Friday, November 28, 2008
Participation in 'Freedom of Speech' TV show
Celebration of 90th anniversary of NAS establishment
Participation in a gathering of 'Our Ukraine People's Union'.
President: the NBU should regulate Hryvnya exchange rate better
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview today to ‘1+1’ Ukrainian TV Channel.
Speaking about economic situation in Ukraine President stressed that it is very important for the National
Bank to improve regulation of Hryvnya exchange rate, which, according to president, has fallen due to speculation processes in banks sector.
Ability of the NBU to regain control over Hryvnya exchange rate, according to Victor Yushchenko would also significantly increase confidence of market players towards each other.
President meets the World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Region
President Victor Yushchenko met today the Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Region Shigeo Katsu.
At the meeting sides discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the World Bank.
At the beginning of the meeting President Yushchenko said that Ukraine appreciates support that the World Bank is rendering to it. “Trough our cooperation we have implemented dozens of sector programs. We greatly appreciate financial and structural support provided to us”, - he said, expressing hope for further constructive dialogue with the organization.
From his part Shigeo Katsu stressed that the World Bank has plans to develop cooperation with Ukraine even despite global financial crisis and is ready to provide any necessary support to our country.
President condoles with India
Ministry of Industrial Policy: Scientific-technical council of ministry meets
The Ministry of Industrial Policy hosted a sitting of Scientific-technical Council of the Ministry which gathered representatives of the Secretariat of President of Ukraine, members of scientific-research institutes, heads of leading national enterprises, notably, OJSC Motor Sich, OJSC Rema, Ivchenko-Progress Zaporizhzya Engine Design Plant, Donets Central Machine-Building Design Plant. The participants have considered a branch program of energy saving, effective use of energy resources and introduction of alternative kinds of fuel for the period of 2008-2017, discussed issues of quantum-electronic and molecular technologies based on applying of renewable energy sources.
The main aim of the blueprint on energy saving, effective use of power resources and introduction of alternative kinds of fuel in mining and smelting complex, machine-building, chemical and oil-chemical complexes for 2008-2017 appears reducing of power intensity of production at the account of development and launch of progressive energy-saving technologies and equipment, raising of effectiveness of use of fuel-energy resources, optimization of the structure of energy consuming, broader use of non-traditional energy sources and renewable energy carriers of national production.
Economics Ministry: Bohdan Danylyshyn met with new RF trade representative to Ukraine Serhii Ivanov
A meeting of Economics Minister of Ukraine Bohdan Danylyshyn with new trade representative of the Russia Federation to Ukraine Serhii Ivanov took place in the Economics Ministry.
The meeting saw participation of director of the Economic Cooperation Department for the CIS states of the Ministry of Economic Development of the RF Viktor Spaskyi, deputy Economics Minister of Ukraine Nataliia Boitsun and director of the cooperation department for the CIS states and the RF Ihor Veremii.
Participants of the meeting discussed the state of affairs and prospects of bilateral trade-economic cooperation.
Bohdan Danylyshyn noted the positive tendencies of increase in foreign trade turnover. Thus, according to information of the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine foreign trade turnover between Ukraine and the Russian Federation during 9 months of 2008 totaled USD 32.8 billion and increased as against the same period of 2007 by USD 8.6 billion (or by 35,7 percent).
The Economics Minister stressed that tendency of increase in trade turnover between the countries is evidence of regulated partnership relations between Ukraine and Russia.
Participants of the meeting also noted that during 9 months this year merchandise imports from the Russian Federation increased by 35 percent. This is not only necessary for Ukraine energy carriers making up half of the total import but the outputs of machine-building, chemical and metallurgical industry.
The sides discussed topical issues on bilateral cooperation, in particular, the creation of favorable conditions for mutually beneficial trade between the states through the development of free trade regime taking into consideration the WTO norms and rules.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
President takes part in all-Ukrainian Adopting Parents Forum
President Victor Yushchenko took part today in an all-Ukrainian Adopting Parents Forum.
In his address at the event President Yushchenko thanked to all those gathered for making a decision to adopt a child. “What you do is more than just making orphans happy. You refine Ukrainian society“, - he said.
Victor Yushchenko assured that as a President he would be caring for protection of Ukrainian children and support all the incentives to that.
Pointing to problems in the field President reminded that majority of the adopted children were under 5 years of age. Thus, he said, older orpaned children are left without care and it is necessary to improve the situation.
The second preoblem, Victor Yushchenko named, was international adoption. According to him the state does not have any information on living conditions of some of ukrainian orpaned children that were adopted by parents from other countries. To change the situation President urged Verkhovna Rada to ratify Hague Adoption Convention on Intercouuntry Adoption. He also urged the authgorities to promote national adoption and other forms of care for orpan children to put an end to Ukraine being a donor for international adoption.
Overall, President Yushchenko stressed satisfaction with the situation in that area after reforms that had begun back in 2005. “We can be proud today of the great and successful work that was done in reforming adoption and child care system”, - he said. Here President thanked to Ministry for Family Youth and Sport for their efforts in that field.
Victor Yushchenko congratulates Yulia Tymoshenko, Andriy Stryzhak, Borys Paton
President Victor Yushchenko sent his congratulations to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Constitutional Court Chairman Andriy Stryzhak and National Academy of Scientists’ President Borys Paton who celebrate their birthdays today.
President Yushchenko wished them sound health, happiness, longevity and new achievements in the name of Ukraine.
Ministry of Regional Development: Vasyl Kuibida holds working meeting with Director of Cooperation Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Poland Marek Ziolkowski
Minister of Regional Development and
In particular, as Marek Ziółkowski informed, the following year
In his turn Vasyl Kuibida imparted that the Memorandum on cooperation between
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
President condoles with Brazilian leader
President opens monument to Great Famine victims in Boryspil district
President Victor Yushchenko took part in today’s opening of the Monument to Holodomor 1932-33 victims in Boryspil district of Kyiv region.
Speaking at the event President Yushchenko thanked authors of the Monument and to all those who contributed to its building.
The participants of the event, with Kyiv Regional Administration Head Vira Ulyanchenko and representatives from towns and districts of Kyiv region among them, placed light up candles near the Monument and honored those lost in the tragedy by observing a moment of silence.
MinAIC: Complex of autumn works is coming to the end
The complex of autumn-field works in Ukraine is coming to the end. Thus, as of November 25 farm enterprises of all property have harvested grain crops and leguminous plants on 98 % of areas, 54240.3 thousand tons of grain crops milled. Buckwheat and millet have been harvested on all scheduled areas and threshed 298 million tons and 239.4 million tons correspondingly.
Harvesting of soy, sunflower and sugar beets is almost finished as well. It has been harvested 835.7 thousand of soy, 6.876.8 thousand tons of sunflower, and 14.468 thousand tons of sugar beets.
Harvesting of corn is underway. It has been harvested on 86% of areas and 9978.4 thousand tons of grain have been threshed so far.
Agrarians have actively held the autumn-sowing campaign. For the next year harvest it has been sowed 8109.0 thousand hectares of winter crops (108% for 2008), 93% of planned areas ploughed up under-winter.
President awards researchers of the Holodomor
President Victor Yushchenko met today with researchers of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine to award them with national decorations.
“On behalf of the state I would like to thank you for your diligent attitude towards our sacred things – our freedom, our territorial integrity and our independence”, - said President Yushchenko speaking at the event.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
President meets Minister of Finance
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Minister of Finances Viktor Pynzenyk to discuss with him the situation with banks system and budgetary process. First deputy Chief of Staff of President’s Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak was also invited to the meeting.
Answering Victor Yushchenko’s question about the status of implementation of the State Budget Viktor Pynzenyk said, “Tendencies of Budget-2008 filling have worsened in November as compared to previous months. However he stressed assurance that the Budget would be met.
President meets delegates from the UWC
President Victor Yushchenko met today with delegation from World Ukrainian Congress headed by organization’s President Eugene Czolij.
At the beginning of the meeting President thanked members of the WUC for their participation in observation of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor 1932-1933.
From his part the UWC President stressed that the congress considers the subject very important and puts much efforts into the Holodomor recognition around the world.
After that sides have discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Ukrainian diaspora, enhancement of Ukraine’s image in the world, protection of Ukrainian minorities in foreign countries, etc.
Meeting with regional governors
Opening of Holodomor Memorial
Awarding of Holodomor researchers
Meeting with Finances Minister
Meeting with delegates from UWC
Participation in adopting parents forum
Working vsit to Ivano-Frankivsk region
Monday, November 24, 2008
MIA: SAI fixes violation of road rules by pedestrians
In Kyiv alone, from November 17 officers of the State Automobile Inspection have drawn up 118 respective protocols. Under the current legislation, violation of Road rules conducted by pedestrians a fine at the sum of 51-85 UAH is imposed. In case such a violation has led to an accident, sanctions up till 255 UAH.
Before the new legislation have come into force, threefold less of administrative protocols had been drawn up in Kyiv for 24 hours while a fine of 1.7-8.5 UAH had been imposed. With the scanty punitive measures administrative practice towards pedestrians has been ineffective. At the same time up to 20% of road accidents through pedestrians fault had been fixed within the country.
Transport Ministry: South western railway reveal almost 12 thousand of ticketless passengers
The service of commuter traffic of the South western railway have detected 11 thousand 908 passengers trying to travel without tickets while boarding the trains. Such are the results of a month dedicated to improvement of quality of passenger service.
