In commemorating Holodomor Memorial Day 2023, SNP MSP will use his members' debate
today (Tuesday) to reiterate Scotland’s strong links with
Ukraine.
Holodomor Memorial Day, held on November 25th, will
this year mark the 90th anniversary of the
deliberate starvation by the Soviet Union which led to the deaths
of millions of Ukrainians.
Mr Beattie will stress during the debate his deep concern that
the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor coincides with Russia's
ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine which has involved a
blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
A number of Ukrainians and refugee groups are expected to be
present in the public gallery for the debate.
SNP MSP is expected to say:
“Here in Scotland the long-standing links between the people of
Ukraine and the people of Scotland were shown in 2017 with the
installation of the eternal memory stone on Calton Hill,
Edinburgh, this was dedicated by the Ukrainian community in
Scotland to commemorate the genocide of the forced famine in
Ukraine in 1932/1933.
“These links were further enhanced with the recent formation of
the parliamentary cross-party group on Ukraine. I am honoured to
be the convenor of that group and look forward to seeing further
strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
“Let me end with a simple call that we join with the people of
Ukraine – and particularly with those who have made their homes
amongst us as a result of the current war – in commemorating the
genocide which is the Holodomor and in working together to ensure
that this can never happen again.
“November 25th is a date on which we should all reflect on the
atrocities which have gone before and the atrocities which we see
now.”
