13 March 2014, 17:07
All citizens of Ukraine have equal rights no matter what language they speak, what regions they live in, or what confession they belong to. This was stressed by Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov during an interview to the TV channel Rada.
Speaking about the issue of future status of the Russian language and other languages of national minorities, Oleksandr Turchynov reminded that at the Parliament’s initiative the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on elaboration of the draft law on development and use of languages in Ukraine was formed. Commission, which includes representatives of different scientific schools from all regions of Ukraine, as well as from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, should take into account interests of all national minorities regarding languages they speak. “So that everyone can speak their native language without any problems, and so that no one could restrict this right,” he stressed.
Answering questions regarding possibility of any conflicts on the language or national basis in Ukraine, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized that “in fact, there have never been any barriers between citizens of Ukraine”, aggressive rhetoric of some Crimean politicians “is based on Russian military men”. He also claimed that rights of Russian speaking citizens are not violated in Crimea in any way.
Full version of interview will be broadcast on Rada TV channel on March 13, at 8 p.m.
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