Ukrainian President Calls For Cancellation Of Parliament Winter Vacation To Open Session Early

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko has written to parliamentary chairman Arseniy Yatsenyuk asking for the parliament to cancel its winter vacation in order to open the next session at an early date, the presidential press service said.

President Viktor Yushchenko
Yushchenko proposed to open the next session of the legislature on Jan. 22, not in February.

Yushchenko said the vacation of the newly formed parliament was inappropriate, as the country is facing pressing challenges that require urgent answers.

"In the current conditions, the authorities cannot afford even the shortest time-out," he said in the letter.

"The parliamentary coalition and the government have taken on serious commitments. Consequently, any pause in their realization could cause unfavorable circumstances and undermine the trust of the people," he said.

"The New Year and Christmas holidays were enough for the deputies to relax," Yushchenko added.

Yushchenko called on all political forces in parliament to be responsible to respond to his call.

In accordance with the timetable of the parliament's work, the chamber is scheduled to close the first session on Jan. 18 and open the second session in early February after a two-week winter vacation.

Source: Xinhua