During this time, since October 15 till November 15, in punitive ticket offices 66 thousand 208 tickets have been issued to the tune of 150.3 thousand hryvnyas. Passengers have bought tickets at the sum of 1 million 642 thousand UAH from conductors-cashiers in the electric trains.
During the check-ups of suburban trains workers of the railroad and law enforcement bodies have disclosed around 5 thousand of invalid travel documents.
Holding of such months in improvement of quality of railway service enables not only to reveal and remove flaws but to increase profits from commuter traffic.
Competent bodies of Cyprus unveil to Ukraine's financial secret service "cards" of offshore players
The State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine has stirred up collaboration with financial secret service of
So, pursuant to the signed in 2004 between the abovementioned parties of the Memorandum on cooperation the exchange with confidential information concerning real owners and the state of accounts of Cyprian companies is envisaged.
The State Committee for Financial Monitoring have already gathered information concerning the number of Cyprian companies operating in
Within the short term with assistance of MOKAS an analysis of financial operations conducted between the subjects of
In the analogous direction the Russian financial secret service is acting together with Federal Service of Financial Markets, as on RTS Stock Exchange around 90% of contracts are being concluded through offshore areas.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
President's address on the occasion of observation of the 75th anniversary of Holodomor 1932-1933 in Ukraine
Honorable guests,
Dear fellow countrymen,
Seventy five years. The length of a normal human life. The time that might have been filled with happiness, used for leaving a trace on this earth, for continuation of one's kin and life.
The following are recollections from Savyntsi village in Kyiv region: "In Vasyl Tanchyk's family he and his wife died with their small baby still alive and holding tight to its mother. So this infant was also taken to the cemetery and thrown into the grave and it set there for a while in a corner of the grave until it was covered up with earth..."
In the twentieth century. In the heart of Europe. The human life was covered with black earth; our life, Ukrainian life.
When did it happen, Ukrainian nation, that your stars turned into bitter and black wormwood?
Four or three centuries before that?
When did it happen, Ukrainian nation, that your star bright eyes became black holes?
Eighty years ago? Or maybe seventy-five? Sixty-five? Or was it after the loss of state, famines, or wars?
As if in Revelation to John a biblical third of our soul, our kin, land, life, our memory was devoured by black apocalyptic stars.
Do we comprehend magnitude of this loss? Do we understand our responsibility? Do we understand that here lie the roots of our present being?
My words bear no sorrow or grief.
My words bear national pain.
My words bear strength of the great nation.
This day unites millions. Thus dearth steps back.
We are alive. We are the state. We overcame.
We have defeated evil.
Today Ukraine and the world observe the 75th anniversary of the cruelest crime committed against our nation - Holodomor of 1932-1933.
Today on Dnieper hills we open a national sanctuary - the Memorial to victims of genocide.
After seventy-five years the nation and the state pay off debts to our deceased brothers and sisters.
I am grateful to all the fellow countrymen and Ukrainians of the world, who have been seeking for and restoring the truth about Holodomor. I call upon you not to stop this blessed work.
I am grateful to the heads of states, to parliaments and governments, to international organizations and to public for brotherly solidarity with us.
We uncover knowledge before ourselves and before the world about one of the most horrendous catastrophes in the history of mankind that we have suffered.
Its scale is unimaginable and immeasurable.
On the peak of Holodomor 25 thousand people died every day in our land.
Terror with the famine in Ukraine was a well-planned act of genocide. This fact is obvious.
Unlike in other regions of the USSR, in Ukraine people have been bereaved of everything to the last bit.
The territories of Ukraine and Kuban, where majority of Ukrainians lived, were surrounded by military units to kill the last bit of hope.
About Ukraine Stalin had only one aim: to subdue peasantry, to exterminate nation's elites and to break the spine of Ukrainians who were the second largest ethnical group in the empire and potentially posed the biggest threat to it.
I have a document from those times in front of me. It is a death record of Andriy Ostapenko of May 13, 1933. "Cause of death - provide detailed: Ukrainian".
What was to be next? A clear field. As Italian consul in Kharkiv Sergio Gradenigo wrote, "colonization will transform ethnographic character of Ukraine. It is possible that in a very near future neither Ukraine nor Ukrainian nation will exist..."
Ukraine has survived. And Ukraine overcame.
With brotherly respect and sympathy we bow our heads before all those who suffered from Stalin's regime as we did: before Russians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Crimean Tatars, Moldovans, Jews, and tens of other nations.
Our pain gives us strength and dignity.
We call upon all, and first of all upon Russian Federation, to condemn crimes of Stalinism and of totalitarian Soviet Union, together, as true brothers who are honest and pure before each other.
We were together in this hell.
We reject arrogant, blasphemous lies that we accuse any nation of our tragedy. This is not so.
There is only one criminal. And that criminal is imperial, communist, soviet regime.
Those who deny Holodomor today and justify Stalin with 'rational manner of government' put black and doomed mark of evil upon themselves.
We condemn even the slightest attempts to justify butchers of our nation.
We need truth, empathy and joint judgment over tortures of the past.
For Ukraine, the Memorial we are opening today is a symbol of our purification.
To this place leads a bright path from Mykhaylivska Square where sacred peoples monument of remembrance stands.
To this place streams of people from everywhere flow; to this place all Ukrainian rivers flow that are carried to the sea by Dnieper.
Here, at this place, I want to say the innermost.
I pray to God for purification for our nation.
I ask forgiveness for all the sins, those conscious or not, that were made by us during a thousand years history.
I ask for cleansing from evil and the original sin of hostility between brothers, which was always standing in our way towards united and strong state.
I ask for cleansing from pride and betrayal.
I ask for cleansing from faith in idols and from goddamned serfdom to others' capitals.
I ask for cleansing and liberation from fear, from that demon that prevents us to believe in our own strength, in our roots, in our own national ‘the I' that was, and always is born on this wonderful land.
To believe. Once and for all. For everyone.
Our stars turned into black and bitter wormwood when we lost ourselves, when we lost our dignity, our essence, when we allowed fracturing and subduing our spirit.
From that point begins our weakness and disbelief in ourselves.
From that point begins our passiveness, our provincial humility and fear-produced, in pseudo-irony hidden disrespect for national pride and national values.
What I say is no pathos. The nation should bear responsibility for its past, for every mistake imprinted on its brow.
Only through being honest with ourselves no matter how painful it can be, only through comprehension of our belonging to all that is Ukrainian we will clear the way towards new life and new future.
Thus our victory comes.
Victory of united and eternal Ukraine.
Victory of the nation and the state over serfdom.
Victory of life over death.
Today is not only the Day of Remembrance.
Today is the Day of Freedom.
The Day of our greatest and most important Freedom from fear and expectancy of impending doom.
From the darkest void the nation is able to return its light and do a miracle, which will prove before His eyes the it has right for free and happy life.
Because the light is here. It is in our hearts.
I believe deeply and firmly that if today a candle of remembrance lights up in our every window, we will understand that most important thing -
The nation is back.
Our nation will live forever.
Let those who perished be remembered forever and hail to Ukraine.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
President takes part in commemoration of Holodomor victims in Kyiv
President Victor Yushchenko together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko took part in a ceremony of commemoration of Holodomor victims near the Monument ‘The Candle of Remembrance’ in Kyiv.
Among the guests at the event were President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers, President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus, speakers of foreign countries’ parliaments, representatives of international organizations, foreign state officials, diplomats, etc.
Also many Ukrainian officials and country’s leadership came to honor memory of victims of the Great Famine.
After Metropolitan Volodymyr consecrated the monument President Yushchenko and those gathered placed candles near it.
President Yushchenko addressed Ukrainian nation with a speech and then a all-national moment of silence was announced.
In a Hall of Memory within the Memorial President light ‘Inextinguishable Candle’ thus opening this year’s all-Ukrainian act ‘Light up a candle!’. Other participants of the ceremony also left their light up candles near the memorial.
After that in the Hall of Memory President Yushchenko and those present watched a documentary about the Great Famine of 1932-1933.
Together with other countries’ leaders President Victor also planted snowball trees near the Memorial.
President prays for those lost in the Great Famine
In St. Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv President Victor Yushchenko together with his Wife Kateryna Yushchenko took part in a memorial service for those lost in the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine.
Among those who came to pray for the peace of Holodomor victims’ souls were Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Vice-Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, central executive authorities officials, state deputies, public and cultural figures.
The service was conducted jointly by representatives of all religious branches present in Ukraine.
President recieves letters of solidarity on the occasion of Holodomor 75th anniversary
On the occasion of observation of the 75th anniversary of the Great Famine President Victor Yushchenko received letters from President George Bush and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. In their letters the two stressed solidarity with Ukrainian nation in commemoration of the Great Famine.
Beside from President Bush and Patriarch Bartholomew I President Yushchenko received addresses from leaders of many countries: Presidents of Ireland, Lebanon, Paraguay, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Vice-President of Argentina, Prime Minister of Spain, Foreign Minister of Austria, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of Great Britain David Miliband.
President's address to the Ukrainian nation on the occasion of the Day of Freedom
Dear fellow countrymen!
I congratulate you on the Day of Freedom!
Four years ago we have vindicated it together at the Independence Square.
