Head of Rada Committee calls suspension of cabinet's resolution on paid services in universities by president 'cheap politics'

Kyiv, May 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) – By suspending the cabinet's resolution on paid education services Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko wants to gain the sympathies of students, BYT MP and Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Science and Education Volodymyr Polokhalo said at a press conference in the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Wednesday.

Polokhalo said that he, as a professor and university official, "was enraged by this cheap politics."

According to him, by canceling the resolution, the president discredits his ministers [Education Minister Ivan Vakarchuk was appointed from the OU-PSD faction]. Polokhalo also said that the president was late with his decision, as the parliamentary committee had already properly reacted to the resolution.

"The president should not rely on students [in his election campaign]… Education and science should not depend on the elections," MP said.

On the other hand, he said that the paid university services should be introduced in Ukraine, but not during the economic crisis.

As reported, President Yuschenko has suspended cabinet resolution No. 369 of April 14, 2009. The document extended the list of paid services that can be provided by state universities. The president signed a respective decree on April 30.