Speaker assures that VRada will function openly and responsibly, with an eye to virus threat

Information Department of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariat
13 March 2020, 14:45

“The Verkhovna Rada will continue to work openly and in an utterly constructive manner,” – Dmytro Razumkov

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada D.Razumkov gave a briefing in order to clarify how the parliament’s work would change during the quarantine period. According to the statesman, access for VRU visitors will be restricted until April 3, pressmen are only allowed to work in the 3rd floor lobbies, TV channels are only entitled to send one camera crew per broadcaster, while other mass media – one representative per media.

“We realize very well the responsibility of parliamentarians and the mass media at the moment. I hence kindly ask them to work in harness towards a common goal in order to ensure sustained work of Ukraine’s authorities and the state on the whole. The parliament continues to routinely work in as open manner as before. However, we must do our utmost to safeguard ourselves as well as those we are close to,” the politician stressed.

The Chairman also encouraged media workers to function remotely during the quarantine period, if feasible.

“It is necessary to maintain the lowest possible risk level. This is a good compromise that does not abridge freedom of speech,” the VRU Chairman observed.