In those historic days millions of people across Ukraine came to squares of their cities, towns and villages to protect their right for democracy, independence and European future by protesting peacefully against government’s misrule, against ‘stolen’ elections.
In the rage of December frost the Orange Revolution brought us spring of rejuvenation. It changed Ukraine it changed all of us.
We were reborn as modern European nation, nation of proud, free and responsible citizens able to defend their freedom, statehood and human dignity.
We have proved we are the people, not a silent obedient flock that can be manipulated by anyone who wishes that. In the decisive moment Ukrainian society by showing historical love of freedom took its lot in its own hands.
The Orange Revolution became a logical continuation to previous fight for freedom by many Ukrainian generations. By our opposition we overcame fear that was injected into us by many years of imperial oppression, totalitarian terror, famines and repressions, and in full voice declared our will to live in accordance with European values, democratic principles and high social standards.
The world heard and acknowledged us. Europe welcomed Ukraine as a new member of democratic community.
Today freedom of speech and fair elections became a norm of life and we live our own way and at our own judgment.
But any revolution is only the beginning. Its ideals should be stood up for and strengthened in everyday life that follows. It is a bitter thing to acknowledge that we have wasted a lot of time and many opportunities.
Undoubtedly we have faced many challenges in these years. But we never abandoned principles of democracy. We learned to resolve all conflict situations in civilized and well thought out manner. We come more experienced and stronger out of every ordeal. This is also a grand achievement of orange days.
I believe this time Ukrainian polititians will be able to think of the state and give up their ambitions for the sake of Ukraine; that they will finally understand: the only barer and source of power in our country is the people.
This year the Day of Freedom contemporized with the Remembrance Day of victims of the greatest Ukrainian tragedy – Holodomor 1932-1933. It is deeply symbolic. Horrific artificial famine organized by criminal Stalin’s regime aimed to crush Ukrainians’ will for restoration of independent state forever.
But we have survived and won. In 1991 we obtained our independence and in 2004 we defended our freedom.
Today as never before we need energy and certitude of every citizen. I call upon the whole Ukrainian society to harmony understanding and active work for the sake of Ukraine, for the sake of our common welfare and prosperity.
Four years ago we felt our strength and believed in our destiny. No one will be able to return us into yesterday. Because the nation that came out to ‘Maidan’ and defended its freedom has a big heart and high spirit. And that means we have future.
Hail to Ukraine! Hail to Ukrainian Nation!
President puts flowers near the Monument to Holodomor victims
President comes to presentation of 'Alive' film
President Victor Yushchenko together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko took part in presentation of a movie by director Serhiy Bukovsky named ‘Alive’, dedicated to observation of the 75th anniversary of Holodomor in Ukraine.
Among the guests at the event was President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili.
President hears 'Mournful mother' oratorio
Within the framework of observation of the 75th anniversary of Holodomor in Ukraine President Victor Yushchenko together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko came to National Philharmonic Society to watch a premiere of ‘Mournful mother’ oratorio.
The oratorio was written by Taras Shevchenko National Prize laureate Yuriy Laniuk.
Among those present at the event also were NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, Education Minister Ivan Vakarchuk, state deputies Vyacheslav Kyrylenko and Ivan Plyushch, Director of the Institute of National Memory Ihor Yukhnovsky, Chairman of National Council on Culture Mykola Zhulynsky.
President brings in draft-law on alterating Code of Administrative Proceedings
President writes letter to PG
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko requesting the office to investigate legality of some Government’s directions on utilization of Ukrainian earth entrails.
As president said in the letter, on September 24 and October 16 the Cabinet issued two decrees approving earlier suggestions by Ministry of Environmental Protection to provide 68 enterprises with special permits for utilization of earth entrails without arranging auctions.
According to President these decrees violate the law. He explains this position by the fact that Ukrainian earth entrails according to the Constitution are property of the Ukrainian nation. In addition the legislation, which regulates selling special permits for earth entrails utilization clearly oblige the Government to conduct proper auctions in order to ensure rational utilization of the entrails.
President Yushchenko also added that after making proper inspection of the decrees Ministry of Justice came to the same conclusions.
“With regard to the abovementioned please inspect legality of these decrees by the Cabinet of Ministers and apply proper measures in case they violate the legislation “, - wrote Victor Yushchenko in the letter. He also requested Prosecutor General to inform him on the results personally.
President demands more effective gas policy from the Government
Speaking at today’s NSDC meeting President Victor Yushchenko criticized the Government for mistakes in organization of energy relations with Russia.
The criticism President Yushchenko explained with yesterday’s statement by President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev who said after meting with Gazprom Board of Directors’ Deputy Chairman Alexey Miller that Ukraine has a gas debt and stressed plans to increase price for gas in 2009 up to 400 dollars for a thousand of cubic meters.
“I would like to warn that this practice leads to only one thing – to colonization of Ukraine”, - sad Victor Yushchenko adding that the subject’s nature is changing from economic to political. “It is your personal responsibility that now Ukraine has a debt of around 2 billion dollars made by state monopoly controlled directly by the Government”, - said President Yushchenko.
President also reminded of recent statements by government officials who said that issues with Russia in gas trade were settled and said: “Demonstrate in five days term that you solved all issues with gas and begin with payment for the consumed gas … It is your personal problem. Don’t pull the nation into it”, - he said.
President meets Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine
After the credentials ceremony President Victor Yushchenko conducted a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine H.E Tadashi Idzava.
The two officials have discussed bilateral relations between Ukraine and Japan in political, economic, investment field, etc.
President repeated his invitation to the Prime Minister of Japan to visit Ukraine in 2009. He also thanked the Japanese side for support of Ukraine’s international incentives regarding commemoration of the Great Famine.
From his part the Ambassador f Japan conveyed to President Yushchenko greetings from Emperor Akihito.
President accepts credentials
President Victor Yushchenko accepted credentials from the newly appointed Ambassadors to Ukraine of Japan, Cote d’Ivoire, Peru, Burundi, Yemen, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Saudi Arabia, Mali, Tunis and Cyprus.
“In Ukraine you will always find reliable partners and devoted friends. I am sure that your work will favor all-out development of friendship and cooperation between your countries and Ukraine”, - said Victor Yushchenko to those gathered.
Then President Yushchenko sketched our country’s priorities in foreign and domestic policy as well as told the diplomats about internal situation in Ukraine.
Address of the President of Ukraine to the World Ukrainians and International Community on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Holodomor in 1932-33
I address you with regard to the 75th Anniversary of the most tragic incident in the history of the Ukrainian nation - the Holodomor of 1932-33.
It took decades for the truth about this genocide deliberately perpetrated by Stalin's regime on fertile Ukrainian land to make its way to the public.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to all who refused to be silent during these years when fear bound down Ukraine under Soviet regime, when the rest of the world preferred to remain complacently ignorant about one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
Only after cutting the fetters of the communist totalitarianism, independent Ukraine was able to claim out loud that in the far 1930s an attempt was made on the life of the entire nation.
Nowadays, the truth about the Holodomor has been made public. It is no longer possible to hush it up. The gloom of 1932-33 Stalin's night is fading away.
The Holodomor has been already recognized as crime and condemned by many countries and international organizations, regional governments and parliaments, municipal councils all over the world.
I extend my deep respect and gratitude for this manifestation of humanism and solidarity with millions of innocent victims of genocide.
International support sustains our belief that historical justice will be restored, and it strengthens our will to ensure its full assertion.
The global community ought to be aware that it will be impossible to prevent future crimes against humanity unless past crimes are condemned.
We do not talk about what could have been done 75 years ago if the world had known the entire truth. We raise our voice about what ought to be done today in order to honor those who perished and those who managed to survive in the hell of the Holodomor.
Millions of candles lighted by Ukrainians on November 22 in Kyiv in memory of fellow countrymen tortured with hunger will merge with the flame of the "Holodomor Torch" that traveled 33 countries and all Ukrainian regions absorbing the fire of many human hearts from different countries and peoples.
I call upon all who are not indifferent to the feelings of mercy, compassion and justice, who crave the victory of good over evil, to lighten up their own candles of remembrance and to join us in honoring the victims of the Holodomor.
Ukraine remembers ! The World acknowledges !
Victor YUSHCHENKO
Friday, November 21, 2008
Presentation of a film about Holodomor
'Mournful Mother' oratorio view
NSDC meeting
Credentials ceremony
European media publish November 18th interview with President Yushchenko
Today leading European newspapers: ‘The Times’ (Great Britain), ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’ (Geramny), ‘Le Monde’ (France), ‘El Pais’ (Spain) and ‘Dziennik’ (Poland) published their November 18th interview with President Victor Yushchenko.
Answering question by The Times journalist about prospects of deepening cooperation between Ukraine and NATO Victor Yushchenko said: "I am sure that the ball is not on the Ukrainian side of the field, Ukraine has done everything it had to do". "We are devoted to this pace. Everything else is an issue of political will of those allies who represent NATO", - he added.
When speaking about Ukraine’s bid to be given NATO MAP President said: "A Membership Action Plan (MAP) is not a guarantee for Ukraine to join NATO, but it is a guarantee that we will have a more intensive and ample dialogue... that western Europe can hear us and give their supporting hand to us. This is the signal we would like to receive," he said.
