Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

On Dec. 3 MPs took some of the proposals of the head of state into account, although they did not adopt the law as a whole. The Verkhovna Rada has not supported a law foreseeing an increase in excise duties on cigarettes and tobacco.

The parliament on Oct. 22, 2009 adopted a law on amendments to the law on the national budget for 2009 and the law on excise duties on tobacco.

The Ukrainian president vetoed the law and returned it to the parliament with his proposals.

OnDec. 3MPs took some of the proposals of the head of state into account, although they did not adopt the law as a whole.

A total of 211 out of 433 MPs registered in the session hall supported the law.

First deputy speaker Oleksandr Lavrynovych did not propose to override the president's veto.