Acting Interior Minister signed Order on liquidation Berkut special riot militia force

Acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov signed an order to liquidate Berkut, a special riot militia force. He said this at a briefing in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The reason for liquidation of Berkut was its complete discredit to the Ukrainian people. In the near future the Ministry of Interior will create a new unit and its functions, structure and philosophy of operation will meet the requirements of nowadays.

There was a departmental phone conference before the meeting with press. Acting Interior Minister informed the heads of territorial branches of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the reasons and the order on the liquidation of Berkut. This procedure prescribed by the order signed by Arsen Avakov on February 25.

According to him, about 4 thousand employees of the special riot militia force are immediately available to personnel departments. Heads of regional branches of the Interior Ministry are instructed to hold certification of officers of the special force. This process should be completed within 10-15 days.

Arsen Avakov also announced details on a number of personnel changes, and presented Deputy Minister of Interior Mykola Velykovych. He will be responsible for interaction of law enforcement agency with representatives of civil society.