The Communist Party of Ukraine (CPU) has stated that a national referendum should be called on Ukraine's accession to the Customs Union.
“We insist that the head of state and the government, as well as the
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine [Ukraine’s parliament] should start
considering the issue of Ukraine’s accession to the Customs Union as
soon as possible,” the leader of the CPU parliamentary faction, Petro
Symonenko, said at a press conference hosted by Interfax-Ukraine on
Friday.
Symonenko added that the issue on Ukraine’s joining to the European Union should also be decided at the national referendum.
“We should submit to the referendum a question what is more
beneficial for Ukraine – the Customs Union or the European Union. The
people have to make this decision at the referendum,” the politician
said, and added that the CPU thinks the Ukraine should join the Customs
Union.
He noted the CPU is ready to start collecting signatures for calling the referendum.
Symonenko also said that Ukraine could benefit from joining the Customs Union.
“Direct benefit from Ukraine’s accession to the Customs Union is
estimated by $6.5-9 billion per year – this is a solution for all social
problems,” he said.
Symonenko also said that Ukraine’s accession to the Customs Union
will give it an opportunity to join BRIC Countries and Shanghai
Cooperation Organization.
