On February 28 President Victor Yushchenko will go with a working visit to Lviv region, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed today at her briefing.
Within the framework of the visit President Yushchenko will meet President Lech Kaczynski of Poland. The two Presidents then will take part in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of Huta Pieniacka massacre.
Informing the media about the results of today’s meeting on coordination of state authorities’ work, President Victor Yushchenko said that the participants have reached agreement to realize three major steps.
The first step would be signature of a joint declaration today, on the state of economy in Ukraine, affirming readiness of all the parties to unite their efforts in fighting the crisis.
The second step would be elaboration of single position on cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF. The President informed also that a working group would elaborate a document, demonstrating joint political will of all the branches of power to provide implementation of concrete economic projects. As agreed by participants of the meeting this document is to be presented on March 2, at 15.00 to be presented for initialing.
Within the framework of the third step, representatives of the sides that took part in the meeting would form a working group to elaborate a joint anti-crisis package. President Yushchenko said that it first of all regards budgetary and general economic issues.
‘The first practical test will be the subject of relations with international financial organizations”, - said President Yushchenko at the meeting on coordination of state authorities work in times of economic crisis.
President Yushchenko emphasized that it is crucial to renew talks with the IMF within a week. “Resuming talks with the IMF is an expediency test of our today’s meeting. Time is against us. Our today’s task is to prepare a plan that would allow us to resume talks with the IMF”, - he said.
The president explained that successful cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF would provide a signal to other organizations, states and investors that “Ukrainian authorities do know the way out of the crisis”.
President Victor Yushchenko invited Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh and representative of Party of Regions’ parliamentary group Mykola Azarov to discuss with them coordination of state authorities’ work in the economic crisis.
Opening the meeting President Yushchenko pointed to hard economic situation in Ukraine and suggested elaboration of common action plan that would allow state authorities to improve the situation.
Victor Yushchenko emphasized that the issue should not be politicized, adding that “social disturbance and shows may result in loss of respect towards national interests and authorities themselves”. He also urged those who have began their presidential campaigns before July 1, 2009 to stop that and to return to more important thing, namely saving the country from crisis.
President Yushchenko suggested that such meetings were held regularly every Monday. According to his suggestion the decisions would be made based on consensus and “if one of the sides has different position on one of the discussed subject the decision would not pass”.
In the Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine a Strategic Partnership Agreement has been signed by the Ministry of Industrial Policy, the Ministry of Education and Public Council of Technopark Leaders. The document is aimed at joining efforts in the direction of introduction of innovation projects of technological parks on enterprises, subordinate to the Ministry of Industrial Policy.
The signatories have agreed on creating favourable conditions for introducing of innovation projects of technoparks and innovation structures of other kinds, protecting of their interests, facilitating to involvement of enterprises of the Ministry of Industrial Policy to implementation of technological park projects in order to secure innovation development of Ukrainian economics.
It should be noted, with an aim to ensure realization of provisions of the Strategic Partnership Agreement a Coordination centre is to be set up which will gather representatives of the Ministry of Industrial Policy, Education Ministry and Public Council of Technopark Leaders.
A Ukrainian delegation led by Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk is on a working visit to the
The Ukrainian team is comprised of director of Coordination Bureau for Gearing-up of
In the course of the visit Ivan Vasiunyk has attended an orthodox cemetery where he laid flowers to the tombs of warriors of UNR army and observed the place a monument to the victims of Holodomor of 1932-1933 is to be erected.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Grigol Vashadze.
At the meeting sides discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Georgia, particularly preparation to next Energy Summit of 2009, cooperation within the GUAM, etc.
Separately the President and the Minister touched upon regulation of conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with President Yushchenko assuring that Ukraine supports their peaceful resolution on the basis of respect to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with delegates of GUAM member states, who arrived today in Ukraine on the occasion of opening of the organization’s headquarters in Kyiv.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that the opening of GUAM headquarters provided conditions for effective functioning of the organization.
Speaking about priorities for GUAM development President Yushchenko named cooperation in energy, transport, trade and other fields.
President Victor Yushchenko invited National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, representatives of major Ukrainian banks, First Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Oleksandr Shlapak and Deputy Chief of Staff Andrii Goncharuk to discuss with them the situation in financial sector and possibilities of its improvement.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko pointed to complexity of external economic background of the processes happening in Ukrainian economy, budgetary field and banking sector.
He also urged the parties to consolidated action aimed at stabilization of financial situation in the state.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with the Ambassadors of G-7 countries to Ukraine and representatives of international financial organizations.
At the meeting sides have discussed internal economic situation in Ukraine, cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF and the World Bank, budgetary policy and measures aimed at optimizing it, etc.
“The nearest time we should dedicate to restoring dialogue with the IMF”, - said Victor Yushchenko at the meeting. He expressed assurance that conditions are suitable for Ukraine to renew the dialogue. “The Ukrainian side continuously keeps up to IMF recommendations regarding management of banking sector and monetary sector; the most vulnerable banks were inspected and the new owner for Prominvestbank was found”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
He also added that for now the IMF allows “enough flexibility”, including in budgetary deficit for Ukraine in 2009. “This gives us a chance to complete the talks successfully” – said President Yushchenko, emphasizing however that introduction of alterations to 2009 State Budget and approving of the remaining part of anti-crisis package is still on the agenda.
The President noted that overcoming crisis in Ukraine depends on whether Ukraine would be able to resume cooperating with the IMF. According to him implementation of the program, prepared for Ukraine by the IMF would also benefit cooperation between Ukraine and other financial institutions, such as the World Bank, as well as with countries of the EU and the US.
The Ambassador of the US to Ukraine William Taylor, who took part in the meeting, said that in the opinion of G-7 Countries’ Ambassadors President of Ukraine, the Prime Minister, the Verkhovna Rada and the National Bank should unite in implementation of effective policy to restore cooperation with the IMF and eventually go through the crisis and pull the country out of it.
President Victor Yushchenko accepted credentials today from the newly appointed Ambassador of Georgia to Ukraine Grigola Katamadze.
At the meeting the President and the Ambassador also have discussed development of Ukrainian-Georgian cooperation.
President Victor Yushchenko visited today a legendary secret service man, Hero of Ukraine Yevhen Bereznyak to congratulate him on his 95th birthday.
At the meeting, with whishes of sound health, President Yushchenko awarded Yevhen Bereznyak with an order ‘For Merit’.
President Victor Yushchenko brought in before the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on introduction of alterations to the 2009 State Budget regarding financing of investigation aiming to determine authenticity of recordings made by Mykola Melnychenko in the office of former President Leonid Kuchma.
In accordance with the draft law, 150 thousand hryvnyas needed for the purpose of investigation, would be saved from budgetary expenses on President’s foreign visits.
In the interview for the Associated Press, he gave today, President Victor Yushchenko said that it is “wrong to dig up politicians from the past to make them work on the election campaign”. “The politicians, who use Leonid Kravchuk as their mouthpiece, are making a big mistake”, - he added.
Making comments on Leonid Kravchuk's statement, President Yushchenko said that noone would want to live in Ukraine of Kravchuk’s presidency times.
