Rada extends list of officials entitled to personal security guards, including representatives of foreign states, int'l organizations while staying in Ukraine

KYIV. March 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada has supported the extension of a list of officials entitled to personal security guard services provided by the state at places of their permanent and temporary stay.

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a parliamentarian from the Holos (Voice) faction, said on Telegram that bill No. 7179 was supported by 363 parliamentarians at a session on Thursday.

The legislation introduces a new norm stipulating that the state may provide personal security guard services to officials from foreign countries and international organizations arriving in Ukraine or staying in its territory.

The legislation proposes including the defense minister and Verkhovna Rada deputy chairperson in the list of officials entitled to personal security guard services at the places of their permanent and temporary stay.

The bill also adds National Security and Defense Council secretary, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and chiefs of some other government bodies to the list of officials entitled to personal security guard services in the event of a threat to their lives or health.