Experts and lawmakers review draft laws in Ukraine

KYIV, 6 March 2001 - Experts and lawmakers reviewed draft laws during a roundtable discussion held 6 March, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, in co-operation with the Legal Reform Committee of the Ukrainian Parliament and the Council of Europe.

The round table was devoted to the reformation of the judicial system in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine and democratic values that Ukraine has committed to share under the international instruments of international and regional character.

Two international experts from Poland and Italy, Prof. A. Rzeplinski and Mr. G.Oberto, shared their views about the draft laws on judiciary with the authors of the drafts - Mr. O.Zadorozhny and Mr. V. Shyshkin, Members of Ukrainian Parliament. The discussion focused on the principal provisions of the proposed legislation, which must ensure independence and proper functioning of the judiciary as a separate branch of state power and main body in the system of citizen's rights protection. Comments of the international experts were welcomed and taken into account.

The round-table attracted attention of representatives of state bodies, mass media and international community concerned with the issue. The discussion showed good prospects of adopting modern legislation on judiciary, compatible with the standards of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

For more information, please contact: Mr. Folkert Milch, Program Director, 8/24 Dimitrivska St., 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine, tel.: (+380-44) 251 21 56; fax: (+380-44) 246 88 26; e-mail: osce@osce.kiev.ua