Under current circumstances of a deep political, social and economic crisis, the parliamentary process is the only democratic way to find answers to urgent questions that society poses to the state. Such an idea was expressed by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov during the meeting with the Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Catherine Ashton on Monday.  

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security discussed the issue concerning ways of settling the political and economic situation in Ukraine.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, according to the Chairman of the Parliament, should become the main anti-crisis center responsible for implementation of requirements the Ukrainian people have paid a high price for.

Oleksandr Turchynov stressed that Ukraine and the EU should immediately return to the issue of signing the Association Agreement, including deep and comprehensive free trade zone and liberalization of visa regime between Ukraine and the EU. “Continuation of the course towards the European integration on the part of Ukraine, and provision of financial assistance on the part of the EU are important factors for securing stable and democratic development of Ukraine,” he said.

Chairman of the Parliament outlined top priority issues and systemic reforms in Ukraine. Oleksandr Turchynov named establishment of a new Government that will allow resume the vertical of governance, to be the main and top priority task. Next one, he noted, is restoration of efficiency of local authorities. According to him, it is also important to restore confidence in police, since the security of the citizens of Ukraine depends on it. “Protection of citizens is our constitutional duty,” he underlined, and noted that all these measures will allow stop slipping down of Ukraine’s economy and begin economic and social reforms.

In her turn, Catherine Ashton noted that the EU countries express their public support to Ukraine. According to her, “Provision of the necessary resources will give the opportunity to fulfill the shaped plans.” “We are ready to support Ukraine and signal other states that your country does not only settle the problems of the past, but also looks to the future,” said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security.

Catherine Ashton informed that she has laid flowers to the place of death of the citizens of Ukraine during the tragic events of the past days and wished all the best for the people of Ukraine. “I wish that your people become the one they want to be,” she said, and added that “we will support and help you in every possible way.”