Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak had a conversation with the Minister of Enterprises and Production of Italy [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 October 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a fruitful conversation with the newly appointed Minister of Enterprises and Production of the Italian Republic Adolfo Urso.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues of Ukrainian-Italian cooperation. Special attention was paid to the practical aspects of the support for Ukraine by the new Italian government, as well as further contacts between the leaders of the two states.

Andriy Yermak, on behalf of the President of Ukraine, thanked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who today in her speech before the Italian Parliament once again expressed firm support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

The parties noted the importance of establishing contacts between the ministers of foreign affairs and defense of the two states as soon as possible for coordinating efforts and strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Italy.

The interlocutors separately discussed the issue of defense assistance to our country by the Italian Republic. They agreed to enhance Ukrainian-Italian economic cooperation, which would be a powerful signal to the world community about the importance of developing cooperation with Ukraine even in the conditions of ongoing Russian aggression.

Andriy Yermak and Adolfo Urso agreed on the importance of joint promotion of Ukrainian products on the European and world markets. They emphasized that Made in Ukraine, as well as Made in Italy, should become a well-known brand in the world.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine highly appreciates the political support and practical assistance of Croatia – Ihor Zhovkva [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 25 October 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva is on a working visit to the Republic of Croatia on October 24-26.

During the meeting with Minister of Defense of Croatia Mario Banožić the interaction of the two countries in the military-technical sphere was discussed in detail.

The Deputy Head of the President’s Office thanked the Croatian side for the important practical assistance provided to our country in the first days of the full-scale invasion of Russia, and also expressed hope for the continuation of relevant efforts aimed at strengthening resistance to Russian military aggression.

Ihor Zhovkva informed the interlocutor about the course of the military operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular in the context of the liberation of temporarily occupied territories in the east and south of our country.

During a meeting with Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Croatia Dino Mihanović, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President expressed gratitude to the Croatian government for supporting our country in the struggle against full-scale armed aggression.

“Ukraine highly appreciates the firm support of Croatia and the corresponding personal efforts of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in providing assistance to our state,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

He also noted that the holding of the first parliamentary summit of the Crimea Platform in Zagreb is another proof of the continued support of the Croatian side for Ukraine’s efforts to liberate the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation.

The interlocutors paid the main attention to the prospects of strengthening the EU’s sanctions pressure on the aggressor country, the importance of speeding up the supply of weapons to Ukraine, as well as the practical steps of our country regarding the implementation of the strategic course for joining the EU.

Separately, during the meeting, Ihor Zhovkva and Dino Mihanović discussed the possibilities of Ukraine’s further cooperation with NATO.

During the meeting with Foreign and European Policy Advisor to the President of Croatia Neven Pelicarić and Defense and National Security Advisor to the President of Croatia Dragan Lozančić, a wide range of issues of the Ukrainian-Croatian dialogue were discussed.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked for the significant humanitarian assistance provided by Croatia. He expressed hope for the effective support in demining the territory of Ukraine, in particular in view of the significant relevant experience of the Republic of Croatia.

The interlocutors also discussed the issues of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.

In addition, Ihor Zhovkva took part in a discussion program in the framework of the first parliamentary summit of the international Crimea Platform, organized by the office of the Crimea Platform and the expert network of the Crimea Platform, regarding the reintegration of Crimea and holding Russia accountable for international crimes.

In his speech, Ihor Zhovkva spoke about the work of the Ukrainian side with the aim of de-occupying Crimea, in particular about the formation of its reintegration policy and the key role of the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the establishment of the international Crimea Platform in this.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Sybiha met with the deputy of the Bundestag from the CDU/CSU faction [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 24 October 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha met with Bundestag member of the Federal Republic of Germany Roderich Kiesewetter, who is the Spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) faction on crisis prevention and security policy and a member of the Bundestag’s foreign policy committee.

Andriy Sybiha thanked the interlocutor for the second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, as well as for the consistent comprehensive support of the CDU/CSU faction and Roderich Kiesewetter personally to our country in the conditions of ongoing Russian aggression.

The German side was informed in detail about the situation at the front and missile terror against critical civilian infrastructure.

“It is necessary to deploy an air shield over Ukraine as soon as possible,” the Deputy Head of the President’s Office emphasized.

In this regard, he thanked Germany for the transfer of the first IRIS-T air defense system and emphasized the need for the further supply of highly effective German air defense equipment. It was separately noted that in order to liberate its lands, Ukraine expects modern heavy weapons and equipment from Germany.

The parties strongly condemned Russia’s latest provocative actions and statements regarding the so-called dirty bomb. Andriy Sybiha reported that our country has urgently officially appealed to Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi with a request to immediately send a mission of the Agency experts to peaceful objects in Ukraine, which have become the subject of Russia’s cynical manipulations.

