A PLENARY MEETING OF THE VERKHOVNA RADA OF UKRAINE OF THE SEVENTH CONVOCATION WAS HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014.

364 people’s deputies registered to participate in the plenary meeting. 

Having opened the plenary meeting, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov informed that around 5 a.m. unknown persons in military camouflage with automatic weapons, explosives and grenade guns seized the buildings of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.  

Oleksandr Turchynov claimed that he instructed the law-enforcement agencies to take measures for protection of citizens, punishing criminals according to the current legislation, and unblocking the buildings. 

Oleksandr Turchynov addressed all citizens of Ukraine to stay calm, and all patriots to protect administrative buildings against provocateurs and extremists. “Anyone’s attempts to seize administrative buildings in Ukraine in the West, in the East, in the South or in the North will be interpreted as a crime against the Ukrainian state with all the consequences that come with it,” stressed Oleksandr Turchynov. 

Oleksandr Turchynov addressed leadership of the Russian Federation in regard to adhering to basic agreements concerning Russian military presence in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and preventing violation of Ukrainian laws on the part of Black Sea Fleet military men, deployed on the territory stipulated by the signed agreement. “Any movement of the military men beyond this territory, particularly with weapons, will be interpreted as military aggression,” claimed Oleksandr Turchynov.   

“We should immediately get down to forming the Government which should ensure safety, restore order and justice, so that our enemies do not try to undermine the situation, encroach upon the security of the country, its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. 

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada addressed all people’s deputies with a demand: today the Parliament will not complete its work until the Government is formed. “Ukraine will be able to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” he stressed.

Oleksandr Turchynov informed that the factions’ leaders are now finishing consultations and soon will inform about forming a coalition and will introduce their proposals regarding the Prime-Minister and members of the government. 

The Chairman gave the floor to representatives of the deputies’ factions.

Present situation in Crimea was estimated in these speeches. 

People’s deputy Serhii Kunitsyn informed that today the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea was seized by 120 professionally trained people. According to him, these are professionally trained, armed people that carried automatic weapons, grenades and machine guns.   

S. Kunitsyn claimed the Verkhovna Rada needs to do everything not to lead to blood shedding, particularly, it should appoint new leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also suggested form a working group in the Parliament dealing with the situation in Crimea. “We need to address the State Duma of the Russian Federation with a demand to ensure cooperation to avoid blood shedding in Crimea,” he claimed.     

Other speakers addressed Ukrainians asking them to calm down, not allow provocations and new blood shed, take drastic measures against separatists, and make everything for stabilization of the situation in the country.  

MPs also called to reject political ambitions, consolidate around strategic issues, first and foremost, restore the system of state management in Ukraine.   

After the speeches, the Chairman said that as soon as deputies’ groups are ready to announce formation of a coalition and embark on forming the government, people’s deputies will immediately start considering these issues. 

MPs adopted the agenda and started considering the issues.

Oleh Liashko reported on the draft law on amendments to the Law “On Amnesty in Ukraine” re full rehabilitation of political prisoners.” He claimed that the legislative act introduces the so-called individual amnesty, i.e. amnesty that has exclusively personal character, for eliminating negative consequences of criminal prosecution of persons solely for political reasons. In his words, the Law includes 28 persons that will be released immediately. Full individual amnesty will be applied to them.

People’s deputies voiced their suggestions to the bill. They suggested include to the list some other surnames, e.g. Yu.Tymoshenko, I.Markov, etc.

The Chairman said that surnames included into the list have passed respective expertise. According to him, such expertise should be done regarding other surnames.

People’s deputy O.Liashko read surnames of those people that the individual amnesty is suggested to be applied to.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted the bill in entirety with 277 votes.

The next voting cancelled the resolution on releasing political prisoners that the Parliament had adopted at previous meetings.

MPs also considered three bills concerning compliance of the legislature with the requirements of restored Constitution of Ukraine. 

People’s deputy Inna Bohoslovska reported on the draft law on the Cabinet of Ministers. She claimed that she insists on adopting all three laws as a basis, since they require refinement.

Chairman of the sub-committee of the Committee on State Building and Local Self-Government Anatolii Blyzniuk informed that the Committee recommends that the Parliament adopt the bill as a basis. 

People’s deputies insisted on the necessity of adopting the bill on the Cabinet of Ministers in entirety.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted the bill in entirety with 313 votes.

The Chairman gave instructions to conduct technical and legal refinement so that he could sign it.

Such draft laws were adopted in entirety without consideration: on amendments to the Law “On central executive authorities” re its compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine (308 in favour), and on amendments to the Law “On local state administrations” re its compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine (312 in favour). 

