17 June 2010, 10:48
On Thursday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Gunther Krichbaum, Chairman of Bundestag Committee on European Affairs, and the Committee members, in the Framework of the Official Visit to the Federal Republic of Germany
The Parties discussed economic reforms in Ukraine and the Parliament´s role in this process, foreign policy in Ukraine, its European integration pursuits and relations with the Russian Federation.
Mr Lytvyn informed that the bill on the fundamentals of domestic and foreign policy of Ukraine was being adjusted for the second reading. "The bill was suggested by the President of Ukraine; however, eventually the bill will become the result of parliamentary work, the fundamentals of domestic and foreign policy of Ukraine being determined by The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine", he stated.
The Head of the Parliament stated that orientation of Ukraine for European community would run like a golden thread through this act. "This issue unites the people and provokes no objections among the Ukrainian politicians", he stated.
Dwelling upon the Ukraine´s accession to NATO, Mr Lytvyn stated that the bill fixed the non-aligned status of Ukraine. However, Mr Lytvyn admitted that he was not in favour of this statement, as the situation and public mood may change, while the legislative provision will remain unamended."
Mr Lytvyn stressed the importance of development of parliamentarism in the country: "If Ukraine has incapable Parliament, it will not be a democratic state."
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine singled out the priority objectives of the Parliament to guarantee stability, protect democratic acquirements, and settle the property issues. To reach these objectives, it is utterly important "to get incentives on the part of the European community to confirm the encouragement of Ukraine." "Today, the European Union and Germany as one of its leading members, should encourage Ukraine. If the Bundestag gives such a political signal, it will be of great importance for our country", he stressed.
Mr Lytvyn relies on support of Germany and its Parliament by the conclusion of agreements on association and free trade zone, and ratification of an action plan for the introduction of a visa-free regime.
Asked by Mr Krichbaum about the settlement of current conflicts between the western and eastern parts of Ukraine, Mr Lytvyn stated: "Ukrainian politicians advocate this issue to attract more voters. They impose such sensitive topics as relations with Russia, accession to NATO and language issue on the public." "However, among the problems worrying Ukrainian people, the mentioned issues are irrelevant. People are first and foremost concerned with employment, wages, pensions, public health, corruption, work of courts and capability of authorities", he stated. "The country will unite, when the authorities and the politicians work."
Discussing relations between Ukraine and Russia, German MPs agreed with Mr Lytvyn that Ukraine and Europe would not be stable unless predictable and constructive relations with Russia were established. Mr Lytvyn stated that Ukrainian authorities "have a firm intention to develop civilized relations with Russia on the principle of equal partnership, as it is in the EU."
Mr Krichbaum declared that Germany was interested "in the liquidation of ‘unequal´ sites on the EU border." The Committee Chairman declared his intention to visit Ukraine in November. "We keep our fingers crossed for you tough work as the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. We shall support your country in the implementation of economic and political reforms, and during the preparation for EURO 2012", he stated, addressing Mr Lytvyn.
As it was reported, on 16-17 June, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, pays an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.