The Deputy Head of the President’s Office emphasized that an important prerequisite for the success of our country’s efforts in confronting the aggressor is the recovery of the economy. In this context, the interlocutors discussed preparations for the Berlin international expert conference on the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine, which will be held on October 25, 2022, and exchanged visions of its results.

Andriy Sybiha called on the German side to actively participate in the program of regional and industry patronage initiated by the President of Ukraine, as well as to continue the development of regional and city partnerships between the two states.

In view of the commemoration this year in Ukraine and the world of the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor in 1932-1933, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President expressed hope that the German Bundestag would recognize this tragedy as an act of genocide of the Ukrainian people. Roderich Kiesewetter assured of the further active support of the CDU/CSU faction and him personally for the steps aimed at repelling Russian aggression and restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Taking a hammer to the Belfast Agreement is unlikely to fix our problems warns Lord Empey [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 31 October 2022.

Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey has warned the Taoiseach to be very careful following weekend comments in which he described Northern Ireland’s governance system as ‘not fit for purpose.’

Lord Empey, who was one of the Ulster Unionist Party’s lead negotiators at the time of the Belfast Agreement, said:

“I would urge caution to the Taoiseach in his comments. The Belfast Agreement managed to strike a balance that had previously proved elusive. It created institutions that allowed both of the main communities here to have a hand on the steering wheel. The vandalism that has been caused to those institutions was facilitated by both the Irish and UK Governments as they bent over backwards to placate the DUP and Sinn Fein since 2003.

“Ironically if it hadn’t been for the changes made at St Andrews, there would have been a DUP MLA in line to be nominated as First Minister following the last Assembly election because Unionism is still the largest designation in the Assembly. Both Governments are as complicit in the current stalemate as any of the Northern Ireland political parties.

“We are in the current scenario due to a mechanism put in place by both Governments in ‘New Decade, New Approach’ which was supposed to improve the sustainability of the institutions.

“The Belfast Agreement has a review mechanism, this is correct. But to simply take a hammer to parts of the Agreement is unlikely to fix the problem. Indeed, it could be that success lies in returning to the Agreement’s factory settings.

“It was clear throughout the 1996-1998 negotiations that the Irish Government was not involved in Strand 1 Talks (the internal affairs of Northern Ireland) and it is my firm conviction that this must be respected in any future discussions.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands in last year of life to have disability benefits fast-tracked [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 1 November 2022.
- Fast-tracked access to Personal Independent Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) will be extended to people who are in their final year of life.
Thousands more people nearing the end of their life will have fast-tracked access to financial support through the benefits system, thanks to landmark legislation passed last week.

In one of his first major legislative acts as monarch, King Charles III has granted Royal Assent to the Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill.

This means that people who are thought to be in the final year of their life will be able to receive fast-tracked access to certain benefits, six months earlier than they were able to previously.

This will apply to Personal Independent Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said:

It’s hugely important that people in the last year of their life are treated with dignity and receive the financial support they need and deserve quickly.

Extending this support confirms our commitment to alleviating the pressures faced by those who are nearing the end of their lives, and their families.

The Special Rules changes to PIP, DLA and AA will come into effect as soon as practical and follow the same changes made to Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) earlier this year.

Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases they will receive the highest rate of benefits.
November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : End of minimum consumption charge welcome – Carla Lockhart [November 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 1 November 2022.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the decision by Firmus Energy to remove their minimum consumption charge for customers is a welcome step for hard pressed households faced with the pressures associated with energy costs. She had been lobbying Firmus on this issue following a large number of consumers getting in touch concerning this charge.

Carla Lockhart said:

“Everyone is aware of the pressures on household budgets as a consequence of record energy prices.

As we now enter into a colder period of weather, many families will be making the difficult decision of balancing the need for heat with the extortionate cost of heat. I have no doubt that in many homes across Northern Ireland, reduction in the amount of energy consumed will be the norm this winter as people try to make ends meet.

In light of this focus on efficiency it is important that energy companies do not impose unfair charges on the basis of minimum usage. I am delighted that after engagement with Firmus Energy, they have decided to remove their minimum consumption charge. This will save households £71.99 plus VAT.

I commend Firmus Energy for taking this step. It will make a difference to some households and is a welcome and timely boost. We now need to be continuing to work to see the price of gas fall, whilst also ensuring Government energy support packages are fit for purpose and remain for as long as they are necessary.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Leadership needed to tackle sectarian hate crimes – Keith Buchanan [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 31 October 2022.