“Politician, who cares about this country, rather than about presidential election, should be stiff, professional, avoid populism and do right. It is hard to conduct such a policy, but this is my credo. I stand for the idea that in 2009 we must conduct the policy of common sense, rather than PR-campaigns. First of all this applies to the Government, the Parliament and the President”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko with request to personally supervise investigation of the incident in Myrne village, Crimea, where actions of servicemen of ‘Berkut’ special unit caused injuries to innocent man.
“As the head of state I am deeply concerned about unprofessional actions of police officers causing injuries to an innocent man”, - said Victor Yushchenko in the latter.
On February 23 Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Andrii Goncharuk met with the Ambassador of the US to Ukraine William B. Taylor.
At the meeting sides have discussed Ukrainian-American cooperation, particularly development of bilateral political dialogue.
Beside that Andrii Goncharuk and William Taylor discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF within the framework of standby program.
President Victor Yushchenko receives congratulations on his birthday.
In particular, President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev in his greeting letter wished President Yushchenko sound health and peace and welfare to Ukrainian nation.
President Victor Yushchenko was born on February 23, 1954.
In his interview to Ukrainian weekly ‘Korrespondent’ President Victor Yushchenko said that alterations introduced in the Constitution n 2004 have damaged balance of powers between estates. According to him the way out of the situation could become national referendum. “ I am deeply assured that only national referendum on alteration of the Constitution could be the compromise suitable for all political powers”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Answering the question, whether he plans to take part in the next presidential campaign, President Yushchenko said that it is unacceptable ant too early to put presidential election on the agenda in the conditions.
A working visit to the
The visit of Ukrainian naval aviators to their American colleagues is aimed at getting acquainted with organization of search and rescue operations in the Naval Forces of the
During workshops and lectures the Ukrainian militarymen will get familiarized with peculiarities of use of respective rescue equipment according to the NATO standards and safety measures applied in such situations.
The visit of the Ukrainian naval aviation group to the
Today the twenty eighth sitting of Ukrainian part of Ukraine-EU Cooperation Committee was held, under the chairmanship of Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Hryhoriy Nemyria.
A peculiar attention was paid to the issues joined to the process of preparing to an International investment conference on modernization of gas transport system of Ukraine, slated for spring of the current year in Brussels, the results of consultations into a new practical instrument to replace Ukraine-EU Action Plan and issues tied with the process of joining of United Energy Systems of Ukraine to the European Union for the Coordination of Transmission of Electricity (UCTE).
The topic of associated membership of
On the outcomes of the meeting a protocol decision of the sitting of Ukrainian part of Ukraine-EU Cooperation Committee was approved.
Led by Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Ivan Vasiunyk a joint sitting of national coordinators, Coordination Bureau responsible for preparation and holding of the finals of the European Football Championship of 2012 in
The attendees have discussed implementation of the action plan of the third stage of preparation works to the Championship of 2012, which is underway since October of the last year till May of the current year.
According to the Vice Premier, the following two months will be especially arduous for the national coordinators, as in May the UEFA is to define the cities-hosts of the football feast. At this, Ivan Vasiunyk reminded
President Victor Yushchenko took part in the meeting of the Association of Ukrainian Cities and Communities.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that 2009 State Budget is “fictional”. According to him if the document is not revised, the responsibility will be put not only on central authorities but on local governments as well. Beside that the President reminded that cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF was hared by unreality of the budget and warned that absence of steps from the government aimed at improving the situation would result in Ukraine loosing support of outer financial world.
Making comments on internal economic situation in Ukraine, President Yushchenko expressed concerns about high inflation rates, which resulted in deterioration of social standards as well as about falling GDP growth rate. He also noted that due to falling prices at global markets Ukrainian metallurgy and chemical industry were forced to decrease production.
Addressing those present Victor Yushchenko emphasized that in the crisis consolidation of all state authorities around elaboration of a joint anti-crisis plan is very important. He suggested that local authorities representatives, present at the meeting, provided 10 to 15 most topical tasks to be realized in the nearest months. “Each side should demonstrate responsibility”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Speaking at his press conference after the visit to the 96th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade located in Kyiv region, President Victor Yushchenko said that Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko’s statements regarding Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Chernomyrdin do not contradict international law.
“It is not accepted by international law that in the country of residence ambassadors said things that may be inappropriately perceived by nation, government or people as the whole”, - said Victor Yushchenko. He also emphasized that in this case the Foreign Minister “stood up for dignity and status of our country”.
At the same time President Yushchenko expressed assurance that Viktor Chernomyrdin did not have intention to harm bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia. “We are two large European states and we must be careful about our relations”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding also that first of all the diplomats should refrain from emotional statements.
President Victor Yushchenko visited Air Forces Training Center and the 96th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade located in Kyiv region.
Speaking before those present President Yushchenko said that financing of Ukrainian military provided by 2009 State Budget is unacceptably low. He urged the Government to increase the financing when making alterations to the budget.
“With the amount of funds foreseen by 2009 budget to be spent on Ukrainian army it will not be able to carry out its functions”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding also that of particular concerns is absence of funds for development of Ukrainian military forces.
At the same time President Yushchenko expressed positive opinion on the reforms that have been conducted in the army in last few years.
President Victor Yushchenko met with Chairman of National Associations Council Illya Levitas. At the meeting they have discussed protection of national minorities’ rights in Ukraine, their cultural life, etc.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that accord between national minorities in Ukraine is a priority in state policy.
President Victor Yushchenko took part in swearing in new judges.
Greeting those present on assuming the offices President Yushchenko said: “From now on, on behalf of Ukrainian state you will be rendering justice and approving decisions, which will be determining human destinies”.
He wished them success in their work.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with the President of the EBRD Thomas Mirow.
At the meeting Victor Yushchenko thanked Thomas Mirov for cooperation between the EBRD and Ukraine, saying that it renders “great financial support to Ukraine”, which is greatly appreciated.
Speaking about potentially beneficial directions for development of cooperation President Yushchenko said that Ukraine is interested in the EBRD taking part in projects connected to energy security, energy saving and nuclear energy. Separately he mentioned turning Chernobyl NPP into safe object.
From his part Thomas Mirow said that the EBRD is ready to develop cooperation with Ukraine further and will do so. However, Mr. Mirov noted, in times of world financial crisis the banking system are in hard situation with financial resources. Additional risk is presented by unstable national currencies’ exchange rates.
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko requesting him to investigate whether executive officials observe the legislation limiting or delaying publication of official statistics.
According to President the legislation demands appropriate authorities to publish monthly calculations of per person subsistence wage and monthly GDP calculations. However this data was not presented in full this year or was delayed.
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Minister of Justice Mykola Onishchuk requesting him to provide public explanation of the procedure of communal tariffs approval and coordination.
Beside that President Yushchenko requested Minister Onishchuk to inform Kyiv citizens whether the new communal tariffs approved by Kyiv City Council on January 30, 2009 are valid.
Speaking at his press conference in Netishyn, Khmelnytskiy region, President Victor Yushchenko said that nuclear energy development is one of key vectors of guaranteeing energy security of Ukraine.
He expressed satisfaction about today’s meeting on nuclear energy development, held at Khmelnytskyi NPP, and said that the reports that he heard at the meeting “raised optimism that we will be able to realize national energy strategy”.
According to the President, nuclear energy should become a an effective source of power for national economy thus making cutting down expenses on imported energy sources possible.
Beside that President Yushchenko expressed opinion that it would be reasonable to dedicate one of NSDC meetings to development of national nuclear energy sector.
