Azarov: Reform of electoral law to start after parliament's work is unblocked

Reform of electoral law in Ukraine will start after the work of the Verkhovna Rada is unblocked, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has predicted.

"As soon as our parliament begins normal operation, we will be able to conduct work to change the electoral law based on the views of all missions of observers, including the OSCE mission," the government's press service quoted him as saying at a meeting with the head of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission to the October 28, 2012 parliamentary elections in Ukraine, Audrey Glover, in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Azarov said that while drafting amendments to the electoral law talks would be held not only with parliamentary parties, but also with political parties not represented in parliament, and the public.

Azarov also noted that Ukraine, during its chairmanship of the OSCE in 2013, would take a balanced position when considering the most pressing issues put on the agenda. He said that Ukraine's main priorities would comprehensive measures aimed at resolving the Transdniestrian conflict, ensuring energy security, combating human trafficking, and implementing projects on the destruction of surplus stocks of weapons.

As reported, the second session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the seventh convocation could not open on time – on February 5 - because the opposition blocked the parliament's rostrum and presidium, demanding the introduction of personal voting. Factions will continue the talks on unblocking the parliament's work on February 15.