President Victor Yushchenko assured that the experience of Vinnytsya in establishment of ‘single office' administrative service centers should be implemented across Ukraine by the end of this year, he said opening the meeting on reforming the system of administrative services.
Victor Yushchenko stressed that there are two key problems in this area: absence of system in provision "of paid public services" and complexity and lack of opacity of the procedure.There are over 600 types of "paid public services" with 76% of them commercial. Only about 6% of paid services are administrative (meaning they can be provided only by the state authorities). 8% of paid services are common procedural actions artificially made individual services. 5% "state paid services" are connected to provision of information and clarifications. 5% of them are fees for normal authorities' functions, which these authorities purposely had identified as a "service".
The President invited those present at the meeting to discuss draft decree "On the concept of reforming of the administrative services system". The document in foresees elaboration and approving by the Cabinet Ministers before September 1, 2009 a single list of services provided by authorities and budgetary institutions with clearly defined fees for the services.
Victor Yushchenko also suggested adoption of the law "On the administrative services", which should be submitted to the Parliament in the first decade of September.
President Victor Yushchenko held phone conversation with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
President Yushchenko congratulated his Turkmen colleague on his birthday wished him success in the state activities as well as prosperity and wealth to friendly people of Turkmenistan.
Also the two Presidents have discussed questions of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Turkmenistan.
Within the framework of working visit to Vinnytsya region President Victor Yushchenko visited the joint Ukrainian-Polish woodworking enterprise ‘Barlinek Invest". The woodworking factory is the largest in Ukraine in production of three-layer parquet boards using zero-discharge technologies of international standards.
The President toured the factory and talked to the staff.
President Victor Yushchenko took part in the VII congress of Our Ukraine Party.
“Our Ukraine begins its renaissance, its recreation ... The party has started to come out of the difficult situation it had been in for last few years”, said Victor Yushchenko in his address at the congress.
The President expressed assurance that the party would restore its ranks and return to dialogue and understanding, which the political force needs, especially at this time. “I look at the changes that await us now, those regarding our political force and the situation in the country, with optimism”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
The President again stressed that “Our Ukraine” is the only political force that consistently acts in the interests of development of Ukraine and has a strategy of national development. “I am convinced that we are the only political force that is able to provide answers to what choice Ukraine needs” - he said, adding that “Our Ukraine” is the force that on behalf of the nation guides building of Ukrainian state.
President Yushchenko stressed that “Our Ukraine” raises many topics, which often are not popular. But however unpopular they are, Victor Yushchenko stressed, these subjects are important for further development. “Few political forces in Ukraine put such issues in the center of its activity as ours does”, he said.
Among the most important tasks for the party, Victor Yushchenko named development of democracy in Ukraine. After all, he said, is a basic feature of a sovereign state. “Without democracy there is no sovereign state or its integrity. We are talking about democracy as one of the steps towards building our country”, said Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko believes that the State Budget of 2010 should substantially increased financing for the Ministry of Defense, he said at the NSDC meeting, where among other issues the participants discussed draft State Budget 2010, particularly its articles related to national security and defense of Ukraine.
Addressing the Security Council members, Victor Yushchenko said that “critical amount of funding” should be determined so that next year “the Ministry would not face the situation it is in this year”.
The President emphasized that this year’s financing of Defense Ministry was so scarce that for the first time in last five years it was forced to reduce the number of contract soldiers.
Victor Yushchenko said that the wages of ordinary contract soldiers are 30% below average wages in, for example, the Crimea or Odesa. “With such financial support, no man who respects himself, apparently, would serve in the Ukrainian army by contract. This is humiliation for soldiers and officers, but most importantly – for our security and defense”, - he added.
President Victor Yushchenko thinks the first year of membership of Ukraine in the World Trade Organization has been positive, he said today at the NSDC meeting, at which the Cabinet’s report on the results of the first anniversary of Ukraine's membership in the WTO was discussed.
“In these 12 months many changes occurred in state trade policy. And there were more good changes than the bad. In addition to formal membership in the WTO ... for the first time in last 5-6 years we have achieved positive balance of trade”, - he said.
The President noted that in 2008 the negative trade balance of Ukraine has reached 14 billion dollars. Therefore, in his opinion, positive trade balance remaining at the level of several hundred million dollars during last few months is a «victory» and great achievement. “Of course, this result is not only due to Ukraine's accession to the WTO, but largely a policy of National Bank, which stimulates national export», - noted the President.
