State Border Service of Ukraine and human rights activists to develop a “road map” to stabilize the situation on the border with Russia
Exclusive interview with the head of the State Border Service of Ukraine Viktor Nazarenko agency “Interfax-Ukraine”
Question: How is the improvement of the administrative border in eastern Ukraine? What are the challenges along the way?
Answer: I would like to note that in the eastern direction we have no administrative borders, we have there is a state border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The situation in this region remains tense, almost daily fix our outfits facts aerial reconnaissance how to use unmanned aerial vehicles, and with the help of helicopters and airplanes. We are also aware of the movement of groups of armed men, military equipment, to the territories under the control of terrorists. Periodically carried out rotation of personnel, there is a regrouping of forces and means.
Today, we have temporarily occupied territory – that’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and there – between the peninsula and Kherson regions have the administrative border. Border guards carry out the tasks of the internal control in both directions: both at the administrative border with the Crimea and in the disengagement zone of hostilities in Lugansk and Donetsk regions.
Along the lines of fighting guards carry out specific tasks to control the movement of vehicles, cargoes, which follow in the ATO zone or out of it. I want to emphasize that this is a temporary need, it is designed to the situation that exists today. But the movement of the state border are not talking.
With regard to our task that we carry along the line fighting. Our main task – to protect civilians against the penetration and movement of a temporarily uncontrolled territory of terrorists, weapons, means of sabotage within our powers to prevent the spread of this destabilization zone. All the activities we carry out in accordance with the peace plan of the President of Ukraine in cooperation with the Defense Ministry, Security Service and other law enforcement agencies.
Today we are already equipped with 13 control points, 12 roads and one railway. They are located on the main road and railway lines along the line of armed clashes in the Donbas. We plan to deploy another 5 such points, but still in their locations or totally destroyed infrastructure, or constantly carried out attacks and there is no opportunity to exercise control.
Between these checkpoints we organized Frontier clothes, raided, conduct exploration, including in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies under the guidance of staff of the ATO.
With regard to the results of the work of our units, they confirm the correctness of the decision. Only two months along the control line clashes in 3 cases, oh, we found caches of ammunition and appointed positions, seized more than 6,000 weapons, including 254 grenades, identified 58 people involved in the illegal armed groups.
Additionally prevented illegal displacement of almost 250 tons of meat, 3 thousand. Tons of coal, 300 tons of fuel and lubricants, about 7 tons distillery products and other goods. Almost in all cases, these loads moved without proper documents or have documents issued by the illegal “ministries” and “Control” under the control of militants territories.
Question: What is the situation on admingranitse the Crimea? What are the main violations are fixed guards?
A: Do you remember the facts, as we have repeatedly detained Russian military weapons and documents, including Dagestan. In the spring there were several cases to prevent the carriage on the mainland Ukraine significant amounts in the national currency and foreign currency. Only 15 to 17 April at the border control points outfits in two cases revealed nearly 7 million hryvnia, which is likely to provide for separatist activities.
To date, the admingranitse Kherson region with 3 ARC operates road and 4 rail checkpoint. Its function border guards carry out in close cooperation with the Interior Ministry, Security Service and the Armed Forces. The main types of offenses – is an attempt to cross the admingranitsu with invalid documents, smuggle ammunition, as well as money and goods to the concealment of the border and customs control.
In general, since March this section we identified over 900 invalid documents, 650 ammunition, 18 persons involved in the illegal activity, nearly 1.5 kg of narcotic substances.
To date, our positions are equipped not only for services but also for the defense of this area.
Question: On the part of human rights defenders have been complaints about illegal actions of border guards who unreasonably refused entry from the Crimea to the mainland of Ukraine. How would you comment on these accusations?
A: Complaints have been, and not only on human rights defenders. They arrive at the helpline and from ordinary citizens, who cross this area. We’re not going to run away from problems or to deny their presence.
