Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Ukraine has paid off debts for Russian gas imported in 2008

Press Office of the President of Ukraine informs that thanks to joint efforts of the President of Ukraine, the Government, NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and National Bank, Ukraine has paid off the debt to Russia for gas supplied in 2008.Thus all the obstacles to reaching agreement on gas supplies for 2009 are removed.

The talks on this agreement are currently in progress and President Yushchenko is sure that they will be completed in the nearest future and that Ukraine will remain a reliable partner in transit of Russian gas to Europe.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

President wishes happy New Year to foreign leaders

President Victor Yushchenko sent New Year greetings to 186 state leaders and heads of international organization.

Among them were US President George Bush and President Elect Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, President of Germany Horst Köhler, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, etc.

President meets National Bank Chairman

President Victor Yushchenko met with National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh to discuss with him next year’s budget, developments at currency market and payments for Russian gas, particularly possibility of financial support to NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine.

Monday, December 29, 2008

President approves 2009 State Budget

President Victor Yushchenko inked 2009 State Budget, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on December 26, 2008.

President takes part in VI People's Union Our Ukraine congress

President Victor Yushchenko took part in the second part of VI People's Union Our Ukraine congress.

In his address at the event President Yushchenko said that the decision not to join the coalition with BYuT was right. He said that this is a principal position because the party may not take responcibility for policy that contradicts its ideology.

President urged the deputies PUOU to consolidate with pragmetic parliamentary forces to provide adequate response to the crisis in ukrainian economy.

President slams 2009 Budget approved today

“Political attempts to approve the budget, political dominant won today. We have approved a hard, dramatic and even tragic budget that does not provide answers to fighting the crisis and mobilization of the society to reforms”, - said President Yushchenko at ‘Freedom on Inter’ talk show.

According to him the budget had been prepared based on unrealistic economic indices and calculations with lack of transparency in the process of its elaboration.

President stressed that he would sign the adopted budget because the country could not enter a new year without this important law, but said that it would require further amendments.

President takes part in 'Freedom on Inter' TV show

President Victor Yushchenko took part in “Freedom on Inter” TV talk show.

Other guests at the show were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, Emergencies Minister Volodymyr Shandra, acting Security Service Head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, State Customs Service Head Valeriy Khoroshkovsky, state deputies, representatives of loal authorities.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

President meets Lithuanian FM

President Victor Yushchenko met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Vygaudas Ušackas who came to our country with the official visit. At the meeting sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania.

Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that Ukraine highly appreciates strategic cooperation with Lithuania. According to him implementation of Ukrainian-Lithuanian Roadmap 2009-2010, that had been signed on December 9, would help strengthen this partnership.

President Yushchenko said that Ukraine is interested in deepening energy cooperation and named here such projects as exports of Ukrainian electricity to Lithuania, participation of Ukrainian side in construction of a new NPP in Lithuania, transit of Caspian oil through ‘Odesa-Brody-Plock-Gdansk’, etc.

President Yushchenko also thanked Lithuanian side for its support of Ukraine on its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. From his part Minister Ušackas said that 2008 “has been a very constructive for Ukraine in its movement towards European institutions”.

Beside that Victor Yushchenko expressed gratitude to Lithuania and its people for solidarity with Ukraine in commemoration of victims of the Holodomor 1932-1933.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister offered condolences to President Yushchenko and Ukrainian nation on the occasion of Yevpatoriya tragedy.

Friday, December 26, 2008

President meets Ukrainian bankers

President Victor Yushchenko held a working meeting with National Bank Chairman, officials from Ministry of Finance and Ukrainian bankers. At the meeting sides discussed the situation in financial sector to continue stabilization of banks system.

Opening the meeting President Yushchenko noted gradual stabilization of the situation at currencies market and said that this tendency should be fixed.

At the same time he added that together with solving issues with Hryvnya exchange rate it is necessary to preserve liquidity of commercial banks.

As primary task for banks system President Yushchenko named restructuring of clients’ debts before banks. According to him on that would depend further functioning of every bank.

The bankers present at the meeting, from their part, asked for more transparency and openness in National Bank’s activity including discussion of regulatory documents with banks. According to them that would allow citizens to better understand steps, taken to improve the situation.

President Yushchenko suggested that it would be reasonable for National Bank officials to meet weekly with commercial banks representatives to coordinate their actions.

Participation in 'Freedom on Inter' TV show

On December 26, at 21.30 President Victor Yushchenko will take part in 'Freedom on Inter' TV show.

Meeting with Lithuanian FM

On December 26, at 15.45 President Victor Yushchenko will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Vygaudas Ušackas.

Meeting with bankers

On December 26, at 9.30 President Victor Yushchenko will meet with Ukrainian bankers.

In Yevpatoriya MES rescuers finalize sifting basements of destroyed by the blast building

By the time 07:00 of December 26 the works in clearing the basements of the first and second destroyed porches are coming to end. By this time over 1600 tons of rubbles of building constructions have been removed. Search of victims is being carried round the day with applying of special equipment, means of small mechanization and cynological services.

Officers of MES have rescued 21 persons (including 2 children), with 5 people hospitalized to medical establishments of the Crimean AR. The rescuers found amidst the rubbles bodies of 26 dead including 3 children.

On December 25 a Governmental Commission into investigating of reasons and liquidation of consequences of the blast assembled, led by the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Turchynov, and determined top-priority tasks in terms of stirring-up emergency rescuing works, solving of social issues of the victims, notably, providing them with new accommodation, payment of compensation for the destroyed property, faster completing measures on liquidation and investigation of reasons in which the tragedy occurred.

Into the rescuing works 565 persons and 47 items of equipment are involved, including 255 rescuers and 32 items of equipment from the Ministry of Emergencies. The local resort Femida has prepared places for 53 people suffering in the disaster. By this time 46 people have addressed with request and have already been accommodated. The victims and their families are being rendered psychological aid.

Mass media uninterruptedly provide the population with data concerning the situation in the area of occurrence the emergency situation and measures taken to normalize it. The coordination is maintained by operative staff led by the MES Minister Volodymyr Shandra. In the Ministry an operative group is being functioning.

At 21:45, on December 24 in Yevpatoriya, in Nekrasova str., 67, in a five-storey six-porch 95-apartment residential building a blast occurred, the reason of which is being investigated. As a result of explosion 33 flats were destroyed (the first and second porches of the building with 58 registered people in them) and flats of the third porch were damaged.

In Yevpatoriya MES rescuers finalize sifting basements of destroyed by the blast building

By the time 07:00 of December 26 the works in clearing the basements of the first and second destroyed porches are coming to end. By this time over 1600 tons of rubbles of building constructions have been removed. Search of victims is being carried round the day with applying of special equipment, means of small mechanization and cynological services.

Officers of MES have rescued 21 persons (including 2 children), with 5 people hospitalized to medical establishments of the Crimean AR. The rescuers found amidst the rubbles bodies of 26 dead including 3 children.

On December 25 a Governmental Commission into investigating of reasons and liquidation of consequences of the blast assembled, led by the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Turchynov, and determined top-priority tasks in terms of stirring-up emergency rescuing works, solving of social issues of the victims, notably, providing them with new accommodation, payment of compensation for the destroyed property, faster completing measures on liquidation and investigation of reasons in which the tragedy occurred.

Into the rescuing works 565 persons and 47 items of equipment are involved, including 255 rescuers and 32 items of equipment from the Ministry of Emergencies. The local resort Femida has prepared places for 53 people suffering in the disaster. By this time 46 people have addressed with request and have already been accommodated. The victims and their families are being rendered psychological aid.

Mass media uninterruptedly provide the population with data concerning the situation in the area of occurrence the emergency situation and measures taken to normalize it. The coordination is maintained by operative staff led by the MES Minister Volodymyr Shandra. In the Ministry an operative group is being functioning.

At 21:45, on December 24 in Yevpatoriya, in Nekrasova str., 67, in a five-storey six-porch 95-apartment residential building a blast occurred, the reason of which is being investigated. As a result of explosion 33 flats were destroyed (the first and second porches of the building with 58 registered people in them) and flats of the third porch were damaged.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

President speaks to journalists on Yevpatoriya blast

President Victor Yushchenko talked to journalists after inspecting together with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko rescue works at the site of yesterday’s Yevpatoriya blast.

“We have reached agreement that before December 31 all the victims will be resettled”, - said Victor Yushchenko in the interview. He assured again that the state would not forget about the victims and give them all possible support.

Speaking about the causes of the disaster President Yushchenko informed that preliminary results of the investigation show that it may have happened because of oxygen cylinders that had been in the basement of the building. He also added that the prosecutor’s office is yet to investigate the case to provide any authentic information on possible causes.

President Yushchenko thanked to the Government and to all the authorities that quickly reacted to the tragedy and applied measures on rescuing the victims. He also expressed grattitude on behalf of the state who offered help and condolences to Ukraine.

President announces December 26 the Day of national mourning

With regard to the tragic disaster in Yevpatoriya of December 24, President Victor Yushchenko signed a Decree announcing December 26 the Day of national mourning.

President moarns over Yevpatoriya explosion victims

President Victor Yushchenko offered condolences to relatives and families of those who lost their lives in yesterday’s explosion in Yevpatoriya apartment building.

“This is a horrific and irremediable loss for all the families and relatives of the victims. This is a great tragedy for the whole Ukraine. I assure you that the state will do everything possible to help you in your disaster”, - wrote President Yushchenko in his condolence.

President flies to Yevpatoriya to visit yesterday's explosion site

President Victor Yushchenko went to Yevpatoriya where rescue operation is going on after late-Wednesday explosion in a five-storey residential building.

At the site President Yushchenko is to talk to rescuers, see if all the victims of the blast are getting support and come to the hospital to see the victims.

