Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, calls for a Balanced Dialogue on the Language Issue
"The language issue is undoubtedly sensitive. However, it should be tackled by the competent people," V.Lytvyn stated in the interview to Vidkryta Studia program (the First Channel of the Ukrainian Radio). (Interview will be broadcast on 12 November at 17-15).
He stated that ten bills on the language policy had been registered at the Parliament. As this issue is sensitive, V.Lytvyn forwarded the acts to the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine with a request to study the bills and present "expert, impartial and non-biased conclusions."
The Head of the Parliament admitted that one negative conclusion had been recently received.
V.Lytvyn also informed that the most controversial bill on the languages in Ukraine had been sent to the European organizations, namely, to the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, "to alleviate tension in the country."
V.Lytvyn is surprised at the protests, as these bills have not even been put on the agenda. "Why should we stir up the political situation for nothing?" he asked.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called for a balanced dialogue on the language issue. "Ukraine is historically a bilingual country, but it will keep its statehood as long as Ukrainian is a state language," V.Lytvyn stated. He believes that the long-lasting language issues should be tackled on the state level.