A notable progress

Development of cooperation between Ukraine and European Council will be the main subject of negotiations held in Kyiv, Chairman of Committee of Foreign Ministers of Council of Europe, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis told reporters in “Boryspil” international airport. Today Antanas Valionis arrived in Kiev on a two-day official visit. He also noted that Council of Europe highly appreciated notable progress of Ukraine as regards its commitments before CE, especially, in the legislative field. According to Antanas Valionis, the talks in Kiev would also cover upcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine in March 2002. The program of Lithuanian Foreign Minister’s visit includes meetings with the President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, First Deputy Speaker of Verkhovna Rada Victor Medvedchuk. Chairmen of parliamentary committees for legal policy Olexander Zadorozhny, for freedom of speech and information Olexander Zinchenko, for human rights, national minorities and relations between nations Gennady Udovenko are also expected to participate in the meeting between Lithuanian Prime Minister and Ukrainian Vice Speaker. Antanas Valionis will also meet Prime Minister of Ukraine Anatoly Kinakh and Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko. Chairman of CE’s Committee of Foreign Ministers is going to meet officials of CE informational bureau in Ukraine. Two Parliamentary Commissions Will Request CE to Examine Observance of Human Rights in Ukraine.