Ukrainian deputies will be forced to pay compensation for damage caused during a rowdy parliamentary debate on the ratification of a Russian-Ukrainian naval base deal, Parliamentary Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn said on Thursday.
The debate saw deputies hurling eggs at Lytvyn and fistfights in the chamber as the controversial deal was ratified.
"It is clear the case is about material damage," Lytvin said, adding that the "moral and political damage can not be compensated for".
He also said the chamber had suffered extensive damage, including the vandalism of voting equipment. He went on to say that for some deputies the compensation payments would be "pocket money".
The speaker also said that a number of deputies had sought medical assistance after the debate, but did not give details.
The deal, signed by the Russian and Ukrainian presidents on April 21, extends the lease on the Russian naval base in the port of Sevastopol for 25 years after the current lease expires in 2017, and may be further extended by another five years. Ukraine signed the deal in exchange for securing a 30% discount for the Russian natural gas supplies.
The opposition has accused new President Viktor Yanukovych of selling off the country's' sovereignty for gas discounts.
KIEV, April 29 (RIA Novosti)
