The OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, Lamberto Zannier, in an interview with RIA Novosti on Thursday, called on Ukraine to remain a country in which people would pray to use not only the Ukrainian language.
On October 4, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in its first reading a draft law on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the only state language. The document notes that attempts to introduce official multilingualism in the country will be equated with the overthrow of the constitutional order.
“Although I respect the goal of the Ukrainian authorities to strengthen the role of the Ukrainian language as a state language, at the same time, this country should remain a space for all groups of different nationalities with different languages that they should have the right to use,” said Zannier.
In his opinion, it is necessary to hold consultations with all ethnic groups in the country in order to get their opinion on this matter. “The law should reflect the obligations under which Ukraine promised to respect the right of minorities to have access to their native language,” the diplomat said, noting that he would continue to insist that these conditions be met by the Ukrainian authorities.
On October 13, the European Union also advised Ukraine to submit a draft law “On ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as a state language” to the Venice Commission to check for compliance with international norms and obligations of the country.