President holds phone talks with Azerbaijani leader

President Victor Yushchenko held a phone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

President Yushchenko congratulated President Aliyev on his birthday.

Also sides have discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Defence Ministry: In works on liquidation of consequences of blast in residential building in Yevpatoriya almost 300 military officers and 14 items of equipment of AFU involved

Today the works on liquidation of consequences of the explosion in huge residential block of flats in Yevpatoriya are going on.

An active part in holding the works is being led by officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In total to Yevpatoriya almost 300 military officers and 14 items of equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine arrived.

Notably, participating in the rescuing operation are around 200 officers of Naval Forces of Ukraine stationed in Saky and Donuzlav garrisons. Besides, around 90 officers of anti-missile regiment of the Pivden Air Command of the Air Forces of Ukraine arrived to search for survivors in the wreckage.

Working in two shifts the marines of Southern naval base and marine aviation brigade assist to representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in dismantling the mounds, searching of survivors and rendering aid to those injured.

In present time on the place of wreckage Commander of Naval Forces of Ukraine, Admiral Ihor Teniukh stays who is a member of operative staff on liquidation of consequences of emergency situation, functioning under leadership of the Minister of Emergencies of Ukraine Volodymyr Shandra.

Also in the Center of Coastal Defence Troops of the Naval Forces of Ukraine and in subordinate parts of the Ukrainian fleet operative groups to respond to emergency situations are deployed. On command, to the place of tragedy 13 items and 160 officers are ready to arrive. The military officers are to provide the victims with hot water and ensure proper conditions for warming. Machines are lined up in columns with everything necessary: tents, heaters etc. Around 80 donors from military marines have expressed readiness to donate blood for survivors from the blast.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

President meets Ambassadors of G-7 countries, European Commission

President Victor Yushchenko met today with Ambassadors of G-7 countries and head of delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine.

At the meeting sides discussed internal political and economic situation in Ukraine, international relations, particularly Ukrainian-Russian gas relations and gas transit to Europe, cooperation between Ukraine and G-7 countries, etc.

Speaking about the situation in Ukraine President Yushchenko expressed expectancy that 2009 State Budget would be approved before the end of the year.

“We have only one option – to begin on Thursday the professional discussion on that in the Parliament, take into account suggestions by local authorities, central institutions, to introduce substantial alterations to reforms package and to approve 2009 Budget”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding also that currently all discussions on the budget are of rather political than economic nature.

Making comments on the situation with gas transit to Europe President said that “Ukraine guarantees uninterrupted transit of energy resources to Europe including supplies of Russian gas”.

Victor Yushchenko informed that for now the underground storages contain 30 billion cubic meters of gas and at least one half of the amount is intended for stabilization of supplies to European countries.

Beside that President Yushchenko expressed assurance that in the nearest future the agreement on gas supplies in 2009 between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom would be signed.

President thanked the Ambassadors of G-7 countries for their efforts in develoment of relations between their countries and Ukraine. According to him 50 bilateral agreements, memorandums and reslutions were signed this year. “This means that relations between Ukraine and G-7 countries are developing dynamically”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

He also pointed to positive shifts in Ukraine-EU and Ukraine-NATO dialogue.

MinTrans: In Kyiv the traffic along the Darnytsky bridge launched

Kyiv saw launch of traffic through the Darnytsky Bridge which tied the banks of the Dnipro with two railway lines and a motorway with six lanes.

Participating at the opening ceremony were Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk, Minister of Transport and Communications Yosyp Vinsky, General Director of Ukraliznytsya Mykhaylo Kostiuk, head of South-Western Railroad Olexiy Kryvopishyn, head of Road Committee of Trade Union of Railway Workers Anatolii Fursa and head of Kyiv Directorate of South-Western Railway Volodymyr Osovyk.

The bridge was built according to an ordinance of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of July 13, 2004. The lengh of the bridge is 1066 metres. The estimate cost of construction works totals UAH 9 billion 1157 million.

On making his speech during the event Vice Premier Ivan Vasiunyk stressted the Darnytsky Bridge appeared one of the objects of the Euro-2012 preparation plan.

Defence Ministry: In Crimea new rotation of Ukrainian-Polish battalion UkrPolBAt prepares to leave for Kosovo

In the village of Perevalne of Sympheropol region in Crimea the preparation of a new rotation of peace-keeping Ukrainian-Polish battalion UkrPolBat to leave for Kosovo has commenced.

During three days the commission led by head of operative maintenance department of the Centre of Coastguard Troops of the Naval Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant Colonel Mykola Serhiyechko will check a Ukrainian component of the rotation.

The Commission is to test readiness of the contingent to fulfilling of tasks in the composition of the East multinational subdivision, its material and technical basis, to evaluate the state of humanitarian and social maintenance, the level of patriotic training of the personnel, the state of military discipline of peace-keepers.

Information on possible early presidential election is a provocation - President

Answering the question about possibility of alteration of the procedure or early presidential election in Ukraine at the annual press conference, President Victor Yushchenko said that any statements on that are provocations.

President Yushchenko stressed that Ukraine is a democratic European state where no serious alteration to the Constitution is possible without the nation accepting and approving it.

“The situation is arranged with only one goal – to convey through journalists another message of provocation or instability to the nation”, - said Victor Yushchenko making comments on intentions of some political forces to call early elections.

“For the time of my presidency in this country, President will be elected by direct public vote”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

President sure that hryvnya exchange rate will stabilize in next seven days

“I believe that in next seven days stabilization of currency market will happen”, said President Victor Yushchenko at the annual press conference.

“With every next day we will be seeing hryvnya more stable. And this is good news at the end of financial year”, - he said.

At the same time President reminded that currency market was badly damaged by Government’s trade policy with trade deficit in 2008 amounting to 15 billion dollars. That resulted in trade balance loss of 16 billion dollars. “The Government conducts investment, trade and economic policy in the state. It is their personal responsibility”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

President meets regional governors

President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with regional governors and representatives of local authorities, dedicated to fighting economic crisis in Ukraine.

Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that main cause for the crisis in the country had been populist and unreasoned policy of the Government.

He criticized implementation of this year’s budget and elaboration of the document for the next year. According to him in November budgetary deficiency amounted to more than 2 million hryvnyas. With regard to continuation of the crisis implementation of the budget in December would be even worse.

Speaking about draft budget 2009, that the Government presented today, President Yushchenko said that “it is a tragedy”. “This is the most irresponsible document that the Government could ever elaborate. This is a political recklessness that the country cannot live with. And this is direct responsibility of the Government”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

He urged the Government to revise the draft budget so it was based on real economic indices.
Addressing regional governors and local authorities President Yushchenko urged them to elaborate common practical steps on local level to minimize impact of the crisis.

Among the most important, President named covering such budgetary expenses as wages, payments for communal services and energy supplies, etc. Beside that addressed support should be increased to protect the most vulnerable parts of Ukrainian society.

President Yushchenko stressed again that the crisis could be an opportunity for the Government to conduct deep reforms of budgetary, fiscal and social policy, yet “the question remains whether the Government has political will to use it”.
 

President takes part in annual press conference

In Ukrainian House President Victor Yushchenko has opened his annual concluding press conference.

During the press conference President Yushchenko answers questions of the media present in the Ukrainian House as well as from regions of Ukraine trough TV-bridges.

The press conference is broadcast live by Channel 1, Channel 5, Channel 24 and UTR-World.

 

 

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Defence Ministry: New peace-keeping rotation in Liberia successfully starts service

The new Ukrainian rotation of the 56-th separate helicopter unit of Ukraine within the UNO mission has successfully commenced its service in Liberia.

Yesterday three crews of Mi-8 helicopters performed 15 flights during which transported 59 passengers and up to 300 kilograms of freight.

Under an adaptation plan for air crew of the new rotation to complicated climatic conditions and improvement of craftsmanship of young pilots all squadron-leaders have been perfoming flight tasks with instructors.

With a UNO Mission observer and security on board a Ukrainian crew has flown around three helipads located in faraway localities and conveyed passengers to Popolohun settlement. Afterwards the Ukrainian helicopter landed the military observer and an accompanying group and performed the flight back to the base airdrome.

The Ukrainian instructors serving their mission within the UNO Mission possess experience of work in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone and several places of Liberia.

Ministry of Regional Development and Building to maintain dialog on regional policy with Eurocommission

The Ministry of Regional Development and Building of Ukraine was the venue for presentation of a draft Memorandum on mutual understanding to maintain dialog on regional policy and development of regional cooperation between the Ministry of Regional Development and Building of Ukraine and the European Commission.

The draft document contains that Ukraine and enlarged European Union face such challenges as disproportions of development of the regions, urbanization, restructuring of countryside, rehabilitation of territories suffering from industrial decline and natural catastrophes. Hence, the parties plan to maintain the dialog on regional policy and development of regional cooperation which will facilitate to strengthening of mutual understanding and reinforcement of bilateral cooperation that will also embrace issues of joint concern for both Ukraine and the European Union.

Such dialog is aimed, as the Memo contains it, at: cooperation and exchange with information in respective directions of the policy which facilitate to economic growth, raising of competitiveness, employment level and quality of life and achievement of better territory balance; exchange with information concerning development and introduction of regional policies paying peculiar attention to the ways of stimulating the development of neglected territories and intensifying of transborder cooperation and social and economic development of border regions; exchange with practices in terms of realization of forms of multi-level governing and a partnership principle in the regional policy, notably of principles of good governance on regional and local levels; support and facilitation to cooperation between Ukrainian and European regions, and also between representatives of local, regional and central authorities etc.

The draft Memorandum is being completed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Building. It is planned to be signed the first quarter of 2009.