Making comments on Minister of Finance Viktor Pynzenyk’s resignation from the office at his press conference in Netishyn, Khmelnytskiy region, President Victor Yushchenko said that he considers it a deed of the man with principles.
“I is a pity that such people – professional, honest and devoted to state interests are unable to realize their potential being members of the Government”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding that he perfectly understands why did Viktor Pynzenyk make such decision.
“Loosing such voice is a great misunderstanding and unprofessional policy of the Government. I am assured that the whole range of negative processes in budgetary policy will follow”, - the President said.
Within the framework of his working visit to Khmelnytskiy region, at Khmelnytskiy NPP President Victor Yushchenko held an expanded meeting on nuclear energy development.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko said that nuclear energy is one of the most important constituents on Ukraine’s energy security. He reminded that currently Ukraine has 15 working power units at 4 nuclear power plants generating about 47 percent of the produced electricity.
Therefore, President Yushchenko said, the problems, which have accumulated in the branch during last few years, require effective measures. He pointed to need to construct new units, increasing overall productive capacity of Ukrainian nuclear power plants and developing power lines infrastructure to bring the electricity to consumers.
As separate problem in the sector President named dependency on Russian side, inherited from USSR, in purchases of nuclear fuel and removal of radioactive waste. He noted that our country has large uranium and zirconium deposits of its own which can provide proper resources for nuclear fuel cycle provided enough financing of national enterprises.
Beside that Victor Yushchenko touched upon the subject of radioactive waste management, saying that most of other countries turn to preserving the waste until its re-use is possible. According to the President Ukraine should also consider such long-term management of waste.
President Yushchenko also said that he opposes the wish of the Government to privatize ‘Energoatom’, expressing opinion that it would be a “big mistake”.
Within the framework of his working visit to Rivne region, in Osroh city President Victor Yushchenko visited maternity hospital at Ostroh Regional Hospital.
President Yushchenko was shown the hospital, talked to the staff, presenting the chief medical officer with certificate for medical equipment and congratulated clinic’s patient Natalya Somash on the birth of son.
The Committee to Fight HIV/AIDS and other socially dangerous diseases has elaborated and introduced an information website http://www.stop-aids.org.ua/, which is called to improve informing society in the mentioned issues.
From now on the citizens have an opportunity to get familiarized with legislation in the area of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, analytical materials, operative statistical data, to take part in public discussions of draft normative-legal acts.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen.
At the meeting sides discussed Ukraine’s energy policy.
President Yushchenko assured Vice-President Verheugen that Ukraine observes its obligations on transit of Russian gas to Europe and stressed that our country is capable of being reliable transit partner further on.
President Yushchenko also said that Ukraine expects the conference on modernization of Ukrainian gas transport system, scheduled on March 23, to be resulting. “This is a question of reliability of gas supplies to Europe”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Beside that the two officials discussed integration of Ukraine into European electricity market. Here Victor Yushchenko said that “joining energy systems is a sensitive question for us”.
In addition sides have discussed European integration of Ukraine, particularly preparation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, free trade agreement and the Eastern Partnership project.
Günter Verheugen expressed support of Ukraine’s European integration policy. “Ukraine is a country of priority for me; in all questions I am working on in the EU I see Ukraine as top priority partner. This is our closest neighbor that shares common values, history, culture and interests with us. I agree with the opinion that Ukraine must become both political and economic part of the European Union”, - he said.
President Victor Yushchenko took part in wreaths laying ceremony near the Memorial to Ukrainians who were killed in the war in Afghanistan.
Other participants of the event were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk, Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, other state officials.
President Victor Yushchenko sent a letter to President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya thanking his country for active support in liberation of MV Faina crewmembers.
“I am assured that the crisis we have overcame would only strengthen mutual understanding between Ukraine and Kenya”, - said Victor Yushchenko in the letter, assuring also his Kenyan colleague that Ukraine is ready to continue its cooperation with Kenya on all directions.
On February 15, at 10.00 President Yushchenko will take part in wreaths laying ceremony near the Monument to Ukrainians who were killed in Afghanistan.
After the ceremony President Yushchenko will take part in a memorial service in the Church of Ascension.
Speaking at his meeting with Ukrainian delegation, which met MV Faina in Mombasa, Kenya, President Victor Yushchenko thanked to Kenya and the USA for support in the operation on saving Ukrainian sailors.
Intelligence Service Head Mykola Malomuzh informed the President that the operation completed successfully and that all crewmembers are healthy.
President Yushchenko from his part informed that with appropriate decree MV Faina crewmembers and special service officials who took part in the operation would be presented state awards for their courage.
Beside that President Yushchenko said that Ukraine is currently conducting talks on joining European operation on fighting terrorism in the part of the world, where MV Faina had been captured.
At Boryspil Airport, together with families and relatives of MV Faina crewmembers President Victor Yushchenko welcomed the sailors in Ukraine.
The sailors were brought home by a special flight Mombasa – Kyiv.
At Boryspil Airport President Victor Yushchenko met with families and relatives of MV Faina crewmembers.
President Yushchenko told them about the talks aimed at freeing the sailors. He explained that the pirates were making such high demands because of the cargo. “This will be the biggest ransom in history” said Victor Yushchenko adding also that the most important thing was that the operation was conducted successfully and without casualties.
Beside that President Yushchenko said that the in this incident Ukraine came across international crime and informed that “Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has officially addressed diplomatic circles, which should find out why did representatives of their states take part in this dirty business”.
President Victor Yushchenko came to Kyiv Institute of International relations to take part in the graduation of master’s degree holders. At the ceremony President Yushchenko delivered a speech and personally presented diplomas to the students.
“I am glad to congratulate each of you and wish you good luck. You truly represent the most modern part of our youth”, - said Victor Yushchenko addressing the students.
He also pointed to importance of diplomatic work in protection of Ukraine’s national interests, saying that it is “one of the vanguards in forming of state position”.
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview today to Ukrainian weekly paper ‘Korrespondent’.
“I regret that three days ago the IMF Mission left Ukraine. The resulting communication that was supposed to happen between Ukrainian Government and the Mission failed. The cause is only one – the world refuses to recognize economic parameters painted in rosy colors”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
The President also expressed concerns about the fact that the Mission that has been working in Ukraine for three weeks was forced to leave our country just because “it could not find common language with the Government on macroeconomics, budget or anti-crisis steps”.
He expressed assurance that the Government should revise its economic strategy, state budget and its deficit and to make the document more realistic.
Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko on Wednesday answered questions from a Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa reporter in an exclusive interview. Following are Q&A excerpts:
Q: Will there be a default in Ukraine?
A: The real question is, how strong will our budgetary policy be? How realistic will it be? How ambitious will it be? And critically, will the budget be balanced? How much will we be able to make a strong, measured policy? That will determine whether or not we can service our obligations.
You have to ask, what are we trying to do? What are our intentions? And here I have to say there are the political factors. I am absolutely convinced that Prime Minister (Yulia Tymoshenko) has made the Presidential elections the top priority. This year, 2009, is a year in which we need to produce a strong, anti-crisis packet (of laws). The government must speak honestly with the people.
If we look at Europe, there are anti-crisis programmes being implemented everywhere...but only three countries, China, India and Ukraine, are still planning growth...I won't try and make any observations about China India, but that sort of economic planning for Ukraine...is inadequate and irresponsible, utopian and unprofessional.
