You're reading: Turchynov: Opposition ready to unblock rostrum during Yanukovych’s speech

If Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych comes to parliament, the opposition is ready to unblock the rostrum to give him an opportunity to answer questions, the chairman of the political council of the Batkivschyna United Opposition, MP Oleksandr Turchynov, has said. 

He said that all events that have recently taken place in the country and the negotiations that were held during the political crisis in parliament “indicate that neither the speaker nor the leaders of the majority factions (this concerns not only the Party of Regions, but also the Communist Party) make their own decisions,” Batkivschyna’s press service quoted him as saying.

“All decisions are made in the presidential administration, and they are made directly by the president. All who now represent the majority in parliament are just extras who fulfill instructions,” the politician said.

That is why, Turchynov said, the opposition is demanding a conversation with Yanukovych “about the repression and crimes that occur every day in the country, which are witnessed not only by Ukraine, but also by the entire civilized world.”

However, he said he doubts that Yanukovych will come to parliament.

“They will most likely explain to us that Yanukovych has no opportunity to come to parliament. There [appears to be the] opportunity to organize repression, prosecute people, deprive [MPs] of their mandates, destroy the freedom of speech and democracy in the country, but no opportunity to come for a frank conversation. He and his team are just afraid to come,” Turchynov said.

As reported, Yanukovych is expected to make an annual address to the Ukrainian parliament. The date and format of the address have not yet been determined.