Discussing economic situation in Ukraine with El Pais journalist President said that main precondition for world financial crisis damaging Ukrainian economy so hard became shortsighted steps in social policy in the beginning of the year. “A leftist social populism prevailed in the policy”, - he said, adding that growing social payments among others led to the highest inflation in Europe.
Giving answers to questions by Dziennik, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Le Monde reporters about the main subject for the interview: Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine President Yushchenko again emphasized that Ukraine does not accuse any nation or any state of the Great Famine. “We do not blame
Russian nation for Holodomor, only the communist regime”, - he added.
“We must honor the memory of all those who died in those times – in Ukraine, in Russia, in Kazakhstan, in
Belarus or in Europe. Does this have to breed strife among us? I am assured it does not”, - said Victor Yushchenko. “It was a sad page in a history of our fight for independence, culture and identity”, - he added.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Victor Yushchenko: Maidan is my biggest political pride
In his interview to Channel 5 dedicated to the 4th anniversary of Orange Revolution President Victor Yushchenko said that the events of 2004 were subject of his political pride.
“For the rest of my life I will be proud that it happened in Ukraine and I was a part of it”, - he said.
President also said that those events were a revolution of political consciousness of Ukrainian nation and an exhibit of national dignity.
Communal tariffs should be economically substantiated - President
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to Channel 5.
Speaking about his instruction, prohibiting increase of tariffs for communal services in Kyiv President Yushchenko explained that such increase should be economically substantiated. He also reminded that the tariffs should have been coordinated with National Commission on Energy Regulation, which forms tariffs policy and has appropriate calculations.
“Increase of tariffs that Kyiv Mayor has approved, many times exceed those recommended by Energy Regulation Commission”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
As another cause for stopping the new tariffs President named the fact that they are discriminatory towards some consumers such as commercial enterprises. “We should observe equality here and if someone wishes to introduce diversification, he should make it in accordance with the law”, - he said.
Beside that President Yushchenko reminded that regulation of tariffs policy lies in the authority of local government so the decision should have been approved by Kyiv City Council.
President meets Ukrainian bankers
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with leading Ukrainian bankers.
At the meeting sides have discussed the following subjects:
- situation with banks system liquidity
- situation at currency market
- banks operations
- dynamics of deposit operation and citizens’ confidence in banks
- banks’ capitals
Contract on gas supply to Ukraine between NaftoGaz and GazProm to be signed in time
The contract on gas supply to
"Ucrania quiere garantias para no perder de nuevo su independencia"
El golodomor, la hambruna provocada en 1932-33 por la colectivización agrícola de Yósif Stalin, fue un "genocidio" destinado a "eliminar todas las aspiraciones nacionales" de Ucrania, opina el presidente, Víctor Yúshenko, anfitrión esta semana de las conmemoraciones del 75º aniversario de aquella tragedia. En una entrevista con EL PAÍS y cuatro medios europeos, Yúshenko afirma que el golodomor costó la vida a "más de 10 millones" de personas en Ucrania. Las cifras barajadas por los historiadores oscilan de 1,5 millones a 5 millones.
A las conmemoraciones de la hambruna que culminan el sábado en Kiev asistirán representantes de diversos países, entre ellos España, pero no el presidente de Rusia, que declinó la invitación. En una carta abierta a Yúshenko, Dmitri Medvédev discrepa de la interpretación de la hambruna como "genocidio" contra Ucrania, y recuerda que la tragedia afectó a Rusia, Kazajistán y Bielorrusia. El líder del Kremlin califica de "cínico y amoral" hablar de "diferencias cualitativas" del hambre en Ucrania y otras regiones de la desaparecida URSS.
Yúshenko dice no tener "mucho deseo de comentar" la misiva del colega ruso, que muestra "una actitud inadecuada hacia la tragedia del pueblo ucranio", atribuible tal vez a un "malentendido histórico". Luego, arremete: "El presidente de Rusia humilla a millones de personas que hoy descansan en paz, inocentes asesinados que no debían nada a nadie". Y agrega: "Cualquier presidente tiene la obligación y el honor de descubrirse ante su memoria. Es una norma ética elemental indiscutible".
"En Ucrania murieron hasta 10 millones de personas", afirma, dando "cifras basadas en datos estadísticos". "En 1926, según el censo soviético, había 31 millones de personas. En 1937, según otro censo, 26 millones. Considerando el crecimiento poblacional y la tasa de mortalidad, en 1937 deberíamos haber tenido 37,5 millones de personas. No hubo familia en Ucrania que no perdiera a alguno de los suyos. Hablamos de una de las mayores catástrofes humanitarias del mundo", afirma.
Yúshenko no aspira a la precisión. "Para mí no es primordial encontrar rápidamente la cifra global de víctimas. Tomará tiempo. En 1936-1937 podría haber 11 millones de personas más de las que hubo. La pérdida se explica por la política de rusificación, las deportaciones a Siberia y el Lejano Oriente, pero sobre todo por el hambre".
Para el presidente ucranio, el golodomor tiene una "dimensión política". "Fue una de las páginas de la lucha por nuestra independencia, nuestra cultura, nuestra identidad y nuestro anhelo de ser un país independiente, esos deseos que todos los ucranios heredaban de una generación a otra". "En los años veinte los campesinos eran la parte más independiente y autosuficiente de la sociedad ucrania y hablamos de genocidio porque fue un asesinato masivo de gentes que representaban el pueblo ucranio", explica. El genocidio, además de motivos étnicos, tiene también "motivos nacionales", dice. Y recalca que emplea el término "nacional" en un "sentido amplio, como asesinato masivo de un pueblo. Murieron ucranios, judíos, rusos, bielorrusos, gente que vivía en el campo ucranio. Honramos a todas las víctimas con independencia de la nacionalidad y del territorio donde perecieron". "El fin de aquella política era castigar al pueblo portador de la eterna idea de independencia y comunidad".
"No culpamos a la nación rusa por esa tragedia. Sólo al régimen comunista. Para nosotros es un tema moral y ético", prosigue. "En nuestro país gobernaba un régimen inhumano. El matar a la gente de hambre fue uno de los métodos para ahogar todas las aspiraciones nacionales y ésta es la particularidad del golodomor de 1932-1933 en Ucrania y sólo en Ucrania". "El hambre afectó también a kazajos y rusos, pero a una escala diferente y sin las características del hambre en Ucrania, el único lugar donde se empleó la práctica de las listas negras para el exterminio del campesinado". La lista negra equivalía a una condena a muerte de los pueblos que no cumplían el plan de producción de cereales. Los campesinos eran expropiados de todos los víveres y, confinados por la fuerza en aquellos pueblos malditos, acababan pereciendo. "Millones de personas querían marcharse para alimentar a sus familias. Pero les estaba prohibido dejar Ucrania. Eso no ocurrió en ninguna otra parte".
Yúshenko, de 54 años, cuenta que el hambre planeó sobre su infancia en Jorúchevka (pueblo del este de Ucrania). Su abuela tenía tres sacos de pan seco en el desván y se negaba a explicar por qué. Tampoco quería explicarle por qué era ondulado el prado por donde pasaba para apacentar las vacas. Más tarde, supo que aquella tierra estaba repleta de cadáveres. "Hace tres años mi idea era honrar la memoria de las víctimas de la gran hambruna conjuntamente con Rusia y con los dirigentes rusos y tuve la impresión de que me habían entendido, pero después esa cuestión adquirió rasgos inesperados, que considero humillantes para nuestras relaciones", explica.
A la crisis política de los líderes de la revolución naranja se ha sumado la económica, que azota duramente a la industria, especialmente la metalurgia. "Ucrania produce 41 millones de toneladas de acero, de las que exporta dos tercios". De los centros industriales llegan noticias sobre cierre de empresas y vacaciones sin sueldo. Los analistas prevén protestas sociales.
Yúshenko no oculta el deterioro de su relación con la primera ministra, Yulia Timoshenko, con la que ya "en el primer Gobierno tras la revolución naranja" encontró "dificultades internas colosales en lugar de armonía". "La revolución da una oportunidad, pero por sí misma no produce cambios. Lo más doloroso es no haber utilizado esa oportunidad en la economía". "El rumbo social-populista de izquierdas se filtró en la política". El PIB, que crecía al 7% anual, se contrajo en un 1,3% en septiembre. Los gastos sociales del presupuesto se han incrementado y "la inflación en Ucrania es la más alta de Europa", con una previsión del 24% para 2008.
La balanza comercial tendrá un excedente de 1.590 millones de euros en 2008, pero "en 2009 habrá un saldo negativo de 12.700 millones de euros, por la reducción de inversiones, depósitos y créditos en divisas y la crisis exterior", dice Yúshenko. El Banco Central tiene unas reservas de 25.400 millones y Kiev ha obtenido un crédito de 13.000 millones de euros del FMI, lo que según el presidente es suficiente para afrontar 2009.
Los problemas del Parlamento ucranio son "un factor negativo que da argumentos a las estructuras euroatlánticas para rechazar nuestra integración", opina Yúshenko, según el cual "un tercio de la sociedad apoya el anhelo euroatlantista, frente al 17% hace tres años".
¿Recibirá Kiev en diciembre el plan de acción para el ingreso en la Alianza? "La pelota no está en nuestro campo. Todo depende del deseo político de los representantes de la OTAN", señala.
