The Bill proposes the creation of a separate Military formation with Law Enforcement functions on the basis of Internal Forces of The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, and defines, at a Legislative level, its legal status, organisation, structure, functions and authorities. The new Military formation, according to the Bill, should report directly to The President of Ukraine, and not become part of any department.
The Committee, for the second time, gave further consideration to the Bill introduced by The President of Ukraine. Most Committee Members spoke against its passing. Their important remarks and concerns resulted from a controversial provision of the Bill to the effect that The National Guard is a Military formation with Law Enforcement functions.
The People's Deputies feel it dangerous to combine a military component with the right to limit the rights and freedoms of citizens by detaining, arresting, using arms, etc.
Olexander Kuzmuk, Committee member, described this Bill as 'raw', and argued that the drive for reformation lacks legal support.
Anatoliy Hrytsenko, Committee Chairman, emphasized the problems of the unregulated status of Internal Forces. He said that their Commander and personnel should be made fully aware of to whom they are to report.
The Committee Chairman advised the return of the Bill to the Legislative Initiator for additional elaboration, and a further introduction on the floor.
Committee members upheld this proposal.