CPU says Ukraine should call referendum on Customs Union accession
Kyiv, December 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Communist Party of Ukraine (CPU) has stated that a national referendum should be called on Ukraine's accession to the Customs Union.
"We insist that the head of state and the government, as well as the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine [Ukraine's parliament] should start considering the issue of Ukraine's accession to the Customs Union as soon as possible," the leader of the CPU parliamentary faction, Petro Symonenko, said at a press conference hosted by Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.
Symonenko added that the issue on Ukraine's joining to the European Union should also be decided at the national referendum.
"We should submit to the referendum a question what is more beneficial for Ukraine – the Customs Union or the European Union. The people have to make this decision at the referendum," the politician said, and added that the CPU thinks the Ukraine should join the Customs Union.
He noted the CPU is ready to start collecting signatures for calling the referendum.
Symonenko also said that Ukraine could benefit from joining the Customs Union.
"Direct benefit from Ukraine's accession to the Customs Union is estimated by $6.5-9 billion per year – this is a solution for all social problems," he said.
Symonenko also said that Ukraine's accession to the Customs Union will give it an opportunity to join BRIC Countries and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.