Monday, December 22, 2008

President meets NBU Chairman

President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh. Other participants of the meeting were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, First Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Oleksandr Shlapak and First Deputy Chairman of the NBU Anatoly Shapoval.

At the meeting sides discussed monetary policy and the situation at currency market.

Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko president repeated importance of  the NBU’s daily management  of the situation at currencies market and revaluation of the Hryvnya.

He also urged National Bank to be more open when it comes to informing the society about the strategy and tactics of its actions.

Besides President Yushchenko said that he plans to meet Ukrainian bankers this week to discuss the situation and elaboration of further steps to regulate problems in banking sector.

Meeting with G-7 Ambassadors, European Commission Ambassador to Ukraine

On December 24 President Victor Yushchenko will meet G-7 Ambassadors and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine.

Meeting with regional governors

On December 23, at 10.00 President Victor Yushchenko will meet regional governors to discuss with them minimization of world financial crisis impact on Ukraine.

President: primary task for authorities is adoption of the budget

President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her briefing that according to President Victor Yushchenko, in the last week of 2008 the most important is to stabilize economic situation in the state.

President Yushchenko urged political rivalries to stop debates and to focus on real estimation of macroeconomic indices and elaboration of anti-crisis measures.

“According to the Head of State primary task for today for all the branches of power is adoption of the next year state budget, which necessarily should be well balanced and entail no deficit”, - said Iryna Vannykova.

Another important step, in President’s opinion, is stabilization of currency.

President: Prime Minister opposes the nation

With her recent statements and accusations Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko put herself in opposition to Ukrainian nation and the state, said President Victor Yushchenko in his interview to ‘Inter’ TV channel.

President Yushchenko reminded that according to the Constitution the Government and the Prime Minister are responsible for economic and financial policy in the state and by her statements Yulia Tymoshenko is trying to avoid that responsibility.

“I am sure that Prime Minister is unable to adequately estimate today’s economic and social processes…”, - he said.

Meeting with bankers

On December 19, at 12.00 President Victor Yushchenko will hold a meeting with Ukrainian bankers.

Consultative meeting on unemployment

On December 17, at 14.30 President Victor Yushchenko will hold a consultative meeting on fighting unemployment.

Defence Ministry: Ukrainian and Belarusian officers to tackle draft interdepartmental agreement between states

A Belarusian military delegation led by Deputy Head of General Headquarters of Military Aviation and Troops of Antiaircraft Defence Serhii Trus has arrived to Ukraine with a two-day visit.

Ukrainian and Belarusian military will tackle a draft Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Belarus concerning information exchange in the issues of air situation and flights of aircrafts.

Representatives of the military delegations plan to consider an order of holding a joint training of regular forces and means of antiaircraft defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus in 2009 and prospects of development of bilateral military cooperation between the two states.

Defence Ministry: Ukrainian peace-keepers back from Iraq

Today in the international Boryspil Airport a plane of Military Aviation of the USA has landed which transported to the Motherland 29 officers of Ukrainian peace-keeping personnel who had winded up their mission within the Coalition Forces in the Republic of Iraq.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by Deputy Head of General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vice-Admiral Ihor Knyaz, head of the second centre of Euro-Atlantic Integration department of General Headquarters of the AFU Lieutenant Colonel Olexandr Muzyka, representatives of other kinds of Armed Forces of Ukraine and relatives of the officers.

Friday, December 19, 2008

President meets gifted children

On the occasion of St. Nicholas Day President Victor Yushchenko met with gifted children.

At the meeting President congratulated the present as well as all Ukrainian children with St. Nicholas Day and wished them that Nicholas the Wonderworker came to every one them that night and gave them presents.

“Talent and achievements of each of you deserve the highest and the warmest words. I am sure that future famous scientists and inventors are sitting now in this hall”, - said Victor Yushchenko, thanking the children for their persistence and creative work that glorified them and Ukraine.

After that President presented the children with memorable presents.

President meets Ukrainian bankers

President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting today with National Bank Chairman, Minister of Finance, National Bank officials and bankers. At the meeting sides discussed elaboration of joint actions aimed at improving the situation at currency market.

After the meeting President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed journalists on Victor Yuschenko’s position on the situation at currency market.

According to her President Yushchenko considers that today’s revaluation of Hryvnya proves effectiveness of financial mechanisms and regulators that President Yushchenko, National Bank and Ministry of Finance has been working on jointly during last week.

Yesterday’s statements by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, President Yushchenko named political manipulations and presenting threat to financial stability in the state. He repeated that currently it is more important to unite efforts in fighting economic crisis rather than to blame one another or try to conduct any PR actions.

The Government, according to President Yushchenko, should share responsibility, because it is responsible for economic policy, which directly influences financial situation and currency exchange rates too.

President condoles with Russian leader

President Victor Yushchenko offered his condolences to President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia on the occasion of a bus crash in Israel that took lives of Russian citizens.

President holds meeting of Coordinative Board on preparation to EURO-2012

President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting of Coordinative Board on preparation to EURO-2012 in Ukraine.

In his address President Yushchenko said that this year dynamics of the preparation to hosting EURO-2012 was rather positive. Among major successes he named opening of a new stadium in Dnipropetrovsk, beginning of construction at ‘Olimpiysky’ stadium in Kyiv, etc.

President also drew attention of those present to urgent problems in preparation to EURO-2012.
According to him, first of all, it is important to provide proper monitoring of projects’ financing and utilization of funds. Also he reminded that the Government has not yet elaborated relevant part of 2009

State Budget. Beside that, according to President, attraction of non-budgetary funds to the projects should be better regulated to prevent possible growth of municipal debts.

President Yushchenko stressed that he expects all the responsible authorities to complete preparation of all the legislation and other documents needed for preparation to EURO-2012. Among the most important he mentioned draft law on national program of preparation to the championship, yearly list of goods that are used in construction of sports infrastructure to be imported without duty, etc.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

President returns from Mykolayiv region

President Victor Yushchenko finished his working visit to Mykolayiv region and returned to Kyiv.

President urges adoption of 2009 Budget

Speaking to journalists in Mykolayiv region today, President Victor Yushchenko stressed that 2009 State Budget should provide an answer to challenge of financial-economic crisis.

“There is expectancy that 2009 State Budget, which will eventually be approved in the state, will enable us to effectively fight economic crisis”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

He also said that it is Government’s big mistake that the budget was not yet approved. “One can’t fight the crisis without basic financial document in the state”, - he said.

President comes to Damen Shipyards Ocean

Within the framework of his working visit to Mykolayiv region, President Victor Yushchenko visited PJSC Damen Shipyards Ocean.

There President Yushchenko took part in float-out of a chemical tanker, built by the shipyard for Russian-Norwegian company.

Speaking at the event President Yushchenko said that Ukrainian shipbuilding industry has high potential and is developing dynamically.

He also named Damen Shipyards Ocean a good example of successful and profitable foreign investment, adding that he is sure that the company would withstand financial-economic crisis well.

NBU and FinMin would stabilize Hryvnya - President

After his meeting with National Bank Chairman, Minister of Finance and ‘Naftogaz of Ukraine’ Chairman in Boryspil airport, President Victor Yushchenko talked to journalists to inform them on the course of the meeting.

President Yushchenko noted that now the Hryvnya is over-devaluated but the causes for that are rather of psychological nature than of economic. As an example proving that he gave the fact that in Ukraine exports lately have outgrown imports.

Speaking about currency market President expressed assurance that the situation is stabilizing gradually and “we witness dying processes”, adding that it is important that “the NBU and FinMin convinced people that the factors for Hryvnna’s devaluation are already exhausted”.

According to Victor Yushchenko with this aim the sides have agreed upon a set of measures that the NBU would take in order to improve the situation. For example the institution would return to intensified management of banks’ activity and conduct proper inspections of their obedience to the law during operations with currency.

Making comments on payments to Russia for the consumed gas President Yushchenko informed “yesterday 800 million US dollars were transferred and another 200 million will be transferred in the nearest time”.

Victor Yushchenko meets visits Mykolayiv region

President Victor Yushchenko went with a working visit to Mykolayiv region.

In the visit President is accompanied by Minister for Industries Volodymyr Novytskyi and Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Roman Bezsmertnyi.

President meets NBU Chairman, Minister of Finance, 'Naftogaz' Chairman

Just before his flight to Mykolayiv region President Victor Yushchenko met in Boryspil airport with National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, Minister of Finance Viktor Pynzenyk, and ‘Naftogaz of Ukraine’ Chairman Oleh Dubyna to discuss with them the situation with payments for Russian gas and exchange rate policy.

President holds consultative meeting on labor policy

President Victor Yushchenko met with Minister of Labor and Social Policy Liudmyla Denysova, representatives of executive authorities, trade unions and employers to discuss with them problems in labor policy.

President noted that in last months number of jobs has been falling gradually with 700 thousand people unemployed as on December 1. With current tempo of reduction of a number of opened vacancies, according to experts, the number of unemployed may reach 870 thousand on January 1 and 1,5 million on April 1.

“I call upon everybody to prevent this prognosis from becoming true”, - said Victor Yushchenko addressing those present.

According to him it is important that joint efforts of state and local authorities, trade unions and employers were aimed at improving the situation, first of all at reduction of jobs in result of governmental and legal decisions.

Our Ukraine will make decision on deputies who supported the coalition - President

President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview today to Ukrainian periodicals. Main subject for the interview became forming of the coalition in the Parliament.

President Yushchenko criticized deputies in People’s Union ‘Our Ukraine’, who supported the coalition. He reminded that at their last gathering members of the party decided that restoration of coalition of the group with BYuT was unacceptable and impossible. Therefore, according to Victor Yushchenko, the deputies, who violated the decision should be expelled from the union.

