01 March 2011, 18:23
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, calls for observing the Fundamental Law as to the personal voting of the People's Deputies.
V. Lytvyn made this statement at the press conference in Luhansk on Tuesday, where the Head of the Parliament was staying with a working visit.
"Deputies shall vote personally", he stressed.
Commenting on the legislative enactment of group voting in the session hall, V. Lytvyn declared that the Standing Orders of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine "can not contradict the Constitution", as the Constitution is the supreme law of the state and its norms have direct effect. "Namely, clause 84 of the Constitution has no references to the Standing Orders", he emphasized.
V. Lytvyn reminded that the People´s Deputies gave comments to the journalists instead of voting. He suggested that mass media should take comments during the recess. According to the Head of the Parliament, Deputies shall "work on their working places and set personal examples."
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stated, "I am searching approaches to revive and strengthen the legislative body." "My goal is to find a decision instead of explanation. On the other hand, I expect support of mass media. We shall prevent final discrediting of parliamentarism in Ukraine. As long as this Parliament exists, we have freedom of speech and democracy. We shall exert efforts to keep this fire burning."
V. Lytvyn criticized possible "financial punishment" of the People´s Deputies who miss the plenary meetings. He suggested withholding their wages, as this decision can be appealed in court.