Brawl in Ukrainian Parliament Interrupts WTO Vote

KIEV, Ukraine -- A brawl erupted among Ukrainian lawmakers in parliament Tuesday, interrupting voting on a series of bills needed for entry to the World Trade Organization.

Communists brawl in Ukrainian parliament
One of eight bills was passed, but lawmakers put off consideration of the remaining seven following the brawl. The bill passed envisages changes to sanitary rules for foodstuffs, including the threat of penalties.

Communists and pro-government lawmakers shoved each other and fought as Economics Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk struggled to speak in support of WTO membership. Communists also sounded loud, wailing sirens to drown out the debate before the 450-member parliament broke for recess.

President Viktor Yushchenko has made WTO membership an important goal for the country, which needs foreign investment to boost its sluggish economy.

But parliament has so far adopted only half of the required 14-bill package, due to opposition from Communists who fear membership will hurt Ukrainian farmers and industry.

Yatsenyuk said that failure to adopt the bills "will not hurt the WTO...it will hurt Ukraine", but he expressed hope that the government and lawmakers will settle the most disputed issues, including banking regulations.

Some experts say Ukraine is in a rush to join because of fears that Russia will win WTO membership earlier and then impose new conditions on Ukraine, delaying Kiev's admission.

Source: AP