Speaking about the coalition itself President Yushchenko said that despite it was announced, it was not officially registered. And even if it was, such a coalition would not have majority, which would make it to seek for support of communists. “… if we are speaking about that, this is even more humiliating”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

President meets Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine

President Victor Yushchenko met today with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Ukraine John-Christer Ahlander.

At the meeting President Yushchenko awarded Ambassador Ahlander with an Order ‘For Merit’ II grade for Mr. Ahlander’s personal contribution into development of Ukrainian-Swedish relations.

Also sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden.

President writes letter to PM

President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. In his letter President expressed concerns about labor policy in Ukraine.

According to President without increasing quality and quantity of labor resources, Ukraine would be unable to effectively use its potential or compete with other states.

To improve the situation President Yushchenko suggested conducting analysis of current situation with labor resources in Ukraine so that relevant shifts could be made in labor policy, particularly in education.

Victor Yushchenko congratulates Yevhen Sverstiuk

Together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko President Victor Yushchenko came to National Philharmonic Society, where famous Ukrainian publicist, literary critic, participant of national-democratic movement Yevhen Sverstiuk was celebrating his 80th birthday.

In his greeting word at the event President Yushchenko praised Yevhen Sverstiuk’s role in establishment of the independent Ukraine. “Thanks to that generation of legendary people we have our life and our history”, - he said.

“I would like to congratulate this free man – Yevhen Sverstiuk”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

President holds consultative meeting with regional governors

President Victor Yushchenko held an extraordinary meeting with regional governors. The meeting was dedicated to issues in budgetary policy for this and next year, arrears of wages and critical state of national target programs implementation.

Opening the meeting President Yushchenko said that “it is bad news to live without the approved budget” for the next year. According to him the situation when the Government refuses draft budget, prepared by Ministry of Finance, demanding continuation of populist budgetary policy, was dangerous and would harm local budgets.

President Yushchenko also pointed to problems in this year’s budgetary policy, saying that the Government was unable to cover budgetary deficit even with incomes coming out of inflation.

He also pointed to aggravation of financial problems in the regions with growing number of local budgets that did not fulfill monthly income plans. Beside that, according to President, income taxes collections, which are primary source of funds for local budgets, were falling rapidly lately.

Therefore President Yushchenko urged every regional governor to elaborate an anti-crisis plan for his region and invite local businessmen to the process.

He also called upon regional governors to quicker turn to saving budgetary funds. As an example here President suggested reduction of staffing of local state authorities as recommended by the Cabinet.

President suggested holding another consultative meeting later to discussed regional anti-crisis programs that regional governors are to elaborate.

President signs alterations to 2008 Budget

President VIctor Yushchenko approved the Law on alterations to 2008 budget that had been adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on December 12, 2008

President thanks Ukrainian businessmen

President Victor Yushchenko thanked Ukrainian businessmen for their contribution into their joint project with state authorities ‘Warm up a child with love’, that was to improve living conditions for Ukrainian families that have ten or more children.

The corresponding letters of gratitude President Yushchenko sent to Rinat Akhmetov, Oleksiy Poroshenko, Oleksandr Ryzhenkov, Serhiy Tihipko, and Dmytro Firtash.

“Your not-indifferent position, readiness to do your civic duty and to support and to protect families that are subject of pride for the state, deserve the warmest words”, - said Victor Yushchenko in the letters.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Defence Ministry: Members of Black Sea states tackle Blackseafor Action Program for 2009-2010

The Sevastopol Naval Institute named after P.Nakhimov hosts a meeting of the Black Sea Naval Co-operation Task Group (the Blackseafor).

The main tasks of the Blackseafor include operations in search and rescue, mine counter, anti-terrorist, humanitarian operations, operations in environment protecting, good will visits and other tasks agreed by all the parties.

During the sitting which attracted representatives from Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine, the parties plan to sum up the conclusions of August activation of Joint Black Sea Group of Naval Cooperation and elaborate operative plan of holding of April joint activation the following year.

Another issue for considering will be a program of participation of the Black Sea states for 2009-2010 in terms of future joint actions of the Blackseafor.

The event of planning of the Joint Black Sea Group of Naval Cooperation will last till December 19.

Ministry of Industrial Policy: Ukraine and Bulgaria sign the Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement

December 12-13, 2008 Minister of Industrial Policy of Ukraine Volodymyr Novytskyi chaired an official delegation of Ukraine to sign the Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and Government the Republic of Bulgaria in Sophia. The delegation was composed of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Bulgaria Viktor Kalnyk, director of the Department of foreign economic relations of the Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine Yurii Petrovskyi, deputy director of the Department of defense industrial policy and military-technical cooperation of the Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Krasul.

Minister of Industrial Policy of Ukraine Volodymyr Novytskyi and Minister of Economy and Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria Peter Dimitrov signed the Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and Government the Republic of Bulgaria.

The parties assured each other that they would spare no effort to make the Agreement come into force as signing of the document aimed at further development of bilateral Ukrainian-Bulgarian military-technical cooperation.

It should be noted that the final (fifth) session of the Ukraine-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on trade-economic cooperation took place in June 2004 in Bulgaria (the city of Warna). So the parties decided to stir up their efforts on holding such meetings. Summing up it was agreed to hold the sixth session of the Commission next year.

 

 

 

Environment Ministry: Heorhiy Philipchuk partakes in XIV Conference of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Minister of Environment of Ukraine Heorhiy Philipchuk took part in high-level meetings of the XIV Conference of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the VI Meeting of the Kyoto Protocol Parties underway in Poznań of the Republic of Poland.

The conference dealt with the following issues:

-   actions in adaptation to the fallout of climate change;

-   ways of cutting of greenhouse gases emission;

-   ways of broadening of ecologically pure technologies;

-   financing of measures in adaptation and cutting emissions;

-   problem of reduction of emissions as a result of degradation and shortening of forest areas etc.

President Yushchenko meets Archbishop Mokrzycki

President Victor Yushchenko met today with Metropolitan Archbishop of Lviv Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki.

At the meeting President Yushchenko congratulated Archbishop Mokrzycki on becoming archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lviv and wished him success in his work.

He also thanked the Archbishop and all faithful of the Roman Catholic Church for their participation in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor in Ukraine. Particular gratitude President

Yushchenko expressed to Pope Benedict XVI for his prayer for the Holodomor victims.
From his part Archbishop Mokrzycki conveyed to President Yushchenko Pope Benedict’s invitation to visit Vatican.

Monday, December 15, 2008

President meets OU-PSD deputies

President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with deputies of ‘OU-PSD’ parliamentary group.

At the meeting sides discussed Verkhovna Rada’s work and agenda.

Meeting with gifted children

On December 19, on the occasion of St. Nicholas's Day President Victor Yushchenko will meet Ukrainian gifted children.

Meeting of Coordinative Board on Preparation to Euro 2012.

On December 19 President Victor Yushchenko will gather members of Coordinative Board on Preparation to Euro 2012.

Visit to Mykolayiv region

On December 18 President Victor Yushchenko will go with a working visit to Mykolayiv region.

Meeting with Minister of Finance, the NBU Chairman

On December 17 President VIctor Yushchenko will meet Minister of Finance Viktor Pynzenyk and the NBU Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh to discuss implementation of anti-crisis measures.

Extraordinary meeting with city and town mayors

On December 16, at 10.00 President Victor Yushchenko is to hold an extraordinary meeting with city and town administration heads on repayment of wages debts and critical state of implementation of national target problems.

Beside that sides will discuss mass disconnection of hot water in Ukrainian cities and towns.

President concerned about Kyiv living blocks being disconnected from hot water

As President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed, with regard to numerous complains from Kyiv citizens, whose houses and living blocks were disconnected from hot water, President Victor Yushchenko instructed Naftogaz of Ukraine Chairman Oleh Dubyna and Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky to restore hot water supplies to the abovementioned houses in one hour term.

Iryna Vannykova also said that President Yushchenko plans to hold an extraordinary meeting with Heads of Town Administrations and city mayors to discuss similar problems in the regions.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

President gives interview for BBC World

President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to BBC World News today.

During the interview President was answering questions about ways for Ukraine to overcome economic crisis, situation in the Ukrainian Parliament, etc.

When speaking about parliamentary coalition forming process Victor Yushchenko emphasized that as the Head of State he is ready to work with any coalition. At the same time he noted that “formal announcement of the coalition was not made yet” and that “debates are still going on”.

Answering to question about main challenges before national economy President Yushchenko stressed that here the most important ones are “weak budgetary policy, misbalanced budget, wasteful social policy and populism”.  “The Government should turn to policy of changes and applied reforms”, - he said.

Friday, December 12, 2008

President requests disciplinary proceeding against Lviv appellate administrative court judge

President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Supreme Justice Council and to Judges Council with the request to make their statement and apply proper measures in their authority in the situation with the judge of Lviv appellate administrative court I. Zvarych.

“Community was shocked by media headlines about facts that were uncovered in the work of Lviv appellate administrative court judge I. Zvarych, who also chairs the court”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

Although agreeing with the fact that all circumstances of the case may be determined only through proper investigation, President expressed opinion that absence of the appropriate reaction from the body that is responsible for forming judges corps leads to loss of confidence of people in state authorities and their ability to fight corruption.

Therefore President addressed Supreme Justice Council and Judges Council with the request to initiate disciplinary proceeding against the judge to determine whether he kept up to the oath and to consider his dismissal from the office.

President demands urgent payment of debts for heat and water supplies in Kyiv

President Victor Yushchenko sent a phone telegram to Kyiv City Administration Head with the request for Kyiv government to urgently solve the problem with heating and water supplies.

According to Victor Yushchenko the amount of debts of the city before “Kyivenergo” and “Naftogaz” became unacceptable. Therefore President requested city authorities to urgently find resources for their payment.

