Liberal International, 03.09.2014

Condemning the cowardly attack against Lev Shlosberg, head of the Pskov branch of LI full member Yabloko, for drawing global attention to the role of Russian paratroopers in Ukraine, LI President Dr. Juli Minoves has called on the Russian authorities to end the conflict.

“We are deeply disturbed by the brutal assault suffered by Lev Shlosberg, head of the Pskov branch of Yabloko. The authorities must conduct a full and adequate investigation on the circumstances. The attack being dismissed as hooliganism is not credible. We stand firm with Yabloko when the rule of law and respect for human rights are under attack”, said the LI President.

Shlosberg had earlier revealed information on graves of Russian soldiers as a proof of meddling of the Russian army in the military operations in Ukraine, which is widely suspected to be the reason for the brutal ambush.

Dr Minoves continued: “Shlosberg’s quest for truth on what is happening in the Ukraine is a rallying point for liberals. 2014 reminds us too much of the 1930’s: illiberal governments against international law and democracies appeasing bullies. Misinformation, half-truths, and lies are used as cover for raw power and self-interest. This brought about the carnage of WWI and WWII. If they don’t stand strong for international law and human rights, democracies might have to pay a steep price in the future.”

Dr. Minoves also praised Yabloko’s leader, Sergei Mitrokhin, who questioned his country’s authorities about the reported participation of the Russian military in the conflict in the Ukraine. “What happens in the Ukraine destabilizes Europe and is a precedent for the future. What does Russia stand to gain? We must not go back to a time in which states conceived self-interest as domination over moving borders. State interest should be good governance, democracy and human rights, a good economy and well-informed citizens”, said Mitrokhin.

The LI President added: “LI calls on Russia and its leaders to lead by principle and help put an end to the conflict in Ukraine. It is crucial for our common future.”

Markus Löning, LI Vice President on the Bureau who coordinates the work of LI Human Rights Committee, emphasised Russia’s international obligations as member of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, saying “Membership in the OSCE is designed for a peaceful resolution of conflicts. Even soviet leaders used to stick to these rules, contrary to what Vladimir Putin is doing today”.

The LI President will be visiting the Council of Europe at the next part session of its Parliamentary Assembly and will discuss these concerns with the ALDE Group. When the LI Bureau convenes on 26th September, liberal leaders will concentrate on the further deterioration of the situation in Eastern Ukraine and the Russian-Ukrainian border.