Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted that "a situation that does not depend on Ukraine, slowdowns the reform of Ukraine."
He explained that the decentralization reform is now virtually suspended through the external circumstances irrespective of Ukraine.
"It is true that we became hostages of external circumstances relating to internal reform. And at a large extent we have suspended decentralization reform so necessary for Ukraine: not less than the reform of the judiciary ... Situation that does not depend on Ukraine, slowdowns the reform of Ukraine."- he said.
"Among the many challenges facing us, it is clear that the law on local referendum is a priority task to which we must go" - said Andrii Parubii.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted that the draft law on decentralization contains an item on the specifics of performing of local governments in separate parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which, just now however cannot be implemented because of the failure of the Minsk agreements because of Russia.
Meanwhile, he added, there is a legal conflict - "between the first and second reading amendment a text to the Constitution cannot be changed following the verdict of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine."
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted that he instructed lawyers to study a way out of this conflict. "Honestly, this point has no relation to the whole reform, to the change of the whole system," - said Andrii Parubii. According to him, this item resulted in "a very deep political debate both in the Verkhovna Rada and actually this discussion suspended adoption of amendments to the Constitution in so far as relevant decentralization."
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized the need to enable the local community to demonstrate its will on a decision of particular issues. "The law on local referendum - one of forms that can give real authority to the community, and no one in Kyiv instead of community could solve its problems ... The law on local referendum is one of priority tasks solving of which would enable the local community loudly and clearly demonstrate its will in a particular issue, "- said Andrii Parubii, and added that he will make efforts to consider draft law in the Verkhovna Rada.
"In general terms, I'm a follower of direct democracy, not a representative democracy but direct democracy would influence on decision making, and in all manners I will lobby that this draft law was on the agenda of the session", - said Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
Also, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed confidence that Parliament would support the draft law on tough punishment for "knob-pressers ".
He noted that the Verkhovna Rada registered a corresponding draft law of people’s deputies and he hopes that this document will be heard at the current session.