President Yushchenko also addressed the Cabinet with a request to provide Kyiv local authorities with support, necessary for solving the problem.

MES: Eurocommission and Rivne RSA present pilot project of development of territories contaminated by Chornobyl catastrophe

At the Ministry of Emergencies and Protection of Population from the Consequences of Chornobyl Catastrophe the Deputy Minister Volodymyr Holosha, representative of the European Commission Dirk Schübel and members of Rivne regional state administration presented a project of social-economic development of contaminated in the result of Chornobyl catastrophe countryside of the Rivne region. The project aims support of industry of pure foodstuffs and lowering of unemployment level as well as reinforcement of commercial and technical bases of small and average businesses in the contaminated regions through attracting of investments and development of private sector. The planned measures contain creating in Volodymyretsky area of the Rivne region pilot economies for growing fruits ad berries, providing them with planting stock and necessary specialized agricultural equipment as well as modernization of processing plants. Realization of the project financed by the European Commission will last from January of 2009 till July of 2010 at the sum of around EUR 500000, with a possibility to apply the experience to the other territories in the aftermath.

The Rivne region appears one of the most contaminated territories as a result of the Chornobyl catastrophe. In 1986 about 56% of the territory was hit with radiation. Nowadays the zones of radiation pollution include 339 localities in 6 regions with population of around 406 thousand people.

MES possesses successful experience of cooperation with international organizations in social-economic revival and rehabilitation of the polluted territories. A series of joint projects has been realized jointly with the European Commission, UNDP, IAEA. A significant contribution into solving of a complex of Chornobyl-related issues has become organization of combined international researches and projects between the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine. In 2008 MES has submitted for considering by the Eurocommission three projects to be implemented in the Rivne region: creating of telecommunication and perinatal medical centres (around EUR 300000 each) as well as the project presented today.

Swearing in the judges

On December 11, at 14.00 President Victor Yushchenko shall swear in the new judges.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

President meets OU-PSD deputies

President Victor Yushchenko met today with the deputies of ‘OU-PSD’ parliamentary group.

At the meeting sides discussed problems in elaboration of 2009 State Budget and adoption of the laws marked by President Yushchenko as urgent.

President swears in new judges

President Victor Yushchenko took part in a ceremony of swearing in new judges.

Speaking at the event President Yushchenko congratulated the new judges with assuming their office and said “protection of justice and fairness ids their unique mission”.

President also expressed hope that the new judges would be guided exclusively by the law in their work, be independent and professional and would show that they are true patriots of Ukraine.

President meets the new Verkhovna Rada Speaker

President Victor Yushchenko met with the newly elected Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn.

At the meeting President Yushchenko expressed expectancy that successful election of the Speaker would unblock Parliament’s work.

Then President Yushchenko sketched for Speaker Lytvyn the most important subjects that in his opinion the Verkhovna Rada should work on in the nearest future.

As the most important, President named adoption of anti-crisis laws that would help Ukraine to overcome economic crisis. He also said that it is crucial to adopt the 2009 Budget, which according to him is very complicated due to problems in economy.

Beside that Victor Yushchenko expressed expectancy that the Verkhovna Rada would soon discuss those laws that he had marked as urgent.

Meeting with the new VR Speaker

On December 11, at 10.30 President Victor Yushchenko will meet with the new Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn.

President meets the IMF Mission

President Victor Yushchenko met with the Mission of the International Monetary Fund.

At the meeting President thanked the IMF for its support of Ukraine in times of world financial crisis.

He also assured that the Ukrainian side would keep up to its obligations under the Memorandum on economic and financial policy.

Beside that President addressed the IMF with a request to consider supporting of some additional measures, such as financing of projects within the framework of preparation to EURO 2012 or construction of housing.

From Ukraine participants of the meeting were National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, Minister of Finance Viktor Pynzenyk, First Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Oleksandr Shlapak, Deputy Chief of Staff Andrii Goncharuk.

Meeting with the IMF Mission

On December 10, at 16.00 President Victor Yushchenko wil meet with Mission of the IMF.

National Commission on democracy meeting

On December 10, at 11.00 President Victor Yushchenko will take part in a meeting of National Commission on strengthening democracy.

President takes part in a meeting of National Commission on strengthening democracy

President Victor Yushchenko took part in a meeting of National Commission on strengthening democracy.

Agenda for the meeting included discussion of draft Criminal Procedural Code and draft Concept of state policy against torture, inhumane and humiliating attitude and punishment.

Speaking at the event President Yushchenko said that despite achievements in political rights protection, effectiveness of general rights protection instruments remains low.

As main obstacle here President named unreformed law enforcement and judicial systems, adding that mostly violation of basic human rights occurs during pre-trial investigation.

Victor Yushchenko said that criminal justice in Ukraine remains hostage to soviet punishment system and therefore continues functioning as a mechanism of persecution rather than being an instrument of citizens’ rights protection. According to him, therefore the contradiction of outdated legal instruments to democratic principles leads to lack of confidence and understanding in the society in its relations with legal system.

President Yushchenko also reminded that adoption of a new Criminal Procedural Code was one of the key obligations coming out of Ukraine’s membership in the Council of Europe. “The new Code should become a fundamental document for Ukrainian democracy”, - he added.

As another concequent step towards better protection of human rights in Ukraine President named adoption Concept of state policy against torture, inhumane and humiliating attitude and punishment.

“Brutal behavior remains a common practice that has not yet been eliminated in Ukraine”, - he said adding that the right for legal redress should be considered as basic for prevention of that.

President thanked the National Commission for its work on the two documents and instructed Minister for Justice Mykola Onishchuk to complete elaboration of the draft Criminal Procedural Code as soon as possible.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

President praises election of the Verkhovna Rada Speaker

President Victor Yushchenko congratulated Volodymyr Lytvyn on his election as the Verkhovna Rada Speaker.

He also congratulated the whole Parliament on adopting the decision and urged the deputies to proceed to discussion and adoption of anti-crisis draft laws and draft State Budget 2009.

Victor Yushchenko wished Volodymyr Lytvyn success in extremely hard and important work .

President puts flowers near Vyacheslav Chornovil monument

President Victor Yushchenko took part in a flower laying ceremony near the monument to Vyacheslav Chornovil in Kyiv, on the occasion of Human Rights Protection Day.

Other participants of the ceremony were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, Kyiv Regional Administration Head Vira Ulyanchenko, Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, acting Head of the Security Service Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Intelligence Service Head Mykola Malomuzh, state deputies, etc.

MES: Eurocommission and Rivne RSA to present pilot project of development of hit by Chornobyl catastrophe territories

At the Ministry of Emergencies the Deputy Minister Volodymyr Holosha, representative of the European Commission Dirk Schübel and envoys from Rivne regional state administration are to present a pilot project of social-economic development of contaminated in the result of Chornobyl catastrophe countryside of Rivne region. The pilot project at the sum of EUR 486000 is to last one and half year with possibility to apply the experience to the other territories in the aftermath. Presentation is to be held December 11.

President meets Prime Minister of Lithuania

Within the framework of his working visit to Lithuania President Victor Yushchenko met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius.

At the meeting sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania, particularly in trade-economic, energy, transport, humanitarian field, etc.

Also President Yushchenko and Prime Minister Kubilis dwelled on European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. President Yushchenko thanked the Lithuanian side for support of Ukraine’s position and activity in these questions, expressing hope that Lithuania would support Ukraine in the process of establishment of free trade zone with the EU.

Other participants of the meeting form Ukraine were Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrii Goncharuk.

Ukraine interested in energy cooperation with Lithuania - President

Speaking to journalists at his joint press conference with President Valdas Adamkus, President Victor Yushchenko said that Ukraine is highly interested in deepening energy cooperation with Lithuania.

According to him Ukrainian side is ready to discuss long-term agreement with Lithuania on imports of electrical energy from our country, particularly after shutdown of Ignalina NPP.

“Ukraine has proper facility at hand. We have export potential sufficient to fulfill needs of Baltic region and, possibly, of other consumers”, - said Victor Yushchenko. Also President Yushchenko affirmed readiness of ‘Atomenergomash’ and ‘Atomremontservis’ companies to provide special equipment and to work at the construction of a new NPP in Lithuania and said that these companies had already sent their bids for the tender.

According to President, establishment of Ukrainian-Lithuanian energy working group would improve coordination of cooperation between the states in the field.

From his part President Adamkus thanked the Ukrainian side for readiness to such cooperation. “We have always been the state with nuclear energy. And so it will be”, - he said.

Presidents of Ukraine, Lithuania sign Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2009-2010

In Vilnius President Victor Yushchenko and President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus inked the Roadmap of Ukrainian-Lithuanian strategic partnership development for 2009-2010.

The document provides institutional mechanisms for cooperation in such fields as:

  • European integration
  • Euro-Atlantic integration
  • energy security
  • transport
  • common historical heritage and commemoration of totalitarian regimes’ victims
  • economic cooperation
  • regional cooperation
  • support of democracy and supremacy of law
 

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Victor Yushchenko meets Valdas Adamkus

In Vilnius, President Victor Yushchenko met with President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.

At the meeting sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania.

Special attention sides dedicated to discussing Ukrainian-Lithuanian energy cooperation: Baltic Sea-Caspian Sea-Black Sea energy space, possibility of beginning exports of electrical energy from Ukraine to Lithuania, establishment of Ukrainian-Lithuanian working group on energy, other projects.

Also President Yushchenko and President Adamkus discussed cooperation between the two countries in a process of Ukraine’s integration to European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including the Eastern Partnership program, suggested by the EU.

When exchanging thoughts on recent NATO Summit results with his Lithuanian colleague, Victor Yushchenko thanked Valdas Adamkus for Lithuania’s support of Ukraine on its path towards NATO membership.

