The Bill (Reg. No.1064) envisages improvements in the Legal Regulation of relations concerning the Right of persons to occupy Office and Administrative positions within The State Authorities, and an obligatory command of The State and Russian languages, and, where so required, other Regional Languages and Languages of Minorities.
According to the provisions of the Bill, ‘Citizens of Ukraine are entitled to Civil Service provided they have a good command of The State and Russian Languages, with the knowledge required for the execution of office positions, and, where so required, of other Regional Languages and Languages of Minorities, whatsoever their origin, social and property status, etc.
Representatives of 130 Nationalities and Peoples live within Ukraine, states The Explanatory Note to the Bill. The Constitution of Ukraine lays down that The State shall contribute to the development of the identity of all indigenous peoples and National minorities in Ukraine, and guarantee free development, usage and protection of Russian and other languages of National minorities. At the same time, current legislations requires that Officials have a command of The State, Russian and other languages of National minorities, and grants a citizen the right to address authorities in a language suitable to him/her.
The passing of this Bill, believes its Author, The People´s Deputy V. Kolesnichenko, will contribute to the securing of the right of citizens to address Officials of State Authorities in a language suitable to them, and execution by Ukraine of its International commitments to The European Council.