Alexander Zakharchenko:
"Ukraine has again deceived everyone"
Friday, January 12, 2018 -
15:12
The
Head of the Donetsk People's Republic met with the media on January 11.
The Head of State expressed his views on the recent exchange of prisoners, and
also spoke about the plans for the development of the Republic in 2018.
- In Russia, there is an annual practice
of determining the main "theme". What will our state take keep at the
forefront this year? Will we determine the main theme of the year further on?
-
The main theme of 2018 will be the History of Donbass. Moreover, this year we
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Donetsk-Krivoy Rog Republic. We must
remember our roots, our history. There were many suggestions, one of which was
the Year of the Child. But, I think that children should be cared for all the
time.
-
The President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov visited the
Donetsk People's Republic the other day. What was the purpose of this visit,
were any new agreements reached?
-
There were two goals. Both were achieved. Anatoly Bibilov came along with the
Defense Minister of South Ossetia. A number of documents were prepared, which
are being approved by the DPR
People's Council of the DPR and the parliament of
South Ossetia. Those concern cooperation in the military sphere. Along with
that, cooperation in the banking sector was discussed. Both documents will be
signed in the near future.
-
In the past few weeks the Republic has been experiencing an unstable situation
around gas fuel. How is this problem being solved and what has caused it? Why
has the price for motor gas, in particular propane-butane, been recently
increased?
-
This is the world trend of rising prices for oil and oil products. However, the
price increase and deficit are mainly observed at commercial refueling
stations. There is gas at state refueling stations, and a rise in price, if
there is any, is only seasonal.
- Alexander Vladimirovich, one of the
largest exchanges of prisoners during the conflict was held between the
People's Republics and Ukraine on the New Year's Eve. According to Daria
Morozova, Kiev transferred 160 people to Donetsk. At present, some of these
people are under medical supervision, many have returned without documents.
What kind of help will be provided by the DPR authorities to those who have
returned from the Ukrainian captivity? Can they rely on help in restoring
documents, obtaining housing, finding employment?
-
Ukraine has once again deceived everyone. The number of people stated to
Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill, and which had been discussed with us, did
not coincide with the number of people who were transferred to us.
For
today, the main task is to lift people out of the toughest state in which they
are after the captivity. First and foremost, this is psychological support.
People had been imprisoned for several years.
Further
on, other assistance will be provided, including in obtaining documents. As for
housing, problems will be treated in an individual manner. Many have their own
houses and apartments.
-
Is there any awareness when the next exchange of prisoners can be expected?
-
There is no awareness, no preliminary data. To be honest, we haven't yet fully
grasped this exchange. We were not given all the people who have been claimed
on the lists. I instructed Ombudsman Darya Morozova to raise this issue at
Contact Groups' meetings in Minsk. At least the number ought to be retained.
Ukraine
took even this exchange really hard. They tried to disrupt this exchange. For
example, we set a special regime on our border for the time of the exchange,
Ukraine, on the contrary, created a large traffic jam there and, at the very
moment of the exchange, it let about three thousand people into that territory.
We did not expect such meanness even from them!
Based
on all this, I think the next stage will not be soon, and negotiations will be
very difficult. Ukraine has no good will for "all for all" exchanges.
Kiev does not remember the times when we would transfer hundreds of prisoners
without any exchanges. We let go home all eighteen-year-old boys-conscripts who
had been caught up with us in the Ilovaisk Pocket, near Shakhtyorsk, and near
Torez... We would just give 150 to 200 people each time. And they come up with
various reasons not to exchange our servicemen.
Another
point is whom Ukraine transfers. People who do not hide their views about the
Kiev regime are, of course,worthy of respect. But these are not prisoners of
war! We even receive lists of people who were simply detained for vagrancy. It
is not funny, but bitter to see such things. After all, these are the destinies
of people!
-
Since January this year, the size of the minimum pension has been raised in the
Republic. Are there any plans to improve the well-being of our citizens?
-
The minimum pension will be 2,904 rubles from January. Benefits for families
with children and retired military personnel have also been increased.
We
have repeatedly raised pensions and other social benefits. We are building a
socially-oriented state, so the main task is to help and support needy
citizens.
This
year, in the third quarter, the pension will be raised again. Perhaps, one more
increase will be possible at the end of the year.
-
Will there be elections for the post of Head in 2018?
-
I understand why this question has arisen. The Internet community has different
opinions. I read these articles and statements. It was a pleasant surprise that
the elections in the Donetsk People's Republic caused a stir among many famous
bloggers.
Elections
will be held. In the order established by the Law – in the autumn of 2018.
Zakharchenko does not extend his term of office for a year, as the
"experts" write. The term of cadence will be increased after the next
election. The Head of the Donetsk People's Republic will be elected not for
four, but for five years. And Zakharchenko runs for office in 2018.
-
What will your election programme include?
-
It's a bit early to talk about this. My whole programme is now clear – this is
the development of the economy and raising the standard of living of the
population. There's a lot of work to do! Closer to the elections my programme
will be available to everyone.
-
What are the plans for economic development in the Republic? On what will the
bets be done? Which industries are of priority for the DPR?
-
This is machine building, metallurgy, coal industry and agriculture. But we are
in the situation when where in any sphere of the economy, everywhere
development and revival are needed, and sometimes construction from scratch.
For
example, agriculture. The processes that have been launched in the past years
need constant attention this year too. We are not just developing the industry,
we are building an entirely new agriculture.
In
metallurgy we face blockade, difficulties with the supply of raw materials and
the sale of finished products. But the factories are working. The problems of
the industry will be resolved.
In
the coal industry, we reached the volumes of the pre-war 2013. The works to
increase production and development of coal-mining enterprises will be
continued.
Every
industry is important. It is impossible to single out only one of them; all
issues should be resolved in a complex.
-
How do you assess the situation on the contact line? The shelling of the
outskirts of Gorlovka and other provocations by the AFU?
-
The situation is complicated, precombat. If frosty weather lasts for at least
two weeks, we can expect provocations on the part of Ukraine.
In
Kiev, there is still tension: President Poroshenko has to solve serious
internal problems, and the only way is to intensify the conflict in Donbass.
Judging by the latest bombardments, this decision is festering. We are waiting.
We are ready, don't you worry, all our troops have been brought to full combat
readiness. Units are able to repel any aggression. I can say that it will be
the last one for Kiev.
-
What are the first results of the work of the Public Reception Centers of the
DPR Head?
-
Approximately 30 thousand appeals have been received all over the Republic.
About 50% have been decided on the spot, about a quarter of the issues have
been passed to the profile departments, and the rest required advice and
clarification. Along with that, about two thousand people joined the ranks of
the Donetsk Republic Public Movement.
It
is positive that people went to the Centers, believed, and started speaking
about problems. We need this practice.
Official
translation by DONi News Agency
