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Ukraine's Parliament considers anti-corruption laws ahead of elections

Ukraine's Parliament pressed forward Tuesday with anti-corruption legislation, determined to hold second and final readings of the proposed laws next week in advance of the Oct. 26 parliamentary elections.

By JC Finley
Ukraine's Parliament, pictured in March, considered proposed anti-corruption laws at a session on Oct. 7, 2014. (UPI/Ivan Vakolenko)
Ukraine's Parliament, pictured in March, considered proposed anti-corruption laws at a session on Oct. 7, 2014. (UPI/Ivan Vakolenko) | License Photo

KIEV, Ukraine, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- On Tuesday, Ukraine's Parliament began the process of adopting anti-corruption legislation in advance of the Oct. 26 parliamentary elections.

President Petro Poroshenko spoke in favor of the anti-corruption laws, urging the Verkhovna Rada specifically to adopt a law authorizing the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

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"We all must demonstrate decisiveness and impartiality," the president told faction leaders. "We must do everything to improve the efficiency of struggle against corruption."

Parliament, however, has been hesitant to support the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

An Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2014-2017 was also considered Tuesday, with members adopting a first reading of the bill.

The anti-corruption policy includes the proposed creation of a body responsible for the establishment and implementation of anti-corruption measures. It is unclear whether this proposed body would differ from Poroshenko's proposed National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The policy also seeks to establish greater electoral transparency through the creation of principles regulating political party funding and activities.

Parliament is expected to undertake a second and final reading of the proposed new anti-corruption laws next week.

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