Dutch MEP called to vote for Ukraine at referendum in Netherlands

24.03.2016 12:47

Ukrinform

Member of the European Parliament, member of the Dutch People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, head of "Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe," Hans van Baalen has called the Dutch to support Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU by voting in the referendum on April 6 in the Netherlands.

He made a statement at the debates "The EU, the Netherlands, Ukraine: prospects and benefits of cooperation" that was held in The Hague, the Ukrinform’s Holland correspondent reports.

"No matter what party you belong to, but this issue is about to back people who want to live in a normal country. Ukrainians want to live in such country where there’s a rule of law, where there are anti-corruption activities, where you can work, where once can practice freedom of expression and free media. In other words, Ukrainians want to live in a free country and make their own decisions. And they have to receive this chance. It is a question of dignity. This agreement includes a trade

section as well, but it is also about Ukraine as a democratic country. Therefore I will certainly vote "yes" without any doubts,” he said.

However, the politician noted that the referendum itself is not linked to Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, at this referendum, like at many others, the people do not vote directly on issues which are asked of them. We had the referendum on the European Constitution. The voter turnout was 60 percent and about 60 percent of them said "no." When they began to determine what were the reasoning behind it they discovered that the government was unpopular, the people did not know anything about the agreement, there were people who opposed the EU, but it was not directly related to the agreement itself. Unfortunately, this referendum is not about Ukraine," he said.