Ukraine-Russia treaty ratification expected (12/07/97)

Ukraine-Russia treaty ratification expected

Eastern Economist, RFE/RL Newsline

MOSCOW - Verkhovna Rada Chairman Oleksander Moroz and Russian Duma Chairman Gennadii Selezniov agreed on December 1 that ratification of the Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership Treaty between Ukraine and Russia should go ahead this month. The treaty marked a thawing in relations when it was signed in Kyiv in May.

Mr. Selezniov confirmed that the Russian Duma "received the agreement for ratification late and now a lot of effort is needed to approve it within this time frame." Mr. Moroz said that most of the Verkhovna Rada's committees have already discussed the agreement and come to a positive decision on its ratification.

Mr. Moroz stressed that "difficulties during the discussion stage of the law in the Verkhovna Rada could occur," though he added that these difficulties would not interfere with ratification. According to Mr. Moroz, relations between Kyiv and Moscow "are and will be defined mainly by ratification of this agreement and principles and ideas included therein."

Mr. Moroz said he was sure the "agreement will be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada and Duma, and it will be obvious that those who oppose the agreement do not support the political and economic interests of both nations."

The head of the Russian Communists faction, Gennadii Zyuganov, said that if more favorable conditions were created for the Russian population in Ukraine, then the agreement would be supported by the Communists.

Yet, the head of the Russian Liberal Democratic Party, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, said that relations between Ukraine and Russia are a "political game between the two presidents" and added that his party would be voting against ratification.

Mr. Moroz said that "a synchronized ratification" of the treaty will strengthen the authority of Ukrainian lawmakers before Ukraine's parliamentary elections in March 1998.

Georgii Tikhonov, the chairman of the Duma Committee for the CIS and Relations with Russians Abroad, noted on December 1 that the status of the Russian language in Ukraine may become a bone of contention during ratification discussions. But Mr. Moroz argued that "there are no problems with the use of the Russian language in Ukraine."

| Home Page |