Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, supposes that the language issue should be tackled as it was in 2004.
"It is a normal process, as the language issue is rather sensitive," V.Lytvyn stated, asked by Interfaks-Ukraina news agency.
"When asked what should be done about the language issues, I answer: nothing. The status-quo of 2004 should be preserved. Ukraine has a natural bilingualism that considers the interests of different groups and regions, as well as the governmental policy on this matter. The politicians have been stirring up this issue since 2004, which resulted in the conflict," he stated.
The Head of the Parliament believes that "people should be allowed to lead a normal life, not being concerned with this issue, as it can not be presently tackled." "Only the short-sighted people can prohibit the use of the Russian or Ukrainian languages," V.Lytvyn admitted.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supposes that people, especially the senior citizens, must be given the chance to use the language they are used to. He stated that some citizens in the Crimean hire a Ukrainian language tutor to help them apply for the pension. "I believe that we can meet these people halfway, without making trouble for nothing," V.Lytvyn declared.
"However, development of the Ukrainian language requires some financial support, not mere declarations about the alleged restrictions," V.Lytvyn stated. "Language policy needs money. It is obvious in the Ukrainian book market, where the books in Russian or even published in Russia dominate. Unfortunately, complaints prevail over the pragmatic actions in the humanitarian sector. I can not put up with it."