The First Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Adam Martyniuk, attended a Meeting of The PABSEC (Parliamentary Assembly of The Black Sea Economic Cooperation) Economic, Commercial, Technological and Environmental Affairs Committee.
Opening the 29th Sitting, The Deputy-Chairman of The Committee, D. Saganelidze (Georgia), thanked the Ukrainian Delegation for their organisation of its workings, and wished good health and happiness to the 'courageous Ukrainian people on the eve of the Election.' He outlined the areas to be addressed by The Committee. These, as he said, are priority matters in the field of Energy, and in the Oil and Gas sector in particular.
A. Martyniuk promised that Ukraine will take all necessary steps at a Legislative level. He suggested that the Sitting of the PABSEC Committee is continued until 30 September, so that its Members could take part in the election as Observers.
A. Martyniuk replied to questions from journalists concerning the progress of the Election Campaign and predicted a lower turnout of voters in polling stations compared to 2006, and in particular throughout the Western Regions. He explained this by the failure of 'Our Ukraine' to fulfil its pre-election promises.
Commenting on the Consideration of The State Budget 2008 at the Plenary Meeting on 20 September, A. Martyniuk said that The Draft Budget will not be returned for further elaborations since it envisages a considerable increase in Revenue some 50 billion Hryvnias. In his opinion, The Budget will be put up for Consideration at the First Reading in October.