KYIV – On September 13, during a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada, First Deputy Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk announced in the presence of the Ukrainian World Congress leadership the establishment of the parliamentary group Ukrainians in the World.
UWC
Sviatoslav Yurash, chairman of the newly created parliamentary group Ukrainians in the World, with Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod.
As noted by its chairman, Sviatoslav Yurash, the establishment of this important interparty parliamentary group was made possible with the active support of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and the unity of political parties in improving legislation on issues of concern to Ukrainians worldwide.
“The establishment of a committee in the Parliament of Ukraine that will address the issues affecting Ukrainians throughout the world is a significant step in bringing closer, and improving relations between Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world. It is also an important indicator of the interest of government agencies in ensuring effective interaction with Ukrainians from all over the world. We anticipate fruitful and productive cooperation that will further the growth and development of Ukraine as a successful, independent, self-sufficient, democratic, European state, and the continued consolidation and development of the global Ukrainian community,” stated UWC President Paul Grod.
Representatives of all political parties in the Rada, with the exception of the political party Opposition Platform – For Life, as well as independents have joined the group.
Mr. Grod commented: “The UWC calls upon all members of the Parliament of Ukraine to join the work of the parliamentary committee on Ukrainians in the World. We are planning to jointly propose draft legislation and amendments to existing laws with the goal of creating favorable conditions for the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.”
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The information service of the Verkhovna Rada reported in late September that 49 national deputies had joined the Ukrainians in the World group.