Staying in Moscow as the head of the Ukrainian Part of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lavrynovych, First Vice-Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, gave an exclusive interview to the radio station "Ekho Moskvy".
The press service of First Vice-Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine renders shorthand record of the full text of the exclusive interview of Oleksandr Lavrynovych.
The audio version of the radio program is available at the web-page of the radio station "Ekho Moskvy" at http://www.echo.msk.ru/interview
The full text of the interview:
M.Koroleva: Good evening. It is Marina Koroleva. Today our guest is Oleksandr Lavrynovych, First Vice-Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, member of the Party of Regions Faction. Good evening, Oleksandr Volodymyrovych.
A. Lavrynovych: Good evening.
M.Koroleva: Let us start with the fact that Oleksandr Lavrynovych spent the whole Wednesday in Moscow. The regular sitting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Federal Assembly of Russia was held. The Ukrainian delegation participated in the sitting, and was represented by all the Factions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. How efficient the visit was?
A. Lavrynovych: In my opinion, it was really efficient. Today we held productive discussions, and dwelled upon the subjects important for the citizens of our country.
M.Koroleva: Let us dwell upon the domestic affairs in Ukraine. Thus, there appeared the information that the Deputies of the Ukrainian parliament were willing to start the procedure of impeachment of Viktor Yushchenko, when the President and the Prime-Minister would be abroad.
A. Lavrynovych: It is possible to state that the topic is being discussed among the politicians. However, I am convinced that it will not be topical this week.
M.Koroleva: Let us imagine that the procedure was however being launched. Is it true that a relevant document is to be adopted in the nearest time?
A. Lavrynovych: The Law has already been adopted. It underwent all the procedures, including the President´s veto, which was overridden, and the refusal of the President to sign the Law. Therefore, this week, the Law will be promulgated with the signature of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
M.Koroleva: You are the member of the Party of Regions. Who do you consider to be the best candidate for the post of the President from the Party of Regions? Is it Viktor Yanukovych?
A. Lavrynovych: I deem necessary to restore legal and historic justice and see the winner of presidential elections-2004 as the President of Ukraine. In 2004 it was Viktor Yanukovych who won the presidential elections.
M.Koroleva: All right. Now let us comment upon the personnel changes in the Government. As it was reported, Yulia Tymoshenko is on the point of making certain changes in the composition of the Government.
A. Lavrynovych: The answer is quite simple. We are the only opposition Faction at the Ukrainian parliament. Therefore, we do not recognize the personnel issue at all.
M.Koroleva: I would like to quote Yulia Tymoshenko who believes that the indicators of economic stabilization can be recognized in Ukraine. What is the actual economic situation in Ukraine?
A. Lavrynovych: Unfortunately, we witness the decline in the industry and gross domestic product. The exchange rate of Ukrainian currency also experiences problems. Hence, it is too early to declare certain stabilization.
M.Koroleva: What is the situation with unemployment in Ukraine?
A. Lavrynovych: The rate of unemployment is certain to aggravate. Every month the army of the unemployed is replenished.
M.Koroleva: All right. Let us dwell upon the cooperation between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. In what sectors can the closer cooperation be established?
A. Lavrynovych: There is a great number of areas. At first, the military-industrial complex can be named. We cooperate in the field of space aviation. Moreover, there are promising trends of cooperation in the agricultural sector.
M.Koroleva: You have mentioned military-industrial complex, and the problem of Sevastopol, Black Sea Fleet and the Crimea has immediately come to my mind.
A. Lavrynovych: I deem unreasonable to equate the Crimea and the Fleet, because the Crimea has always been and will stay a special region of Ukraine. It is a distinctive region that will develop. According to our stand, Ukraine should not access any military-political bloc. As far as the Black Sea Fleet is concerned, there is a special regulation of the Constitution that makes an exception for the base that was located at the territory of Ukraine at the moment the Constitution was adopted.
M.Koroleva: And the last question. The point is that on the 1st of April the 200th anniversary of birth of Hohol is celebrated. How do you suppose, is Hohol Ukrainian or Russian writer?
A. Lavrynovych: He is our writer. He is a prominent writer of Ukraine and Russia. Hohol shall not be divided we will remember everything connected with his name. Thus, a great number of common celebrations will be held to commemorate his memory. This is the heritage of our nations.
M.Koroleva: Thank you.
A. Lavrynovych: Good bye.