On 22 January 2008, Members of the Ukrainian Delegation met with Mr. L.M. de Puig, President of the Assembly, and handed over to the newly-elected PACE Official a Letter of Congratulations from A. Yatseniuk, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine,
The Head of the Delegation, I. Popesku, congratulated Mr L.M. de Puig on his election as The President of PACE, and wished him success in this high-ranking position. He presented the Members of the new Ukrainian Delegation, and said that he and his colleagues will do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine fulfils its commitments and undertakings to The Council of Europe, and commences post-monitoring dialogue with the Organisation.
Several Delegates took the floor during the Meeting: O. Bilozir, O. Bondarenko and V. Pysarenko. The President of PACE expressed his full support of the Ukrainian Delegation, called for active involvement in the Forum activities, and stressed the vital importance of culture and education for establishing Democracy and securing Human Rights.
Members of the Permanent Delegation also met with the CE Secretary, Mr T. Davis, and discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the Ukraine/CE interaction issues.
The Ukrainian Delegation was actively involved in the meetings held by The PACE Committees and in the proceedings of the Political Groups.
The People´s Deputies, O. Herasymiuk, O. Bilozir and O. Bondarenko, initiated the issue of Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine to be introduced for consideration of the Assembly ( A Motion to adopt a Resolution). Currently, the collection of signatures in support of this document is underway.
During discussions within the socialists´ group of the recent presidential election in Georgia, I. Popesku called for ‘refusing from using double standards in the future in estimating election outcome, notwithstanding the specific country where it is held, and personal political sympathies´.
On 21 January 2008, on confirmation of the Authorities of the Ukrainian Delegation, S. Holovaty, People´s Deputy of Ukraine, was re-elected as Vice-President of the Assembly. He was also elected Chairman of The PACE Monitoring Committee.