If we take the right, responsible steps, I assure you, there will be no problems, we can deal with this crisis, we can get a positive result. But if the government is going to busy itself further with populism, with playing politics, there also is going to be an economic result, but it will be different.
Q: Will you run for re-election?
A: Now is not the time for this question. I came to Ukrainian politics on certain basic principles. I am not going to compromise them. I am proud of what we have done in four years. We have a democracy now. This gives us colossal potential for growth. We now have free and open elections, parliamentary, local, and we have made them democratic. This is an outstanding base for further development. This will give our voters the ability to select the best way forward for themselves.
I came to this job, with the intention to bring political and economic freedom. In the four years I've been here, we've built the groundwork for a country with European values. And now we can't go backward. We have come closer intellectually and practically to a nation of European people. I am proud, that in four years, we can say we have a nation.
Just think, we now are in talks so that we can become associate members of the European Union. Just think: four years ago, was it even possible to imagine such a thing? And the same for integration with Europe of our transport, trade, energy, and communications. All these things are happening now - we couldn't even think of such things four years ago.
The value of these achievements, we can't really determine today. But you know, I am convinced, that I demonstrated my values. And I could not have acted in any other way. I behaved in such a way, so that I am not ashamed before my children. I am not going to be a marionette for the goals of another nation. And later, when I have time, I will make a properly weighted decision.
Q: How do you see Ukraine's hopes for NATO? Isn't it true that so many Ukrainians oppose NATO, that it makes little sense for your or any other government to try and lead into Ukraine?
A: I want to absolutely clear. If you had asked the Bulgarians in 2000, in 1998 if you had asked in Slovakia, if people want to be in NATO, if you asked in any place that was once part of the Warsaw Pact, about NATO when they were independent, the answer was not clear. Four years ago 17 per cent of Ukrainians were for NATO...now the number is about 33 per cent. The number is not getting smaller.
This is not a question for one Presidential administration. Membership in NATO is a long-term project, a question of time. In our country, for 70 years, people never had the truth. You have to give them time to learn.
But one thing is for sure, the only solution for our country, for any country, is collective security. A country does not exist, unless it is secure. And in Europe is no alternative. We are part of Europe, and the only policy for us can be participation in that security system. And I am absolutely optimistic on that.
But the Ukrainian people and no one else will decide.
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to German agency Deutsche Press-Agentur today. Main subjects for the interview became state of Ukrainian economy in the crisis, European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, security policy of our state, etc.
President Yushchenko pointed to great progress in Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine and expressed assurance that “we would finally come to ideology of collective security”. “The collective security model of Europe protects the concept of state sovereignty. There is one principle that NATO has – threat to sovereignty of one is the threat to sovereignty of all”.
The President added that the decision on Ukraine’s membership would be taken based on the opinion of Ukrainian citizens. “This is not just a formal decision. It has to be in the hearts of 47 million people.” – he said.
Answering the question whether he plans to take part in the next presidential election in Ukraine, President Yushchenko said that it is to early to speak about that. “Every politician who wishes good to his country has no right to put presidency on his agenda as number one priority”.
As main achievements of last four years President Yushchenko named progress in establishment of political freedoms and advance on the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with National Taras Shevchenko Prize Committee Head Mykola Zhulynsky.
Mykola Zhulynsky told President Yushchenko about the nominees for the prize in 2009 and showed him the new examples of diploma and medal, the winners will be awarded with.
Separately the two officials discussed providing the committee with a separate building that would allow it to conduct regular meetings, have an archive and a library.
President Victor Yushchenko has approved alteration to the laws of Ukraine on burial of military operations’ participants and on social protection of their families, which had passed the vote of the Verkhovna Rada on January 15.
At the same time in his letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko President Yushchenko drew attention to the fact that the new alterations foresee free burial services for all the participants of military operations therefore requiring increase of financing to local authorities.
The President requested the Prime Minister to solve this problem and provide the required additional funds to local authorities when the new alterations enter into force.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Director of the IMF's European Department Marek Belka.
At the meeting sides have discussed further cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF, particularly fund’s recommendations on development of Ukrainian economy in 2009.
Making comments on current situation in Ukrainian economy President Yushchenko said affirmed that our country has problems in budgetary policy and payment liabilities. “The political will is needed to approve strong decisions regarding macroeconomic parameters”, - he said.
From his part Marek Belka said that his visit to Ukraine in addition to already working IMF Mission in the country should be regarded as “sign of serious problems in development of Ukrainian economy and implementation of our common program”. The most important issue here he named balancing budgetary expenses and incomes.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day President Victor Yushchenko visited Kyiv National Cancer Institute.
At the meeting with institute staff President Yushchenko expressed “gratitude from Ukrainian State and every citizen” to professionals of the center for “their sacred mission”.
He also said “the fight against cancer is international and goes on beyond any state borders”. That is why, he reminded, Ukraine signed The Charter of Paris Against Cancer in 2007 that obliged our country to prepare national strategy of fighting the illness.
Addressing the medics President Yushchenko called upon them to actively share their experience with their colleagues in the regions. “We should do everything for our National Cancer Institute to become the first facility in Ukraine, which leads the whole national strategy in the field”, - he said.
After his address the president presented national awards to the staff and visited children’s oncology ward, and construction of the new surgery ward.
On February 10 in the Ministry of Regional Development and
Anatolii Berkuta informed participants about methodical approaches to defining components of mediation cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region. The regions have to forward to the Ministry of Regional Development and Building their building projects in this or that region, elaborated with account of peculiarities of their territories and other factors which influence the housing cost. After such propositions have been gathered (within a month), as was noted during the meeting, a special commission of MinRegionBud is to study them and shall draw normatively supported showings of determination of mediation housing cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region in particular. On April 1 of 2009, as Anatolii Berkuta said, the Ministry of Regional Development and Building will approve new showings of determination of mediation housing cost.
On February 10 in the Ministry of Regional Development and
Anatolii Berkuta informed participants about methodical approaches to defining components of mediation cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region. The regions have to forward to the Ministry of Regional Development and Building their building projects in this or that region, elaborated with account of peculiarities of their territories and other factors which influence the housing cost. After such propositions have been gathered (within a month), as was noted during the meeting, a special commission of MinRegionBud is to study them and shall draw normatively supported showings of determination of mediation housing cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region in particular. On April 1 of 2009, as Anatolii Berkuta said, the Ministry of Regional Development and Building will approve new showings of determination of mediation housing cost.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone talks with Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and all Russia.
At the beginning of conversation President Yushchenko congratulated Patriarch Kirill on his enthronement.
After that sides discussed separation in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, current problems before the Orthodox churches in Ukraine and future visit of the Patriarch to Ukraine.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with the President of the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) Thorbjørn Jagland.
During the meeting sides have discussed development of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in politics, trade, economy and investment as well as Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.
“We greatly appreciate our bilateral relations”, - said Victor Yushchenko opening the meeting. In particular he pointed to positive dynamics of political dialogue and trade-economic ties.
As potentially beneficial directions for further development of Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation President Yushchenko named energy, oil and gas extraction, shipbuilding, high-tech, etc. He also expressed appreciation that in investment Norway is at 31st place out of 124 investor countries into Ukrainian economy and stressed hope that the number will improve even more.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Norwegian side for support of resolution on the Holodomor 1932-33 initiated by Ukraine before parliamentary assemblies and international organizations.
