The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has opened its extraordinary plenary sitting. A total of 339 out of the 450 MPs have been registered in the session hall.
Those present voted to hold the meeting behind close doors. This decision was supported by 239 MPs.
“Due to the fact that we have the report of the defense minister,
many of the clauses of this information are strictly confidential, we
have matters as regards ratification of agreements, as regards the
measures for their implementation, which are also classified
information. Besides, there are other issues that we will need to
discuss behind closed doors, which deal with the work of the Cabinet and
principal legislative initiatives,” Rada Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov
said opening the meeting.
At the same time, independent MP Yuriy Derevianko told
Interfax-Ukraine the parliament would discuss the resignation letter by
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in open mode.
As reported, at its extraordinary meeting on July 31, the Verkhovna
Rada will hear reports by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and the General
Staff of the Armed Forces, according to the parliament’s agenda posted
on Wednesday evening, July 30.
Lawmakers will also consider the ratification of an agreement with
Australia about sending Australian experts to Ukraine in connection with
the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and an agreement with the
Netherlands on an international mission to protect the investigation of
the Malaysian plane crash.
In addition, the parliament is to consider at second reading draft
law No. 4116A on amendments to some Ukrainian laws on the reformation of
the management system of Ukraine’s gas transport system.
The agenda also includes “the issue of Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s letter of resignation.”
Lawmakers are also expected to decide on draft amendments to the Tax Code and the 2014 national budget.
