The orange revolution betrayed

[Gotno Gizmo]

peter3030 wrote about the Ukrainian citizens being denied visas:

1. He has sent an email to British Embassy in Kiev asking if they can explain why tourists are being denied access.
2. He has also sent the same to Ukraine Embassy in London.
3. He has written to Germany's Angela Merkel about this restriction.

With regard to 1. - I admire your desire to seek these answers, but unless you have greater success than I when writing to a British Embassy or the Home Office, you are unlikely to receive any meaningful response, other than a statement regarding the total of admissions granted to Ukrainian citizens, indicating that they do not restrict access. However, the greater probability is that you will receive no response from the British Embassy.

With regard to 2. - You cannot expect the Ukrainian Embassy in London to give you a reason why the British immigration authorities place obstacles upon Ukrainian's seeking UK admission visas, when they have no authority over this matter.

With regard to 3. - The same situation here as 2 above. Unless you are protesting to her about Germany's restriction on Ukrainian visa applicants (I'm not informed about Germany's record), her office will not comment about Britain's immigration policy. I am aware that Germany is a signatory to the Schengen protocol of visa administration. Under this convention a signatory state can issue a visa that will permit entry into its own borders and to any other signatory state's borders. This is the easiest and preferred form of visa application for Ukrainians, as it permits them to go on bus tours across the greater part of the Western Europe with relative freedom.
The United Kingdom is not a signatory to the Schengen visa convention.

[g bilous]

GG
I suggest you read the last few post of Peter3030 again. He does not mention about citizens being denied visas but access to Independence square.

[peter3030]

Originally Posted by AkMike

This has just happened? I was there a month ago and the square was wide open with nothing for fences.. Heck there wasn't fences during the "Orange Revolution" either.

No isnt it amazing that the pavements were not damaged during the Orange Revolution,or the Paul McCartney concert....or the many new year celebrations ?

The timing of this seems not too difficult to work out-yet the thought that people will be taken in by the excuses seems quite incredible and an insult to the people.

[peter3030]

Gotno-within a few hours of my email-my MEP has already responded with a copy of a letter he has sent to the Ukraine Ambassador in London.

As regards Merkel-I have seen lots of articles in which she has challenged and condemned Human Rights and democratic and freedoms process in Ukraine-in fact she has been prolific in this.

The intent to draw attention to the issues here have nothing to do with Home Office or Immigration or visa policy,they are specific in consideration of freedoms and democracy and a persons rights.

I am just doing a little to try to bring it to peoples attention who otherwise would not have known.
Its fair to say that in 2011,that there are everyday signs that Western Countries express concerns when these things happen-it is especially relevant at this moment in time when we see so many examples of supression.

[Gotno Gizmo]

Originally Posted by peter3030

Well I have sent email to British Embassy in Kiev asking if they can explain why tourists are being denied access.
I have also sent the same to Ukraine Embassy in London.
One of the biggest critics of Human rights abuse in Ukraine is Germany's Angela Merkel-I have also sent an email to her asking if the German Government are aware.
Because as I see it,this is an abuse of rights to the Ukraine people,and also a denial to tourists who visit from all over the world to see this historical area.
I will report back on any response.

Sorry. peter3030, it seems I picked up the wrong end of the stick! I don't know why, but I thought your complaint was that countries like Britain were refusing too many Ukrainian citiizens entry visas to their countries. I now believe your concern is about foreign tourists to Kiev being refused entry to Independence Square. Have I got it right this time?