Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, calls for preparing an Encyclopedia to cover the Viewpoints of the Ukrainian and Russian Academics on the Controversial Issues of the Common History
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made this statement in the interview to Rada television channel. He was asked about the idea of compiling a common Ukrainian-Russian textbook for the teachers of history to offer a universal interpretation of the debatable historical events. The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine responded: "I tolerate this idea, although I have my own opinion on the settlement of this issue."
V.Lytvyn drew attention to the fact that both Ukraine and Russia were discussing particular historical events and figures, as well as textbooks.
The Head of the Parliament recommends compiling the list of controversial issues, preparing an encyclopedia with the publications of Ukrainian and Russian academics on every issue. Thus, "debatable issues of our history will be summed up, the arguments of the Ukrainian and Russian scholars will be outlined, and the differences will be ascertained."
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supposes that this idea is useful for both countries, and facilitates ‘finding a common platform´ for historical research in Ukraine and Russia.
V.Lytvyn claimed that the teachers of history could study the arguments in favour of different viewpoints.
On the whole, as the Head of the Parliament stated, "history is always complicated for every nation and country. However, particular issues should not be brought out." "History should be impartial, not adjusted to some political events or somebody´s advantages," he stressed. "History is self-willed and does not tolerate falsifications."