Russia's Federal Assembly to launch parliamentary inquiry into discovery of bio laboratories in Ukraine - State Duma speaker

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has said an ad hoc commission involving lawmakers from both houses of the Russian parliament will be established in order to conduct a parliamentary investigation into the uncovering of bio laboratories in Ukraine.

"For its part, the State Duma has the right to launch its own investigation into these crimes [involving bio laboratories]. In this regard, it is proposed to initiate the formation of an ad hoc commission, which is being established jointly with the Federation Council," Volodin said at a plenary session on Friday.

"If you support it, we will launch a procedure in accordance with federal law, and will initiate a parliamentary investigation into the activities of biological laboratories in Ukraine. No objection? Supported," Volodin said.

On the part of the State Duma, Deputy Speaker Irina Yarovaya will co-chair an ad hoc commission to be established, the speaker of the lower house said.

Besides, Volodin suggested that the ad hoc commission should begin its work by inviting United States Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who had previously commented on the issue at a hearing in the U.S. Senate, to give explanations.

"Given that she has already begun to comment and confirmed it, let her tell us further why the convention is violated, and what this could lead to," the State Duma speaker said.