Interior minister's post is bone of contention between BYUT and PR

September11200820:46

According to Stetskiv, the most likely scenario for Ukraine is the coalition between BYUT and PR. “Intensive bargaining has been going on for the past week over the distribution of ministerial seats and draft changes in the Constitution. Simultaneously, there haven’t been any talks to restore the democratic coalition. This does not mean there is no hope for the coalition, but the chances are slim,” he opined.

Stetskiv says the marriage of BYUT and PR won’t be based on any political or ideological agenda. The only issue that can consolidate their union is the distribution of posts. “It is common knowledge that PR is not after ministers for sports, education or foreign affairs, currently occupied by NUNS. PR seeks to control resources and cash flows. Although these ministries are staffed with BYUT functionaries, PR is pushing for their redistribution. Of other ministries run by NUNS, PR may be interested in the ministry for emergencies, mainly due to its hefty budget. It is still unclear whether the final deal has been struck by BYUT and PR,” says the lawmaker.

If, however, BYUT and PR fail to reach an agreement, there is a likelihood of snap elections, he says.

With regard to the imposition by Pres Yushchenko of a direct rule, Stetskiv says the probability is zero. All the rumors about the president playing it tough are just publicity stunts. There is no legal ground to impose a direct presidential rule. Such wild rumors are disseminated to scare Ukrainians,” he concluded.

• 19:0912.09.08 UkrToday
• • QUOTE:
    "All the rumors about the president playing it tough are just publicity stunts. There is no legal ground to impose a direct presidential rule."
    I agree but the suggestion of declaring a state of emergency came from the President himself.
    The reasons are clear. Yushchenko is facing the possibility of losing office with the Parliament opting to remove power from the Office of the President and the creation of a European style Parliamentary Democracy.
    Yushchenko has always opposed Ukraine becoming a Parliamentary democracy
    If Party of Regions and Bloc Yulia Tymoshenko has found a common agenda of reform then Yushchenko in a desperate attempt further undermine Ukraine's democratic development could try and create another constitutional crisis by seeking to illegally dismiss the parliament in order to prevent the Parliament from implementing changes to Ukraine's Constitution.
    If that fails by declaring a state of emergency Yushchenko can evoke article 157 of Ukraine's constitution which prevents and changes to the constitution being enacted whilst a State of emergency is in place
    These are desperate tactics but as we have seen in the past Yushchenko is desperate to hold on to power and to prevent Ukraine becoming an independent democratic nation.
    In 2007 Yushchenko went as far as illegally interfering with the independence and operation of Ukraine's constitutional Court in order to prevent the court from ruling against his decrees to dismiss the previous parliament.
    Yushchenko gambled on the outcome fresh elections and lost, whilst leaving Ukraine to pay the tab .
    The best thing now would be for Yushchenko to resign and allow someone else to take his place. Someone who holds true democratic` values.
• 18:5112.09.08 UkrToday
• • Forthe sake of Ukraine I hope that BYuT and PoR areableto find common ground, even if it is to just adopt changes to Ukraine's constitution.
    Ukraine must put and end to the divisive and destructive power struggle between the Parliament and the Office of the President. Once and for all.
    The formation and creation of a full parlismentary democracy in line with other European states is the best solution.
    
    The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in its report dated April 17, 2007 recommended that Ukraine adopt a full-parliamentary system of governance. putting an end to the political conflict that has divided Ukraine in the ongoing .
    *** "Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of Counsellors there is safety" ***
    
    What we are seeing unfold in Ukraine is a revolution and struggle to bring about a truly democratic parliamentary system of government.
    The sought of struggle that has been occurred in many countries in the past. (England under Oliver Cromwell, The pre-Russian 1917 Revolution)
    If Ukraine wants to become a member of the European community then it should look to Europe for its guidance and not the USA.
    
    Had Ukraine adopted a Parliamentary system back in 1991 as other former Soviet nations, Ukraine would not be facing the problems it is currently facing and would most likely have been a candidate for EU membership by now.
    
    Ukraine should push ahead with constitutional reform the establishment of a European parliamentary democracy. There are many models within the European community well worth considering, The United Kingdom West Minster System, Germany or Finland to just name three. All successful in their own right.
    
    Minsters should be able to be members of parliament, where they can be held accountable by the peoples' representatives.
    
    In the end it is the parliament that must collectively govern for and on behalf of the people of Ukraine.
    The former soviet presidential "rule by decree" system has failed Ukraine. Now is the time to embrace democratic parliamentary reform.
    *** Electoral Reform ***
    
    The method of representation and election should be considered separately from the parliamentary system of government.
    
    PACE (Venice Commission) in its review expressed concern that the Imperative mandate provisions of Ukraine's constitution was unworkable and declared them to be undemocratic.
    
    Ukraine should consider establishing local multi-members electorates Each electorate being equal in number and percentage required to be elected (50 electorates each returning 9 members with a direct mandate elected with by a 10% quota would be appropriate)
    
    The president would be more of a elder stamen role proving assistance and guidance but removed from power.A person who should respected by all sides of politics and a person who can best represent the country.
    
    *** Preferential voting ***
    
    Ukraine should consider adopting a preferential voting system as opposed to the wasteful and expensive two-round system that exists and has been proposed for Ukraine's parliament - It is unnecessary and a waste of money. The two-round system creates more problems then it is worth. A preferred alternative is to adopt a preferential voting system as is used in Ireland and Australia - "One round same result"
    
    *** Presidential appointment ***
    
    The President does not need to be directly elected. There are acceptable democratic alternatives to direct election and appointment by the a statutory majority of people's representative parliament is quite acceptable and reasonable.
    *** Yushchenko is the problem and not the solution. ***
    
    The ongoing political instability caused by Yushchenko's polices and actions is the main causes for Ukraine's high inflation rate
    
    Blind Freddy can see the obvious.
    
    Yushechnko should jump before he is pushed. He should resign without delay leaving with what little dignity he can retain.
    
    Yushchenko is holding back Ukraine's democratic development and in the process he has lost support and all respect.
    
    
    The divisions and power struggle between the President and the Parliament have to come to an end. Ukraine has to find a way forward.
    
    His best bet is to resign and allow someone else to fulfil the role of the elder statesman. Someone who truly respects democratic freedom and democratic values.