Ukrainian Lawmakers Refuse To Accept Higher Wages

14 November 2005 -- Lawmakers in the Ukrainian parliament said they do not want to abide by a recent decree raising their salaries from $800 to $2,780 per month.

Parliamentary speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn said the raise could not be justified in a country where the minimum monthly wage is $60.

A group of lawmakers have already submitted to parliament a draft law suggesting lower salary guidelines.

The Ukrainian government in June issued a decree determining the salaries of political officials. According to the guidelines, the monthly salary for Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov is $3,350. President Viktor Yushchenko's monthly salary is $4,680.

(ITAR-TASS/AP)