G7 ambassadors call on MPs to support draft law on SBU, adopt it as soon as possible

The ambassadors of the Group of Seven countries have called on Ukrainian MPs to support draft law No. 3196-d "On the introduction of amendments to the law of Ukraine 'On the Security Service of Ukraine'" and to adopt it as soon as possible.

That's according to the Twitter account of the UK Presidency of the G7 Ambassadors' Support Group in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.

"G7 Ambassadors endorse this message from the IAG [International Advisory Group], and encourage all Ukrainian MPs to support this draft, and adopt it as soon as possible, followed by the necessary satellite laws," the tweet reads.

On November 18, the International Advisory Group, consisting of representatives of the European Union, NATO and the United States, encouraged Ukrainian lawmakers to support the draft law on the SBU and to move forward with the necessary procedures to adopt it without delay.

The Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence recommended that the parliament adopt bill No. 3196-d at second reading.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted the document at first reading on January 28.

The bill, among other things, proposes disbanding the SBU's special units combating organized crime and corruption.

The SBU reform has a long history. It was launched under President Viktor Yushchenko. In 2008-2009, the National Security and Defense Council adopted a decision "On the Strategy for Reforming the Security Service of Ukraine" and "A Comprehensive Target Program for Reforming the Security Service of Ukraine." The bill on the SBU reform was even registered, which, however, was later withdrawn. In 2015, a new reform was announced, as insisted on by international partners. One of the main requirements was to disband special units in charge of combating economic crimes.

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