April 4, 2022
PSD President Marcel Ciolacu, president of the Chamber of Deputies, delivered a speech in the assembled plenary session of the Parliament on Monday, April 04, 2022, denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The full speech of the Ciolacu’s speech is below:
Mr. President of Ukraine,
Mr. President of the Senate,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen, deputies, and senators,
Dear members of the Government,
As of February 24, we are facing the worst security crisis since the end of the Second World War, with the unjustified, illegal, and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.
We join, and from this Tribune, the voices expressing firm and unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
As we expressed since February 28, through the Declaration of the Romanian Parliament regarding the situation in Ukraine, we resolutely reject Russia’s irresponsible behavior and demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of military action against Ukraine, as well as the withdrawal of Russian armed forces from the entire territory of this country.
The last few days have shown us horrible images, hard to believe for Europe in the 21st century. The images from Bucea, which went around the world, overwhelmed us and outraged us all.
We cannot accept that the perpetrators of these massacres go unpunished. They must be brought to justice and held accountable as quickly as possible. In this sense, we fully support a thorough investigation by the International Criminal Court, Romania joining this effort as early as March 2.
Mr. President Zelensky,
Ladies and gentlemen,
At this time, I want to express my full solidarity with your country, with the citizens and the legitimate Ukrainian authorities.
I assure you that, as has happened so far, citizens fleeing the path of war will find the protection they need in Romania.
The involvement and generosity shown by the civil society, by the Romanian citizens, in support of the numerous refugees who arrived in our country, are the most emotional expression of the European values, for the defense of which the fight is being waged in Ukraine today.
Mister President,
War is a tragedy from which no one wins. Everyone loses! War brings only death, suffering and ruined destinies.
Precisely for that reason, my thoughts also go to the ethnic Romanians in Chernivtsi, Odesa, from all over Ukraine. Romanians in Ukraine are fighting these days for the freedom of the country in which they live and raise their children.
And I believe, Mr. President, that this is precisely the sincerest expression of the deep bond between our nations.
Your courage and that of the citizens of Ukraine, regardless of ethnicity, dignity, and determination with which you fight for freedom and the right to decide your own destiny is an example to the whole world.
The victory of Ukraine is a necessary victory both for the European future of your country and for the European course of the Republic of Moldova. The success of Ukraine means the victory of freedom, democracy and European values in this whole region of Europe!
Long live Romania! Glory to Ukraine!
