Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn and President of the National
Council of Austria Barbara Prammer called for
boosting direct inter-parliamentary dialogue.
V. Lytvyn declared that the current visit would extend the range of issues of bilateral cooperation. "We highly appreciate lasting friendly relations between Ukraine and Austria, and want to strengthen these connections," he stressed. According to the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ukraine is interested in Austria´s experience in the management of domestic affairs and implementation of the foreign policy.
Ms Prammer declared that our countries "are closely connected by history and are important partners in Europe." She expects further development of bilateral relations.
At request of Ms Prammer, V. Lytvyn briefed on the law-making of the Verkhovna Rada.
In particular, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed about the launch of the pension reform, and the actions for land relations reform. He stated that the parliament had adopted the law on land register, so land inventory is being conducted. V. Lytvyn stated that scrutiny of the bill on land market in the first reading will be followed by maximum discussion, so that "the final decision is clear to the public."
Talking about election laws, V. Lytvyn stated that the parliament is waiting for the conclusions of the Venice Commission concerning a new bill on election of the People´s Deputies. "We analyze all conclusions and recommendations of the European institutions very carefully," he stressed. V. Lytvyn also suggested that the leaders of parliamentary factions should hold consultations after receiving the conclusions of the Venice Commission.
"All electoral systems have their pros and cons, but the matter is how transparent and democratic elections will be, and to what extent election returns will meet the public expectations," he stated. V. Lytvyn believes that "we need open ballot lists as minimum, and a mixed majoritarian-proportional election system as a compromise and as maximum."