Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, suggests setting up a Joint Inter-Parliamentary Panel or Inter-Parliamentary Assembly "Ukraine-Kazakhstan"
V.Lytvyn expressed this initiative, meeting Ural Mukhamedzhanov, Chairman of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the framework of his official visit to Saint Petersburg.
U.Mukhamedzhanov expressed his contentment with the stability of the situation in Ukraine. He claimed that "both Ukrainian authorities and people are oriented for the growth of welfare and integration with the CIS member nations."
The Chairman of the Majilis reminded that Viktor Yanukovych,
President of Ukraine, held seven meetings with Nursultan
Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, for the past
year, including those in the framework of the international events, to boost
bilateral cooperation and sign important agreements. U.Mukhamedzhanov calls for increasing the mutual
trade turnover. "Relations should be enhanced," he declared.
The Chairman of the Majilis stated that 330 thousand Ukrainians were living in Kazakhstan, which makes 2% of the population. "We are familiar with the Ukrainian culture, and respect the Great Kobzar, as his works are a common heritage of both nations," he declared. He also guaranteed that the 200th anniversary of birth of T.Shevchenko would be celebrated on a high level.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated that he considered T.Shevchenko to be ‘the first People´s Ambassador of Ukraine to Kazakhstan.´ Laying emphasis on the mutual enrichment of both cultures, V.Lytvyn admitted, "It is a strong liaison between the past, the present and the future."
V.Lytvyn highly appreciated the level of bilateral political dialogue, especially, the recent visit of Nursultan Nazarbayev to Ukraine and his speech in The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine attaches great importance to the exchange of opinions, as such communication opens way to the development and new ideas.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called for giving impetus to the inter-parliamentary relations. "We have slackened the pace due to the internal and external circumstances," he admitted. "The relations are close, but the inter-parliamentary liaison should be extended by the parliamentary groups of friendship." V.Lytvyn suggested setting up a Joint Inter-Parliamentary Panel or Inter-Parliamentary Assembly "Ukraine-Kazakhstan."
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine believes that "former Soviet states can develop their own stand in the inter-parliamentary aspect." The position of the People´s Deputies, who represent public will, ‘puts up a united front, and offers common approach and criteria.´
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament
invited U.Mukhamedzhanov to
visit Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Majilis thanked for the invitation
and promised to make a visit presently.
Dwelling upon the political situation in Ukraine on the eve of the elections to the local councils, V.Lytvyn admitted that "Ukraine has to pass a test in democracy." "It is a demonstration of the democratic development of Ukraine to the former Soviet states," he claimed.
The Head of the Parliament calls for incorporating democratic principles into the economic sector of Ukraine, and establishing common responsibility between the President, the Parliament and the Government. The country can be blamed for the lack of democracy, unless it demonstrates positive economic improvements.
V.Lytvyn announced that the international conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Chornobyl disaster would be held in Ukraine next year. He deems necessary to draw the attention of the international community to the elimination of consequences of the disaster, as this issue remains topical. The Head of the Parliament stated that 30 thousand residents of Kazakhstan took part in the liquidation of the consequences. "We share joy and, unfortunately, sorrow," V.Lytvyn admitted. He believes that Kazakh liquidators should be honoured at the national level.
As to the presidency of Kazakhstan in the OSCE, V.Lytvyn stressed that this country breathed new life into the OSCE and gave impetus to its activity. Kazakhstan managed to adopt a comprehensive approach and a new vision with the account for globalization. "The OSCE can play a crucial role, meeting new global challenges and threats," V.Lytvyn declared.
On 27-28 October, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stays with a working visit in Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) to participate in the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member Nations.