Ukrainian parliament passes law on National Guard
KYIV. March 12 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian parliament has passed the law, On the National Guard of Ukraine, which was submitted by Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov.
A total of 262 of the 330 parliamentarians who registered in the parliament session voted for the law on Thursday, an Interfax correspondent has reported.
The law was passed with regard for the amendments voiced during the parliament session.
In accordance with the new law, the National Guard of Ukraine, a military unit with law enforcement functions intended for the fulfillment of tasks to protect the life, rights, freedoms and lawful interests of citizens, society, and the state from criminal and other illegal encroachments, to protect public order and public safety, and interact with law enforcement bodies in ensuring state security and state border protection, curbing terrorist activities and the activities by illegal armed groups, terrorist organizations, organized groups, and criminal organizations is formed on the basis of the Interior Troops of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.
The National Guard of Ukraine will be independent by its legal status.
The National Guard of Ukraine will also fulfill combat tasks in the interests of citizens, society, and the state in peaceful time and in emergencies and will be involved in defending Ukraine, protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, border safety, state independence, and national interests in the event of military aggression, military conflict, or a threat of attack by direct combat action.
At the same time, the law introduces some restrictions on service in the National Guard of Ukraine.
The National Guard of Ukraine will have up to 60,000 members and the number of personnel can be increased by the parliament if need be.
The personnel of the National Guard of Ukraine will be staffed with conscripts and contract servicemen.
According to the law, the military political and executive administration of the National Guard of Ukraine is exercised by the Ukrainian interior minister. Direct military administration of the National Guard of Ukraine is exercised by the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine who is also head of the main military administration body of the National Guard of Ukraine. The commander of the National Guard of Ukraine is appointed by the parliament on the recommendation of the president of Ukraine.
At the same time, the parliament has ordered the relevant committee to edit the law to correct technical and legal flaws.
Oleksandr Turchynov said before the voting: "We will amend the law, but now we need to launch a mobilization of the National Guard."