Kiev quiere garantías colectivas para su soberanía e integridad territorial, dice Yúshenko. "Comenzando en 1918, Ucrania ha declarado su independencia seis veces y en cinco de ellas, la ha perdido, sobre todo porque no teníamos socios extranjeros que reconocieran nuestra integridad territorial y también la inviolabilidad de nuestras fronteras y nuestra soberanía". "Estamos dispuestos a aceptar la obligación de que nuestro territorio no será utilizado para debilitar ninguna defensa o política de seguridad. Para los países de Europa la ampliación del espacio de estabilidad y paz hacia el Este es especialmente actual sobre el telón de fondo de los acontecimientos en el Cáucaso".
Yúshenko se presenta a sí mismo como un político con sentido de misión, dedicado a temas poco idóneos para "ganar puntos", pero de importancia estratégica para la nación. El golodomor, dice, es uno de ellos. A muchos les cuesta comprender que el presidente esté tan volcado en la historia, con tantos problemas económicos por resolver. "El hambre es la que vamos a pasar en el futuro", señala una seguidora de Timoshenko.
„Vielleicht die grobte humanitare Katastrophe“
Am Wochenende begeht die Ukraine den 75. Jahrestag der von Stalin herbeigeführten Hungersnot von 1932/33. Die Erinnerungspolitik des Landes sei „obszön", sagen Kritiker. Der ukrainische Präsident Viktor Juschtschenko weist das zurück: „Ich wollte der Opfer immer gemeinsam mit den Russen gedenken."
Herr Präsident, am Wochenende begeht die Ukraine den 75. Jahrestag der von Stalin herbeigeführten Hungersnot von 1932/33. Aber der russische Präsident Medwedjew hat ihre Einladung nach Kiew ausgeschlagen, weil seiner Meinung nach die ukrainische Führung die Erinnerung dazu missbraucht, das ukrainische Volk dem russischen zu entfremden.
Die Haltung des Präsidenten zur Tragödie, die sich damals zugetragen hat, ist alles andere als angemessen. In der Ukraine sind damals bis zu zehn Millionen Menschen gestorben. Es gibt praktisch keine Familie, die damals nicht Vater, Mutter oder Kinder begraben musste. Der Holodomor war vielleicht die größte humanitäre Katastrophe der Welt.
Andere Fachleute geben nur etwa ein Drittel bis halb so viele Tote an wie Sie.
Für mich ist die Zahl nicht das Problem. Wenn wir uns aber die Volkszählung von 1926 ansehen, dann kann mit gewisser Wahrscheinlichkeit gesagt werden, dass meine Zahl objektiv ist. Wenn wir die Zahlen von 1926 und 1937 vergleichen, zeigt sich, dass 1937 elf Millionen Ukrainer fehlten. Wir glauben, dass die Mehrheit der fehlenden Menschen verhungert ist. Die Tragödie war dabei kein Naturereignis. Sie war ein geplanter Mord. Sie ist damit auch eine Seite unseres Kampfes für unsere Unabhängigkeit. Die Bauern, die damals starben, waren zu Sowjetzeiten der unabhängigste Teil der ukrainischen Gesellschaft. Sie hatten Land und Vieh, sie waren unabhängig. Sie stellten die ukrainische Nation dar, und deshalb nennen wir ihre massenhafte Ermordung Völkermord. Zur gleichen Zeit aber, zu der täglich 25.000 Menschen verhungerten, haben die Behörden sechs Millionen Tonnen Getreide aus der Ukraine abgezogen. Das Ziel war, diese Nation loszuwerden.
Russland hat kürzlich eine Resolution der Vereinten Nationen zu dem Thema vereitelt und die ukrainische Erinnerungspolitik „obszön" genannt.
Es ist wichtig, dass die Vereinten Nationen den Holodomor zur Kenntnis nehmen. Ich bin deshalb dankbar für die Entscheidung der Europäischen Union, die Ereignisse von 1932/33 zum Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit zu erklären. Wir beschuldigen aber nicht die russische Bevölkerung. Wir klagen nur das kommunistische Regime an.
War die Hungersnot nicht eine Tragödie der ganzen Sowjetunion?
Es stimmt, dass sie auch Russen und Kasachen traf. Aber was dort geschah, hatte andere Ausmaße und eine andere Struktur. Die Hungersnot in der Ukraine erfasste 13 000 Dörfer. Nur in der Ukraine gab es die Politik der „schwarzen Bretter" mit dem Ziel, eine maximale Zahl von Menschen zu töten. Ans „schwarze Brett" kamen Dörfer, die nicht genug Getreide ablieferten. Niemand durfte dann mehr ein- oder ausreisen. Alle Lebensmittel wurden fortgeschafft. Das „schwarze Brett" bedeutete den Tod. Millionen von uns versuchten, ihre Familien zu retten, anderswo hinzufahren. Aber auch das wurde verboten. So etwas gab es nirgendwo sonst. Das Ziel war, den Willen der Nation zu ihrer Souveränität zu brechen. Manchmal starben die Leute, während die Fabrik nebenan weiter aus Getreide Spiritus herstellte, weil man alles den Destillationsanlagen zur Verfügung stellte. Weil das so ist, beschädigt der Absagebrief Präsident Medwedjews das Andenken der Toten. Wir ehren alle, die damals gestorben sind - in der Ukraine, in Russland, in Kasachstan, in Weißrussland oder in Europa. Aber sollen diese Erinnerungen uns wirklich entzweien? - Ich glaube, das muss nicht sein.
Weil der künstliche Hunger damals auch andere Völker der Sowjetunion betraf, streiten die Wissenschaftler darüber, ob er tatsächlich als „Völkermord an der ukrainischen Nation" richtig beschrieben ist. Ist es nicht gefährlich, wenn ein Staatsoberhaupt als oberster Historiker auftritt und strittige Begriffe zur Staatsdoktrin macht?
Der Holodomor ist bei uns durch Gesetz als Völkermord definiert. Meine Aufgabe ist nicht, irgendwelche Auffassungen durchzusetzen.
Wie hat Ihre Familie den Hunger erlebt?
In meiner Kindheit horteten wir in meinem Heimatdorf Choruschiwka immer fünf bis sechs Säcke trockenes Brot im Keller. Wir hatten wenig zu essen, ich musste am Laden oft bis zu acht Stunden in Schnee und Regen Schlange stehen, um ein Stück Brot zu kaufen. Ich habe damals nicht verstanden, warum die Erwachsenen trotzdem diese Säcke nie anrührten. Wenn ich meine Großmutter fragte, sagte sie nur: Das musst du nicht wissen. Immer wenn wir gegessen hatten, strich sie nach Tisch die übrigen Brotkrumen in ihre Hand und aß sie. Wenn ich die Kühe zur Weide trieb, bemerkte ich, dass da so kleine Hügel auf der Wiese waren, und wenn ich die Großmutter fragte, sagte sie auch da wieder nur: Das musst du nicht wissen. Letztes Jahr fand man bei Charkiw bisher unbekannte Gräber von Hungertoten. Ich traf mich mit sechs Zeitzeugen und stellte fest, dass die meisten von ihnen ihre Aussagen nicht unterschreiben wollten. Als ich fragte, warum, sagten sie: Wir haben Angst. - Nach 75 Jahren! Wie meine Mutter, wie meine Oma, wie Millionen Menschen haben sie ein Leben in Angst hinter sich. Die Partei wollte eben nicht, dass diese Geschichten bekannt werden - genau wie jeder andere Verbrecher auch. Deshalb sage ich: Kommt in die Ukraine. Fragt die Zeugen. Informiert euch über die Kommunisten und ihre Verbrechen - und vielleicht werden unsere Kinder dann sicherer leben.
In meinem Dorf, in meiner Straße, fuhr jeden Tag ein Pferdekarren vorbei, um die Toten aufzusammeln. Im Herbst 1932 kamen dann schon zwei am Tag. Meine Oma sagte meiner Mutter damals: Geh nicht in die und die Straße. Dort gibt es eine Familie, die Kinder tötet und frisst.
Empfinden Sie Solidarität mit den Opfern in Russland und in Kasachstan?
Ich wollte der Opfer immer gemeinsam mit den Russen gedenken. Der Holodomor sollte uns alle zusammenführen. Wir sagen aber nicht, dass damals nur Ukrainer verhungert sind. Zu den Opfern gehörten auch Juden, Russen, Weißrussen, die damals in unseren Dörfern lebten. Wir ehren sie alle. Es ist nicht wichtig, zu welchem Volk wir gehören.
Streit über Erinnerung an die Hungersnot
Die Ukraine begeht am kommenden Samstag den 75. Jahrestag der großen Hungersnot von 1932/1933. Der „Holodomor" (ukrainisch für „Hungersterben") ist nach Ansicht der meisten Historiker seinerzeit vom sowjetischen Diktator Stalin bewusst herbeigeführt worden, um den Widerstand der ukrainischen und russischen, aber auch der weißrussischen und kasachischen Bauern gegen die damals befohlene Kollektivierung der Landwirtschaft zu brechen. Trotz der Bedeutung der Katastrophe für die sowjetische Geschichte hat der russische Präsident Medwedjew jedoch die Einladung zu der Kiewer Gedenkfeier ausgeschlagen, weil sie seiner Ansicht nach „darauf zielt, unsere Nationen zu entzweien, die über Jahrhunderte durch historische, kulturelle und geistige Bande sowie durch eine besondere Freundschaft und gegenseitiges Vertrauen geeint waren". Historiker haben für den Holodomor in allen Teilen der Sowjetunion - also einschließlich Russlands und anderer Republiken - Opferzahlen zwischen fünf und sieben Millionen Menschen errechnet. (ul.)
