10 February 2009, 19:02
Volodymyr Lytvyn, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during the Working Visit to Brussels has attended a Meeting with the Chairmen of the Factions of the European Parliament
In particular, V. Lytvyn has met the Chairman of the Faction of European Parliament "European People´s party European Democrats" Joseph Dol, the Chairman of the Faction "Alliance of Liberals and Democrats of Europe" Grekhem Watson, Vice-Chairman of the Faction of Socialists in European Parliament Hans Svoboda and Yan Virsma.
The main issue to scrutinize was the situation in Ukraine. The Parliamentarians expressed hope that Ukraine will join EU, still pointing out that the way to this aim is very complicated. According to J. Dol "the Europe is sure to help you but we can not solve your inner problems."
V. Lytvyn mentioned that "Ukraine and its people should demonstrate in their every day activity European identity, step by step going to the European society"
Discussing the aim of the visit to the Europe, V. Lytvyn declared that Ukrainian Parliamentary delegation sees the necessity of activating interparliamentary connections. The special attention, according to him, should be paid to the cooperation among the factions and parliamentary groups.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that taking into consideration the present situation in Ukraine, the Parliament should be center of stability. He assured European parliamentarians that everything possible would be done to provide the predictable development of the country.
Giving answers to the European colleagues´ questions concerning Ukrainian and Russian gas treaties, V. Lytvyn declared that "the achieved result id complicated for the Ukraine". Nevertheless "one should not evaluate and regret but should look forward new reality and decide how to live with it".
V. Lytvyn stressed the necessity of activating the cooperation between Europe and Ukraine in the sphere of energy. "The building of gas-pipes is long-termed perspective. It is essential to understand: Russia has has, Ukraine has gas-transferring system and Europe needs power grids. It is obvious that we should face the clear system of cooperation and it should not contain politics but only strict pragmatism".
Discussing the cooperation perspectives with the European Institutions, V. Lytvyn declared that "we would accept all the initiatives that would be aimed at the strengthening of cooperation".
To the Parliamentary delegation belonged: O. Herasymiuk, "Our Ukraine People's Self-Defence"; Korolevska Natalia Yuriyivna, Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc; Kivalov Serhiy Vasyliovych, Party of Regions; Martyniuk Adam Ivanovych, Communist Party of Ukraine.