Simultaneous elections must create new political environment - Yushchenko

Related photo

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, during his Monday's joint press conference with European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pottering, once again expressed his preparedness to pass a decision on early presidential elections in Ukraine.

At the same time, the President confirmed the terms he earlier set forth, under which he would be ready to call early elections.

"It is not a matter of principle to me how many months earlier they will take place, in October or in September," Yushchenko said adding, "Now we are talking about the possibility of settling political situation only though parallel parliamentary snap election".

As regards early elections to parliament, in the President's opinion, they are needed "to solve the key problems instigating political crisis in Ukraine". I.e., a new parliamentary coalition is needed, with a real majority that would be able to pass laws, and undertake responsibility for the economic and social policy in this country, he said.

The head of state once again expressed the need for amending the presidential and parliamentary election laws first. Particularly, it is necessary to introduce voting by open party tickets.

The President's demand for abolition of parliamentary immunity also remains unchanged.

The President also suggested that Verkhovna Rada (parliament) adopt laws on financing early parliamentary and presidential elections in order to avoid a situation like in 2007, when "the constitutional decision on early elections was blocked by a ruling force through the denial to finance the polls".

The President called his proposals as a .healthy compromise for all branches of power,. which will make it possible "to bring new political quality and stability to this country" as a result of the snap elections.

UKRINFORM