Declaration by European Economic and Social Committee President Henri Malosse: 'Moscow sends an alarming signal on the state of freedom in Russia'

"It is without any joy that I discovered that my name is on the Russian blacklist of European politicians banned from entering Russian territory. I am the only President in office at a European Institution to be ostracized this way! Is it a coincidence that this institution that is under fire is the one that represents civil society? 

"It is a fact that I undertook, during the winter 2013-2014, several support missions to the Ukrainian civic movement on behalf of European civil society. I spoke twice at the Maidan and talked about European values, the fight against corruption and the need for transparency in public life. I have always defended the principle of dialogue with the Russian society.

"I thus went to Russia several times to launch a project of a civil society forum and to meet the youth movements.   It is with concern and sadness that I see Russia locked in a confrontation strategy and enacting laws that are increasingly repressive against freedom of association.

"Obviously, my commitment and that of the European civil society will not fade. We will remain open to dialogue in order to establish new bridges between citizens and promote the search for a solution to end the crisis.   I am the last one to want the return of the Cold War!"

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