Dr Tulia: My visits in Russia align with IPU’s mission

GENEVA: INTER-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson has addressed concerns about her recent diplomatic visits in Russia, affirming that her actions are aligned with the Union’s core mission of fostering dialogue and promoting parliamentary diplomacy.

That was after Dr Tulia was questioned by Iraq and Lithuania representatives about her decision to visit Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war without first visiting Ukraine, as well as why she had not travelled to Gaza during the current conflict.

Responding to the questions during the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland she said that her visits were driven by parliamentary diplomacy and efforts to promote dialogue, not by geopolitical biases.

She further said that in her capacity she had visited both Palestine and Israel in November 2023, soon after assuming the presidency in October.

“It’s not like I have ignored what is happening in the Middle East, what is happening in Lebanon or Gaza” Dr Tulia said, underlining her efforts to engage with all parties involved in global conflicts.

Dr Tulia, who is the Speaker of Tanzania Parliament, further clarified that her visit to Russia followed thorough communication with both Ukraine and Russia.

She said that Ukraine’s leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and Speaker of Ukraine Parliament were unable to meet with her on the planned dates due to their participation in a NATO meeting in New York, US.

Consequently, she said the visit to Russia, which coincided with the BRICS summit, proceeded as scheduled.

“The IPU stands for dialogue. It is in that spirit that I visited Russia, despite Ukraine not being available to receive me at that time. The IPU’s role is to promote peace through parliamentary diplomacy and I acted accordingly,” Dr Tulia said.

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Lithuania also raised concerns about who had mandated her visit to Russia. Dr Tulia responded by stating that official letters had been sent to both Ukraine and Russia ahead of her visit, explaining her diplomatic mission.

She also made it clear that the IPU operates independently and in the interest of peace. “The letters were sent explicitly and if you need copies, they are not secrets,” she said, firmly addressing Lithuania’s inquiry.

The IPU President reminded the assembly that the union is engaged in multiple global conflicts beyond Ukraine and the Middle East. “We are concerned about what is happening in Yemen, Syria, Sudan, West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she noted, pointing to the IPU’s broader mandate.

Dr Tulia expressed concerns of being unfairly criticised, particularly regarding her visit to Russia.

“You did not question me when I visited Israel and Palestine,” she said. “Why am I being judged harshly now? I ask for your trust and support as I lead this institution,” she pointed out.