Ukrainian Parliament ban on the use of Greek and Russian by ethnic Greeks
11.12.2014
Question for written answer E-010539-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Eleftherios Synadinos (NI)
According to a number of reports,[1][2] the Ukrainian Parliament has adopted a bill banning the use of minority languages such as Greek, Russian and Hungarian, thereby undermining any notions of justice, freedom, civilisation, progress and democracy.
In particular, the body representing the Ukrainian teaching profession has submitted a written demand for an immediate end to the use by ethnic Greeks of an enemy language, that of ‘Putin’. In a written reply, Alexandra Protsenko-Pitsantzi, the President of the Federation of Greek Associations in Ukraine, indicated that the language ban was an act of extremism, a direct violation of human rights and the ‘privilege’ of a totalitarian regime[3].
Appearing on a Greek-language television broadcast, Ms Protsenko-Pitsantzi spoke of a climate of fear, accompanied by both verbal and physical violence. The Hungarian Government has also expressed great concern at attacks on members of the Hungarian minority.
The ban on the use of minority languages was also condemned at a press conference given by Jean Asselborn, the Luxembourg Foreign Minister[4].
In view of this:
- —Will the Commission condemn the action of the Ukrainian Parliament and the nationalistic attacks on minority communities in Ukraine?
- —Will it take action to protect the cultural heritage of Greek and other minorities?
- [1] http://www.koolnews.gr/diethni/h-nea-kuvernhsh-ths-oukranias-apagoreuse-ta-ellhnika/
- [2] http://www.tovima.gr/world/article/aid?=571933
- [3] http://www.greeks.ua/content/otkrytoe-pismbmo-chlenam-ukrainskogo-vsemirnogo-sojuza-professionalmbnykh-uchiteley‐_ru/ru
- [4] http://www.thetoc.gr/diethni/article/autoi-einai-oi-prwtoi-nomoi-pou-psifise-i-kubernisi-tis-oukranias-epelaunei-i-akrodeksia