The candidate noted that, in keeping with legislation in force, the Russian or other language may be used alongside the official language in clerical work on the territory of compact inhabitation of the commune.
Speaking of the possibility of giving the status of an official language to Russian at the state level, Mr. Yushchenko noted that it is a political question. According to the candidate, before this question is submitted for discussion, a politician must enlist support of the public and parliamentary factions, since it is necessary to make changes in the Constitution of Ukraine in order to make a decision.
Under the Fundamental Law, Ukrainian is the official language in the country, and the state guarantees free development and use of Russian and other languages of the ethnic minorities.
Mr. Yushchenko's rival at the election Viktor Yanukovich earlier stated the necessity of giving the status of an official language to Russian.
