22 December 2009, 08:00
The Visit of the European Parliament President confirms the Confidence of the European Community in the Democratic Development of Ukraine, - V.Lytvyn
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the above-mentioned statement on Monday, meeting Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament.
J. Buzek stated that Ukraine was considered as a strategic partner for the European Union. "Relations with Ukraine are crucial and strategic for the European Union", - the European Parliament President stated. He stressed that his visit to our country was his first visit in the office of the European Parliament President.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to J. Buzek for his visit to Ukraine, stating that "it demonstrates respect, support and consolidation with the Ukrainian people". V.Lytvyn hopes that the visit will facilitate further development of relations between Ukraine and the EU.
V.Lytvyn and J. Buzek called for extending inter-parliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and the EU both at the level of committees, and in the framework of EURONEST.
The Parties discussed political and economic situation in Ukraine. V.Lytvyn characterized it as sustainable under the complexity of the political campaign.
The Head of the Ukrainian Parliament underscored that the scope of elections in Ukraine exceeds a solely democratic procedure. He deems necessary "to develop a legal order on the grounds of basic indispensable freedoms". "Economic and social issues can be reduced, provided the people have the confirmed right of choice not subject to revision, - V.Lytvyn stated. Lack of choice is a prerequisite of all political revolutions".
J. Buzek stated that the European Parliament mission would observe the presidential elections in Ukraine. "We welcome the mission of observers and shall establish active cooperation with them", - V.Lytvyn stated.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed the necessity of implementing the laws during the election campaign. However, he disapproves of the idea of signing different agreements and memoranda. "The Laws shall be implemented", - he stated.
V.Lytvyn briefed on the situation concerning introduction of amendments to the laws on the presidential elections. He admits that this matter may arise after the first round of elections.
The President of the European Parliament stated that "the European Union does not support any candidate, being concerned, however, with transparent and fair elections". J. Buzek stressed the necessity of implementing systemic economic reforms in Ukraine, achieving "political balance", and extending cooperation in the energy sector.