THE VERKHOVNA RADA CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN REVOLUTION 1917-1921
On the 17th of March, the Verkhovna Rada held a festive plenary on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first Ukrainian State and fighting to retain it in 1917-1921.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Andriy Parubiy, opened the plenary. The opening was followed by a choir, singing the Prayer for Ukraine, and a unique archive footage of a century ago.
The Chairman resumed his speech by emphasizing that during that time people surrendered which caused Ukraine to lose its state. Thus, it is crucial to learn the lessons from the past: to stand united and to keep fighting back.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH CANADA RATIFIED
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Canada provides a duty free regime for several kinds of goods within the negotiated price quotas.
It is expected that as a result of FTA implementation, the total volume of Ukrainian exports to Canada will increase by $ 2.7 million and imports by $ 4.5 million.
The trade balance of Ukraine will improve due to the boosting of the transport equipment, chemical products and wheat export.
NEW UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE QUOTAS ON TV
The bill on Ukrainian language quotas on TV and radio was passed in the first reading.
According to the bill, national TV should have 75 percent of its content in Ukrainian language, other languages will constitute the remaining 25 percent and will be allowed for broadcasting from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. As for films, they should be dubbed in Ukrainian. Any TV product has to either be dubbed in Ukrainian language or to exhibit Ukrainian subtitles.
STATE E-REGISTRY OF CONSCRIPTS
The Verkhovna Rada adopted the law on creating a State Electronic Registry of Conscripts in the second reading. The bill was originally registered in 2015.
The State Registry is organized as a unified automated information system and will store information about all persons subject to military service. It will contain personal and professional data about Ukrainians subject to military service aged 17 to 60.
The Ministry of Defense will act in the capacity of the registry owner, and the General Staff in the capacity of administrator.
A DAY OF THE UKRAINIAN VOLUNTEER
This year on the 14th of March, Ukraine celebrated a Day of the Volunteer for the first time. Such occasion was aimed to commemorate heroism of those who participated in the Revolution of Dignity and those who voluntarily joined the army to fight against Russian aggression.
Cities across Ukraine organised events of diverse nature to honor the volunteers.