Oleksandr Turchynov thanked all people’s deputies who created conditions for restoring activity of the executive authorities in Ukraine.

People’s deputy O.Bryhynets suggested to postpone the next bill – on amendments to the Law “On rehabilitation of victims of political repressions in Ukraine” (re rehabilitation of persons subjected to political repression and sentenced by the courts since February 2010 till February 2014).   

The bill was excluded from consideration and its authors were suggested to refine it.

The Verkhovna Rada specified the version of the Law “On amendments to article 2 of the Law “On recognizing the Law of Ukraine dd. October 7, 2010 №2592-VI “On amendments to several legislative acts of Ukraine re their compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine” as void.”    

Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine R.Koshulynskyi informed about forming a deputies’ group “Sovereign European Ukraine” in the Verkhovna Rada, consisting of 37 people’s deputies. Authorized representatives of this group are I.Yeremeiev, Ya.Moskalenko and O.Donii.  

People’s deputies considered several draft resolutions on calling early local elections and adopted them setting the elections for Sunday, May 25. 

The Chairman announced that O.Bilovol and Ya.Tabachnyk entered the deputies’ group “European Development.”  

“Batkivshchyna” faction leader A.Yatseniuk informed that all documents for forming the coalition are ready.

The Chairman announced a one-hour break.

After the break, Oleksandr Turchynov announced resignation of Mykola Dmytruk, Vitalii Zhuravskyi, Oleksii Leliuk, and Andrii Shypka from the Party of Regions faction. 

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada officially announced that on February 27, 2014 a coalition of people’s deputies’ factions and groups “European Choice” was formed and registered. According to him, the coalition formed by deputies’ factions “Batkivshchyna,” “UDAR,” “Svoboda,” and deputies’ groups “Economic Development” and “Sovereign European Ukraine” consists of 250 people’s deputies.

He noted that the coalition may increase, since not all deputies wanting to join it are now in the session hall. 

S.Soboliev held an organizational meeting of the coalition’s representatives in the session hall. Three issues were considered during the meeting: the issue on forming a coalition in the Verkhovna Rada of the seventh convocation “European Choice”; the issue on introducing a candidacy for the post of Prime-Minister of Ukraine; the issue on introducing proposals to the Prime-Minister of Ukraine regarding candidacies for the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; respective decisions were adopted.     

The coalition introduced the candidacy of a people’s deputy, leader of the All-Ukrainian Union “Batkivshchyna” Yatseniuk Arsenii Petrovych for the post of Prime-Minister of Ukraine and authorized Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada R.Koshulynskyi to submit to acting President of Ukraine, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Turchynov the proposals of candidacy of A.Yatseniuk for appointment to the post of Prime-Minister of Ukraine.    

Oleksandr Turchynov introduced candidacy of A.Yatseniuk for appointment to the post of Prime-Minister of Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada.

Candidate for the post of Prime-Minister A.Yatseniuk made a speech.

In his speech A.Yatseniuk claimed that today the country is in one of its most difficult periods in the history. “The country is on the verge of economic and political collapse, the country is wanted to be torn apart. And only we can, and only for the benefit of Ukrainian people, we are obliged to preserve the integrity of Ukrainian state,” he stressed.  

“We do not have final and precise data about the State Budget of Ukraine. For the last couple of days after receiving previous information of what is happening in the State Treasury, the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance, I want to inform you: state treasury of Ukraine is empty, the funds have been stolen” he claimed.   

A.Yatseniuk claimed that he does not promise improvement not today, neither tomorrow. “Our main task is stabilization of situation in the country,” he said.

The candidate provided figures showing economic and financial state of the country. “The state debt is USD 75 bln, when Viktor Yanukovych came to the office this debt was twice smaller. Gold and currency reserves, that were USD 37 bln three years ago, are now USD 15 bln. There are UAH 4,3 mln on the single treasury account.

There is an increasing rate of unemployment. Investors are running away, trying to save their capital in other countries, since it was impossible to work and develop the Ukrainian economy in the corruptive government of Viktor Yanukovych. We face incredible economic challenges and there is no other way out, but to take the decisions on subsidies, tariffs, reduction of social programs and preservation of financial system of our state,” he stressed.

A.Yatseniuk stressed that in such a situation “the government is obliged to take urgent measures on reduction of state budget expenditures for maintaining state authority.” He informed of several primary steps to be taken. 

He stressed that “the government has to immediately start negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and accept all of its decisions in order to receive funds of the IMF, the European unions and other institutions able to provide assistance to Ukraine today.”