Reaffirming Ukraine’s course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration President Yushchenko expressed gratitude to Norway for the “open and clear” support of our country in that field.
Guarded by the US Navy vessels, the MV Faina continues its movement to Mombasa seaport, Kenya, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her press briefing.
According to her update the ship has made most of the trip but due to worsening sailing conditions it is expected to arrive at Mombasa no sooner than February 12 morning.
“The sailors have the long awaited opportunity to talk to their relatives daily and that had positively effected their emotional condition”, - Iryna Vannykova said.
She also informed that the destination port has been already prepared by Ukrainian and Kenyan specialists to accept the ship.
At his press conference in Ivano-Frankivsk President Victor Yushchenko criticized Kyiv government for unsubstantiated rising of prices for housing services.
“I expect Kyiv city administration to conduct a better thought out policy. In other case, apparently, I would have to turn to Prosecutor General’s Office and other authorities so they checked observation of the law in this field”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Yushchenko reminded that it is not the first time he with his decree obliges Kyiv Mayor to bring down housing tariffs in accordance with the norms. “If this does not happen I will have to turn to stronger measures”, - he warned.
At his today’s press conference in Ivano-Frankivsk President Yushchenko stressed that governmental consultations between Ukraine and Russia on a loan of 5 billion dollars to cover the new gas price are continuation of Government’s futile policy and should not be conducted in an underhand way.
He also expressed opinion that the talks prove that the Government is unable to manage huge budgetary deficit. According to the President this deficit estimates at 31 billion hryvnyas with additional 45 billion planned for recapitalization of banking system.
Victor Yushchenko urged the Government to abandon such a budgetary policy, warning that such large deficit would result in inflation.
Returning to the subject on tlaks with Russia on the loan President Yushchenko said that he would not approve directives for such a talks but added that it is early to make any substaintial comments before this question is raised officially.
President Victor Yushchenko addressed the Constitutional Court of Ukraine with a declaration requesting the court to investigate constitutionality of alterations to a number of laws aimed at minimization of world financial crisis impact on employment.
According to the President the law of Ukraine on state unemployment insurance before the disputed alterations differentiated time of beginning of payments for people who left their jobs by their own whish without any particular reason and for those who left jobs by mutual consent with their employer. Payments for the first group began after 91 days and for the second – after 8 days of being unemployed.
The alterations that were introduced eliminated the difference therefore “limiting citizens’ rights for unemployment support”.
As of January 2009 enterprises of radio electronic industry, communication means and instrument-making have produced commodities to the sum of about UAH 50 mn, which approximately complies with amounts of production for the respective period of 2008.
General amount of sold produce has totaled UAH 35 mn, which is 70% from production of commodity output.
Absence of positive dynamics of the development of the branch is induced by currency fluctuations (critical import of utilities and materials) and crisis of payments of consumers and banking institutions. This tells upon general sum of assignments to the budget (by 29% less against January of 2008).
January of the current year demonstrates best showings of production of commodity output as compared to the respective period of 2008 in the following enterprises:
In Yamnytsia village, Ivano-Frankivsk region President Yushchenko visited ‘Ivano-Frankivskcement’ cement works.
President Yushchenko was shown the facility and informed about energy saving technologies used there.
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to Ukrainian TV channel ICTV, during which he answered questions about winter Ukrainian-Russian gas dispute and freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers from pirates.
Speaking about gas deals with Russia the President emphasized that Ukraine will continue abiding by the obligations as it has always been. “I would like to say firmly: Ukraine was never stealing Russian gas Ukraine has carried out its function as transit party, whish had been provided in relevant contract between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom”, - he said.
He emphasized that it is Russian side’s exclusive responsibility to keep up to obligations before European customers regarding volumes and schedules of gas supplies. Also, according to the President Russia has not announced any official and formal complaint about the contract therefore “all the rest is just politics evidently aiming to discredit Ukraine, inflame another international scandal and arrange another international show”.
Answering questions about freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers from pirates President Yushchenko said that it was a very hard operation. He again thanked all the Ukrainian institutions that took part in the operation.
President Victor Yushchenko continues to watch closely the developments connected with freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed.
According to the update the towboat has already arrived to tow Faina to its final destination. During the trip US Navy will guard the ship, with a group of US soldiers already onboard to provide security of the ship and its crewmembers.
Beside that inspection of the cargo conducted by US soldiers and crewmembers showed that it is undamaged and medical examination of the crew proves that the sailors are healthy.
President Victor Yushchenko made decision to hold National Security and Defense Council meeting on Tuesday, February 10, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed the media today.
According to her it is impossible to hold the meeting today, as it had been scheduled earlier, because of technical reasons. “In accordance with President’s directives the Prime Minister went with a visit to Germany, to take part in the Munich Conference on Security Policy…” – she said.
Beside that, according to Iryna Vannykova, leadership of Naftogaz of Ukraine cannot come to the meeting today as well.
President Victor Yushchenko met representatives of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council to accept their report on council’s work in 2008.
Participants of the meeting discussed council’s activity in 2008, observation of language legislation, introduction of digital TV and radio broadcasting, information security of Ukraine, etc.
Summarizing the meeting President Yushchenko said that National Council’s work has been effective and contributing to bringing Ukrainian information space in accordance with the legislation.
At the same time he said that the work is far from over and instructed the council to elaborate effective action plan to continue the progress.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone talks with the President of Romania Traian Basescu.
Both leaders affirmed that Ukraine and Romania accept the decision of the International Court of Justice on maritime delimitation of Ukrainian-Romanian boarder in the Black Sea, approved on February 3 and consider it just and final.
President Yushchenko stressed that the decision closes a very complicated question in bilateral relations between the two countries and provides new opportunities for prolific cooperation between Ukraine and Romania.
After that the two Presidents discussed the coming visit of President Basescu to Ukraine scheduled on February 25-26, and holding the second meeting of Ukrainian-Romanian Presidential Commission during the visit.
When speaking about European cooperation between the countries President Yushchenko thanked President Basescu for continuous support of Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
President Victor Yushchenko hopes that today’s Verkhovna Rada plenary meeting dedicated to functioning of the Government will be professional and objective, President's Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed today.
President Yushchenko stressed that there are nomerous serious questions about many steps in economic, budgetary, fiscal policy the Government must answer. At the same time discussion of these issues according to the President should not turn into a trivial quarrel or search for increase of one’s political ratings on the background of the crisis.
“Our main objective is to change the direction of situation development, leave populism behind and begin realization of all the necessary reforms, no matter how unpopular they could be”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko praised completion of the operation on rescue of Faina cargo ship from pirates.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Ukrainian intelligence bodies that conducted this extremely complicated operation.
President Victor Yushchenko congratulated Ukrainian sailors, who were hostages on Faina cargo ship on their release, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her briefing.
According to Iryna Vannykova all the crew members of Faina are healthy and safe. For now the ship is preparing to sail to Mombasa port, Kenya guarded by the US Navy.
During the last year the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine submitted 630 inquiries to financial intelligence units of foreign countries concerning the matters that can be concerned with money-laundering or terrorist financing.
