On Tuesday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Joao Soares, OSCE PA President
The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation between The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the OSCE PA.
V.Lytvyn expressed his gratitude to the authoritative inter-parliamentary organization for the response to the invitation of the Ukrainian Party to become the observers on behalf of the OSCE at the upcoming presidential elections that "will strengthen democratic standards and eliminate certain obstacles concerning legislative support and implementation of electoral legislation".
V.Lytvyn stated that his expectations to harmonize the regulations of the electoral law in due time "were rather optimistic, as each parliamentary Party suggests its own variants, a harmonized Bill lacking". Hence, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine suggests either adopting one Bill as a basis and elaborating it, or setting up a working group to draft harmonized regulations of the law on presidential elections. "I strongly object to the Law being adapted to a single candidate", - stressed V.Lytvyn and added: "It is a topical matter, as the remarks and conclusions of the Venetian Commission shall be considered". He also objects to the amending of electoral legislation during the election campaign. "Unfortunately, such practice is still observed", - he stated.
Mr Joao Soares stated that the OSCE PA "will thoroughly observe the presidential election campaign in Ukraine". He also announced that "the observing mission in Ukraine will be larger than the one intended for the US elections". He stated that the organization shall provide for the proper work of the observers in January 2010. The OSCE PA President also stressed that "Ukraine shall settle crucial matters independently". He expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian Parliament for its active participation in the work of the OSCE PA and stressed that participation of the Ukrainian delegation is "rather significant and dynamic".