Also President Yushchenko expressed gratitude to Lithuanian nation and to their leader for solidarity with people of Ukraine in commemoration of the Holodomor victims.

Beside that President Yushchenko invited President Adamkus to visit Ukraine.

President goes to Lithuania

President Victor Yushchenko went with a one day working visit to the Republic of Lithuania.

In the visit President is accompnied by Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrii Goncharuk.

 

STA: Present excise stamps for alcohol valid only till New Year

With an aim to prevent occurrence at enterprises-producers (importers) of excess of excise stamps with the sum of excise tax on them estimated at the rate of UAH 10 per 1 liter of 100% alcohol which are valid till 01.01.09 it proves necessary to secure full use of these stamps before 31.12.08 as their exchange is not stipulated by the current legislation.

Monday, December 8, 2008

President's position on the situation in the VR remains the same - Iryna Vannykova

According to President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova, President Victor Yushchenko’s position on the situation in the Verkhovna Rada remains the same: state deputies should resume proper work and form a coalition as soon as possible.

According to President instead of search for compromise by political partners, collusion between business groups is attempted in the Parliament, which does not have anything in common with protection of national interests.

Therefore, President Yushchenko will not take part in parliament’s sitting on December 9, as state deputies suggested and will wait for the deputies to renew their work before meeting them.
President is also ready to return to a question of early parliamentary election if he sees that national anti-crisis policy is threatened by Parliament’s inability to function properly.

President demands regulation of gambling business

In his letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, President Victor Yushchenko expressed concerns about lack of legal basis for gambling business in Ukraine. According to him such a situation leads to negative economic and moral effects on Ukrainian society.

President Yushchenko requested the government to complete a registry of gambling businesses in Ukraine and to conduct proper inspections in these facilities particularly in the field of licensing.

President requests foreseeng support to adopting parents in 2009 budget

President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

In his letter President requested the Government to foresee in 2009 State Budget the funds needed to cover financial support to adopting parents within the framework of a program that starts on January 1, 2009. In accordance with the program citizens that adopt a child have the right for financial support equal to that for a first born child.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

President comes to celebration of Ukrainian Armed Forces' Day

President Victor Yushchenko took part in celebration of the 17th anniversary of Ukrainian Military.

Congratulating military men on their holiday President Yushchenko said that Ukrainian army has always been and will always be basis, guarantor and protector of our country’s independence.

According to him this year has unearthed new challenges for Ukraine and the world, the challenges “that seemed buried deep in the past”. Here President repeated that stable and protected Ukraine is possible only if our country’s sovereignty is guaranteed by the international community, therefore there is no alternative for Ukraine but to integrate into European collective security.

As another threat to Ukrainian interests that requires military protection President named sea piracy. “We must use our own military and technical means to protect interests of our citizens, of our state and of our society”, - he said.

Speaking about reforming Ukrainian Armed Forces, Victor Yushchenko repeated that here main course is towards professional contracted army. “We heard assurances that it can be done in 12 months or even half of the year with one stroke of the pen and without sparing a dime for that. Populism is a very bad thing though and bad advice too. We have long and hard work before us”, - said President Yushchenko.

At the same time President noted that improvement of professional level in Ukrainian army and its combat readiness is impossible without toughening discipline and responsibility and without strengthening national spirit among military men.

After his speech President presented national decorations to servicemen.

Friday, December 5, 2008

President gives interview to Agence France-Presse

President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to Agence France-Presse.

The interview covered such subjects as prospects of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration in light of recent NATO Summit, internal political situation in our country, etc.

Full text of the interview is available here.

'No alternative' to Ukraine in NATO: Yushchenko

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko told AFP Thursday there was "no alternative" to his country eventually joining NATO, but said for the first time that Russia should be included in negotiations on the issue.

Yushchenko also vowed that Ukraine would "guarantee" that all Russian natural gas shipped to Europe through Ukrainian territory would reach its intended recipients, moving to calm Western concerns over another energy dispute.

"Ukraine has no other option -- no alternative exists" to NATO membership to ensure its national sovereignty, Yushchenko said in an exclusive interview in Kiev.

"We must hold negotiations with all parties who are interested, or not interested, in Ukraine moving closer to NATO," the Ukrainian president said, clearly alluding to Russia which is fiercely opposed to Ukrainian membership in the alliance.

His comments came two days after NATO backed away from placing Ukraine and another ex-Soviet republic, Georgia, on a fast track for membership in the alliance despite strong US lobbying for this in recent years.

NATO also agreed at its ministerial meeting in Brussels on Tuesday to renew its dialogue with Russia, suspended following the brief war last August in Georgia, a move welcomed by Moscow as a return to a "position of realism."

Yushchenko, who has led the drive in recent years to disengage Ukraine from Moscow's influence and place it firmly on course for integration into key Western institutions, repeated his view that NATO membership represented no threat to Russia.

"If third parties are needed to provide international guarantees" that would help assuage Russia's concerns about NATO taking in Ukraine as a member "we are prepared for this," he said.

Asked to elaborate, Yushchenko referred specifically to the European Union or "a whole series of states that both sides trust" and that could play a role in confidence-building on the issue.

The Ukrainian president's suggestion to involve Moscow directly in negotiations on Kiev eventually joining the Atlantic alliance was a striking departure from his previous position on the issue.

He denied however reports that he was shifting his staunchly pro-Western policy orientation in favor of a more "pragmatic" tack.

US President George W. Bush has pushed hard for the alliance to continue expanding to take in Ukraine and Georgia and has said Moscow would not have any veto power over this, provided they qualified for membership.

However the alliance failed at its summit last April in Bucharest to grant the two ex-Soviet states Membership Action Plans (MAPs) as sought by Washington amid objections from large European states in NATO.

On the gas issue, Yushchenko insisted Ukraine would pay in full for its imports and guarantee that Russian gas supplies for Europe that pass through Ukrainian territory would be delivered normally.

"Ukraine will not consume gas for free. We are an honest client," Yushchenko said.

"We guarantee transit security" through Ukraine for Russian gas exports and "it is not in our interest to violate the transit or payment procedure," he said.

His comments came hours after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned that Kiev had not paid its bills and that Moscow could again be forced to trim supplies if it did not or if it attempted to divert supply meant for customers in Europe.

Despite price increases in the past two years, Ukraine still pays far lower prices for gas shipped from Russia than do customers further downstream in Europe -- Putin put it at roughly half what European clients pay.

The situation is a hangover from the days of the Soviet Union, when Russia and Ukraine were part of a single country, and Putin said that while the transition to world prices had to continue Moscow would try to make it "gentle."

The West however had no right to demand that Russia continue selling gas to Ukraine at below-market rates, Putin said.

Turning to Ukraine's messy domestic political situation, Yushchenko said the emergence of an alliance between the nominally pro-Western Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and the pro-Russian opposition leader, Viktor Yanukovych, was possible within days.

"We may end up with a coalition capable of inflicting very serious damage to the national interest and to democracy" in Ukraine, the president said.

Tymoshenko was Yushchenko's ally in the 2004 Orange Revolution while Yanukovych was his bitter opponent, whose fraudulent victory in presidential elections that year sparked the popular revolt.

The creation of a political alliance between Tymoshenko and Yanukovych, unthinkable until recently, would further isolate Yushchenko on the Ukrainian political landscape.

Yushchenko also charged Russia with meddling in Ukraine's internal politics and encouraging the alliance between Tymoshenko and Yanukovich.

"Calling every political force in its turn to the Kremlin for consultations is not a policy of good neighbor," he charged, adding that "Russia is our neighbor, and one must always live well with neighbors."

President grieves over death of Patriarch Alexy II

President Victor Yushchenko offered his condolences to Russian Orthodox Church clergy and parish on the occasion of death of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II.

Transport and Communications Ministry elaborates conditions of tender to draw investors for building and reconstruction of enterprises of transport branch

The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine has elaborated and proposes for public consideration a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in terms of approving a tender procedure with elements of an auction tied to attracting of investors for building and reconstruction of objects of enterprises of the transport domain.

The order stipulates demands to setting up and operating of tender commission, tender procedure, submitting and considering applications to participate in it, defining candidates, considering of tender propositions of the participants, holding of assembly of participants, defining the winners and conditions under which the tender is considered as invalid.

Pursuant to the proposed procedure a decision on holding the tender is envisaged to adopt by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine based on propositions of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

On the outcomes of the tender with elements of auction among the potential investors an enterprise-customer shall conclude agreements with the winners.

Adopting of the draft ordinance will regulate the procedure of holding the tender with elements of auction and will enable to conclude economically grounded investment procedures with the winners. In such a way transparent mechanisms of attracting of investment funds directed to the development of enterprises of the branch will be acting.

The specialists of the Ministry of Transport and Communications opine that approving of the act appears an effective method of drawing of investment funds for building of objects of the transport domain. This would enable to remove flaws in legislation concerning the procedure of defining investor, to regulate relations between investors and respective subjects of economy in the transport area, to avoid a number of contradictory issues in the process of defining the winner.

President meets the IMF Mission to Ukraine

President Victor Yushchenko together with Minister of Finance Viktor Pynzenyk, National Bank Governor Volodymyr Stelmakh and First Deputy Chief of Staff of Presidential Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak met with International Monetary Fund’s mission to Ukraine.

At the meeting President thanked the Fund’s Mission members for their active work during their last visit. “We would like to thank you for your position that enabled us to quickly get positive answer to our request for financial support”, - he said.

President also expressed assurance that Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy and the National Bank would keep up to the loan agreement with the IMF.

From her part Head of the Mission Ceyla Pazarbasioglu stressed that the IMF expects quick stabilization of financial and economic climate in Ukraine, adding also that the Fund’s experts are optimistic about development of the situation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian-Tajik relations are very important - President

Speaking at his joint press conference with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan after Ukrainian-Tajik talks, President Victor Yushchenko said that for Ukraine its relations with Tajikistan are special and very important.

