Parubiy signs language law

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy has signed the law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as a state language.

The ceremony of signing took place during a plenary meeting on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"Today is historical day - I’m signing the law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as a state language. In the coming hours, or days, the President of Ukraine will sign it. It will be published in the Holos Ukrainy [parliamentary newspaper] and will become law,” Parubiy stated.

MPs in the Verkhovna Rada applauded the signing of the document.

The law establishes the National Commission on the Standards of the State Language and introduces the post of the commissioner for the protection of the state language.

In particular, the law introduces the state program for the promotion of the acquisition of the Ukrainian language, which is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. At the same time, the law notes that at the state level it is planned to organize Ukrainian language course for adults. The state should also ensure the opportunity to freely learn the state language for Ukrainian citizens who did not have such an opportunity.

The law envisages the peculiarities of the use of the state language in the sphere of culture, television and radio broadcasting, print media, consumer services, and other sectors.

As Ukrinform reported, on April 25, Ukraine's parliament adopted the law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as a state language.

A total of 278 MPs voted for the document, with at least 226 votes needed for approval.

President Petro Poroshenko has promised to sign the document as soon as he receives it for signing.