National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
Oleksandr Turchynov: Equality before the law is a mechanism that finally has to work in our country
Combating corruption should initially start with the security bodies. This was announced by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov during an expanded session of the panel on combating corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
«It is extremely important that combating corruption starts with the security sector bodies of the country that are required to counteract this ... I appeal in the first place to the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you are one of the main bodies that should prevent such cases»,- he stressed.
According to Olexandr Turchynov, the arrest of the acting head of a central executive body that used to work in the frame of MIA is the evidence that militia officials began combating corruption process within their own ranks.
«Without self-cleanup of our power structures, law enforcement bodies, all talks about combating corruption are empty chatter. Without a cleanup of the MIA, the Public Prosecution Office, the SSU, etc. all talks aren't worth anything ... Reforming the MIA, all units, should primarily ensure a cleanup from corruption»,- he said, adding that responsibility of power structures officials should be strengthened at once.
In addition, Olexandr Turchynov emphasized the necessity to put an end to populist statements about the fact that officials can work without being paid. «We must pay proper salaries. And artificial restrictions that were included in the draft budget exclusively with populist motivation, are now removed»,- he announced.
Oleksandr Turchynov is convinced that today's panel will not only note facts of crime but also work out mechanisms for rapid response to the existing problem. "No offshore technologies, no hidden cash payments will be neglected. We have all mechanisms, all means to stop any corruptionist, notwithstanding his position», - he said.
«No position, involvement in political parties or patriotic movements, doubletalk, public announcements will protect someone who creates his wealth through corrupt practices. Equality before the law is a mechanism that finally has to work in our country»,- concluded the Secretary of the NSDC.