Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Yuzhne Town can be a Laboratory of International Communication and Settlement of Interethnic Issues
On Saturday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, isited Yuzhne town in Odesa region, and took part in the celebration of the City Day.
One of the main events of the celebration was a festival of the national cultures Nas Ednae Yuzhne (We are united by Yuzhne). In his speech to the citizens of the town that celebrates its 32nd birthday, Volodymyr Lytvyn stated: "I am glad to be present at your celebration that touches heart and soul of each citizen." He emphasised that in this multinational city there were no interethnic conflicts, as multinationality consolidated people. "Respect to the culture and traditions of each nationality living in this town are palpable", the Head of the Parliament stressed.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine walked round the central square of the town where all the nationalities (Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians, Jewish, Greeks, Armenians etc.) presented their culture, songs, dances, national cuisine and traditional handicrafts. "This town may become a laboratory of international communication and interethnic issues settlement", V. Lytvyn declared. "There are no problems and no instructions regarding the language of conversation", he added.
The
Head of the Parliament drew
special attention to the fact that despite the consolidation of the citizens of
different nationalities they preserveed and cherished
their own traditions. According to V. Lytvyn, "it impresses and deserves all kinds of support."
In the course of the working trip, Volodymyr Lytvyn also visited sport complex Olimp. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasised that "there is almost no similar building in Ukraine. However, they must be present in every city where the maximum number of citizens totals 50 thousand." He shared his plans to play a football match here between his club Fortuna and the team of Yuzhne and Odesa administration.
The
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took part in the opening of the
sculpture compositions ‘Derevo Druzhby´ (‘Friendship Tree´) in the
form of apple tree symbolizing friendship between the nationalities living in Odesa
region.
In the course of the awarding ceremony ‘Podia Roku´ (‘An Event of the Year´), V. Lytvyn conferred The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Certificates to the Yuzhne citizens.