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DPR says Poroshenko is cynical saying people will decide on NATO membership

"This ‘democracy’ for show looks especially cynical," DPR’s acting Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova said

DOENTSK, July 10. /TASS/. The authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) have accused Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko of utter cynicism after he said that it is up to the people to decide on Ukraine’s joining NATO.

"This ‘democracy’ for show looks especially cynical when Ukrainian artillery never stops shelling people in Donbass who are courageous enough to speak up their opinion, when basic human rights to life and freedom are not observed, when corruption is flourishing at all levels and real reforms meant to improve the situation exist only in news headlines," DPR’s acting Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova told the Donetsk News Agency.

After the state coup of 2014, Ukraine’s authorities have been ignoring people’s opinion which finally had led to the crisis in the country. "The issue of Ukraine’s joining NATO cannot be on the current agenda," Nikonorova said. "And any statements on upcoming accession to NATO are mere provocations." This issue, in her words, will completely split the country.

Speaking at a news conference in Warsaw, Poroshenko said that it is up to the Ukrainian people to decide whether the country should join NATO or not after all necessary reforms are over. As for reforms, he claimed that the Ukrainian authorities have done more in the past two years than in the previous 20 years.