Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, is against establishing Different Dates for celebrating the Navy Days of Ukraine and the Russian Federation
03 July 2011, 12:09
Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of
Ukraine, is against establishing Different Dates for celebrating the Navy Days
of Ukraine and the Russian Federation
Asked about participation of Boris Gryzlov, Speaker of the State Duma of Russian Federation, in the celebration of the Navy Day in Ukraine, V. Lytvyn called against discussing this issue at length, "as the fact of our common participation in the celebration is already meaningful." He believes that traditions should not be broken, since the Days of the Ukrainian and Russian Navy have always been celebrated on one date.
"It is a destiny that made our states independent, thus there are two fleets located in Sevastopol, although I see no threats in celebrating the holiday together", the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada admitted. V.Lytvyn focused on the fact that he together with B. Gryzlov "represent our parliaments and our states, and such representation is proper during the celebration of the Russian Navy Day as well." "Ukrainian and Russian Parliament are working thoroughly to support efficient cooperation. We do not use extra diplomatic means, but conduct an open conversation and dialogue regarding all the issues, trying to focus on the matters that unite us rather than on the conflict-provoking ones. Such approach guarantees efficient dialogue and yields expected results", the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament is convinced.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada noted, "The world is global today, thus our states should use their potential to obtain positive results."
In his turn, B. Gryzlov emphasised, "Today we saw two honor guards of the Ukrainian and Russian navy men marching together." "It proves the direction of further development of inter-state relations in the spirit of mutual understanding and friendship. We have a common past and our nations have always been like brothers", he stressed.
The Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation drew attention to the good tradition of the past years, when Ukrainians and Russians celebrated memorable events together. "It was very pleasant for me to take part in these events, having seen the line of battle with the Russian ship "Yamal." It was a great satisfaction to salute the navy men of both states and take part in the ceremony of whinyard handling to the graduates of Sevastopol P. S. Nahimov Naval Academy," the Russian politician stated. He expects this day to be memorable.
B. Gryzlov
conferred the Certificate of Honor of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of
the Russian Federation on V. Lytvyn for his contribution to the development of
parliamentarism and strengthening of inter-parliamentary liaison.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament and the Speaker of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation visited "Moscow", a flagship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, greeted the naval personnel of the Russian Federation, and presented them with valuable gifts.
V. Lytvyn and B. Gryzlov also visited St. Nicholas church, Memorial Necropolis to the defenders of Sevastopol during the Crimean War 1845-1855.