PLENARY METING OF THE VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE OF THE SEVENTH CONVOCATION WAS HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014.
Having opened morning plenary session, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov informed that yesterday, during the UN General Assembly Meeting the majority of countries supported the Resolution on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, having condemned aggression of the Russian Federation.
“The decision of the UN General Assembly and support of the entire civilized world is extremely important to our country,” he noted and reminded that yesterday the Parliament took very important decisions.
Oleksandr Turchynov thanked all the people’s deputies who voted for the important economic austerity package, necessary for stabilization of situation in our country.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada expressed gratitude to the parliamentarians for adoption of decisions that initiated the process of restoration of trust in the court system.
Oleksandr Turchynov noted that aggression of the Russian Federation hinders stabilization in the country. “There were attempts carried out during the past month aimed to destabilize situation in Southern and Eastern regions. They failed to start a fire of separatism. That is why they are trying to destabilize situation in the centre, “in the heart of Ukraine – Kyiv”. This task leadership of the Russian Federation assigns to its special services” he stressed and added that yesterday, consciously or unconsciously, some citizens tried to create provocations near the Verkhovna Rada.
“I want to tell everyone that the Parliament is the basis for legal Ukrainian government without which the government can not exist. Whether you like it, or not there exists no other Parliament in Ukraine. There is only one way for those who want to change it – to vote at elections. To elect deputies they trust at fair, transparent and democratic elections. There is no other way; there is no way of power pressure or provocations. This way leads to a catastrophe of the country; this is a way against the state, a way towards supporting the aggressor who is concentrating its Armed Forces at our borders,” he stressed.
Oleksandr Turchynov addressed all the citizens: “Dear compatriots, Maidan stood for everyone to be equal before the Law and the Constitution. Thus, either we will protect the law and will manage to restore democratic, European and powerful state on this basis, or we will violate the law and ruin our state. Everyone is equal before the law, and for its violation everyone should carry responsibility without any limits, exceptions, political or corporate dividends. The Law will govern in Ukraine, and all citizens shall protect this Law.”
The Chairman focused attention on the problem connected with the death of Oleksandr Muzychko, better known as Sashko Bilyi. He noted that the Verkhovna Rada has to ensure clear and transparent examination of circumstances of his death.
Oleksandr Turchynov suggested adopt the draft resolution on establishment of Interim Inquiry Commission on investigating circumstances of the death of O.Muzychko. He proposed elect the people’s deputy Yu.Derevianko head of the Commission.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted the resolution by 232 votes.
Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Koshulynskyi read out deputies’ inquiries.
The Chairman informed that “UDAR” faction insists on considering the statement of people’s deputy Serhii Averchenko on resignation.
The Chairman gave the floor to people’s deputies who made suggestions to the agenda regarding consideration of other issues and planning the Parliament’s work.
MPs also paid attention to the fact that a lot of people’s deputies are absent at the plenary meeting. People’s deputy S.Kaplin suggested amend the Constitution and the Law “On the Status of a People’s Deputy” according to which, if people’s deputies miss 5 meetings during a session, they will be deprived of their powers. This will allow to “end ignoring the Verkhovna Rada’s work”.
People’s deputy H.Herman suggested put to vote the issue on dismissing Minister of Internal Affairs A.Avakov. She proved her point by stating that “a political assassination was carried out in the country, until this case is resolved, it is impossible for the person to be working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and influencing the investigation”.
Oleksandr Turchynov replied “if during this investigation the parliamentary commission finds a violation on the part of any official, Deputy Minister or somebody else, the Parliament will not hesitate and will make a decision on their dismissal”. He added that without investigation of this case there should not be any reprisals. “In order to conduct an objective investigation we involved public representatives in the commission’s work, including those who demand to investigate this issue and are interested in its objectiveness. Following the results of this commission’s work, the Parliament will be making decisions”, he stressed.
The Chairman put to vote a suggestion of “UDAR” faction on early termination of powers of people’s deputy Averchenko.
MPs rejected it (198 in favour).
People’s deputies considered the draft law on early termination of powers of Central Election Commission member (Kopylenko O.L.).
Following the results of the voting, the draft law was rejected (203 in favour).
After this voting, Oleksandr Turchynov stressed that a lot of people’s deputies are absent. He suggested move to speeches of people’s deputies, their statements and messages.
The Chairman expressed hope that all issues of principle and all other strategic issues will be considered during one day – on Tuesday, and after, people’s deputies will be able to work at their constituencies according to the calendar schedule.
Oleksandr Turchynov stated that in case of an emergency, the Verkhovna Rada will be gathered for an extraordinary meeting.
After speeches of people’s deputies, the Chairman adjourned the evening meeting.
The next plenary meeting of the fourth session will be held on Tuesday, April 1.