In particular, these inquiries were submitted to 64 financial intelligence units. 615 inquiry answers were received. Meanwhile, the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine received 132 inquiries from 36 financial intelligence units and provided answers to all of them.
1599 subjects were checked up in international data banks.
Head of the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine Ihor Cherkaskyi informed that today the Committee cooperates with more than 100 FIUs and the most active exchange of information was with financial intelligence units of Cyprus, Poland, Great Britain, Latvia, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and the USA.
At present the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine signed 41 Memorandums of understanding with foreign FIUs, including 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the EU member-states and 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the NATO member-states.
At the same time, in the framework of working meetings with representatives of the foreign FIUs, held during the Egmont Group sessions of working groups, agreements on stirring up negotiating processes on the conclusion of Memorandums of understanding with FIUs of Bahama Islands, Luxemburg, India and Hungary have been achieved. In particular, representatives of the FIUs of Luxemburg and India informed that relevant draft agreements with the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine are in the closing stages of interstate agreement, the results of which the FIU of Ukraine to be informed in the near future.
President Victor Yushchenko has approved alteration to the laws of Ukraine on burial of military operations’ participants and on social protection of their families, which had passed the vote of the Verkhovna Rada on January 15.
At the same time in his letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko President Yushchenko drew attention to the fact that the new alterations foresee free burial services for all the participants of military operations therefore requiring increase of financing to local authorities.
The President requested the Prime Minister to solve this problem and provide the required additional funds to local authorities when the new alterations enter into force.
Today the curtain will rise for the 59-th Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale. From over 6 thousand of films, forwarded to the festival, organizers have chosen 300 best ones, among which are 5 Ukrainian creations, filmed at the state support.
They are, namely, a new Kira Muratova film A Melody for Hand Organ, the Roman Balayan Birds of Paradise, a debut of Marina Kondratyeva Once I Will Awake, a documentary The Alive by Serhii Bukovsky and animated full-length film Adventures of the Brave Soldier Svejk.
During Berlinale-59 a presentation of the program of Ukrainian documentaries and a new bilingual catalog Ukrainian films 2008-09 will take place.
The festival will run through February 15.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Director of the IMF's European Department Marek Belka.
At the meeting sides have discussed further cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF, particularly fund’s recommendations on development of Ukrainian economy in 2009.
Making comments on current situation in Ukrainian economy President Yushchenko said affirmed that our country has problems in budgetary policy and payment liabilities. “The political will is needed to approve strong decisions regarding macroeconomic parameters”, - he said.
From his part Marek Belka said that his visit to Ukraine in addition to already working IMF Mission in the country should be regarded as “sign of serious problems in development of Ukrainian economy and implementation of our common program”. The most important issue here he named balancing budgetary expenses and incomes.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day President Victor Yushchenko visited Kyiv National Cancer Institute.
At the meeting with institute staff President Yushchenko expressed “gratitude from Ukrainian State and every citizen” to professionals of the center for “their sacred mission”.
He also said “the fight against cancer is international and goes on beyond any state borders”. That is why, he reminded, Ukraine signed The Charter of Paris Against Cancer in 2007 that obliged our country to prepare national strategy of fighting the illness.
Addressing the medics President Yushchenko called upon them to actively share their experience with their colleagues in the regions. “We should do everything for our National Cancer Institute to become the first facility in Ukraine, which leads the whole national strategy in the field”, - he said.
After his address the president presented national awards to the staff and visited children’s oncology ward, and construction of the new surgery ward.
President Yushchenko held a consultative meeting on protection of property rights with NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko, acting Security Service Head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, First Deputy Chief of President’s Staff Oleksandr Shlapak, Supreme Council of Justice Head Lidia Izotova, representatives of the Cabinet, State Property Fund, experts, etc.
In his opening word President Yushchenko said that in the times of uneasy economic situation the number of cases of illegal repartition of property has increased, particularly with enterprises. “Raider attacks have reached such scale that it really threatens economic security in the whole sectors. The society looses feeling of private property inviolability. Out of all mergers and take-overs 70% are illegal”. said Victor Yushchenko.
According to the President due to that enterprises’ functioning is destabilized, workers loose their jobs and investment climate is worsening.
As main causes for the situation President Yushchenko named wakness of legal system, delays in adoption of relevant legislative acts, absence of procedures for the state to interfere effectively into the process, corruption in state authorities.
Victor Yushchenko emphasized that it is important to elaborate and approve a new State program of privatization and also suggested that those present prepared their suggestions in two weeks term to draft Presidential Decree on the abovementioned issues. “This will be a document of direct action”, - he said.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administration Head Viktor Bondar, who reported to the President on current situation in his region.
The report included information on economic, budgetary, fiscal situation, as well as preparation of the region to holding EURO 2012.
President Yushchenko pointed to importance of timely preparation of Dnipropetrovsk city airport to EURO 2012 events and promised that he would address the Prime Minister on the subject.
The President also said that he expects the Administration to elaborate a set of draft laws on state support of space exploration related industry, particularly related to providing such enterprises with privileges in taxation, etc. Beside that Victor Yushchenko said that local authorities should ask the Government for providing 150 million Hryvnyas out of Stabilization Fund to South Machine Building Works named afterA.M.Makarov to help the works functioning properly in times of crisis.
In addition the President and the Governor discussed disposal of solid rocket fuel leftover from intercontinental ballistic missiles, that is kept at Pavlohrad Chemical Works.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone talks with Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and all Russia.
At the beginning of conversation President Yushchenko congratulated Patriarch Kirill on his enthronement.
After that sides discussed separation in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, current problems before the Orthodox churches in Ukraine and future visit of the Patriarch to Ukraine.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with the President of the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) Thorbjørn Jagland.
During the meeting sides have discussed development of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in politics, trade, economy and investment as well as Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.
“We greatly appreciate our bilateral relations”, - said Victor Yushchenko opening the meeting. In particular he pointed to positive dynamics of political dialogue and trade-economic ties.
As potentially beneficial directions for further development of Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation President Yushchenko named energy, oil and gas extraction, shipbuilding, high-tech, etc. He also expressed appreciation that in investment Norway is at 31st place out of 124 investor countries into Ukrainian economy and stressed hope that the number will improve even more.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Norwegian side for support of resolution on the Holodomor 1932-33 initiated by Ukraine before parliamentary assemblies and international organizations.
Reaffirming Ukraine’s course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration President Yushchenko expressed gratitude to Norway for the “open and clear” support of our country in that field.
Guarded by the US Navy vessels, the MV Faina continues its movement to Mombasa seaport, Kenya, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her press briefing.
According to her update the ship has made most of the trip but due to worsening sailing conditions it is expected to arrive at Mombasa no sooner than February 12 morning.
“The sailors have the long awaited opportunity to talk to their relatives daily and that had positively effected their emotional condition”, - Iryna Vannykova said.
She also informed that the destination port has been already prepared by Ukrainian and Kenyan specialists to accept the ship.
As of January 2009 enterprises of radio electronic industry, communication means and instrument-making have produced commodities to the sum of about UAH 50 mn, which approximately complies with amounts of production for the respective period of 2008.
General amount of sold produce has totaled UAH 35 mn, which is 70% from production of commodity output.
Absence of positive dynamics of the development of the branch is induced by currency fluctuations (critical import of utilities and materials) and crisis of payments of consumers and banking institutions. This tells upon general sum of assignments to the budget (by 29% less against January of 2008).
