’s integration desire? More on this in The Day’s exclusive interview with Jean-Pierre PLANCADE, a member of the Senate of France, representing the Haute-Garonne department, member of the Radical Party of the Left.

Mr. Plancade, would you care to comment on the degree of importance the French attach to Ukraine’s presidential election?

“To begin with, this presidential campaign is important for France because French history is closely tied with democracy, and so your presidential campaign, with so many candidates, reinforces the idea of democratic values.

Second, there are long-standing affectionate relations between our countries. Anna, the Princess of Kyiv, as well as other historical events or people are cherished by the French. Also, France immediately accepted and supported the democratic revolution in Ukraine. We are all aware that democracy isn’t something you can build overnight. It requires democratic culture. There are frequent slips that ultimately help develop democracy, even if some of their consequences are undesirable. We believe that Ukraine is on the right path and France is willing to make every effort to help. It should be noted that democracy means more than just passing bills [in parliament], it also means implementing the existing ones. Ukraine is still struggling to fully develop kind of democracy come. This is easier said than done. We try to lend Ukraine a helping hand every time Ukraine asks for it. Democracy is about placing the bricks [and applying mortar] the right way. It requires an intellectual struggle. We can’t wave a magician’s wand to replace totalitarianism with democracy. Yet, we are republican optimists by nature, and we believe that Ukraine is on the right track.”

How do you feel about the Western media with their allegations about the end of the Orange era after this presidential election?

“I have a different opinion on the matter. I believe that this election, if it is well-organized and adheres to constitutional principles, will mark a new stage in your history, a new achievement for your democracy. I believe that Ukrainians are masters of their [historical] destiny. In my opinion, the Orange Revolution will remain a significant historical event, if simply because it resulted in such a high level of democratic progress. Life, however, is a varying process; there is no life without change. Democracy, likewise, requires continuous progress.”

Would you care to comment on the two leading presidential candidates?

“Being French, I find this question difficult to respond to. I am an observer and true Republican, so all I can say is that who the Ukrainian electorate votes for will be the right choice.” [This interview was recorded by The Day on Jan. 16, 2010 — Author]

Mr. Plancade, Ukrainian experts believe that Europe is interested in Ukraine as a transit country to help maintain reliable Russian gas supplies, and that Europe is less concerned about Ukraine struggling to build an adequate nation-state and become a full-fledged member of the European community of nations. How would you comment on this?

“First and foremost, Ukraine’s neighboring countries must recognize it as a free and independent nation. Russia should recognize Ukraine as an independent and free state. Ukraine, likewise, should treat Russia as an independent and free state with its borders, with [each side assuming] responsibility for their decisions. As for the road to Europe, entrenched democracy is the main thing. It’s a long road, because democratic bills have to be passed by parliament and then implemented; also because it is necessary to reinforce political responsibility, political culture, and respect others’ choices.”

Is there anything Europe can do to help to Ukraine approach EU membership?

“Europe could perhaps help Ukraine in a more consistent manner, but the relations between Ukraine and Russia have to be normalized. I think this is the first thing to do.”

Visiting Warsaw, Nicolas Sarkozy declared that Kyiv was a European city. Are the French supporting the idea of Ukraine’s EU membership?

“France and its citizens doubtlessly regard Ukraine as a European country. We have this awareness in our hearts. On a more rational level, the situation looks more complicated. Be that as it may, no one doubts that Kyiv is a city that belongs to Europe. This fact is self-evident.”

What about the role played by Russia? Is there any way Russia can prevent Ukraine from joining the EU?

“I’m absolutely convinced that, above all, Russia must recognize Ukraine as an independent country. Ukraine should also learn to live with Russia on a neighborly basis while retaining its national independence. This must be the gist of Ukraine’s [foreign political] strategy.”

A number of experts believe that Ukraine is now in the gray zone of security, between NATO and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Can the European Union somehow put Ukraine’s national security fears to rest?

“I know that Ukraine has applied for NATO membership, and that NATO hasn’t acquiesced. Why is there no positive response from NATO and EU? Because Ukraine has to normalize its relations with Russia. Afterwards, I think that progress will be made in resolving these issues. Russia should also realize that Ukraine’s direct or indirect NATO membership poses no threat to [the Kremlin]. Russia’s relations with NATO are different from what they were like 40 years ago. Decades have pasted since the Berlin Wall has been torn down, so these relations have to be normalized, and the same applies to Ukraine’s domestic political situation. Ukraine cannot expect to integrate into the EU without stabilizing its domestic political situation. Russia should recognize Ukraine [as an equal political partner], while Ukraine should build its relationships with Russia on reasonable foundations. If and when these requirements are met, one will expect Ukraine to make progress on its road to EU membership. Russia should, in turn, stop regarding NATO expansion as a hostile act.”

Mr. Plancade, how would you describe the current relations between Ukraine and France?

“I think that the current relations between France and Ukraine are good, and that we will make every effort to continue improving them. The French Senate’s parliamentary France-Uk­raine-friendship group plans a joint session with their Ukrainian colleagues towards the end of summer or early fall [2010]. They expect this to enhance the political dialog between France and Ukraine.

“I am sure about Ukraine’s positive prospects, regardless of all the failures sustained on its road to democracy.”