24 May 2019 13:20

Verkhovna Rada to keep working next week despite dissolution order

KYIV. May 24 (Interfax) - The Verkhovna Rada will continue to process bills on the plenary week, which starts on May 28, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky having ordered its dissolution, Bloc of Petro Poroshenko faction head Artur Gerasimov said.

Heads of parliamentary factions and groups met with Verkhovna Rada Speaker Andriy Parubiy on May 23, the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko's press service said in a statement on Friday.

"It was said at the meeting that in spite of the presidential order dissolving the Rada, the legislature has the right to adopt laws consistent with the Constitution and the continuity principle. So, the parliament will continue to adopt laws, including those pertaining to social initiatives and the observation of rights in Ukraine, on Tuesday. The Rada will also consider laws related to national security and defense," Gerasimov told the press in Kyiv on Friday.

Bills on ad hoc investigative committees and open candidate lists in the electoral system will also be processed by the Verkhovna Rada, Gerasimov said. "The initiative is backed by fifth President Petro Poroshenko and the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko faction. I am sure that all democratic forces in parliament will act likewise," he said.