Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine marks 30th anniversary of establishment

Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov congratulates Ukraine on the 30th anniversary of establishment of its parliament and stresses that the beginning of the work of the Verkhovna Rada was the first step towards the proclamation of Ukraine's independence.

"Thirty years ago, on May 15, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic of the 12th convocation, which later became the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the 1st convocation, began its work. It was that day that marked the start of work of the Ukrainian supreme legislative body. The commencement of work of this parliament was the first step towards the proclamation of Ukraine's independence. Back then, the parliament adopted the landmark decisions that outlined the development of our country as a democratic state, in which the rights and freedoms of citizens, freedom of speech, religion and the rule of law are inviolable," read the greetings published on the Verkhovna Rada's website.

Back then, according to Razumkov, the principles of political pluralism were laid in the Verkhovna Rada: two blocs of lawmakers were formed - the parliamentary majority and the opposition.

The Law of Ukraine "On State Border of Ukraine" of November 4, 1991 and the Law of Ukraine "On Citizenship of Ukraine" of October 8, 1991 were the first state-building steps. In January-February 1992, the resolutions of the Verkhovna Rada defined the state symbols – national anthem, national flag, and national small coat of arms, the trident," Razumkov noted.

For five years of its work, the first parliament passed more than 1,500 legislative acts.

"But, perhaps, the most important achievement was that the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine on July 16, 1990 and the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1991. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine completed the formation of the country’s system of legislation, established successful cooperation with parliaments of foreign countries and international organizations," the Speaker stressed.

Razumkov added that parliamentarians had many tasks ahead.

The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada is convinced that the Verkhovna Rada of the 9th convocation will make a significant historical contribution to the development of Ukraine.

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