“My main task is to stabilize the situation in the country. This is the main task of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, of all MPs, of every patriot, and of every citizen of Ukraine,” claimed Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov during a briefing on Saturday.
“It is not only political, economic and social stabilization, it is also prevention of separatism danger that again threatens Ukraine,” he stressed, adding that it was for this that the Parliament adopted a respective resolution on combating separatism manifestations in Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Parliament stated that now the only legitimate authority in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Parliament, which has restored its regular activity. “The Ukrainian Parliament has its leadership, and the main task of all deputies and of the Verkhovna Rada in general is to restore functioning of all state authorities,” stressed Oleksandr Turchynov.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stressed that taking into account absence of many chairpersons of state authorities, the Parliament has adopted a decision to entrust the Chairman of the Parliament with the stabilization of the situation in the country by coordinating the Government’s activity. Thus, according to Oleksandr Turchynov, he intends to hold a meeting with chairpersons of departments or their acting chairpersons “in order for Ukrainian government to work, and in order to stabilize the situation in the country which has been brought to a systemic and very dangerous crisis by the former authorities.”
Oleksandr Turchynov stated that another main task is protection of Ukrainian citizens “regardless of whom they voted for, whom they supported, and what political beliefs they have.” “Regardless of place of their residence, we need to protect citizens in the East, in the West, in the South, in the North, and in the centre of Ukraine, first of all in Kyiv where it’s the most complicated as of now,” claimed the Chairman of the Parliament.
In this context, he reminded that in order to restore the activity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Verkhovna Rada has appointed Arsen Avakov as Acting Minister of Internal Affairs. “Today in Kyiv, as well as in many regions of Ukraine, a joint patrolling work will be conducted; activity of Ministry of Internal Affairs authorities has been restored – their task is to protect citizens, and, first of all, to protect their lives,” said Oleksandr Turchynov. “This is the main priority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also claimed that he “did not plan to work as the Chairman of Ukrainian Parliament.” Moreover, he added that “this is an emergency” and “it is very important that the Verkhovna Rada adopted the resolution on restoring Constitution in connection with the fact the President Viktor Yanukovych did not comply with the requirements of the Agreement, during 24 hours he did not sign the Law on restoring the Constitution of Ukraine.” “The Resolution comes in force after the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada signs it,” he said.
Oleksandr Turchynov stated that all deputies’ groups and factions have one priority – forming the coalition Government, the Government of national confidence. “The Government will work in extremely difficult conditions, in conditions of destruction of economy, and what we need is national confidence, national support is urgent for such Government,” he stressed.
“In view of the fact that the coalition has not been formed yet, I consciously have made a statement that in case of forming a coalition Government by the majority, the majority has the right to elect a new leadership of the Parliament, and I will resign,” said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
“I rely on support of all patriots, all citizens working under very difficult circumstances. I address all citizens of Ukraine – our country needs stability, and everyone should ensure that. We will restore the government, we will be able to overcome this crisis very soon, and our native country will again be a democratic, powerful European state,” claimed Oleksandr Turchynov.