Introduction of Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine shall be made in the Legal Framework, - V.Lytvyn
29 September 2010, 13:08
Introduction of amendments to the Constitution
of Ukraine shall be made in the legal framework. Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made
this statement, meeting Mailis
Reps, PACE Monitoring Committee Rapporteur.
V.Lytvyn stressed that this standpoint was identical with the opinion of Viktor Yanukovych, President of Ukraine, and PACE guidelines.
Before drafting the amendments to the Fundamental Law, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deems necessary to set up a working group of experts in constitutional law to analyze "the effectiveness of the applicable Constitution." V. Lytvyn supposes that activity of this group must be devoid of any political implications.
The amendments being drafted, "the authority in Ukraine should be organized with account for objectives of the country." V.Lytvyn admitted that Ukrainian public and political circles agree on the European choice of our state. "This considered, a model of the Constitution should be developed," he stated.
The Head of the Parliament believes that Ukraine needs not a new Constitution, but amendments to it. "The changes should be gradual, as the public must understand the development of events and support the innovations," V.Lytvyn emphasized. "The principle ‘make haste slowly´ should be employed."
Dwelling upon the implementation of economic reforms, V.Lytvyn called for arranging the conditions for the citizens to realize their potential. He admitted: "To initiate systemic reforms, we have this year and a half of the next one."
Asked about the law on judicial system, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine responded that the guidelines of the Venice Commission would be thoroughly scrutinized. Should there be a need, the law will be amended. "The dialogue with the Venice Commission will be established under any circumstances, as the law must be improved," he stated. "It also concerns other laws on the law enforcement bodies."
The Parties discussed preparation
and organization of the local elections, and guarantees of the freedom of
speech and the rights of opposition in Ukraine.
The Head of the Parliament highly appreciated the level of cooperation between Ukraine and the Assembly, stressing that its recommendations "are invariably precise, well-wishing and useful." V.Lytvyn hopes that the meeting with Ms Reps "will give impetus to realization of commitments of Ukraine to the Council of Europe."
Ms Reps stated that PACE was willing to assist Ukraine in realization of these tasks. Next week, the rapporteurs are to report on the course of the constitutional reform. During the forthcoming visit to Ukraine, they are to visit the regions, focusing on the observance of rights of national minorities and general human rights.
"These topics are pressing and interesting for us. Reforms in the sector of human rights and the humanitarian sphere should be launched," V.Lytvyn stated.