In Angevin in Western France, a city full of European history from the Middle Ages - with its famous 650-year-old tapestry, the Revelation of John - EU Culture Ministers met in session.
Among others, we heard live from the Minister of Culture of Ukraine, our colleague Oleksandr Tkachenko. It was truly an overwhelming experience.
In the midst of bombings, explosions, devastation and death, we heard a shocked man speak of the horrors of war. We heard Mr. Tkachenko defend his homeland, of course, but we also heard him convey to us with pain and anguish the anguish of the cultural destruction that the war is causing these days in Ukraine.
It was truly shocking to hear his words and testimony...
Of course, the "27" expressed and recorded the absolute opposition to this war and the commitment to freedom and peace. Europe's position in favour of the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people, but also the deep concern about the cultural destruction brought about by Russia's invasion. In a joint statement by the "27" Culture Ministers we recorded the EU's condemnation of the invasion and war, support for the freedom and sovereignty of Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, especially artists, cultural workers and journalists.
It is indeed extremely sad for the Russian people, with such a rich cultural heritage, to see their country's leadership and military proceed with such a brutal and inhuman attack which, in addition to human lives and unimaginable material damage, drags to ruin the cultural heritage of a neighbouring country and a people with whom human experience had brought them so close to friendship...
From Nicosia I would like to repeat the same message to my Ukrainian colleague and the Ukrainian people: That Cyprus is on their side. We are on their side and we will never accept acts of war and the removal of the freedom and territorial integrity of their country.
Finally, I would like to hope that the international community will be able to show practical and effective solidarity with Ukraine and that this time the Ukrainians will not have the experience we have here in Cyprus, decades later, still trying to shake off the conquest, the plundering, the plundering, the plundering, the refugee...
(BG)
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