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Norwegian politicians criticize Ukrainian leadership

OSLO, April 08, /ITAR-TASS/. Several Norwegian politicians have criticized the interim government in Kiev and have called on their government to be critical in assessing the situation in Ukraine.

Norway’s former environment minister Bard Vegar Solhjell, a leader of the leftist opposition Socialist party, is one of them.

“The current leadership in Ukraine may soon become illegitimate. Many people in its ranks hold radical views and deserve condemnation,” the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten quoted the ex-minister as saying on Tuesday.

Solhjell described as “disgusting” remarks made by the leaders of Ukraine’s nationalist Svoboda (Freedom) party.

He said he could easily give examples of fascist pronouncements made by the Svoboda party leaders, let alone their numerous attacks on Jews.

“It is very bad that such words are heard in the parliament of a European country in 2014,” Bard Vegar Solhjell said, adding the Norwegian government should clearly define the conditions of granting financial aid to Ukraine. They include observation of human rights, honest democratic elections and struggle against corruption, a phenomenon which is so widespread in Ukraine.

The Norwegian deputy also called on NATO leaders to clearly define its position on prospects of Ukraine’s NATO membership and explain to the Ukrainian leadership that it was impossible for Ukraine to join the alliance at the moment.