Lord Howe of Aberavon
Main Page: Lord Howe of Aberavon (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Howe of Aberavon's debates with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(10 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I acknowledge some commitment in this area, having had the privilege of spending some seven years during the last decade of the previous century as a member of the Advisory Council to the Presidium of the Supreme Rada of Ukraine. In that context, I am able to acknowledge what is certainly true: it is not a wholly qualified organisation, judged by some standards. My own assessment is that it is equipped with economic resources—although not as significant as we might like—and real political skill. They are far from being communistic, and there is real deference to the Holy Pope. The Ukrainians deserve a sympathetic and practical partnership with us, so far as we can provide it.