Ukraine donne une dimension politique a la commemoration de la famine des annees 1930
Dix-sept ans après l'obtention de son indépendance, l'Ukraine a érigé ce drame - qui a également frappé des centaines de milliers de Russes et de Kazakhs - en fondement de l'identité nationale. Mardi, le président Viktor Iouchtchenko a reçu les représentants de plusieurs journaux occidentaux, dont Le Monde, afin d'exposer sa vision de l'Holodomor. La famine n'avait pas de "cause naturelle" ; elle avait été planifiée, souligne-t-il, par les autorités soviétiques, dans le cadre du programme de collectivisation des terres et de confiscation des grains, pour tuer les "aspirations nationales" des Ukrainiens, dont "92 %" vivaient dans les villages. Le traitement simultané des questions nationale et paysanne constitue à ses yeux la particularité de l'Holodomor, entre fin 1932 et l'été 1933.
"Nous n'accusons pas le peuple russe ou l'Etat russe de cette tragédie, mais le régime communiste, dit-il. (...) L'assassinat par la faim était une décision politique." Côté russe, le président Dmitri Medvedev a décliné l'invitation aux cérémonies dans une lettre ouverte. Selon lui, l'Holodomor est une "tragédie commune" aux peuples soviétiques ; dire qu'il visait à la destruction des Ukrainiens "signifie aller contre les faits et essayer de donner un sous-texte nationaliste".
Le 23 octobre, le Parlement européen a retenu le qualificatif de "crime contre l'humanité" pour qualifier la grande famine. Conformément à une loi votée en novembre 2006 par les députés, Viktor Iouchtchenko parle pour sa part de "génocide" en raison de l'existence d'un "meurtre de masse sur une base nationale". "Ce fut une des pages sombres de notre combat pour l'indépendance, notre culture et notre identité." Le mot "génocide" fait débat chez les historiens, depuis que le Britannique Robert Conquest a publié un livre choc sur le sujet en 1986. D'autant que le président ukrainien continue de retenir une estimation extrêmement large du nombre de victimes dans le pays, en parlant de 10 millions. Elle s'appuie sur une soustraction entre le recensement de 1937 et de 1926, en se référant au taux de croissance "normal" qu'aurait dû connaître la population.
Omelian Roudnitski, de l'Institut de démographie et des études sociales, estime pour sa part qu'il y a eu 3,5 millions de morts dans le pays, dont 3,2 millions d'ethnie ukrainienne, auxquels s'ajoutent les Ukrainiens vivant dans d'autres zones soviétiques touchées par la famine. Par ailleurs, il y aurait eu environ 1,8 million de victimes russes et 1,1 million de Kazakhs. La destruction de la plupart des archives empêche de se livrer à des calculs incontestables. "Il y a peut-être 3-4 % de marge d'erreur, mais pas davantage", assure l'historien, penché sur sa calculatrice, qui enchaîne les données vertigineuses des pertes par nationalité. "Ici, c'était l'apocalypse. Dans cette sorte de ghetto kolkhozien coupé du monde, toutes les réserves de nourriture avaient été confisquées. On assistait même à des actes de cannibalisme sur les enfants."
Le jeune historien Andriy Portnov, qui dirige la revue Ukraina Moderna, estime que la question de la grande famine, après avoir longtemps été tue, est à présent évoquée "avec une stylistique soviétique". "On s'efforce de créer de nouveaux héros nationaux. En Ukraine occidentale par exemple, dit-il, on a construit beaucoup de monuments de Bandera (figure phare du nationalisme ukrainien), mais sur le modèle des statues soviétiques, avec le bras tendu indiquant le chemin à suivre !"
"Wielki Glod byl ludobojstwem"
ZBIGNIEW PARAFIANOWICZ: Jak zamierza pan przekonać głównych oponentów uznawania w skali światowej Wielkiego Głodu za ludobójstwo - Rosjan - do swoich racji? Jaka jest pana strategia wobec Władimira Putina i Dmitrija Miedwiediewa?
WIKTOR JUSZCZENKO: Ludobójstwo to masowy mord z powodu przynależności narodowej, etnicznej, religijnej czy rasowej. Wielki Głód odpowiada w pełni definicji ludobójstwa. To była celowa polityka masowego mordu dokonywanego na całym narodzie. Jestem pewien, że nikt nie będzie udowadniał, że głód był spowodowany warunkami przyrodniczymi. Głód był sztuczny. Tak samo oczywiste są jego polityczne podstawy.
Prezydent Dmitrij Miedwiediew nie zgodził się na udział w uroczystościach upamiętniających ofiary Wielkiego Głodu? Czy widzi pan jakąkolwiek szansę na współpracę z Rosjanami w uporządkowaniu przeszłości? Jeśli tak, to na jakich warunkach?
Nie mam wielkiej ochoty, by komentować list rosyjskiego prezydenta. Chciałbym tylko powiedzieć, że to nieadekwatna postawa do tragedii, która wydarzyła się na Ukrainie. Nie było na Ukrainie rodziny, która w czasie Wielkiego Głodu nie straciła ojca, matki, dzieci. Mówimy o jednej z największych katastrof humanitarnych na świecie. I niezależnie od przynależności narodowej i politycznej ludzkość musi zrozumieć istotę i sedno tej tragedii. Głód był wyreżyserowanym morderstwem 10 mln ludzi.
Dlaczego wydarzyła się akurat na Ukrainie? Wierzymy, że to była jedna z odsłon naszej walki o niepodległość. O naszą kulturę, tradycję i tożsamość, naszą niezależności. Chłopstwo było najbardziej niezależną częścią ukraińskiego społeczeństwa. Mieli ziemię, bydło. Wielki Głód nazywamy ludobójstwem, ponieważ był to masowy mord ludzi, którzy reprezentowali naród ukraiński.
Zyskanie uznania ONZ, UNESCO i wielu innych organizacji, w tym również Unii Europejskiej - jest dla nas bardzo ważne. Czternaście parlamentów z całego świata uznało Wielki Głód za akt ludobójstwa. Miliony ludzi na całym świecie otrzymują coraz więcej informacji na ten temat. Mamy coraz więcej sojuszników w tej sprawie. Nie winimy za Wielki Głód narodu rosyjskiego, nie winimy Federacji Rosyjskiej. Winimy tylko reżim komunistyczny.
Mówił pan o 10 mln zmarłych z powodu głodu. Badacze wspominają teraz o liczbie ofiar rzędu 3,5 - 4 mln. Skąd pochodzą dane, które pan zaprezentował? Skąd takie różnice?
Oczywiście tragedia głodu nie dotyczyła tylko naszego narodu. Dotyczyła też Rosjan, Kazachów. Jednak wydarzenia poza Ukrainą odbyły się w innej skali. Były złożone z innych aspektów. Jest wiele dowodów, które potwierdzą, że głód na Ukrainie został wywołany po to, by zabić narodowe dążenia, tożsamość i wolę niepodległości w narodzie. Ludziom zabierano zboże, a kierowano je do najbliższej gorzelni, by produkować alkohol. Głód był wyreżyserowany. Był akcją komunistycznego reżimu. Stąd ukraińska inicjatywa w ONZ. Listy, jak ten wysłany przez Miedwiediewa, niszczą część milionów zmarłych z głodu.
Część z tego, o czym pan mówił, jest wciąż obiektem dyskusji historycznej. Powtarza pan o ludobójstwie, wciąż nie wiadomo jednak, jak zaklasyfikować wydarzenia na Ukrainie w latach 30. Może były to stalinowskie czystki klasowe? Co z wolnością dyskusji historycznej, kiedy głowa państwa wyraża tak jasne stanowisko?
Po pierwsze, termin ludobójstwo został określony przez ukraińskie prawo. Po drugie, międzynarodowa społeczność przeszła bardzo trudną drogę, by właściwie ocenić ten problem. By go właściwie sklasyfikować. Moja misja to nie wmawianie komuś i narzucanie jakiegoś podejścia jako najwłaściwszego. Mogę opowiedzieć historię mojej rodziny.
Kiedy byłem dzieckiem, zawsze trzymaliśmy w domu 3 - 4 wielkie worki suchego chleba. Moje dzieciństwo przypada na lata 60. Chodziłem do lokalnego sklepu, by stać po 8 godzin w kolejce. Niezależnie, czy w deszczu, czy w śniegu. Nie rozumiałem, dlaczego trzymaliśmy zawsze te 3 - 4 worki suchego chleba. Gdy pytałem o to moją babcię, odpowiadała: nie musisz o tym wiedzieć. Każdego razu, gdy kończyliśmy posiłek, babcia zbierała okruszki chleba ze stołu i jadła je. Często wypasaliśmy krowy na małych pagórkach porośniętych trawą. Zapytałem babci: co to za pagórki? Odpowiedziała: nie musisz wiedzieć.