January of the current year demonstrates best showings of production of commodity output as compared to the respective period of 2008 in the following enterprises:
At his press conference in Ivano-Frankivsk President Victor Yushchenko criticized Kyiv government for unsubstantiated rising of prices for housing services.
“I expect Kyiv city administration to conduct a better thought out policy. In other case, apparently, I would have to turn to Prosecutor General’s Office and other authorities so they checked observation of the law in this field”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Yushchenko reminded that it is not the first time he with his decree obliges Kyiv Mayor to bring down housing tariffs in accordance with the norms. “If this does not happen I will have to turn to stronger measures”, - he warned.
On February 10 in the Ministry of Regional Development and
Anatolii Berkuta informed participants about methodical approaches to defining components of mediation cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region. The regions have to forward to the Ministry of Regional Development and Building their building projects in this or that region, elaborated with account of peculiarities of their territories and other factors which influence the housing cost. After such propositions have been gathered (within a month), as was noted during the meeting, a special commission of MinRegionBud is to study them and shall draw normatively supported showings of determination of mediation housing cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region in particular. On April 1 of 2009, as Anatolii Berkuta said, the Ministry of Regional Development and Building will approve new showings of determination of mediation housing cost.
During the last year the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine submitted 630 inquiries to financial intelligence units of foreign countries concerning the matters that can be concerned with money-laundering or terrorist financing.
In particular, these inquiries were submitted to 64 financial intelligence units. 615 inquiry answers were received. Meanwhile, the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine received 132 inquiries from 36 financial intelligence units and provided answers to all of them.
1599 subjects were checked up in international data banks.
Head of the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine Ihor Cherkaskyi informed that today the Committee cooperates with more than 100 FIUs and the most active exchange of information was with financial intelligence units of Cyprus, Poland, Great Britain, Latvia, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and the USA.
At present the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine signed 41 Memorandums of understanding with foreign FIUs, including 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the EU member-states and 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the NATO member-states.
At the same time, in the framework of working meetings with representatives of the foreign FIUs, held during the Egmont Group sessions of working groups, agreements on stirring up negotiating processes on the conclusion of Memorandums of understanding with FIUs of Bahama Islands, Luxemburg, India and Hungary have been achieved. In particular, representatives of the FIUs of Luxemburg and India informed that relevant draft agreements with the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine are in the closing stages of interstate agreement, the results of which the FIU of Ukraine to be informed in the near future.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone talks with Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and all Russia.
At the beginning of conversation President Yushchenko congratulated Patriarch Kirill on his enthronement.
After that sides discussed separation in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, current problems before the Orthodox churches in Ukraine and future visit of the Patriarch to Ukraine.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with the President of the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) Thorbjørn Jagland.
During the meeting sides have discussed development of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in politics, trade, economy and investment as well as Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine.
“We greatly appreciate our bilateral relations”, - said Victor Yushchenko opening the meeting. In particular he pointed to positive dynamics of political dialogue and trade-economic ties.
As potentially beneficial directions for further development of Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation President Yushchenko named energy, oil and gas extraction, shipbuilding, high-tech, etc. He also expressed appreciation that in investment Norway is at 31st place out of 124 investor countries into Ukrainian economy and stressed hope that the number will improve even more.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Norwegian side for support of resolution on the Holodomor 1932-33 initiated by Ukraine before parliamentary assemblies and international organizations.
Reaffirming Ukraine’s course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration President Yushchenko expressed gratitude to Norway for the “open and clear” support of our country in that field.
Guarded by the US Navy vessels, the MV Faina continues its movement to Mombasa seaport, Kenya, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her press briefing.
According to her update the ship has made most of the trip but due to worsening sailing conditions it is expected to arrive at Mombasa no sooner than February 12 morning.
“The sailors have the long awaited opportunity to talk to their relatives daily and that had positively effected their emotional condition”, - Iryna Vannykova said.
She also informed that the destination port has been already prepared by Ukrainian and Kenyan specialists to accept the ship.
At his press conference in Ivano-Frankivsk President Victor Yushchenko criticized Kyiv government for unsubstantiated rising of prices for housing services.
“I expect Kyiv city administration to conduct a better thought out policy. In other case, apparently, I would have to turn to Prosecutor General’s Office and other authorities so they checked observation of the law in this field”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Yushchenko reminded that it is not the first time he with his decree obliges Kyiv Mayor to bring down housing tariffs in accordance with the norms. “If this does not happen I will have to turn to stronger measures”, - he warned.
On February 10 in the Ministry of Regional Development and
Anatolii Berkuta informed participants about methodical approaches to defining components of mediation cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region. The regions have to forward to the Ministry of Regional Development and Building their building projects in this or that region, elaborated with account of peculiarities of their territories and other factors which influence the housing cost. After such propositions have been gathered (within a month), as was noted during the meeting, a special commission of MinRegionBud is to study them and shall draw normatively supported showings of determination of mediation housing cost of one square metre of accommodation in every region in particular. On April 1 of 2009, as Anatolii Berkuta said, the Ministry of Regional Development and Building will approve new showings of determination of mediation housing cost.
At his today’s press conference in Ivano-Frankivsk President Yushchenko stressed that governmental consultations between Ukraine and Russia on a loan of 5 billion dollars to cover the new gas price are continuation of Government’s futile policy and should not be conducted in an underhand way.
He also expressed opinion that the talks prove that the Government is unable to manage huge budgetary deficit. According to the President this deficit estimates at 31 billion hryvnyas with additional 45 billion planned for recapitalization of banking system.
Victor Yushchenko urged the Government to abandon such a budgetary policy, warning that such large deficit would result in inflation.
Returning to the subject on tlaks with Russia on the loan President Yushchenko said that he would not approve directives for such a talks but added that it is early to make any substaintial comments before this question is raised officially.
President Victor Yushchenko addressed the Constitutional Court of Ukraine with a declaration requesting the court to investigate constitutionality of alterations to a number of laws aimed at minimization of world financial crisis impact on employment.
According to the President the law of Ukraine on state unemployment insurance before the disputed alterations differentiated time of beginning of payments for people who left their jobs by their own whish without any particular reason and for those who left jobs by mutual consent with their employer. Payments for the first group began after 91 days and for the second – after 8 days of being unemployed.
The alterations that were introduced eliminated the difference therefore “limiting citizens’ rights for unemployment support”.
Within the framework of his working visit to Ivano-Frankivsk President Yushchenko held a consultative meeting on energy saving state policy.
Opening the meeting President Yushchenko stressed that elaborating effective energy saving strategy is on of national priorities and important factor to energy security of the state. Therefore, according to him, at today’s meeting he would like to hear constructive suggestions on formation of state policy in that field.
President Yushchenko also reminded that the subject of energy saving gained special topicality after Ukraine and Russia have reached new gas agreements. He said that the price of 450 US dollars per one thousand cubic meters of gas is very high and therefore state authorities should work out new energy resources consumption for both business and private sector.
President Yushchenko reminded that Ukraine consumes about 209 million tons of fuels with 79 million tons or one third of total amount being renewable sources of energy according to calculations made by specialists from the Institute of Renewable Energy. “In fact, by 2010 alternative sources of energy could reach 25 to 30 percent of those used, if relevant national program on energy saving and renewable energy implementation is realized”, - he said adding although that for now utilization of renewable energy resources unfortunately is around 1 percent out of the whole.
