On December 13 2013 Yuri Dimchoglo was interviewed by socio-political newspaper “Moldovan Vedomosti”. Yuri D. told the paper about his socio – political activity as a deputy of the Odessa Regional Council in Ukraine and as a patron for the Homeland soy in Gagauzia.
Article is an interview on the official website of the newspaper «Moldovan Vedomosti»:
http://www.vedomosti.md/news/Yurii_Dimchoglo_Ya_Ukrainets_Gagauzskogo_Proishozhdeniya
Yuri Dimchoglo “I have Gagauz Ukrainian origin”
Yuri Dimchoglo – a real hero of his homeland. Active charitable and social activities Ukrainian deputy prompted many to think – and not whether Dimchoglo paves the way to the great harbor, Moldovan or Gagauz policy whether he would run in Bashkaev? On these and other questions Gagauz origin Ukrainian deputy responded specifically for the newspaper «Moldovan Vedomosti».
- Indeed, I sent an official letter to Comrat State University, which together with the Directorate of Education of Gagauzia will annually by the end of the school year to determine the top three students, whom I granted a scholarship of 10 000 lei .
- The most talented students of Gagauzia receive your scholarship. Why or why not students from Ukraine, where you are a deputy?
Why? First, I’ll graduate from this university, the first of its flow in 1995. Secondly, among the youth of Gagauzia are many talented and smart guys who will come in handy this financial support: will encourage a more serious attitude to education. Third, it will add prestige to Comrat State University.
Ukraine students has great potential in the country, I also help many in my district and in other districts of Odessa region.
- You are actively engaged in patronage in Gagauzia. What prompted this?
- I do not think so actively. I have long been helping my village Tomai Ceadir- Lunga district where I was born and raised. Help what I can do when seeking the mayor or residents. For example, last year the school has presented a set of equipment and an interactive whiteboard, and repaired the copier. This year, we have replaced the eight educational boards on obsolete. My mother worked for 37 years as a mathematics teacher at the school, it does not help!
Village I helped in setting up a restored building townhouse in sporting events, I want to help in the reconstruction of the stadium. I also take part in the financing of Gagauzia atlas, which first must go to the beginning of 2014. I would gladly will to help in the organization of other gagauz activities if they appeal.
- Why did you decide to move to Ukraine?
- In 1994 I was invited to work in a Turkish company in Odessa, with its leaders I met in Comrat, where they stayed in transit. I worked and returned to Comrat to adequately complete their studies at the university, passed the state exams and returned to Odessa, because here I had lots of job offers. I was promoted to deputy director of the Ukrainian- Turkish joint venture. Two years later became its director. In early 2003, opened a joint business with German businessmen of Turkish origin, and in 2007 – own company, which is controlled by me.
Odessa gave me a great opportunity, which I’ve always tried to use rationally but, primarily, redeeming her name and trying not to let down their colleagues and partners. In 1999, I had to abandon the Moldovan citizenship to become full-fledged citizen of Ukraine.
- Yuri, what have you become to get involved in politics? And this is for you – a lifestyle or a tool?
- When it reaches a certain level in business, you begin to deal with politics and politicians, as well as trying to change the injustices in life. So what happened to me, there were friends and business partners who have participated in the political life and the Odessa region of Ukraine. Initially, I helped them and advised, and then I slowly dragged into politics.
In my life I have always tried to develop and learn, to achieve more. Graduate course in Odessa Law Academy in “International legal relations” twice traveled to London to study English summer courses, as previously taught German. Gagauz perseverance allowed achieving a lot in business and in politics.
Politics for me – is the result of my business activities. My business is linked to investment and logistics, so I know like no other relationship problems businesses and public authorities. Therefore, their political activities are directed to the help of domestic and foreign businesses, as well as provide an enabling environment for investment in the Odessa region of Ukraine and the southern regions of the area. Now, for example, coordinating a number of investment projects in Reni, Izmail and Bolhrad .
- They say you have to refute the information that you want to be the next Bashkan?
- Yes, indeed, in some Moldovan and Gagauz media reported that I am one of the contenders. At first I thought it was a fantasy, and then had to give a formal denial. Taking this opportunity, I would like to inform you that I have no desire to be a candidate in Bashkaev. I am not legally having such an opportunity, as I am not a citizen of Moldova, I feel needs in Ukraine; I have here a lot of economic and social projects. I am on good terms with the Gagauz authorities. With great pleasure I ready to cooperate with the new Bashkan chosen by the Gagauz people, if its activities are for the benefit of Gagauzia.
- What are the socio-cultural projects are you planning?
- Unfortunately, due to post-crisis state of the Ukrainian economy after 2008, very little attention is paid turned to the southern regions of the Odessa area, so when I became a member on party lists, for me at my request consolidated Bolgradsky and Reni areas – land close to me in spirit. Since 2012, I sent a maximum effort to revive and support culture in the villages of these areas: budgetary support has been increased by social and cultural programs, renovated recreation centers in villages as Dimitrovka, Chervonoarmejsk (Kubey) of Bolgrad District, conducted with large-scale Bulgarian festivals, Gagauz and Moldovan culture.
Now try with colleagues – majority deputies from these areas – to achieve an increase in funding road maintenance. Next year for me is a year of building infrastructure, especially road maintenance and investment in these areas
- What you associate the word “Homeland”?
Motherland, of course, I believe Gagauzia, village volumes that I try several times a year to visit, especially because of my district borders with Gagauzia. But it gave me the opportunity in Ukraine, when I realized it, and although my wife – Gagauz , and children are well aware Gagauz and some say, I find myself more and more Ukrainian. I am often in business and private travel abroad, and the question on ethnicity answer: «I have Gagauz Ukrainian origin”. So say in my example and my children. They also consider themselves as Gagauz and are interested in native culture and customs are brought up to respect the traditions of the Gagauz.
Interviewed by Tatiana Hlupina
