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Authorities should offer a clear vision of future for Donbass people, says UOC-MP Locum Tenens

02.07.2014, 17:40
Authorities should offer a clear vision of future for Donbass people, says UOC-MP Locum Tenens - фото 1
The large majority of the population of Donetsk wants to live in peace in a united Ukraine, said UOC-MP locum tenens Metropolitan Onufriy to zn.ua, commenting on the situation in the eastern regions of the country.

Онуфрій.jpgThe large majority of the population of Donetsk wants to live in peace in a united Ukraine, said UOC-MP locum tenens Metropolitan Onufriy to zn.ua, commenting on the situation in the eastern regions of the country.

Metropolitan reminded that on June 13 the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held a roundtable of clergymen almost from all regions of Ukraine in Kyiv.

“The clergymen from Donbass also attended this meeting. They talked about the attitudes of their flock. And there are a few fundamental things. First, the civilian population of the region highly distrusts Kyiv. People see strong opposition and hear on TV that all the residents of Donbass are separatists and terrorists. But the vast majority of people in Donetsk region (and this has been clearly stated by our priests) want to live in peace and consent, wants to live in a united Ukraine, they did not take up arms,” said the UOC-MP locum tenens.

“The authorities should offer a clear strategic vision for the civilian population of Donetsk and Luhansk region. This should be the basis for a peaceful conflict settlement,” he added.

Metropolitan Onufriy expressed confidence that the chances for peaceful conflict settlement in this region exist. “We support the government’s efforts to find a way to peace,” he said.

The UOC-MP Locum Tenens also said that on June 19, the Holy Synod of the Church clearly stated in the address to President Petro Poroshenko that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church supported national independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“Our church is also trying to convey to the head of state the voice of our congregation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The address, in particular, states that the clergymen and laity of these areas, asked to take all possible measures to stop the bloodshed which affects civilians. Our believers in the East believe that all disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. The Church professes peaceful principle of problem solving. However, we do everything possible to prevent the deaths of civilians. Protection of the civilian population is a top priority for both the church and the state,” he said.

“The Synod also adopted an appeal to the flock. We reminded the priests that participation of the clergy in civil disobedience activities is unacceptable. Synod stated with regret that some priests were tempted by different political affiliations, thus not simply disturbing their peace of mind, but also adversely affecting peace in the society,” said Metropolitan Onufriy.