AGREEMENT CREATING A COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC FORCES IN THE VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE OF THE 6^TH CONVOCATION

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A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT

The Agreement opens with a Preamble:

'We, the Representatives of ‘The Yulia Tymoshenko´ Bloc and 'Our Ukraine People's Self-Defence' Bloc political forces, recognising the will and democratic choice of the Ukrainian People and relying on the support and trust of our voters, sharing our joint responsibility for the realisation of the hopes and aspirations of each and every citizen, practicing the values of Democracy, and being guided in one's actions by the priority of Human Rights and freedoms, the principle of the Supremacy of Law, and defence of Ukraine's national interests, do hereby declare that The Coalition of Democratic Forces in The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 6^th Convocation is now duly created.

We believe, that the Coalition of Democratic Forces now has a joint mission with The President to provide a befitting lifestyle and equal opportunities for the comprehensive development of each citizen, the strengthening of civil society and the establishment of an efficient and responsible power at every level, achieving a competitive National Economy, and transforming Ukraine into a equal Member of the Community of developed European nations.

For this purpose, the Leaders of ‘The Yulia Tymoshenko´ Bloc and 'Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defence' Bloc hereby make an Agreement Creating a Coalition of Democratic Forces in The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 6^th Convocation, providing for the creation of a Parliamentary majority and the formation of a Coalition Government.

The Agreement Creating a Coalition of Democratic Forces in The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 6^th Convocation includes the Preamble, Programme of the Coalition of Democratic Forces, Standing Orders of the Coalition, and Addenda.

The Parties hereto undertake to consistently and steadily implement the Coalition Programme, and adhere to the Clauses of the Standing Orders and the Principles listed in the Chapter on the Division of Spheres of Responsibility between the Parties to the Coalition of Democratic Forces'

PROGRAMME OF THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC FORCES

'THE UKRAINIAN BREAKTHROUGH: FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE, NOT THE POLITICIANS'

The Programme is based on that of The President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko´s 'Ten Steps Towards People'. It includes the objectives and priorities of Home and Foreign Policy, and a Programme of Coalition listing the means of and tools for the realisation of socio-economic and political reforms, cultural and International initiatives of the Nation. This will be the Action Plan of the Parliamentary majority and the Coalition Government.

The 'Home and Foreign Policy Framework' Chapter lists the action to be taken concerning Humanitarian Policy, the development of a modern European state, achieving a competitive National Economy, and fulfilment of the Foreign Policy.

'The Programme of Activities of the Coalition (Government)' Chapter opens with 'The Individual and his Rights' sub-chapter, stating that the humanitarian strategy of Ukraine' development will be underpinned by the principle laid out in the Constitution of Ukraine: 'Each individual has a right to freely develop his personality, provided that this does not infringe on the rights and freedoms of other people, and has responsibilities to the society'.

Included in this sub-chapter are moves to support the civil society, aiming to provide a first-grade modern education, progress in science, development of the national cultural environment, and, inter alia, creation of a holistic national language environment based on the implementation of the Ukrainian language in each sphere of social life , and State support for the development of book publishing, cinema and animation; a high quality and accessible Public Health Service; steps towards the further development of physical training and sports; improvements in the National Environmental Policy and Social Protection; and an urgent reform of Housing and Utility services.

The sub-chapter 'A Modern European Nation' lists measures towards creating an efficient political system, reformation of public administration together with Higher Level and Central Executive Authorities, Local Executive Authorities, implementation of a new Administrative-Territorial Division; reformation of the Judiciary system, Anti-corruption measures, and military reform including a transfer to a Contract Army.

The sub-chapter ' The Competitive National Economy' begins with the setting out of social and economic priorities, i.e. an Anti-inflation Policy and improvements in the Monetary and Credit Policy, an increased efficiency in the Budget Policy, realisation of Tax Reform, invigoration of investment activities, development of a Fund Market, incentives for innovative activities, a pragmatic Foreign Policy; stimulation of Exports and a balanced regulation of Imports, bringing the economy out of the shadow.

The next sub-chapter is entitled 'The State and Business'. Among the pressing concerns covered by this area are the creation of a friendly and stable competitive environment for business, proceeding with privatization based on transparency, competition and efficiency; efficient management of State-owned businesses to meet the interests of society; creation of a favourable environment for SMEs; improvements in fuel and energy complexes, in particular oil and gas; further development of nuclear power-engineering; restructuring of coal mines; liberalisation in the electric power market; better deployment of energy saving potential; and priority development of the agrarian sector.

The 'Ukraine and the World' sub-chapter confirms the strategic objectives of European Integration and the joining of NATO, combined with maintaining good relations with Russia and other neighbouring countries, as well as the strengthening of the leading role of Ukraine in the East-European and Black Sea region.

The Standing Orders of the Coalition define the principles underlying the operation of Coalition, its functions, interaction with The President of Ukraine, The Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers, The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Conciliation procedures, Ethical issues, Coalition Secretariat; division of responsibilities amongst the Coalition members, interaction with the Parliament Opposition, changes in the Coalition Membership, and termination of the Coalition activities.

Inscribed under the Text of the Agreement are signatures of Yulia Tymoshenko, Chairman of the BYuT Bloc Council, and Viacheslav Kyrylenko, Chairman of 'Our Ukraine-People's Self Defence' Bloc Political Council.