Każdego dnia w latach 1932 - 1933 przez moją wieś - Horużiwkę - jechał konny wóz, który zabierał trupy z ulicy, sprzed domów. Od jesieni 1932 codziennie jeździły już dwa wózki. Jak mówiły mi mama i babcia, było tak wielu umierających, że pojedynczy wóz nie dawał rady zabrać wszystkich. Moja babcia zakazała matce chodzić ulicą, którą transportowano zwłoki. Grasowali tam ludzie, którzy chwytali dzieci, by je później jeść. Mama opowiadała mi, że po drodze do szkoły, za wsią był staw i trzeba było przejść przez most. Jednego dnia szła do szkoły. Obok wzgórza leżał chłopczyk, który dogorywał. Cały był spuchnięty. Kiedy wracała ze szkoły, już nie żył.
Jak by pan nazwał wydarzenia związane z głodem, które wydarzyły się poza Ukrainą? To nie była tragedia?
Trzy lata temu zgłosiłem ideę wspólnego z Rosjanami uczczenia wszystkich ofiar Wielkiego Głodu. Miałem przekonanie, że spotkałem się ze zrozumieniem. Potem nagle sytuacja się zmieniła. Od tego czasu nasze relacje się pogorszyły. Nic nie mogę więcej do tego dodać.
Czy nie uważa pan, że gniewna reakcja Dmitrija Miedwiediewa na próbę podnoszenia kwestii ludobójstwa na Ukrainie świadczy o tym, że wasz sąsiad ciągle uważa Ukrainę za podległe sobie terytorium?
Mam takie wrażenie.
Don’t turn deaf ear to Ukraine Nato bid, Viktor Yushchenko begs allies
The President of Ukraine urged Nato yesterday to resist Russian pressure and make an historic offer of membership to his country.
Viktor Yushchenko said that Ukraine was "devoted" to winning support for a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at next month's summit of Nato foreign ministers despite opposition in Moscow and a bitter political crisis at home that has split the pro-Western Orange coalition.
He gave warning that expansion of the military alliance was vital to European security in the wake of Russia's war with Georgia, and the only way to secure Ukraine's independence.
"I am sure that the ball is not on the Ukrainian side of the field, Ukraine has done everything it had to do," President Yushchenko said in an interview with The Times.
"We are devoted to this pace. Everything else is an issue of political will of those allies who represent Nato."
Russia's decision to recognise Georgia's rebel regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states after the war in August has triggered alarm in Ukraine over the Kremlin's intentions in Crimea. Tensions are rising over President Yushchenko's insistence that Moscow withdraw its Black Sea Fleet from the pro-Russian region by 2017.
Russia strongly opposes Nato membership for Ukraine and Georgia, which is also seeking a MAP. Former President Putin threatened to target nuclear missiles at Ukraine if it joined.
Nato held back from offering MAP to both countries in April under intense Russian pressure. Some within the alliance claim that this emboldened the Kremlin to wage war in South Ossetia, while others argue that it averted a potentially catastrophic confrontation with Russia.
Next month's meeting at Nato headquarters in Brussels will set the stage for the alliance's 60th anniversary summit next year. Many members are reluctant to antagonise Moscow further by offering MAP now, but President Yushchenko pointed to history to stress the importance of membership for Ukraine.
"Since 1918, Ukraine declared its independence six times and five times it failed. One of the fundamental reasons for that is that we had no external partners who would recognise our territorial integrity," he said.
Nato expansion was "especially urgent" after the war in Georgia, he said, adding: "There are many security threats in Europe and one can only respond to these challenges in one way - by expanding the stability and security zone."
He urged members not to use his battle with Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko as an excuse to postpone a decision. The former allies in the pro-democracy 2004 Orange Revolution have been trading insults since their coalition government collapsed in September.
"A Membership Action Plan (MAP) is not a guarantee for Ukraine to join Nato, but it is a guarantee that we will have a more intensive and ample dialogue... that western Europe can hear us and give their supporting hand to us. This is the signal we would like to receive," he said.
"If we were able to establish the European interest as our own then we need to find the European model to protect it and this is the collective security policy. That's why there is no other alternative for Ukraine.
"This is not a policy of threat to anyone, including Russia. We have already stated that we are ready to give any guarantee to any country that believes, with Ukraine joining Nato, there is a new threat emerging to their national security."
He spoke out as Nato's Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, rejected any Russian veto on membership for former Soviet states. He told a conference in Spain: "The emergence of independent states within the former Soviet space is a reality. The ability of these states to determine their own future is a litmus test for the new Europe.
"Do we have to choose between good relations with Russia and further enlargement? My answer is no - we will not choose, will not sacrifice one for the other. It would bring new dividing lines." Georgia's President Saakashvili told the conference: "This is a key moment for Europe, attributing the status of candidate is not a technical question, it is a strategic choice."
President returns from Kharkiv
President congratulates Kharkiv region agrarians
In Kharkiv region President took part in celebration of Agrarian’s Day.
At the event President congratulated agrarians on their holiday wishing them further successes in their work and presented state awards to them.
President comes to 'Turboatom' JSC
Within the framework of his working visit to Kharkiv region President Victor Yushchenko came to ‘Turboatom’ JSC, that produces turbines for all sorts of electric power plants.
Speaking at the facility President Yushchenko said that he enjoyed the tour very much, because production capabilities of the works are huge and worth to be proud of by whole Ukraine.
Reminding of recent attempts of raider attacks on the factory President Yushchenko promised that he would not allow the country to loose such an important production of strategic value and said that he constantly monitors all the proceedings against dishonest businessmen and officials involved in such criminal actions.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
President conducts lesson about Holodomor
In Kharkiv specialized school 67 President Victor Yushchenko conducted a lesson of memory dedicated to the Great Famine in Ukraine of 1932-1933.
During the lesson President Yushchenko told children about causes for the artificial famine in Ukraine, the aims that Stalin and his communist regime were after, horrific events of 1932-1933 in Ukraine.
President also explained why it is so important for Ukraine to reach international recognition of Holodomor and our country’s activity aimed at that.
“One of the things that makes any nation all-sufficient is effective political state. In the basis of such a state lies honest and true history. A state can never be built upon somebody else’s history or upon lies. The tragedy of 1932-1933 is an uneasy page in our history but it is ours. We will be able to learn from that history if we know it”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President opens Holodomor Memorial in Kharkiv region
In Cherkaska Lozova village, Kharkiv region, President Victor Yushchenko took part in an opening of the Memorial to victims of Holodomor 1932-1933.
In memory of those who were killed by the artificial famine in Ukraine in 1932-1933 President lit a candle and put it near the memorial. Those present also honored the victims with a moment of silence.
President gives interview to European media
President Victor Yushchenko gave interview to journalists from the leading European media: ‘The Times’ (Great Britain), ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’ (Geramny), ‘Le Monde’ (France), ‘El Pais’ (Spain) and ‘Dziennik’ (Poland).
At the interview President talked about internal economic and political situation in Ukraine as well as about commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Famine in Ukraine.
President visits photo exhibition
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
SAI: Over last day drivers of prestige cars have conducted 403 gross violations of road rules
During the last day officers of the State Automobile Inspection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine have registered 403 gross violations of the rules of road, conducted by drivers of prestige cars which cost over USD 100 thousand. The SAI workers have revealed 7870 violations of the Rules of road in total, 3791 out of which (48%) are gross violations which could have led to road accidents with grave consequences. These include driving vehicles in a state of intoxication, infringement of speed regime, driving on an inhibiting signal of a traffic controller or traffic lights, violation of passing rules, driving over crossings, rules of stopping and parking.
Administrative reports on the total sum of over one million hryvnyas have been drawn up.
Over the last day an accident rate has been downed. In particular, the number of road accidents with victims have decreased by almost one third. Death toll in the road accidents have fallen by 64% and the number of injured have downed by 33% as compared to the respective period of 2007.
3.5 thousand of SAI officers have been drawn to patrolling. From November 17 new intensified fines for violation of the Rules of road have been introduced in
SAI: Over last day drivers of prestige cars have conducted 403 gross violations of road rules
During the last day officers of the State Automobile Inspection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine have registered 403 gross violations of the rules of road, conducted by drivers of prestige cars which cost over USD 100 thousand. The SAI workers have revealed 7870 violations of the Rules of road in total, 3791 out of which (48%) are gross violations which could have led to road accidents with grave consequences. These include driving vehicles in a state of intoxication, infringement of speed regime, driving on an inhibiting signal of a traffic controller or traffic lights, violation of passing rules, driving over crossings, rules of stopping and parking.
Administrative reports on the total sum of over one million hryvnyas have been drawn up.
Over the last day an accident rate has been downed. In particular, the number of road accidents with victims have decreased by almost one third. Death toll in the road accidents have fallen by 64% and the number of injured have downed by 33% as compared to the respective period of 2007.
3.5 thousand of SAI officers have been drawn to patrolling. From November 17 new intensified fines for violation of the Rules of road have been introduced in
President takes part in presentation of National Book of Memory
President Victor Yushchenko took part in a ceremony of presentation of a National Book of Memory opening commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Holodomor 1932-1933 in Ukraine.
Speaking at the event President Yushchenko thanked all the researchers, who took part in preparation of 19 volumes of the book, including those from Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, chaired by Ihor Yukhnovsky.
He also thanked all international organizations, such as the UN, UNESCO, Council of Europe, for their position on the Great Famine of 1932-1933 and to Ukrainian diplomats who put their efforts in informing international community about the tragedy of the Great Famine.
After the presentation President Yushchenko took a tour of the exhibition ‘Holodomor 1932-1933. Genocide against Ukrainian nation’ that was prepared by Institute of National Memory and depicting events of 1932-1933.