Now units Group administration officers working in this field, which not only checks the facts of the most common violations committed by our staff, but also helps commanders in the service organization, provides the rotation of personnel and take other measures to eliminate the existing violations.
Today we have set up several communication platforms that help us, firstly, to obtain more complete information about the real situation on the border, and secondly, better and more quickly respond to problems. Already operate such a platform with representatives of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, the Helsinki Group, ordinary citizens, we actively communicate mediation telephone “hot line”.
With regard to cooperation platform with the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, we organized a communication as to his leadership in Kiev, as well as directly on the ground.
Today we are close to completing the formation of a “people’s militia” for joint patrolling and working at checkpoints. The issues surrounding the creation of the necessary infrastructure.
Cooperation with human rights defenders from the Helsinki Group today is filled with specific meaning. We have already held several meetings, and received from them a lot of good suggestions. A joint team already has turned 8 main blocks of priority issues and initiated the preparation of the “road map” to solve them. The plans and proposals for improvement of legislation, joint training for the Azov-Black Sea regional management staff and many other useful initiatives.
We see the problem and we will solve them, especially in such a strategic area. And I want to assure you that the State Border Service will not hide any fact offenses. According to each case, we will take appropriate action.
Question: Cabinet adopted and supported the draft presidential decree Ukraine on a unilateral border demarcation with Russia. Does the State Border Service is ready to perform these tasks within the purview? What activities will be carried out after the signing the President of the appropriate solutions?
Answer: With respect to our service – State Border Service is ready to perform the tasks that are assigned to it.
I want to note that the work on delimitation and demarcation of the Ukrainian-Russian border area was conducted in 1998. In 2003, it completed the delimitation, a bilateral agreement was signed about 28 January. However, an agreement on the demarcation was signed only in 2010, the same year began the preparations for marking the border on the ground.
The first and only sign of the border was established November 7, 2012 at the junction of the borders of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. After that, the Russian side has ceased to install boundary markers, and we continued to mark the boundaries of the area and since then has established 235 border posts.
Since 2008, without waiting for the bilateral decisions, the State Border Service began to set their own on the Ukrainian-Russian sector of information signs for the purpose of bringing to the local population of the fact that far – the state border. A counter for smuggling destroyed field roads, in certain areas were equipped with ditches and other civil engineering constructions.
With regard to the decision by the Government on November 19, the stress that here we are not talking about the demarcation of the border as demarcation – it is part of both parties. It is only the designation of the Ukrainian-Russian border on the ground unilaterally.
If the presidential decree is signed, it will determine all clear objectives. Each ministry and agency has its own competence. As to our service, the project of the decree, we will be responsible for ensuring the state border during the demarcation work, for the safety of members of delegations and working groups, as well as protection of already established border signs.
Also, in accordance with applicable law, representatives of the State Border Service take an active part in the work of demarcation commission.
Question: Are there contacts between the border agencies of Ukraine and Russia? After all, in Milan presidents of both countries have agreed to such consultations? whether they bring the result?
Answer : Prior to the aggravation of the military-political situation in the east to the Russian border, we had a good working relationship. But, unfortunately, the aggressive attitude of the neighboring country has made some negative adjustments to them. Today, contacts are made almost exclusively at the level of correspondence and negotiations. The Russian side continues to deny the facts of the armed conflict on the border and moving from the Russian weapons and personnel.
Our neighbors, unfortunately, are trying to persuade us to ensure that, on the issue on uncontrolled Ukrainian territories we negotiated only with the terrorists, and on other issues – to communicate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs level, although we have a corresponding intergovernmental agreement and are obliged to act within them .
As for the order of the President of Ukraine, yes, indeed, we met with representatives of the Border Service of the FSB. I met with Acting his counterpart. The meeting took place on October 30 at the checkpoint “Goptovka,” she continued for several hours and was rather difficult.
We discussed the possible organization of joint control of several border crossing points, the organization of joint patrols, a number of other topics. Despite the high degree of these negotiations, we were able to put on record and offer a kind of “road map” to address this issue, go to the principal points on which we could move forward.
