"I am convinced that in future Ukraine will become a member of the European Union", - stated Oleksandr Lavrynovych, First Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, in his interview to the Belgian radio station RTBF.
The politician stated that the duration of this period "greatly depends both on the political situation in Ukraine, and on the situation in the European Union".
The First Vice-Chairman was asked whether Ukraine could be considered as a bridge between the European Union and the Russian Federation. He answered that "Ukraine is situated between the European Union and the Russian Federation, which is also a part of great Europe. Therefore, we should act in close cooperation as an integral part of European space that is on good terms with the Russian Federation".
O.Lavrynovych dwelled upon the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. He stressed: "In contrast to the issue concerning Ukraine´s membership in the European Union, which is supported by the majority of Ukrainian population and basic political parties, the matter of the NATO membership has no support in Ukrainian society, and major political parties fail either to uphold it, or to decide on the necessity of Ukraine´s membership in the NATO". Therefore, the First Vice-Chairman stated: "State leaders of Ukraine will not adopt any resolution concerning membership in the NATO, unless the response of Ukrainian nation is obtained".
O.Lavrynovych commented on the current political situation in Ukraine. He explained: "The issue of early elections was raised by the President of Ukraine. However, the global crisis reached Ukraine in the moment when the preparation to the early parliamentary elections should take place". "At present, we should settle the issues related to the recessionary phenomena. Although we understand that they should be settled by efficient authorities. To form effective authorities, a new parliamentary coalition is necessary", - stated the First Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Then the First Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was asked to represent Ukraine in a sentence. O.Lavrynovych answered: "Ukraine is one of the largest European countries with enormous intellectual and labour capacity. This country has a prolific history and has been an influential European State for centuries. I do hope that it will retain such qualities in the 21st century".