James SHERR: The line between the government and opposition needs to be clear
British analyst James Sherr has always given precise assessments of the development of Ukraine’s political situation and he has hardly ever been mistaken in his forecast. As it is known, EU countries and the US are eagerly waiting for the governing coalition to be formed in Ukraine and new government to be created as soon as possible. In particular, this was emphasized by American Ambassador William TAYLOR. How can further process of creation coalition influence Ukraine’s image? This and other questions are raised in The Day ’s interview with Senior Associate worker of the Conflict Research Center of the Institute of Defense (Great Britain) James SHERR.
“The problem again is that when the West looks at problems in this region, including one of the biggest problems — energy, there is no clear Ukrainian voice on issues that affect not only important national interests of Ukraine, but which affect Europe. Therefore, there needs to be a clear Ukrainian voice. From this point of view, the key issue is not having a coalition or how quickly you have it, but having a government that has authority to govern so that Ukraine’s partners know who is responsible for a bad decision and whom they should talk if they have a problem, who can fix the problem and so that Ukraine’s electorate understands also who is responsible. So you have accountability. What Ukraine lacks and what the Ukrainian people need is clarity. That is what is discouraging about the process. It is designed to create opposition to governments on each level. You cannot bring the opposition into the governments. There needs to be both a government and opposition. The line between them needs to be clear so that people can take responsibility. And that does not seem to be understood by much of your political class. And it’s a pity. For the others in this region, starting with your neighbor, understand this very well. The problem is, if there will again be an energy crisis, Europe will talk to Russia. And one big reason will be that Russia has something clear to say. There will be a clear narrative, a clear discourse and a clear set of answers. And when the Europeans talk to Ukraine, they will receive a different set of answers given for every single person. And the statements will be contradictory to each other. This is deeply damaging to both Ukraine and Europe’s interests.”
As it is known, Our Ukraine — People’s Defense and ByUT have gained 228 mandates in the Verkhovna Rada. Is this enough, in your opinion, for an efficient work of the Parliament and the government?
“It is not appropriate for me to get involved in the details. This is a question for your own experts. What is needed in Ukraine is a government with the authority to govern. How Ukraine does that is not my business. But that is what Ukraine needs.”
Mr. Sherr, what do you think concerning the fact that Ukraine is accused of allowing the planes of US Central Intelligence Service (CIS) to land on one of Ukrainian air bases? This was reported by the Russian news agency Novosti with reference to the member of the European Parliament Giovanni Fava as saying.
“I cannot comment on this for I don’t know anything about this.”
Who, in your opinion, could benefit from this sort of information?
“I know nothing about this. But I have one comment to make. One should always consider the source of information of this kind and do one’s own checking and investigation.”
