The Party of Regions’ Political Council has expelled National Security Chief Raisa Bohatyryova from the party.

According to an UNIAN correspondent, MP Hanna Herman (Party of Regions) disclosed this to journalists today.

According to her, R.Bohatyryova has also been expelled from the Party of Regions’ Council.

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All members of the Political Council voted for this decision except for one who voted against.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Party of Regions announced last week that Ukraine should not openly support any side in the Russian-Georgian conflict. Besides, Party of Regions leader Victor Yanukovych called on to support Russia’s move and recognize the independence of the South Ossetia and Abkhazia breakaway regions of Georgia. However, during her visit to Washington, R.Bohatyryova claimed that the position of the Party of Regions leader on this issue was one-man, and was not any collective decision of the party, which may support another opinion.

Speaking at a Party of Regions’ Council session today, Victor Yanukovych claimed that R.Bohatyryova was an experienced politician and she understood that her words would entail a response from the party leader. “She made that on purpose”, Victor Yanukovych said.

According to him, R.Bohatyryova committed a mistake, and she must come and explain her position. “My actions may be commented on by my party, my fellow party members and my electors”, said Victor Yanukovych, adding that any statements on behalf of the party pass a special procedure, in particular, they must be approved of by the faction, the party presidium, and only after that such statements are voiced. According to him, the Party of Regions’ position on Georgia that was voiced by Victor Yanukovych also passed a similar procedure in the party.