President Yushchenko announced that in 30 days he would gather a national consultative meeting dedicated to energy saving and urged those present to begin elaboration of programs and action plans in the field to provide answers to the most topical issues in the policy.
He also addressed the present representatives from the Government with the request to provide support to regions of Ukraine, which are to prepare their pilot projects on energy saving and utilization of renewable sources of energy.
In Yamnytsia village, Ivano-Frankivsk region President Yushchenko visited ‘Ivano-Frankivskcement’ cement works.
President Yushchenko was shown the facility and informed about energy saving technologies used there.
In Ivano-Frankivsk President Victor Yushchenko visited a heating plant that utilizes wood as alternative fuel. The plant has the capacity to provide heating to the entire district of Ivano-Frankivsk and therefore is unique for Ukraine.
At the place President Yushchenko saw the area where the wood is dried and stored and the boiler-room itself.
As of January 2009 enterprises of radio electronic industry, communication means and instrument-making have produced commodities to the sum of about UAH 50 mn, which approximately complies with amounts of production for the respective period of 2008.
General amount of sold produce has totaled UAH 35 mn, which is 70% from production of commodity output.
Absence of positive dynamics of the development of the branch is induced by currency fluctuations (critical import of utilities and materials) and crisis of payments of consumers and banking institutions. This tells upon general sum of assignments to the budget (by 29% less against January of 2008).
January of the current year demonstrates best showings of production of commodity output as compared to the respective period of 2008 in the following enterprises:
President Victor Yushchenko gave an interview to Ukrainian TV channel ICTV, during which he answered questions about winter Ukrainian-Russian gas dispute and freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers from pirates.
Speaking about gas deals with Russia the President emphasized that Ukraine will continue abiding by the obligations as it has always been. “I would like to say firmly: Ukraine was never stealing Russian gas Ukraine has carried out its function as transit party, whish had been provided in relevant contract between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gazprom”, - he said.
He emphasized that it is Russian side’s exclusive responsibility to keep up to obligations before European customers regarding volumes and schedules of gas supplies. Also, according to the President Russia has not announced any official and formal complaint about the contract therefore “all the rest is just politics evidently aiming to discredit Ukraine, inflame another international scandal and arrange another international show”.
Answering questions about freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers from pirates President Yushchenko said that it was a very hard operation. He again thanked all the Ukrainian institutions that took part in the operation.
President Victor Yushchenko continues to watch closely the developments connected with freeing Faina cargo ship and its crewmembers, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed.
According to the update the towboat has already arrived to tow Faina to its final destination. During the trip US Navy will guard the ship, with a group of US soldiers already onboard to provide security of the ship and its crewmembers.
Beside that inspection of the cargo conducted by US soldiers and crewmembers showed that it is undamaged and medical examination of the crew proves that the sailors are healthy.
President Victor Yushchenko made decision to hold National Security and Defense Council meeting on Tuesday, February 10, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed the media today.
According to her it is impossible to hold the meeting today, as it had been scheduled earlier, because of technical reasons. “In accordance with President’s directives the Prime Minister went with a visit to Germany, to take part in the Munich Conference on Security Policy…” – she said.
Beside that, according to Iryna Vannykova, leadership of Naftogaz of Ukraine cannot come to the meeting today as well.
President Victor Yushchenko met representatives of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council to accept their report on council’s work in 2008.
Participants of the meeting discussed council’s activity in 2008, observation of language legislation, introduction of digital TV and radio broadcasting, information security of Ukraine, etc.
Summarizing the meeting President Yushchenko said that National Council’s work has been effective and contributing to bringing Ukrainian information space in accordance with the legislation.
At the same time he said that the work is far from over and instructed the council to elaborate effective action plan to continue the progress.
During the last year the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine submitted 630 inquiries to financial intelligence units of foreign countries concerning the matters that can be concerned with money-laundering or terrorist financing.
In particular, these inquiries were submitted to 64 financial intelligence units. 615 inquiry answers were received. Meanwhile, the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine received 132 inquiries from 36 financial intelligence units and provided answers to all of them.
1599 subjects were checked up in international data banks.
Head of the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine Ihor Cherkaskyi informed that today the Committee cooperates with more than 100 FIUs and the most active exchange of information was with financial intelligence units of Cyprus, Poland, Great Britain, Latvia, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and the USA.
At present the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine signed 41 Memorandums of understanding with foreign FIUs, including 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the EU member-states and 17 Memorandums with FIUs of the NATO member-states.
At the same time, in the framework of working meetings with representatives of the foreign FIUs, held during the Egmont Group sessions of working groups, agreements on stirring up negotiating processes on the conclusion of Memorandums of understanding with FIUs of Bahama Islands, Luxemburg, India and Hungary have been achieved. In particular, representatives of the FIUs of Luxemburg and India informed that relevant draft agreements with the State Committee for Financial Monitoring of Ukraine are in the closing stages of interstate agreement, the results of which the FIU of Ukraine to be informed in the near future.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone talks with the President of Romania Traian Basescu.
Both leaders affirmed that Ukraine and Romania accept the decision of the International Court of Justice on maritime delimitation of Ukrainian-Romanian boarder in the Black Sea, approved on February 3 and consider it just and final.
President Yushchenko stressed that the decision closes a very complicated question in bilateral relations between the two countries and provides new opportunities for prolific cooperation between Ukraine and Romania.
After that the two Presidents discussed the coming visit of President Basescu to Ukraine scheduled on February 25-26, and holding the second meeting of Ukrainian-Romanian Presidential Commission during the visit.
When speaking about European cooperation between the countries President Yushchenko thanked President Basescu for continuous support of Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
President Victor Yushchenko hopes that today’s Verkhovna Rada plenary meeting dedicated to functioning of the Government will be professional and objective, President's Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed today.
President Yushchenko stressed that there are nomerous serious questions about many steps in economic, budgetary, fiscal policy the Government must answer. At the same time discussion of these issues according to the President should not turn into a trivial quarrel or search for increase of one’s political ratings on the background of the crisis.
“Our main objective is to change the direction of situation development, leave populism behind and begin realization of all the necessary reforms, no matter how unpopular they could be”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko praised completion of the operation on rescue of Faina cargo ship from pirates.
Separately President Yushchenko thanked Ukrainian intelligence bodies that conducted this extremely complicated operation.
President Victor Yushchenko congratulated Ukrainian sailors, who were hostages on Faina cargo ship on their release, President’s Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed at her briefing.
According to Iryna Vannykova all the crew members of Faina are healthy and safe. For now the ship is preparing to sail to Mombasa port, Kenya guarded by the US Navy.
President Victor Yushchenko hopes that today’s Verkhovna Rada plenary meeting dedicated to functioning of the Government will be professional and objective, President's Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova informed today.
President Yushchenko stressed that there are nomerous serious questions about many steps in economic, budgetary, fiscal policy the Government must answer. At the same time discussion of these issues according to the President should not turn into a trivial quarrel or search for increase of one’s political ratings on the background of the crisis.
“Our main objective is to change the direction of situation development, leave populism behind and begin realization of all the necessary reforms, no matter how unpopular they could be”, - said Victor Yushchenko.