24 December 2010, 13:15
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, considers presidential elections in Ukraine, start of reforms, normalization of relations with Russia, and determination of the foreign policy course in the relations with NATO and the European Union as the most significant events of 2010.
V.Lytvyn made this statement in the interview to Ukrainski Novyny news agency on Friday.
"2010 is most notable for the presidential elections. Since Ukrainian policy is too personified, the personality of the President determines the development of Ukraine," he stated.
According to the Head of the Parliament, normalization of relations with Russia and restoration of the dialogue at the supreme level between the presidents, the parliaments and the governments, is another essential event. "Still, someone believes that establishment of the dialogue is the reverse of Ukraine towards Moscow. However, I believe that it means a breakaway from senseless confrontation, and development of Ukrainian-Russian relations on the basis of sound reason and pragmatism," the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated.
Determination of the foreign policy course in the relations with NATO and the European Union was claimed to be another significant event of 2010. Ukraine received a road map towards a visa-free regime at Ukraine-EU summit, which V.Lytvyn regards as a critical event.
As to NATO, declaration of the non-affiliated status of Ukraine calmed down the public, and alleviated tension in the issue of possible membership of Ukraine in the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization. "Still, our country is cooperating with NATO on different programs more actively than some other members of this organization," he stressed.
"2010 has become a year of fitcheck for the reforms. I believe that reforms require special attention and sustainable work. Even the best resolutions can yield negative results, unless they fit into a comprehensive concept and other decisions," the Head of the Parliament stated.
Among the most significant legislative acts adopted by The Verkhovna Rada, V.Lytvyn named "systemic laws that are an exception in our law-making "On the Fundamentals of Domestic and Foreign Policy", "On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges", the Budget Code, the Tax Code, and the regulatory laws." He calls for securing accurate monitoring over the implementation of laws, amending the legislation if necessary.
"Despite confrontations in the form of blocking of The Verkhovna Rada, the results of work of The Verkhovna Rada are noticeable in comparison with the previous years," V.Lytvyn summed up.