He stressed certainty that Ukraine has great opportunity to realize its political, economic and trade interests in developing relations with Tajikistan.

“The priority for our relations is development of cooperation in hydro-energy”, - said Victor Yushchenko with reference to the Joint Statement by the two Presidents. According to him Tajikistan faces need to modernize equipment on its hydroelectric plants, which had been produced in Ukraine. Beside that there are plans to establish a few dozens of small and middle-sized hydroelectric plants across Tajikistan.

As another direction of potentially beneficial cooperation President Yushchenko named agriculture.
According to President the sides have also discussed humanitarian cooperation. “Ukraine would like to propose its capabilities in training technical and humanitarian specialists, civilian as well as military. This tradition had been working for many years before and we would like to restore it”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

Also the two country have agreed to eschange embassies.

President draws PM's attention to problems in agriculture

In his letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, President Victor Yushchenko drew her attention to problems in agriculture that had been formulated at his meeting with agrarians on November 12.

  • The most important, according to President, among these problems were:
  • reduction of prices for agricultural goods
  • insufficient financing of the Agrarian Fund
  • challenges connected with exporting large amounts of grain and sunflower seeds that are available after this year’s record harvest
  • absence of positive development in cattle breeding due to increase of imports
  • deterioration of loaning conditions for agrarians
  • foreseeing proper financing of agrarian sector in 2009 State Budget

President requested the Prime Minister to urgently examine these problems and apply proper measures to resolve them.

Ukraine and Tajikistan sign bilateral documents

Following Ukrainian-Tajik talks, President Victor Yushchenko and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan signed a Joint Statement.

Also in presence of the two Presidents Ukrainian and Tajik delegations signed bilateral documents. Among them were :
  • Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism
  • Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Culture and Arts
  • Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Physical Education
  • Agreement on Cooperation between Ministry for Agrarian Policy of Ukraine and Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan
  • Agreement on Scientific, Educational and Cultural Cooperation between Kyiv Taras Shevchenko University and Tajik National University

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Ukrainian-Tajik talks begin

President Victor Yushchenko and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan opened Ukrainian-Tajik talks.

In his opening word President Yushchenko said that Ukraine perceives relations with Tajikistan as special and having much potential. “We should develop our cooperation. Therefore we think that Ukraine-Tajikistan Action Plan for this and next year is the main document to model our relations”, - he said.

Speaking about economic cooperation President Yushchenko emphasized that Ukraine is mainly interested in energy constituent, expressing hope that Ukraine would remain a unique Tajikistan’s partner in energy and machine building projects.

Beside that President Yushchenko informed that in the first quarter of 2009 a meeting of joint commission on economic cooperation and business forum are to be held in Dushanbe.

Ukrainian delegation to the talks included First deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Khandogiy, Minister for Agrarian Policy Yuriy Melnyk, Minister for Family Yuriy Pavlenko, Minister for Culture Vasyl Vovkun, Minister for Regional Development Vasyl Kuibida, Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, Minister for Economy Bohdan Danylyshyn, Minister for Industries Volodymyr Novytskyi, Minister for Transport Yosyp Vinsky, deputy Chief of Staff at Presidential Secretariat Andrii Goncharuk.

Presidents of Ukraine, Tajikistan exchange state decorations

After their private meeting in Horodetsky House, President Victor Yushchenko and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan exchanged state decorations.

President Yushchenko presented President Rahmon with an order of Yaroslav the Vise I grade for contribution into strengthening Ukrainian-Tajik relations.

From his part President Rahmon awarded President Yushchenko with ah order ‘Ismoili Somoni’ I grade.

Victor Yushchenko meets Emomali Rahmon in private

President Victor Yushchenko met President Emomali Rahmon tête-à-tête.

Opening the meeting President greeted his Tajik colleague. “I am very glad to welcome you on behalf of Ukraine and to thank you for your visit”, - he said.

Then sides proceeded to discussing bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, implementation of Ukraine-Tajikistan Action Plan for 2008-2009, etc.

Victor Yushchenko welcomes Emomali Rahmon in Ukraine

President Victor Yushchenko welcomed in Ukraine the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who came to our country with a state visit.

The ceremony took place in Kyiv, in front of the Presidential Secretariat building.

Presidential Secretariat has never interfered in monetary policy

Answering questions of journalists, President Victor Yushchenko denied accusations of the Presidential Secretariat of interfering into monetary policy of the state.

“The Presidential Secretariat has never had any influence on formation of monetary policy”, - he said, adding that some media's statements about the Secretariat discussing with bankers forced conversion of monetary deposits into national currency were “absolute nonsense”.

President assured that disabled children should learn in common schools

In his interview after the opening of exhibition dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities President Victor Yushchenko called upon authorities to make proper steps in order children with disabilities could begin learning in common secondary schools since 2009.

According to President in that way these children would better integrate into society.

President meets British Minister of State for Europe

President Victor Yushchenko met today with British Minister of State for Europe Caroline Flint.

At the meeting sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Great Britain.

President Yushchenko thanked Minister of State Flint for London’s support of Ukraine’s course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. “We highly appreciate constant support of Ukraine by the British side in our country’s integration to European and Euro-Atlantic structures”, - he said.

President also thanked the British side for support of Ukraine in its incentive to achieve international recognition of the Holodomor.

President urges the VR to ratify UN Convention on disabled persons' rights

Speaking to journalists after the opening of exhibition dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Victor Yushchenko stressed expectancies that the Verkhovna Rada would finally ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“Ukraine took official obligations upon itself to integrate disabled persons into society”, - said Victor Yushchenko, adding also that it is very important that the authorities implemented it.

President opens exhibition dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

President Victor Yushchenko took part in opening of an exhibition dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that took place in Ukrainian Exhibition House.

Speaking at the event President stressed that he is optimistic about what has been done in last two years in protection of persons with disabilities in Ukraine and in improvement of their living conditions. “We are discussing that, we are drawing attention of the society and of our church to that, we alter attitude of business towards that… “, - he said.

Victor Yushchenko also thanked to all those, who take care of the disabled in Ukraine and who stretch a helping hand to them. Particularly President mentioned Ukrainian businessmen’s activity in that direction.

“My strategic goal is to show the society that people with disabilities are Ukrainians too; that they want to work, learn, visit museums, etc”, - said President Yushchenko.

Within the framework of the event President also presented state decorations to persons with disabilities and to those who contributed to improvement of these people’s life.
Then he toured the exhibition dedicated to rehabilitation for disabled persons in Ukraine.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Over 10 months of current year Ukrpost implements plan at 114.3%

Over 10 months of the current year Ukrpost has implemented the plan at 114.3%. General sum of incomes without VAT has amounted 3 bn UAH 276.4 mn and has grown by 36.1% as compared to the analogous period of 2007.

The growth of general revenues of Ukrpost is demonstrated owing to increase by 30.8% of amounts of provided services as well as increase of tariffs for certain kinds of services.

The enterprise has no debts in payments to the budgets and state target centres. All the taxes, dues and other compulsory payments at the sum of UAH 690.8 mn have been paid, which is by UAH 1 mn more from the planned and by 42.8% more than for 10 month of 2007.

Average salary of an employee equals UAH 997.1 which is by 10% higher from the planned one and exceeds by 37.9% the showing of the respective period of last year.

NJSC Naftogas: On non-planned expenditures

In 2008 NJSC Naftogas of Ukraine has faced a series of factors which negatively influenced the movement of circulating funds and reduced their quantity in the Company. This has entailed debts on current payments, notably for the imported natural gas.

So, from the revenues of the current year the Company had to completely clear liabilities of heat-and-power communal (HPC) enterprises for 2007 to the supplier of imported natural gas to the tune of UAH 1.6 bn. However, the HPC enterprises continue accumulating the debt in the current year. The amount of debt of these enterprises to NJSC Naftogas of Ukraine totals UAH 1.2 bn for today.

Besides, the Company was forced also to pay the debts in VAT for the imported in Ukraine in the first quarter of 2006 natural gas to the tune of around UAH 1.6 bn.

The situation with the course of national currency has added to non-planned expenses of the Company. In the financial plan of NJSC Naftogas of Ukraine the course of UAH has been fixed on the level of 5.05 UAH against USD in payments along the foreign contracts. As a result of drop of the hryvnya course during October-November the losses amounted UAH 600 mn.

To sum up the unplanned losses of the Company within 2008 have amounted over UAH 5 bn. It should be noted that the mentioned sum in fact corresponds to the sum of debt of NJSC Naftogas of Ukraine on the current payments (taking into account already transferred money for September-October of the current year) for the imported natural gas.

Celebration of Ukrainian Military Forces' Day

On December 4, at 16.00 President Victor Yushchenko will take part in celebration of Ukrainian Military Forces' Day

Tajik President's visit to Ukraine

On December 3-5 President Victor Yushchenko will be welcoming President of Tajikistan Emomalii Rahmon in Ukraine who comes to our country with a state visit.

Arrangements to International Day for Persons with Disabilities

On December 3, at 10.00 President Victor Yushchenko will take part in arrangements dedicated to International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

President urges deputies to compromise

Answering questions of journalists about the situation in the Parliament, in Volyn region, President Victor Yushchenko said that it is crucial that the deputies found compromise and began working properly.

“If there is no way to form a coalition in the parliament then it is time for us to open the Constitution that provides answer to all crises. We must act within legislation framework”, - said Victor Yushchenko. He also added that election of the Speaker and 2009 State Budget are tests for the Parliament.

President: there are no objective causes for devaluation of Hryvnya

Speaking to journalists in Volyn region President Victor Yushchenko said that there are no economic, financial or other causes for rapid devaluation of the Hryvnya.