The details will not go, because it is now important to bring the case to its logical conclusion. We continue to work actively and we argued, under the existing arrangements, to force our colleagues to fulfill the relevant obligations. In this regard, I have optimism.
Now the Ukrainian inter-ministerial group of border guards and customs officers is in the Russian checkpoint “Donetsk”. And while people are in the difficult conditions of life under constant psychological pressure, this is a step to address the issue of administration of joint control at checkpoints in other areas. I think that the task that we defined the president, according to the 4th paragraph of the Minsk agreements, we do.
Question: That is, work is ongoing on the “road map” to stabilize the situation at the border?
Answer: Yes. The work is conducted. The “road map” – a sequence of process specific legal, administrative, service and other steps not only ours, but also those departments who are involved in this issue, including with appropriate communication with the adjacent side to the Russian structures.
I think that the “road map” is still able to lead us to that, to fulfill the tasks set before us President – to regain control over the land border. It’s a long, complicated process, but we’re working on it.
Q: What stats do not skip to Ukraine of Russian citizens? Does the decision today to a significant restriction of admission to Ukraine men – citizens of Russia?
Answer: In general, this year we have seen a significant reduction in passenger traffic at the border. If the first 10 months last year, Ukraine crossed the border more than 82 million citizens, in the same period this year – only 62 million, a decrease of 24%.
The situation with Russian citizens still significant. If last year has driven more than 9 million such persons in Ukraine, but this year -. 2.3 million total index decreased respectively by 4 times.
The reasons are different. Of course, we have strengthened border control, and this is due to security issues. In this case, as a result of the gain control, it was denied entry to Ukraine almost 14.5 thousand. Russian citizens, most of whom follow to participate in destabilizing activities or were not able to confirm the purpose of their trip.
With regard to restricting admission of men – citizens of the Russian Federation. Analysis of Russians nepropuskov showed that mostly men aged 20 to 55 years, men of this age, as a rule, and participated in all these destabilizing activities. Therefore, in this category we have paid and will pay special attention in the first place – because of the events in the east of the country.
At the same time I want to note that not all such persons, without exception, we are denied the right to cross the border. We held “control of second-line” when the guards, or members of other law enforcement agencies can examine in more detail the purpose of the foreigner’s visit and verify the information is questionable.
I want to note that we have no occasion to those for whom we have decided to pass, then were seen in some of destabilizing events. In this sense, I think, border guards fulfilled its task.
Question: What instructions have guards about possible border crossing by former President Viktor Yanukovich, the former prime minister Nikolaem Azarovym, Klimenko, Zakharchenko and other former officials, against whom criminal cases? What I would do in the case of border guards, if they try to return to Ukraine?
Answer: The law of Ukraine clearly defines the order of the actions of officials of the State Border Service in the case against citizens crossing the state border, there are legal restrictions. This information is a service and shall not be disclosed.
I can only say that the border guards perform daily errands dozens of law enforcement agencies, and collaboration with other agencies concerned in this matter is well established.
I also want to remind you that for once did not release former Ukrainian President Yanukovych and other officials Donetsk border guards had to show proper citizenship and professional courage. When these people went, they were still acting heads of state, and in respect of which there have been no requests from law enforcement agencies. Only thanks to the position of the national conscious of our border guards, these persons have not been able to implement his plan. In this situation, the border guard did as he prompted conscience.
Q: What part of Ukrainian border guards in the design of Russian humanitarian convoys? Do you know what they bring to Ukraine?
Answer: There is a certain international and Ukrainian legislation, policies humanitarian goods. Cargo is a humanitarian only when it is recognized as such in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, determined by the recipient (in this case – the International Committee of the Red Cross), when the sending party – the Russian Emergencies Ministry, submits the relevant documents on the nature of the goods in the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and there is adopted a positive decision and when the Russian Foreign Ministry informed through diplomatic channels about the direction of the Georgian Foreign Ministry of Ukraine.
