Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, initiates holding of the Informal Summit of the Speakers of the Danube Region and the Black Sea Basin Countries in Ukraine
17 September 2010, 12:18
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, initiates holding of the Informal Summit of the Speakers of the Danube Region and the Black Sea Basin Countries in Ukraine
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada
of Ukraine launched this initiative,
meeting Barbara Prammer, President of the National
Council of Austria, in the framework of his official visit to the Austrian Republic.
The Parties discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Austria in the elaboration of the strategy of the Danube region and the Black Sea basin development, esp. on the parliamentary level.
The President of the National Council of Austria stated that the strategy was being elaborated on the level of governments. She believes that both parliaments of Austria and Ukraine should draft relevant proposals by the time the Government completes drafting of this document.
V.Lytvyn appreciated this idea. He initiated holding of the informal summit of the speakers of the Danube region and the Black Sea basin countries in the Crimea, with further "foundation of the parliamentary assembly between these countries."
B.Prammer declared that the visit of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to Austria "should facilitate establishment of contacts between the countries, promoting inter-parliamentary liaison." It is in this sector that the countries have the biggest prospects for cooperation.
V.Lytvyn underscored the importance of the visit "in view of the common history." The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated that relations between Ukraine and Austria were devoid of any conflicts or problems, which paved way for intensification of bilateral relations.
Dwelling upon the development of the
inter-parliamentary dimension of the bilateral relations, V.Lytvyn stated that
it should be based on the intensification of contacts between the groups of
friendship, committees and political factions. "We are interested in the
development of close contacts between the parliamentary leaders as well,"
V.Lytvyn stated, inviting the President of the National Council of Austria to
visit Ukraine.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that the analysis of relations between Austria and Ukraine proved the necessity of their facilitation.
Ukraine was interested in the cooperation not only in the economic, humanitarian and environmental sectors, but also in the preparation for the Final Part of the European Football Championship 2012, as Austria was experienced in the organization of such events. B.Prammer declared that her country was willing to render organization and information assistance to Ukraine.
The Parties also discussed the prospects of European integration of Ukraine. The President of the National Council of Austria stated that Ukraine´s drawing closer to the European Union was of great importance for the whole Europe. She expects that the Agreement on Association between Ukraine and the European Union will be signed within the year, marking a significant progress of Ukraine towards European integration.
V.Lytvyn stressed that Ukraine was concerned that this agreement and the free trade zone agreement should be signed. A great attention is also devoted to the introduction of the visa-free regime for the Ukrainian people. "Public moods may be different, but the return of Ukraine into the European space is a consolidating factor, indeed," he stated, expressing his hopes that Austria would support European integration pursuits of Ukraine.
The Parties briefed on the political
situation in both states. V.Lytvyn stated that political situation in Ukraine
had stabilized, the branches of power had reached mutual understanding, and the
authorities comprehended the necessity of adopting important resolutions.
To make resolutions
responsible and balanced, a strong opposition is required. However, such an opposition
is functioning in Ukraine.
"The dialogue between the
authorities and the opposition shall take place in the Parliament to make the
situation balanced," he stated.
B.Prammer supported the statement of V.Lytvyn that the Parliament could settle all the disputes and arguments peacefully.
As it was announced before, V. Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stays with the official visit in the Austrian Republic on September 16-17.
Pursuant to the program of visit, V. Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, shall meet Heinz Fischer, President of Austria, Martin Prayneder, President of the Federal Council of Austria, members of the Austrian-Ukrainian group on inter-parliamentray liaison and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Council of Austria.