Zurabov to quash Ukraine’s intentions to befriend Russia, Zuganov claims

June24200921:36

Russia Communists are skeptical about the appointment of Mykhail Zurabov, former minister for social development and health care, as Russia’s new ambassador in Ukraine. “The appointment of Mr Zurabov, the former minister who ruined the social security and health care system in Russia and a very odious person, as an ambassador in Ukraine will be viewed by the Russian and the friendly Ukrainian people as a slap in the face,” The leader of Russia Communist party declared June 24.

Zuganov claims the appointment of Zurabov is a tit-for-tat step by Moscow in response to the glorification of Stepan Bandera by Kyiv.

“The appointment has a point only if the Kremlin decides to fight fire with fire and, given the glorification of Stepan Bandera and other anti-Russian riffraffs by Kyiv, sends them Mr Zurabov as a reprisal,” Zuganov said. “If Russia’s leaders opt for killing any intentions of our neighbors and brotherly peoples to restore historical friendly ties with Russia, they can also call the services of other outstanding cadres like Education and Science Minister Fursenko or Defense Minister Serdiukov.”

The appointment of Zurabov will only complicate Moscow-Kyiv relations, Zuganov said.

“Russia has virtually no allies left, and Zurabov appointment confirms that Moscow opts for isolating itself, not for developing friendly relations with our neighbors,” the Russian lawmaker stressed.

However, the Russian government officials are full of praise for Zurabov. “I have a feeling that after charismatic and megawatt Viktor Chernomirdin we now need such a highly pragmatic and cool-headed ambassador,” says Duma Speaker Sergej Mironov.

In his words, Zurabov is a very functional, dedicated and balanced person.

“Zurabov will have a lot of routine work in Ukraine. Besides, he can manage financial flows, is good at economics and is a highly educated person.”

Earlier, deputy head of the Duma committee for links with CIS Konstantin Zatulin said Duma will support Zurabov appointment.

Zurabov was minister of health care till the fall of 2007, then a presidential adviser for reforming the social sector. Duma will vote on him June 25.