The introduction of personal sanctions against Ukrainian corrupt officials will be the last argument of the West, when diplomacy doesn’t work – kaleniuk

The West can open criminal proceedings against suspects of corruption of senior officials from Ukraine. This opinion to the edition «GORDON» was expressed by the Executive Director of the Center for anti-corruption Daria kalenyuk, commenting on the statement by the former assistant to the Deputy head of the Pentagon on Ukraine and Eurasia Michael carpenter about the need to start a debate on the introduction of sanctions against corrupt Ukrainian.

«This is absolutely real, viable idea. There are legal tools that can be used for such personal sanctions. For example, it may be depriving visas to visit Western countries. Can be blocked the Bank accounts of senior officials and their companies. Besides, the West may resort not only to sanctions but also to the opening of criminal proceedings, the beginning of the investigation. This may involve law enforcement authorities and financial intelligence of the European countries. As for the US, there generally is created perfect the legislative basis for the imposition of personal sanctions. In particular, we are talking about the «Magnitsky act». It is global and can relate to anyone who is involved in a massive top-of corruption,» – said kalenyuk.

In her opinion, to impose sanctions against the entire country because of the actions of certain officials will be unfair.

«I’m sure that the idea of imposing sanctions on Ukrainian politicians at the highest level discussed in Europe and the United States. But the fact is that our Western partners are very careful in their actions. The introduction of personal sanctions against Ukrainian corrupt officials will be the last argument of the West, when diplomacy is not working. The international monetary Fund, the U.S. state Department and the EU have already made their last warning. I support the introduction of personal sanctions against Ukrainian corrupt officials. To punish because of them whole country is impossible. For example, why did the government, which is afraid of an independent EMB, the Ukrainians have to lose bezveza?» – said kalenyuk.

By the end of 2016 Ukraine took the 131 th position in the ranking of perceptions of corruption compiled by Transparency International. The report notes that over the year Ukraine has demonstrated a minimal improvement in the index that «may be associated with the launch of electronic Declaration system».

Permanent representative of the International monetary Fund in Ukraine Jost Longman said in November 2017 that corruption annually costs the Ukraine 2% economic growth.

The introduction of personal sanctions against Ukrainian corrupt officials will be the last argument of the West, when diplomacy doesn’t work – kaleniuk 12.12.2017