MINSK, 17 July (BelTA) – Ukraine maintains its presence in the CIS agencies as an observer, Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, CIS Executive Secretary Sergei Lebedev told reporters on 17 July, BelTA has learned.
“We really hope that Ukraine will step up its integration-related activities,” he noted.
Sergei Lebedev drew attention to the analytical materials of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations posted on the website of the CIS Executive Committee. “The clear-cut evidence provided by the scientists suggests that Ukraine's withdrawal from the CIS will be highly detrimental to the country's economic interests,” he noted.
Sergei Lebedev reminded about implications in the humanitarian field. “Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are linked by millions of brotherly, kindred ties and friendly contacts. Therefore, Ukraine's withdrawal from the CIS will also make travels within the CIS more difficult. We would not want it to happen,” Sergei Lebedev underlined.
In his words, the CIS Executive Committee has not received any official documents confirming Ukraine's withdrawal from the CIS yet. “We are glad about it,” Sergei Lebedev said.
