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Sergei Ivanenko: Yabloko calls for a change in the procedure for forming the Federation Council and State Duma

 

 

Press release, 03.08.2000
Vladimir Lukin does not think that the State Council should be provided with constitutional functions

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, Vladimir Lukin (Yabloko faction), believes that it would be irrational to vest some constitutional functions with the State Council. "In this case we would have a tri-cameral parliament", noted Vladimir Lukinin in an interview on August 3, 2000, commenting on the words of President Putin that the State Council might be accorded constitutional status.

Lukin added: "In my opinion Russia is not rich enough to produce a countless number of chambers of dubious nature to please different "enthusiasts for such chambers." In his opinion, Russia should have only two parliamentary chambers: the State Duma and Federation Council, and both should be elected by the people, adding: "This is democracy."

Lukin also noted that the country should have as many authorities as necessary, rather than "as required by different people who want to sit in some chamber". Lukin does not rule out the possibility that the State Council could act under the President of the RF as a consultative body, adding: "This does not require any changes tothe Constitution."

Based on Interfax reports.

See also:

Sergei Ivanenko: Yabloko calls for a change in the procedure for forming the Federation Council and State Duma

 

Yabloko branch in Maritime Territory demands the dismissal of the governor
The Yabloko branch in the Maritime Territory has called on Konstantin Pulikovsky, plenipotentiary representative of the RF President in the Far East Federal District, to propose that the head of state dismiss Evgeni Nazdratenko, Governor of Maritime Territory. In its letter to Pulikovsky, Yabloko states: "Throughout virtually all the past eight years, the fundamental constitutional rights of RF citizens have been breached in Maritime Territory, including such rights as the right to labour and rest; owing to many hours of power cuts, enterprises cannot function normally and it is impossible to cook at home, let alone enjoy any normal rest."

The letter continues on this theme: "Problems with the electricity supply intensified again this summer, with 10-12 hour power cuts becoming almost the norm in many areas." Preparations for the new heating season have also developed unsatisfactorily. In particular, supplies of fuel to hydro-power stations and thermal energy stations are so low that they will function at best for only one week.

The authors of the letter also note that instead of seeking to resolve the energy problems of Maritime Territory, Nazdratenko continues to look for so-called "enemies of the state". In view of the aforementioned facts, the authors of the letter request that Pulikovsky submit a proposal to the President of the RF Vladimir Putin to dismiss Nazdratenko and bring him to account in court "for the multiple violations of the constitutional rights of RF citizens living in Maritime Territory."

In addition, the regional branch of Yabloko requests the establishment of an extraordinary commission on the preparation of the Maritime Territory for the autumn and winter periods, involving the parties and movements, whose factions are represented in the State Duma.

Based on Interfax reports.

 

Vladimir Lukin thinks that only a framework agreement on an interim stage to the resolution of the conflict can be signed at the Palestinian - Israeli talks in the autumn

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, Vladimir Lukin (Yabloko faction) believes that in September participants of the Palestinian - Israeli talks may sign a framework agreement on an interim stage to the resolution of the conflict.

In an interview with journalists on August 3, 2000, Lukin noted that:"Intensive back stage negotiations are currently being carried out to ensure that some kind of agreement is signed in September." According to Vladimir Lukin, the abortive July talks at Camp David were "poorly prepared".

Lukin also thinks that "there was more of a desire to conduct the talks than actually prepare for them". Lukin commented that the situation was still not ripe for a final resolution of the problem in the Middle East: "That is why it proved impossible to secure a breakthrough, that is why it did not work, despite the desire of President Clinton, whose Administration facilitated the organisation and holding of the talks."

According to Lukin, these actions of the US administration represented an attempt to "compensate in some way for their failure to resolve the problem of establishing a national anti-missile defence system." In his opinion intensification of the negotiating process has also become "a factor of the election campaign in the USA, where the question is essentially put in the following way: what will accompany the democrats at the elections - a brilliant victory over a permanent crisis or yet another failure to be added to a long list of failures?"

In addition Lukin noted that "the political fate of Ehud Barak (Israel’s Prime Minister), whose government has virtually collapsed, is at stake". Speaking about the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, Lukin expressed his view that the former "has been gaining points owing to his firm position" at negotiations. Lukin added: "However, if Arafat refuses to compromise on Eastern Jerusalem - and this is the main problem today - his political prospects are also doubtful."

Lukin added that in view of all these aspects to the problem, it could be inferred that "the chances of a real solution to the problem in September do exist, but they are extremely low." If the parties are ready to meet half way, Lukin believes that in all likelihood there may well be an "agreement for the sake of saving face."

Lukin stressed: "However, a Middle East agreement will certainly be signed in the near future, but this requires internal political conditions." Commenting on the viability of expanding the range of participants in the talks to include Libya, Syria and Russia, Lukin believes that this is not necessary: "We can broaden the range of participants but we will not resolve the problem in this way. Neither Russia, nor Europe can exert a significant influence on the situation" in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Based on Interfax reports.