According to him despite economic and financial crisis did really affect national currency, increase in demand for foreign currency was caused rather by psychological factors. “I am deeply assured: today’s exchange rates demand fighting with speculative operations that has formed on currency market in last few days”, - he said, urging the National Bank, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy to apply all necessary measures to minimize psychological causes for the situation.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

President presents Volyn many children family with a new house

Within the framework of his visit to Volyn region, in Tsuman village, President Victor Yushchenko handed over keys to a new home to Linnyks family who are raising 14 children. The house was built within the framework of ‘Comfort a child with love’ program, with sponsorship from ‘Smart-Holding’ company, which’s President Vadym Novinsky was also present at the event.

President appears in 'Freedom of Speech' TV show at ICTV

President Victor Yushchenko took part in ICTV program ‘Freedom of Speech’ dedicated to the 17th anniversary of Ukrainian independence referendum.

The program was relatively divided into three parts: economic, political and social. During discussion of each subject President Yushchenko was discussing them with political experts, economists, cultural elites’ representatives.  

President comes to celebration of NAC 90th anniversary

President Victor Yushchenko took part in celebration of the 90th anniversary of National Academy of Sciences establishment.

Speaking at the event President Yushchenko congratulated all the scientists and NAC President Borys Paton.

“We are living in times when any country’s future depends on intellectual resources it has. Nowadays, competition between developed countries transformed into a race in science, technology and education. These spheres design national security of a state, competitiveness of its economy and living standards of its people”, - he said.

Also President Yushchenko said that in times of financial crisis recommendations by national scientists would help much in avoiding its harmfull effects.

“I believe in your support in national restoration of Ukraine, its history, provision of national language functioning and support of Ukrainian arts and culture», - said Victor Yushchenko.

After his address President presented scientists with national decorations.

The State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine and Professional Association of Steward Financial Companies signed the Memorandum of Cooperation in the sphere of counteraction to money laundering and terrorism financing

The State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine signed with the Professional Association of Steward Financial Companies the Memorandum of fundamental basis of cooperation in the sphere of counteraction to legalization (laundering) of criminal incomes and terrorism financing.

The Memorandum provides dynamic involvement of the financial companies which attract means of natural and legal persons with the purpose to finance housing building and hold realty transactions, in the process of counteraction to legalization (laundering) of criminal incomes and terrorism financing.

Besides, the Memorandum aimed at improvement of the legal and normative basis on counteraction to legalization (laundering) of criminal incomes and terrorism financing in the sphere of financial services provided by the financial companies which attract means of natural and legal persons with the purpose to finance housing building and hold realty transactions etc.

One of the components of the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine activity is cooperation with professional organizations which unite and represent interests of the subjects of primary financial monitoring of the respective segment of the financial services market.

 

Ukrzaliznytsya: Orphans and disabled children will continue traveling by trains for free

Ukrzaliznytsya has prolonged for the first quarter of 2009 the launched in 2000 action in free conveyance of children aged up to 16 which belong to the categories of orphans and those left without parental care, children-invalids of all the categories, children of militarymen and law enforcement officers who died while performing their duties, children of the dead miners. First Deputy Head of Main Passenger Department of Ukrzaliznytsya Olexandr Ivanko announced at a briefing.

The action applies to carriages with numbered reserved seats of internal trains (among which carriages of 2-3 class of fast, electric and diesel trains of increased comfort) and local trains.

President Yushchenko: We are ready if you are.

President Victor Yushchenko wrote an article for International Herald Tribune, in which he set forth reasons for Ukraine's aspiration to gain NATO MAP and eventually join the North Atlantic Alliance.

The article is available at the website of the International Herald Tribune (here...) or at the website of the President of Ukraine (here...).

President watches “Lenin love, Stalin love” performance

President Victor Yushchenko attended a premiere of “Lenin love, Stalin love” performance that took place at National Opera House of Ukraine and was dedicated to the Holodomor 1932-1933.

The play, directed by Andriy Zholdak and based on “Yellow prince” novel by Vasyl Barka, was prepared with support of Ministry of Culture and Ukrainian National Memory Institute.

President takes part in People’s Union ‘Our Ukraine’ gathering

President Victor Yushchenko took part in the VI gathering of People’s Union ‘Our Ukraine’.

Speaking at the event President Yushchenko emphasized that all authorities’ actions should be aimed at overcoming economic crisis.  “The parliament should renew its work and get a Speaker”, - said Victor Yushchenko stressing also that Verkhovna Rada’s legislative work is very important for elaborating mechanisms of overcoming the crisis.

President Yushchenko also urged the deputies to consolidation within OU-PSD parliamentary group and to observation of group discipline. “It is crucial that we form national priorities and gather teammates around them who are constructive about our common goal. We have values of the same nature as those of the state. We are the force that sees basis for consolidation around protection of these values”, - said Victor Yushchenko.

Monday, December 1, 2008

We're ready if you are

This week, Brussels will host a meeting of NATO foreign ministers which will give a comprehensive assessment of Ukraine's progress in conducting reforms. Among other things, the meeting will discuss NATO's Membership Action Plan for Ukraine.

I shall be straightforward: We are interested in the MAP and we are expecting a positive signal from the alliance. We believe we are ready for deeper cooperation. Taking it to a qualitatively new level will undoubtedly be mutually beneficial.

Ukraine has more than once proved the effectiveness of its participation in the system of European and Euro-Atlantic security. At the NATO summit in Bucharest, the allies gave a high assessment of Ukraine's contribution to all peacekeeping operations and missions conducted under the aegis of NATO and the United Nations. We are ready and able to bear joint responsibility. This has been manifested in peacekeeping operations in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan and other "hot spots."

I should recall that Ukraine voluntarily gave up one of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world. At the present time, Ukraine guarantees the security of energy transit across its territory.

We have every reason to state that Ukraine's membership in NATO will strengthen the role and security capabilities of the alliance. That is why the conclusion made by the allies in Bucharest sounded unambiguous: Ukraine will be a NATO member.

Why does Ukraine aspire to join NATO? To us this is an issue of sovereign choice, a strategic course and civilization progress. Ukraine is striving to join NATO not for defense purposes only. After all, we do not regard a single country as one that could afford real threats against us.

However, Ukraine is part of a globalized world that is developing dynamically. Ukraine's desire to join NATO is an aspiration to become part of the most effective system of collective security and to share joint responsibility for common space.

We also clearly realize that Ukraine's success on the path towards NATO hinges on the implementation of key reforms in this country. We are not walking away from this course even though sometimes we have to overcome not only objective, but also subjective, artificial and at times aggressive obstacles.

I am convinced that NATO is interested in Ukraine no less than Ukraine is interested in NATO. We understand the discussions going on inside the organization: The main concern is Russia's negative reaction to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. In this respect I should note that the alliance has always emphasized an open-door policy.

The dissatisfaction of third countries cannot be a signal for the alliance to give up its declared principles. The position of the Russian Federation on NATO enlargement has been known for a long time and did not emerge yesterday.

We remember the first and second waves of NATO enlargement in 1999 and 2004. Back then we also heard angry rhetoric and calls "not to interfere in the sphere of Russian interests." But this did not stop the alliance from gaining new members.

We are not so much worried about Russia's attempts to control the alliance's cooperation with Ukraine as we are about the policy of double standards in our northern neighbor's security approaches. The rhetoric gets particularly tough when it comes to the right of sovereign Ukraine to independently determine its own security policy. We keep trying to persuade our Russian partners to change their categorical stance, taking present-day realities into account. It is no secret that at the moment Russia is gaining far more in practical terms from cooperation with NATO than Ukraine is. In addition, Russia declares interest in continued, deeper cooperation.

Therefore, there is no need for, or sense in, blocking natural processes, which have already reached a point of no return. Let's negotiate and develop beneficial, open and sincere dialogue on security issues.

 

NATO is currently looking for ways to adapt to new realities and conditions. The development of a new strategy blueprint for the alliance is aimed precisely at that. We welcome these efforts, and we are convinced that the new strategy should envisage all future realities, including Ukraine's membership of NATO and the development of collaboration with Russia.

We actively continue diplomatic consultations with all our partners in the alliance, and we see that some NATO member states still have doubts about the advisability of Ukraine gaining membership in the alliance or even being granted a MAP.

I would like to advise them not to form their opinion on Ukraine on the basis of stereotypes of the past, much less under the influence of external pressure.

It is very easy to dispel the doubts: It is enough to compare the Ukraine 15 years ago with the present-day Ukraine and to make a fair assessment of our progress and our bilateral cooperation with NATO.

We have in effect been functioning under a MAP for quite a long time. Ukraine completely fulfills annual target cooperation plans. Most of the basic criteria of reform and getting closer to NATO standards have been met, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready for full-fledged integration into the alliance's unified system. Practice shows that this is even more important than the formal presence or absence of a MAP.

I would not like the ongoing political developments in Ukraine to be used as a pretext. Democracy is always a complicated political process. A consensus emerges in society as a result of people being informed and making a conscious choice. These processes are continuing. A national consensus is, meanwhile, reflected in legislation. Ukrainian legislation, which has been approved jointly by the authorities and the opposition, sets the goal of attaining NATO membership.

The MAP is just one of the rungs of a ladder. It can either be included in the itinerary or be omitted. This is not a decision on membership in the alliance. A decision will not be made until both Ukraine and NATO are ready. It is the forward outlook, political will and strategic action that are topical today. New, enlarged Europe has got a chance to finally do away with the division lines and zones of influence that have lingered on since the times of the Cold War.

Do we see Europe as strong, secure and united? If so, there are no obstacles to Ukraine being granted NATO's MAP and membership.