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Viktor Yanukovych: The way out of the crisis should be strictly legal and in the utmost compliance with the democratic principles
10.04.2007, 09:42
Millions of Christians in Ukraine and worldwide have just celebrated Easter, their most solemn holiday. Sincerely rejoicing the wonder of the Son of God's resurrection, they gave and asked forgiveness.
At the same time, Ukraine has come in the focus of international community again.
However, this would hardly be a reason to rejoice for us.
Rather than to the development of democracy, high and stable rates of economic growth – eight and a half percent a month under the present Government, stable prices, higher wages and pensions, successes in implementation of European integration policy, accession to WTO and strengthening of relations with Russia, or many other positive things, which have happened in the recent half-year, the attention of our partners was drawn to the next political crisis which Ukraine is undergoing.
I strongly believe that this political crisis is completely made up.
As known, on 2 April 2007, the President of Ukraine signed a Decree "On early elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine". At the same time, he has held no consultation with the Government.
In general, early elections are not extraordinary for any country provided that they are held in strict compliance with the laws and the Constitution.
Rather unfortunately, this fundamentally important condition does not exist in Ukraine.
Unlike the monarchies of the 19th century and most presidential or parliamentary republics of the 20th century, our Head of State is not allowed to disband the Ukrainian Parliament (the Verkhovna Rada) at will even when asked by his own political force, which is currently in the opposition.
Article 90 of the Constitution of Ukraine – and nothing else – strictly specifies the right of the President to early terminate the powers of the Verkhovna Rada, if:
1) The Verkhovna Rada Ukraine fails to form a coalition of deputy factions (majority) within one month;
2) The new Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is not formed in full within sixty days on resignation of the previous Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine;
3) Within thirty days of inability to start the plenary meetings of a single session.
At the time of President Yushchenko's issuing his decree to disband the Parliament, none of the above conditions existed in Ukraine. Therefore, it is a question of failure to comply with the Constitution. This is what defines the severity of the situation.
Still, the unconstitutional decision of the Head of State which was made based on political expediency would result in severe developments, even a social conflict.
What is the way out of the situation?
I strongly believe that this way should strictly follow the law and provide the utmost compliance with the principles of democracy.
At the moment, the Constitutional Court is examining the Parliament's petition to determine whether the Presidential Decree of 2 April is constitutional.
It would be better from any point of view for President Yushchenko, under the law, to hold consultations with the Constitutional Court before issuing his decision. Yushchenko would ask whether he has the right to disband the Parliament for a reason other than those specified in the Constitution. This, however, was not the case.
Today, we all have to be waiting for the Constitutional Court to decide.
I responsibly declare that this Government, this Parliamentary Coalition and I in person will accept any decision of the Constitutional Court.
This is our expectation for every participant of the political process in Ukraine.
In any case, the election could not be held on 27 May as requested by President Yushchenko. If, indeed, we need honest and democratic election – we have to address a lot of technical issues and set up the election committees.
Still, we have to negotiate and to agree. And I call on President Yushchenko to stop speaking the language of ultimatums and go back to the negotiations.
Let us demonstrate once again that Ukraine is a great European nation, following the traditions of democracy and tolerance, a nation, where the law rules.
I, as Prime Minister, will implement the long-awaited and urgent reforms which Ukraine demands, will exercise every power granted to me by the Constitution and the laws of Ukraine to make the people's lives better, to comply with Ukraine's obligations to the international community, the Law, democracy and order.
We have history of dignity and greatness, and I am positive, the great future.
Viktor Yanukovych
"Rzeczpospolita" newspaper, Poland, Nr. 83 – 07.04.2007
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