Safety is another important issue for stabilizing situation in the country. “Safety in the streets, in your own homes, safety in schools and in the kindergartens. The new government will take control over the safety situation in Ukraine by all constitutional means and methods. Each citizen of Ukraine should know that the new quality of Ukrainian militia and new approaches will guarantee safety of each person and citizen,” he stressed.   

A.Yatseniuk addressed Russian partners and expressed hope that the Russian Federation will not violate the Budapest Memorandum and will make every effort so that the situation in Ukraine was stable.

He noted also that Ukraine “should establish a new style of relations. The relations in which Ukraine that moves in the direction to the European Union and is a European country, a true partner, a good neighbor and the country that wishes good to Russia and vice versa.”

A.Yatseniuk addressed the Russian Federation to fulfill all bilateral and multilateral international commitments. 

A.Yatseniuk stressed also that the biggest misfortune of Ukraine is corruption. “That is why the new government and this Parliament should immediately take the decision on establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau,” he noted.

The candidate also stood for reforming the court system. “Ukrainians should feel that they have the right to decently live in their country and the Ukrainian court will be on the side of law and interests of every person. This is the requirement of Maidan and it will be fulfilled,” he stressed.   

A.Yatseniuk named holding of fair and transparent elections of the President of Ukraine to be the task of a new government. “The same as all previous elections these one will be complicated, however, we will secure justice, transparency and political competence. We will ensure that the person chosen by Ukrainian people will win and there will be a new legally elected President,” he claimed.  

Addressing people’s deputies, A.Yatseniuk reassured them that despite the extremely complicated tasks and the extremely complicated situation, this government will work “for our unity, stability, peace and harmony in the state.” He has officially claimed that he is not running for the presidency and relinquishes his mandate of a people’s deputy.  

A.Yatesniuk responded to the questions of the people’s deputies regarding terms of signing of the Association Agreement; reacting to the situation in Crimea and stabilization of financial system, as well as the situation on the currency market, etc. 

Representatives of deputy factions participated in discussion.

The Chairman reminded that the decision on appointing the Prime Minister will be taken by open voting.

The Verkhovna Rada appointed Arsenii Yatseniuk the Prime Minister of Ukraine by 371 votes. The faction of the Communist Party did not participate in voting.

Oleksandr Turchynov signed the resolution on appointing Arsenii Yatseniuk the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

The draft resolution on dismissing members of the Cabinet of Ministers was placed on the agenda.

The Chairman read out the draft resolution.

The people’s deputies adopted the resolution by 358 votes.

The Prime Minister Arsenii Yatseniuk has nominated candidates to be appointed members of the Cabinet of Ministers.

At the proposal of A.Yatseniuk, the people’s deputies paid one minute’s silence in commemoration of all the deceased in the result of actions of mass protest.

A.Yatseniuk informed of the personal composition of a new government.

The people’s deputy Vitalii Yarema was nominated to the post of the First Vice Prime Minister;

The people’s deputy Oleksandr Sych – to the post of Vice Prime Minister;

Vinnytsia city mayor Volodymyr Hroisman – to the post of Vice Prime Minister;

the ex-people’s deputy Ostap Semerak – to the post of a minister of the Cabinet of Ministers;

coordinator of the medical services for Euromaidan Oleh Musii – to the post of Health Care Minister;

the people’s deputy Arsen Avakov – to the post of Internal Affairs Minister;

the people’s deputy Maksym Burbak – to the post of Infrastructure Minister;

Ex-First Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak – to the post of Finance Minister;

the people’s deputy Liudmyla Denisova  - to the post of Social Policy Minister;

the people’s deputy Pavlo Petrenko – to the post of Justice Minister;

the Honored Artist of Ukraine, Euromaidan's podium presenter Yevhen Nyshchuk – to the post of Culture Minister; 

President of Kyiv School of Economics Pavlo Sheremeta – to the post of the Minister of Economic Development and Trade;

the people’s deputy Ihor Shvaika – to the post of the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food;

the people’s deputy Andrii Mokhnyk – to the post of the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources; 

activist of the AutoMaidan Dmytro Bulatov – to the post of Youth and Sports Minister

Ex-Minister of Fuel and Energy Yurii Prodan – to the post of Minister of Energy and Coal Industry;

President of the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy Serhii Kvit – to the post of the Education Minister;

The Chairman put the proposal of the Prime Minister to voting. 

New composition of the Cabinet of Ministers was appointed by 331 votes.

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, acting President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov noted that the candidacies of the Defence Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister are referred by the President of Ukraine and suggested appoint to these posts admiral Ihor Teniukh and Andrii Deshchytsia.

The Verkhovna Rada appointed A.Deshchytsia acting Foreign Affairs Minister and I.Teniukh – acting Defence Minister.