President requests schedule of preparation of 2009 Budget
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
In his letter President expressed concerns about slow forming of 2009 Budget. According to him only one and a half months is remaining before the new budgetary year starts and it is necessary that the country entered it with the new budget.
Also, according to President, despite two weeks have passed since the Verkhovna Rada had returned the draft-budget 2009 to the Cabinet for further elaboration, the society was not informed on progress of the Government in its elaboration.
Because time constrains for budgetry process designated by the legislation were already exceeded, President is assured that the Governemt should determine and declare clear date, when it is to prepare budget for the next year. He also asked the Government to prepare detailed prognosis of economic and social development of Ukraine in 2009 in a one week term.
In his letter President emphasized again that the 2009 budget is one of the most important parts of anti-crisis program.
Meeting with leading Ukrainian bankers
Visit to Kharkiv region
75th anniversary of the Great Famine in Ukraine
President offers condolences to Romanian leader
Monday, November 17, 2008
President sends letters to Pope Benedict XVI, Patriarch Bartholomew I
President congratulates Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper
President congratulates Nila Kriukova
President Victor Yushchenko and his wife Kateryna Yushchenko visited people’s actress Nila Kriukova in ‘Feofania’ hospital to congratulate her on her 65th birthday.
During the visit President Yushchenko also presented Nila Kriukova with an order of the State and the title Hero of Ukraine for her contribution into development of national culture.
Ukraine will not be weak link in global economy
Sir, Like the rest of the world, Ukraine is being influenced by the global financial crisis. The strategic sectors of the national economy - banking, metallurgy, and construction - were most struck by the crisis. However, the situation is under control.
At my initiative, the Ukrainian parliament passed anti-crisis laws, that are expected to stabilise the economic situation in the country. We are now taking important steps in this direction: creating a stabilisation fund, providing support for infrastructure and investment projects, decreasing interest rates for small and medium-size business, safeguarding the stability of the banking system. Special attention was paid to the creation of a deposit insurance fund.
Ukraine has sufficient gold reserves. An IMF loan for Ukraine will work as an additional stabilising factor for the economy as well. This credit has an economic and psychological effect giving us a chance to stabilise our national currency, the hryvnia, and to secure the long-term growth of the economy. Investors now can reassess their financial risks. As a result of such a reassessment we expect a new inflow of funds from abroad.
As a banker and economist I am certain that Ukraine defused these threats in a timely fashion. As the president, I took direct personal control of the situation. One of the main principles was to force the government and political elites to abandon economically unsound and politically populist social subsidies. The government made some mistakes that need to be corrected. Thus, disbursement of money triggered inflation, especially since this summer.
Surely, the crisis poses threats to the economics of the country, but it is also a great possibility for economic reforms and a new chance for strong economic development. Efficient steps taken to mitigate the effects of the crisis can actually become new stimuli for small and medium business. The adopted anti-crisis programme will stimulate profound economic and administrative change in Ukraine. Ukraine has to emerge from the crisis with an entirely new system of government management. Our conclusion - we need further integration and greater private entrepreneurship.
The crisis has changed our country's political priorities. Economic leadership, unity, and professionalism became paramount. Ukraine needs to resolve a host of political issues including the viability of our parliament. In this regard there are two possibilities: either a new coalition is formed or we proceed with the new elections. The answers to these questions are found in the constitution and I will strictly adhere to its every letter. There is no reason for pessimism about the situation in Ukraine. We managed to react quickly to the crisis. Moreover, we actually got a chance to undergo an economic transformation and to implement structural reforms. As president I can assure you that Ukraine will not become a weak link in the global financial and economic system.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Victor Yushchenko talks to Barack Obama
President Victor Yushchenko held a phone conversation with the newly elected President of the USA Barack Obama.
Victor Yushchenko congratulated Barack Obama on his victory in presidential campaign.
Also the sides affirmed mutual interest in further development of Ukrainian-American partnership and agreed to hold a bilateral meeting shortly after the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the USA.
Friday, November 14, 2008
President returns from Azerbaijan
Odesa-Brody pipeline is blocked out of political motives - President
In his interview to journalists in Baku President Victor Yushchenko expressed assurance that blockade of switching Odesa-Brody pipeline to forward mode is happening because of political motives.
He expressed opinion that such attitude is explained by “political promises and obligations” of the Prime Minister of Ukraine that she made and took upon herself before September events in the parliament. “The consultations, the Prime Minister had before September in certain capitals and the decisions, the government made after that (directive by the Cabinet to ban forward oil transportation through Odesa-Brody pipeline) … blocked transportation of Caspian oil.
President to hold consultations on the new VR Speaker election
Speaking to journalists in Baku President Victor Yushchenko stressed that he is ready to meet political forces represented in the Parliament on November 17 to discuss with them election of the new Verkhovna Rada Speaker.
President Yushchenko emphasized that he is ready to hold the consultations in any format and hear all suggestions deputies have on the new Speaker candidature.
Leaders of six countries sign Baku Declaration
On the results of the 4th Baku Energy Summit work Presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Poland inked Baku Declaration.
The declaration included guidelines for further implementation of projects that were discussed at the summit.
President takes part in Baku Energy Summit
The agenda of the summit included discussion of such important projects as Euro-Asian oil transport route and Caspian-Black Sea-Baltic Sea energy resources transit space.
Speaking about Euro-Asian oil transit route President Yushchenko said that Ukraine is fully dedicated to implementation of the project.
According to him currently Ukraine conducts active talks with Azerbaijan on iconditions of Azerbaijani business work on our country's territory. Also Ukraine is ready to arrange opening of gas stations network at its territory to provide implementation of that part of the project.
Beside that President said that Ukraine is close to solving issues with transit direction of Odesa-Brody pipline.
President said that he did not see any seriouse obstacles to inplementation of Euro-Asian transit route project on Ukrainian side. “I am sure that in December we will have presentation of concrete technical and economic blueprint on the whole route and clearly see perspectives of the project”, - he said.
Speaking about Caspian-Black Sea-Baltic Sea energy transit space President Yushchenko first of all said that it should be protected from “any attempts of political or other influence and pressure”. He also added that while conducting dialogue with any side that would like to take part in the projects each of them should be perceived equal in rights.
Victor Yushchenko said that it is a pleasure that the number of participants of the dialogue is growing. “Indeed we have formed dialogue … that leads us quick and effectively enough towards implementation of our ideas”, - he added.
Among positive shifts in the project President also named establishment of ‘Sarmatia’ joint venture, Intergovernmental working group on Caspian-Black Sea – Baltic Sea energy transit route, support of the project from the USA and the EU, etc.
“We demonstrate joint political will and want to declare that the initiative of forming reliable energy space from Caspian Sea through Black Sea and to Baltic Sea is not a fantasy. We are dedicated [to the project] and we provide countries in the region with support”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President meets US Secretary of Energy
In Baku President Victor Yushchenko met with the United States Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman.
Sides have discussed energy cooperation between Ukraine and the USA.
President Yushchenko stressed that Ukrainian side is highly interested in cooperation with the USA in energy field, particularly in investment, nuclear energy, oil and gas extraction, energy saving technologies, alternative energy sources.
He also said that Ukraine hopes for further support from the US government of our energy policy, particularly in diversification of energy resources supply and delivery.
Beside that President said that Ukraine is interested in beginning of trilateral consultations on energy security issues in ‘Ukraine-USA-EU’ format.
From his part Samuel Bodman stressed interest of American side in deepening cooperation with ‘Sarmatia’ joint venture. He also added that energy cooperation with Ukraine would remains topical for the US after formation of the new government.
Victor Yushchenko meets Valdas Adamkus
In Baku President Victor Yushchenko met with President the Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.
The sides have discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania, particularly signature of Ukraine-Lithuania Cooperation Roadmap.
Separately President Yushchenko and President Adamkus discussed security questions and Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO.
President meets Azerbaijani leader
In Baku President Victor Yushchenko met with President the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
At the meeting sides have discussed Ukrainian-Azerbaijani bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, energy, humanitarian fields.
The two leaders affirmed preparation to working visit of President Yushchenko to Azerbaijan in February-March 2009. During that visit the first sitting of Presidents Council is to be arranged for discussing cooperation in oil and gas trade and military cooperation.
When discussing energy cooperation the two Presidents dedicated their attention to implementation of Euro-Asian oil transport route on the basis of Odesa-Brody pipeline.
At the meeting President Yushchenko stressed expectancy that Azerbaijan would support Ukraine in international recognition and condemnation of Holodomor 1932-1933.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
President goes to Azerbaijan
President takes part in the IX convention of Ukrainian judges
President Victor Yushchenko took part in the IX convention of Ukrainian judges.
In his address at the event President Yushchenko made comments on main problems connected with their work. Here President said that Ukraine is at 99th place out of 125 in judges’ independence, that nearly 50 percent of Ukrainian citizens have no confidence in judges and don’t believe in justice in courts, and that level of corruption in courts is unacceptably high.
With regard to that Victor Yushchenko urged Supreme Council of Judges and Office of the Prosecutor General to do more for cleansing justice system off people, who abuse their authority by approving evidently illegal decisions.
Beside that President Yushchenko urged Ukrainian judges to be active in reforming judicial system, saying that if they don’t take part in the work, peanut politician will”.