24 March 2011, 13:41
On Thursday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, is staying with a working visit in Borzna district of Chernihiv region.
In the village of Plysky, V.Lytvyn observed the infrastructure of the village and met the local residents.
V.Lytvyn reminded that the parliamentary hearings on land issues had been held in the Parliament the previous day. "I expected a serious discussion and suggestion of further action plans. However, the hearings were long on emotions, short on practical settlement of land issues for the benefit of the country and people, not separate groups," he stated.
According to the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, participants of the discussion were divided into two categories: one group called for immediate introduction of a land market, while the other one was unalterably opposed to it. V.Lytvyn admitted that hopes for a balanced dialogue failed, because "everyone considers this problem from their own point of view."
The Head of the Parliament attaches great importance to the land issues in light of aggravation of global food crisis. He stated that recent events in some countries related to the revolutions, mass riots and natural calamities resulted in the decrease of production cutback, so "Ukraine is looked on as the country in possession of vast land resources." He summed up that such strategic assets as Ukrainian black soil should be protected and expanded.
The participants of the meeting discussed the problems of Chernihiv region. V.Lytvyn stressed that the demographical situation in the region is one of the worst in Ukraine, as the death rate significantly exceeds the birth rate. Only 22 per cent of rural settlements are supplied with gas. Moreover, Chernihiv region suffers the lack of quality drinking water, since the surface water has been contaminated as the result of the inadequate work of sewage disposal plants. The region also suffers the negative consequences of Chornobyl disaster.
The Head of the Parliament supposes that Chernihiv region needs special attention of the central authorities, as the regional matters require central solutions.
The Head of the Parliament participated in the action "Present a Book to the Library" in the village of Plysky. Visiting the newly-opened reading hall, he presented the library with historical textbooks, books and reference literature.
In the local art gallery, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine observed the exhibition of paintings of a prominent artist Mykola Ge who lived and worked in Plysky village.
V.Lytvyn met the players of Yednist football club, and presented them with footballs. Yednist football club (founded in the year 2001) is the only village club that plays on the professional level in the Football Championship of Ukraine. It includes five teams (one professional, two amateur, and two youth teams).
Sports training base of the club includes four stadiums, main and reserve natural grass football fields, and a mini football field. The club also has a hotel, medical cabinets, a gym and massage rooms.