Zelensky proposes suspending readmission agreement with Belarus

MOSCOW. May 16 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has proposed that the Verkhovna Rada suspend a readmission agreement between Ukraine and Belarus.

The Rada registered the relevant bill on Thursday, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the parliament's website.

An explanatory note to the bill says that, in light of the latest events and Minsk's support for Moscow's policy, "the practical implementation of the international readmission agreement between Ukraine and Belarus has become impossible."

At the same time, it explains why the Rada was invited to suspend rather than terminate the agreement.

"The agreement's termination may have an adverse effect on the procedure of Ukraine's accession to the EU, as the enhancement of the international legal framework regulating the readmission of individuals from migration risk countries, that is, countries that are potential suppliers of illegal migrants, is among important aspects of Ukraine's international activities in exercising the state migration policy. Considering this, in the context of Ukraine's further European integration, it is reasonable to suspend rather than terminate the agreement. The suspension and the termination of Ukraine's international treaties are different legal procedures having different legal consequences. The bill leaves room for Ukraine to resume its effect," the explanatory note says.

As reported, Ukraine and Belarus signed the readmission agreement in Belarus's Gomel on October 28, 2018. The Rada ratified it on January 3, 2020, and it came into force for Ukraine on August 1, 2020.

The agreement stipulates additional legal procedures for returning Belarusian citizens to the country of their origin, as well as citizens of third countries who illegally arrived in Ukraine from Belarus back to that country.