Democratic Unionist MLA Keith Buchanan has called on all those who represent the Mid Ulster Constituency to take a strong stand against the kind of sectarian hatred which led to the arson attack on Ballynougher Orange Hall.

The Mid Ulster MLA said, “The individual or individuals responsible for this crime are those who forced their way into the hall and deliberately set out to destroy it. It was a sectarian hate-crime perpetrated against their neighbours and they deserve to face the full weight of the law for it.

Such intolerance however can be fed by an atmosphere of hostility and there needs to be strong leadership to counter it. When there is a failure to take a clear stand against sectarian chants that glorify the IRA it fuels a toxic atmosphere. When there are calls to exclude unionism from political decision-making or to impose joint authority on Northern Ireland it only serves to increase the political temperature. When some in positions of leadership claim there was no alternative to violence and intimidation in the past then it is no surprise that others see that as a ‘green light’ to emulate those tactics today.

I would call on all those who represent the Mid Ulster Constituency to take a clear public stand against this attack on Ballynougher Orange Hall and on the kind of sectarianism we have seen all too often in recent months. The weekend’s attack is not the first Orange Hall to be damaged in recent weeks and many will feel that it is not a coincidence that such attacks increase when there has been an absence of leadership within republicanism.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Buchanan condemns Orange Hall blaze [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 30 October 2022.

DUP Mid Ulster MLA Keith Buchanan and DUP Councillor Anne Forde have called for political leadership from all parties in Mid Ulster after Ballynougher Orange Hall, outside Magherafelt, was seriously damaged by fire.

Mr Buchanan said,

“I visited the hall this evening as fire crews were battling to bring the blaze under control. One of the metal window-guards had been removed when the fire was discovered. The fire has seriously damaged the hall with the roof collapsed.

The police are investigating the circumstances. I call on anyone with information to contact the police in Magherafelt.

I also call on all political leaders to condemn those who continue to attack Orange Halls. It speaks volumes that this hall had to have metal sheets across all its windows and doors in the first place. There is no place for such hatred in society. The men and women of that lodge have every right to exist in Mid Ulster and live peaceably.”

Cllr Anne Forde said,

“This lodge is well rooted in the community and has been here for over 100 years. The folks in the lodge just want to be respected and be able to celebrate their Orange culture. Those who are so intolerant as to want the hall destroyed need removed from our streets. This is not an attack on bricks and mortar, it is an attack on the people who use that facility.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Gordon Lyons – progress is only made through consensus [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 30 October 2022.

DUP Director of Elections and East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has said Sinn Fein is more focused on convincing us the IRA had ‘no alternative’ than they are on recognising the damage the Protocol will do to Northern Ireland.

Gordon Lyons said,

“Michelle O’Neill couldn’t care less about the view of unionists. She is playing dog whistle politics, but the facts speak for themselves. Sir Jeffrey made a speech on 1 July 2021 and another one on 9 September 2021 setting out how the Protocol was incompatible with devolution and the actions we were going to take. We then withdrew our First Minister several months before the Assembly election even took place. Our actions have nothing to do with the election result.

We all know Sinn Fein don’t want Northern Ireland to work but for those of us who do want Northern Ireland to prosper the Government should focus its energy on ensuring the Protocol is dealt with and Northern Ireland’s place in the U.K. internal market is restored.

Progress is only made in Northern Ireland with the support of unionists and nationalists. Not a single unionist MLA supports the Protocol. Sinn Fein doesn’t care about the view of unionists and still want the Protocol “rigorously implemented”. Indeed, Michelle O’Neill seems to care more about justifying the IRA than the fact our main hauliers say the Protocol would empty our shelves within 48hrs.

Sinn Fein should start listening to unionists because until the Protocol is replaced there will not be a sound and solid basis to see a return of devolved government.”

November 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government should focus on dealing with the Protocol – Sir Jeffrey Donaldson [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 28 October 2022.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has called on the Government to focus on resolving the problem rather than dithering over an election.

Sir Jeffrey said:

“The Government and the NIO talked up an election and now no one knows what is happening. Parliament is sovereign and can of course legislate to keep Ministers if it so wishes.

It is now clear the Secretary of State’s boss, the Prime Minister, has not yet decided how to proceed.

The Government should focus its time and energy on ensuring the Protocol problem is dealt with and Northern Ireland’s place in the U.K. internal market is restored.

We are ready to fight an immediate election if one is called. An election will not solve the problem which is that until the Protocol is replaced there will not be a sound and solid basis to see a return of devolved government.

So our message to the Government continues to be that they need to get the Protocol replaced and then we will have the basis for establishing a devolved government that Unionists and Nationalists can support.

The Government has undermined its own credibility in recent weeks, instead of focusing on the underlying problem.”

November 1, 2022