Speaker on Ukraine in PACE: Russia manipulated me
Spanish MP, Jordi Xuclà, who traveled to Syria along with PACE President, Pedro Agramunt, said that the visit to the country would ultimately be useful, as it will make Europe understand how much Russians manipulate information, Yevropeiska Pravda newspaper reports.
Xuclà is PACE’s rapporteur on Ukraine and the leader of the liberal group (ALDE) in the Assembly.
"You see, I learned a lot during my trip to Syria, and most importantly, I learned a lot about Russia's ability to manipulate and speculate. And although many Ukrainian deputies are now very angry with me, over time they will understand that there is another opinion regarding this visit to Syria," he said.
According to Xuclà, this trip provided a better understanding of Russia’s principles.
"This visit to Syria will ultimately be useful. It will let Europe understand how much Russians manipulate information. It will help them to understand Russia's military influence in Syria," he said.
Xuclà also noted that these events only increased his empathy with the Ukrainians in connection with what is happening in the areas of eastern Ukraine that are occupied by the Russian Federation.
"Now I understand that the Russians manipulated me during this visit," the deputy stressed.
Earlier, the Ukrainian delegation to PACE demanded Agramunt’s resignation because of his recent trip to Syria.