Ivan Pliusch attends international assembly of parliament heads (09/10/00)

Ivan Pliusch attends international assembly of parliament heads

by Irene Jarosewich

UNITED NATIONS - More than 150 parliamentary leaders from 140 countries arrived at the United Nations August 30 for the opening of a three-day summit of heads of Parliament. The first international Conference of Presiding Officers of National Parliaments, organized by the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), "was a historic first," stated Dr. Najma Heptulla, president of the IPU, who underlined that it brings together "heads of parliament from across the world ... [who] collectively, can play a crucial role in forging global consensus on vital issues facing the world community."

Established more than 100 years ago, in 1889, the IPU is the oldest of the world's multilateral political organizations. Though separate from the United Nations, the IPU nonetheless used the venue of the United Nations this year for its millennium summit of parliamentary leaders, which included among its participants the chairman of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, Ivan Pliusch.

Several international gatherings were held in New York City during the last week of August and the first week of September in conjunction with the new millennium. More than 180 international religious leaders (none, however, representing Ukrainian Churches) met for the World Peace Summit on August 27-30; the August 30-September 1 conference of parliamentarians was held a week prior to the United Nations Millennium Summit, an international gathering for heads of government and state held at the United Nations September 6-8.

During their summit, the parliamentarians reiterated support for the United Nations as a pivotal body in international relations, however, they noted that, on the eve of the new millennium, the United Nations needed to broaden its base and focus less on political issues and more on economic, social and cultural problems. In their declaration adopted on September 1, the parliamentarians reaffirmed their "commitment to international cooperation ..." and, at the same time, resolved "to introduce a more manifestly democratic dimension into international decision-making."

Mr. Pliusch addressed fellow legislators on August 31 from the podium at the U.N. General Assembly. "On the brink of the new millennium, we, as never before, feel the intense need for strong and effective international systems ... and within our multilateral dialogue, I would like to underscore, in particular, the importance of the theme that international cooperation be given a 'parliamentary dimension.' " he said. "It is the parliaments of the world that are called upon to establish the road to democracy and rule of law, to strong international relations and to strengthen agreements among peoples," he added.

Mr. Pliusch noted how Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, in the brief period since its the establishment of Ukraine's independence in 1991, has become involved with many international bodies. He noted the agreement by Ukraine's Parliament to adapt to the standards of the Council of Europe, and with Ukraine's declared policy of integration into European structures, mentioned the cultivation of ties with NATO and the European Union. He also cited Ukraine's work in the U.N. Security Council, in particular the initiative of President Leonid Kuchma to organize a meeting among heads of state of the Security Council member-countries during the U.N. Millennium Summit.

In an interview given to The Ukrainian Weekly on the first day of the IPU summit, Mr. Pliusch predicted a "heated session" for the Verkhovna Rada this fall. The national deputies are scheduled to debate the proposed changes to the Constitution - limiting the immunity of national deputies; reducing Parliament from 450 to 300 legislators; establishing a bicameral legislature; and giving the president authority to dismiss the Parliament - that resulted from a referendum in April.

"Of course, I would like to say that it will be a moderate, balanced discussion, but I think it will be heated, very heated," he said.

According to Mr. Pliusch, the re-election of Mr. Kuchma brought stability: the government hasn't borrowed money and for the first time, economic indicators are up. The budget proposed by the government is one of development, not stagnation, he added.

"If these positive tendencies continue, if positive forces overcome the negative, then the effectiveness of those who oppose [President Kuchma] will change, and they are afraid of this. They need to rip apart the reform process so that they can survive. If the reform process succeeds, the people - whom they claim to represent - will truly not need them and they will have no reason to exist. So they resist," he said.

Mr. Pliusch also took a moment to criticize the electorate of Ukraine: "The people complain about the national deputies - but it's not all one-sided. ... When I was campaigning I told people to think carefully of whom they select, to select a group of reformers, a majority of reformers, who can get the job done. And look at whom they elected! ... Until the people of Ukraine are ready to claim their country and work for their country - not wait for others to do it for them, not wait for somebody to 'give them' something - that's when we'll have genuine change ... Don't be mistaken, 70 years of communism has not been without consequences."

He said he believes, however, that the majority of people in Ukraine still love their country and have faith in Ukraine. "We began to build our country in very difficult circumstances and it's caused much disappointment ... I was among those who thought it would be easier ... those who say that they no longer love Ukraine because they hate the people in power, never really loved Ukraine. Love for Ukraine has not diminished, just for those in power. Most people believe in Ukraine. It is this faith that is still our strength," he concluded.

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