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Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

Part of UK in Ukraine

27th February 2012

Multi-culturalism, the Ukrainian “Brand”, and politically-motivated trials

Interview with Korrespondent
Interview with Korrespondent

I gave an interview to Korrespondent magazine recently which appeared in Russian in the paper edition on 24 February.

It’s now available on-line.  The interview, also in English on our web-site, covers issues such as multi-culturism, Ukraine’s relationship with the EU; how to improve living standards in Ukraine; politically-motivated trials; visas; “the Ukrainian brand”; why I like Ukraine; Manchester United; and whether I miss living in Russia.  Check it out.

5 comments on “Multi-culturalism, the Ukrainian “Brand”, and politically-motivated trials”

  1. I have one question.
    As a Manchester fan you haven’t a chance to admit match in Kiev in 2007. But I was there. It was a kind of madness for a football funs.
    So, the question: will you visit some matches of your national team in June 2012?
    Thanks in advance for your answer.

    1. Vyacheslav – my top priority for 2012 is making sure our consular arrangements are in the best possible shape for visiting British fans. Not sure if there’ll be any chance to see a game, but if there is – especially Ukraine-England in Donetsk – I’ll be up for it.

  2. Although I agree with most of the answers. I’d have to totally disagree with this following statement / answer…

    “that’s a question for the people of Ukraine and leadership of Ukraine”

    In my option, it’s clearly not a question for the Ukrainian people, but rather, the leadership who decides all. Now you may say, but it’s for the Ukrainian people to decide that when they vote.

    Since when has that been a fair vote ? (if ever)

    Duncan.

    1. Duncan – thanks. To be fair, most recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine have been recognised by international observers as meeting most international standards. This was not the case with the latest local elections, which fell short. We will be following the October 2012 parliamentary elections closely.

      1. Last note…
        “We will be following the October 2012 parliamentary elections closely”. Though how closely, I suspect that will be a matter down to the Ukrainian authorities, as always.
        Unfortunately.
        Jolly good luck though.

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About Leigh Turner

I hope you find this blog interesting and, where appropriate, entertaining. My role in Vienna covers the relationship between Austria and the UK as well as the diverse work of…

I hope you find this blog interesting and, where appropriate, entertaining. My role in Vienna covers the relationship between Austria and the UK as well as the diverse work of the UN and other organisations; stories here will reflect that.

About me: I arrived in Vienna in August 2016 for my second posting in this wonderful city, having first served here in the mid-1980s. My previous job was as HM Consul-General and Director-General for Trade and Investment for Turkey, Central Asia and South Caucasus based in Istanbul.

Further back: I grew up in Nigeria, Exeter, Lesotho, Swaziland and Manchester before attending Cambridge University 1976-79. I worked in several government departments before joining the Foreign Office in 1983.

Keen to go to Africa and South America, I’ve had postings in Vienna (twice), Moscow, Bonn, Berlin, Kyiv and Istanbul, plus jobs in London ranging from the EU Budget to the British Overseas Territories.

2002-6 I was lucky enough to spend four years in Berlin running the house, looking after the children (born 1992 and 1994) and doing some writing and journalism.

To return to Vienna as ambassador is a privilege and a pleasure. I hope this blog reflects that.

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eu interview Korrespondent multi-culturism politically-motivated trials ukraine

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