Total to Ukraine from 21 August proceeded eight so-called “humanitarian convoy”. To date, all this 942 car, the Ukrainian side was able to arrange properly only the first 34. These machines have been designed according to the rules in the presence of the ICRC.
But, unfortunately, the Russian side to do so, that the Red Cross refused to take part, and the technology clearance data has changed.
When the Russian Foreign Ministry has officially informed us about the pursuit of humanitarian aid, we carried out a visual inspection of vehicles. Thus, it was examined from 942 x 449 vehicles, of which 106 – November 30, this is the eighth gumkonvoy. Stress, exercise only visual inspection.
With respect to 459 cars Ukrainian border and customs group was unable to control, because the Russian side has sent “humanitarian convoy” without informing the Ukrainian side. What was in them – we do not know.
During a visual inspection of the latest so-called “humanitarian convoy” from Russia, who was traveling to Ukraine November 30, we saw the food, construction materials, glass, roofing, gas cylinders, fuel and lubricants.
Question: In what circumstances are Ukrainian border guards at the Russian checkpoint “Donetsk”?
A: Now there are 20 people, including 17 border guards, customs 3. Late last night, we took a group 2 patients. The solution even such seemingly simple questions is given to us is very difficult, because the Russian side does not always go forward.
Our people are restricted in movement, communication, last week, they have not missed the Ukrainian consul.
But our people are still working there, they had high morale, a sense of responsibility, we are with them in constant contact. Our task – to continue such action and to regain control on the border line. The more of our groups, the smaller the territory of Ukraine will import of rifles and ammunition.
Question: How many guards fighting in the east of the country and how many have already received the status of combatants? What are the problems in this connection there?
Answer: In accordance with paragraph 19 of Article. 6 of the Law of Ukraine “On the status of war veterans” is defined circle of participants in the fighting, which also include the military and the State Border Service employees, who defended the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. A key requirement – a direct part in the ATO or ensuring its implementation, are directly in the areas of ATO.
As for our troops, by this category today to treat more than 9 thousand. Guards. Currently it organized a clear accounting of those who carried out assignments and continues to be in those areas. The State Border Service Administration for the organization of work to provide our personnel fighting the status of participant set up a departmental committee, which has held 7 meetings and reviewed the materials for 200 persons. Further, these materials are sent to the Interdepartmental Commission. 150 persons have already taken a positive decision, even at 50 – materials are considered.
At present, the issue remain relevant documentation of direct participation in the ATO freelance divisions. Lists of those provided by the ATC at the SSU in August, work on it goes.
Secondly – a procedure for granting the status of combatants employees. Now this algorithm is executed.
And thirdly, it is granting the status of combatants killed border guards. We have so far killed 62 people, 61 of them – a soldier and 1 employee – driver.
I assure you and all the guards who took part in the ATO that all cases will be considered and no soldier or employee will be left without attention.
Question: According to the proposed reform of the reform of law enforcement bodies, State Border Service will be part of the Ministry of Interior. What is your position on this issue?
Answer: Under current law Interior Minister directs and coordinates the activities of the State Border Service. In the context of the need to make informed decisions joint is significantly helped the border guards to work.
As for the prospects of unification of border agency and the MIF, to say that such a practice exists in many European countries. At the same time there is another experience, for example, Israel – a country at war, where the border guard service, although it is a law enforcement agency, but, if necessary, carries out the tasks of the army units. There are other examples.
Ukraine today is also a warring country, so our practice should proceed from the existing threats to the security of our state. At present, we have significantly strengthened the military component of the actions of our units and in the future will continue to do so. I think the main thing that we, as an agency, in the course of the reforms have not lost the positive developments and past experience, and I am confident that further consultations on the integration of the State Border Service in the structure of the Ministry of Interior, all these factors will be taken into account and it will happen in a fairly comfortable operation for the benefit of border security, for our military and for citizens who cross the border.
Sourse, 08/12/2014
