Zhytomyr oblast governor Yuri Pavlenko declared that he absolutely supported the presidential position to veto an extension of a moratorium on agricultural land sales.

»Presidential position was absolutely right. The Verkhovna Rada acted in a sly manner voting for the moratorium as it does not protect the interests of peasants» – Mr. Pavlenko is convinced.

He emphasized that great volumes of land had come into private property in Zhytomyr oblast because the purpose of their use had been changed. «The rate is 80% in some regions» – the governor noted.

Commenting on the Rada’s decision to extend a moratorium, Yuri Pavlenko said: «I wished this year we did not have more rich landowners and robbed peasants».

As we know, on Jan. 9 the Rada extended a moratorium on agricultural land sales that had created conditions for a black land market.