Kuchma: Poroshenko’s decree does not provide economic blockade of Donbass

The former president of Ukraine, representative of Ukraine in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Leonid Kuchma said, under what conditions can be lifted a temporary restriction on the movement of goods through the demarcation line to the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas.

“There is no economic blockade. Dear esteemed public, read the NSDC decision and then the decree of Poroshenko [the fifth president of Ukraine – ed.]. This is a temporary ban on the movement of goods across the contact line. What kind of blockade is this? And we know well hundreds of thousands of people cross the checkpoints every day,” said Kuchma.

The TCG representative added that each person is allowed to transport no more than 50 kg of cargo across the boundary line.

“It is today’s problem, but the decree states that this is a “temporary” measure. This question arises each time within the contact group while meeting with the opposite commission. However, we clearly state that there should be a two-way movement of goods. If you, during the so called movement restriction have nationalized all Ukrainian enterprises, you should give us the answer first: when are you going to return them?” Kuchma noted.

He emphasized that the TCG cannot cancel the Presidential decree.

Kuchma also said that the issue of lifting the restriction on the movement of goods is being violated by the Russian side and the so-called Russia-led representatives in ORDLO, on the constantly basis.

Kuchma noted that Ukraine could lift the restriction on the movement of goods, but first NSDC meeting should be held to adopt the relevant government instructions. In its turn, the government should report about necessary measures to be taken by both (Ukrainian and opposite sides) aimed at resolving the given issue.

Kuchma emphasized that Ukrainian enterprises, expropriated by the occupiers, to be returned to Ukraine.

Simultaneously, he noted that “some businessmen are not willing to take them away,” since the enterprises seized by the occupiers are in an inappropriate state.

Related  news: Progress in the Minsk negotiations, a cease-fire, exchange of prisoners of war, lifting of the economic blockade in Donbas.