Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Parliamentary Channel of the Inter-State Dialogue is utterly Essential
07 February 2011, 17:20
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Parliamentary Channel of the Inter-State Dialogue is utterly Essential
On Monday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met OSCE
Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign
Minister Audronius Ažubalis. The Parties discussed the state and prospects of cooperation within
the OSCE, the state of freedom of speech in Ukraine, corruption counteraction,
and preparations for the establishment of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian humanitarian
forum.
"We understand each other, tackle common challenges, and seek ways for their settlement," V.Lytvyn stated in the beginning of the meeting. "The formula of strategic partnership between our states shall be filled with new quality contents."
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that cooperation between Ukraine and the OSCE will help to overcome the problems in the relations between Ukraine and the European Community, as well as domestic issues. V.Lytvyn underscored that Ukraine´s presidency over the Committee of Ministers in PACE, the coming presidency over the OSCE, and holding of the final part of the European Football Championship 2012 is a chance for Ukraine "to prove that we are not the neighbours of Europe, but the neighbours in Europe."
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Audronius Ažubalis highly appreciated the role of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine delegation in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. "I welcome the resolution of the OSCE Ministerial Council concerning the coming presidency of Ukraine in the year 2013," he stated. He assured that Lithuania will share its experience in this respect. A. Ažubalis informed that the Lithuanian Republic is going to open the monument to T.H.Shevchenko in Vilnius. This event will take place after the sitting of Ukraine-Lithuania-Poland Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
A. Ažubalis
declared that the OSCE
welcomed adoption of the Law on free access to information. He expects the Law
to be implemented without hindrance.
The Parties agreed on the importance of a parliamentary channel of the inter-parliamentary dialogue. "A parliamentary channel of the dialogue is utterly essential," V.Lytvyn emphasized.