According to Thorbjorn Jagland, he arrived to Ukraine wishing to help establish a dialogue to reduce tension in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Rybak
thanked Thorbjorn Jagland for quick reaction to events in Ukraine and for help.
He also highly appreciated “the last statement of Secretary General of the
Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland which calls all Parties of the political
process, as well as demonstrators to seek for peaceful regulation of conflict
situation.” The Chairman
of the Parliament noted that “today, more than ever, it is important to
communicate the truth to the world and Europe about what is happening in
Ukraine and make sure that Ukrainian government remains devoted to the idea of
European integration.” He stressed that the process of European integration has
been suspended because of objective economic reasons, but it has not been cancelled. “In
connection with this and taking into account your constant contact with the
leadership of the European Union, I ask you to communicate this signal to the Committee
of Ministers of the Council of Europe and EU leaders,” claimed Volodymyr Rybak.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the course of fulfillment of Ukraine’s commitments to the Council of Europe, noting that “the democratic principle – protection of human rights – is the basic foundation of our further reforms.”
Volodymyr Rybak underlined that in order to implement systemic reforms Ukraine has to carry out a constitutional reform and adopt several bills in the key spheres of social life of our country. The respective work, according to him, is done in close cooperation with the Government that persistently works on preparation of its proposals on refinement of the legal base in Ukraine.
Chairman of the Parliament reminded that during the previous year the Constitutional Assembly, which aims to elaborate proposals on a full-scale constitutional reform, was established. He named the elaborated bill “On amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine re reinforcing guarantees of judges’ independence” to be one of the specific results of Assembly’s work. He noted that “judges’ independence is an important precondition for their objectivity, impartiality and independence, as well as for establishment of the rule of law in administration of justice.” “It is a guarantee of proper implementation of their functions on protection of human rights and freedoms,” stressed Volodymyr Rybak. Thereat, he noted that further consideration of the bill on strengthening judges’ guarantees will be held during the next session of the Ukrainian Parliament.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada reassured Secretary General of the Council of Europe that finalizing reforming of the prosecutor’s office will be one of the first issues to be considered by the Ukrainian Parliament after political stability in our country is restored. He noted also that Ukraine consistently adheres to the recommendations of the Venice Commission connected with reforming of Ukraine’s electoral system. “The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the Law on this issue on November 21 with consideration of all remarks and proposals by the Venice Commission,” he stressed.
The Parties have also discussed the “tense and uneasy situation in Ukraine.” In this context, Volodymyr Rybak informed that he proposed to hold a round table discussion involving representatives of different political forces after “the format and mandate of this event is determined.”
In his turn, Thorbjorn Jagland claimed that “it is extremely important that politics comes back form the streets into the building.” He stressed that in case this does not happen, “the situation will turn to be even more tense and no one will be able to control it.” That is why holding of a round table discussion is a constructive proposal. “It is of great importance to urgently regain trust of the society,” stressed Secretary General of the Council of Europe. He added that it is necessary to find such means and decisions that would clam and satisfy the society.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized also that the authority has condemned violence during the peaceful demonstrations. “It is unacceptable for our country,” he said and added that the circumstances of beating the civilians should be thoroughly investigated and the guilty should be punished.