At the World Conference of Speakers, russia staged a demarche led by Ukraine, - Olena Kondratiuk
At the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which is taking place in Geneva, participants staged a protest during the speech of russian speaker matviyenko.
This was reported by Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk, who is representing Ukraine at the summit of speakers.
Parliamentary representatives, led by Olena Kondratiuk, left the hall in protest against russia's actions in Ukraine and against the russian delegation's participation in democratic gatherings.
The corresponding video was posted on Olena Kondratiuk's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BoX1iEd9U/
Matvienko was forced to perform in front of an almost empty hall.
«I am proud of all our partners and colleagues! This is a stand against the aggressor, this is support for the people of Ukraine! Thank you, sincerely, I have tears in my eyes - so many colleagues support us! We are not alone! Glory to Ukraine!» said Olena Kondratiuk.
The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is an event organised every five years by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which brings together 180 parliaments from around the world.
The invitation of the russian delegation, which consists of individuals subject to sanctions, provoked a sharp reaction.
«Matviyenko, as a person who approved russia's armed aggression and all subsequent crimes against Ukraine, should be sitting in the dock of the Special International Tribunal, not speaking at world gatherings and spreading russian narratives,» said Olena Kondratiuk.