Speaking at today’s NSDC meeting President Victor Yushchenko expressed assurance the ‘Ukrzaliznytsya’ needs new development strategy.
According to the President Ministry of Transport and Communication and ‘Ukrzaliznytsya’ are “experiencing difficult time now”. “The basic problem is Ukrzaliznytsya continuously loosing money, which means that the company should get a new development strategy” – said the President.
Victor Yushchenko stressed that he has a number of questions to the Government and the Parliament as to why there is still no State program of reforming the railway transportation adopted, although its concept had been worked out back in 2006 or National Commission for Regulation of Transport was not established.
Speaking about tariff policy in railway transportation sector President Yushchenko emphasized that it is illogical as after recent changes in tariffs on May 1, 2009 the state still continues to subsidize the rich passengers, wasting hundreds of millions of hryvnyas, while ‘Ukrzaliznytsya’ has hard time finding 60-70 million hryvnyas needed for purchasing cars and locomotives of its own production. According to the President current internal organization of rail transportation sector is wrong and needs reforming.
Opening today's NSDC meeting President Victor Yushchenko addressed members of the Council with the suggestion to put the question Valeriy Oliynyk’s murder on the agenda of the next meeting.
“I would like to the Security Council to discuss the issue. We have agreed with the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Interior Ministry and the Security Service, that we will be regularly informing the public on how law enforcement and judicial system react on the threats to order and legitimacy concentrated in the incident”, - he said.
The President reminded that in response to his instruction a special investigation group was created including officials from central apparatus of Prosecutor General’s Office, Security Service and Interior Ministry. Today the group went to Kirovohrad region to conduct the investigation.
“I am grateful to the Prosecutor General’s Office that it responded rapidly and dismissed the Prosecutors of the region and the district as well as District Police Department Head. I hope that by today’s evening the Head of Regional Police Office will be dismissed as well. For this is a matter of esprit de corps: the man who allowed such personnel appointment, even if he himself is innocent, but if he accepted such barbarians in the ranks of the police, should as the head of the department bear this responsibility as well”, - added Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko has opened the meeting of National Security and Defense Council.
The agenda for today's meeting included the following issues:
President Victor Yushchenko gave interview to Ukrainian newspaper ‘The Day’.
During the interview President Yushchenko has answered questions about the draft new Constitution he had suggested.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with school graduates, who shown the best results in this year’s independent testing.
Congratulating the graduates on the achievement President Yushchenko wished them further luck in learning, future career and personal life. He also handed them over memorable presents.
Speaking to students and representatives of faculties of Kharkiv region higher education facilities President Victor Yushchenko said that lack of adequate financing threatens EURO 2012 hosting in Ukraine.
“How can we speak of EURO 2012 if out of 4,5 billion foreseen only 330 million were provided with first half of the year have passed”, - said Victor Yushchenko
Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine should provide financing of two basic programs within the framework of preparation of Ukraine to host EURO 2012 President Victor Yushchenko emphasized today in Kharkiv in an interview to journalists. These programs are construction of roads and construction of sports infrastructure,
President Yushchenko reminded that out of 2.5 billion Hryvnyas foreseen on construction of roads in the budget for 2009 only 35 million were really provided. “This presents a serious threat to the road construction schedule”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
Speaking about Kharkiv preparing to host EURO 2012 events, Victor Yushchenko said that in general he is satisfied with the process. “We have a unique team in Kharkiv, which provides the highest level of conduction of all work”, - he said.
According to Victor Yushchenko aside the road construction problem, there is currently another issue, solution of which lies in the authority of the Government, namely construction of the runway at Kharkiv airport.
“In general Kharkiv is a city that meets the schedule of both the the second quarter and overall 2009 best”, - said the President. He expressed to city and regional authorities and businessmen involved in the preparation of Kharkov to host Euro 2012 events.
President Victor Yushchenko met with chief editors of Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regional newspapers.
At the meeting President Yushchenko answered questions of journalists about the results of his presidency and expressed opinion on the steps that should be taken in order to improve life and welfare of Ukrainian citizens.
Within the framework of his working visit to Kharkiv region President Yushchenko met with students and faculty of Kharkiv National Law Academy of Yaroslav the Wise.
Speaking about alterations to the Constitution President Yushchenko again emphasized that the Basic Law "belongs to the nations" and that "the alterations are very timely".
On June 23 at 9.15 President Yushchenko shall meet representatives of the Ukrainian-Indian project on modernization and service of Antonov An-32 airplanes for Indian military.
President Victor Yushchenko gave interview to Reuters today.
In the interview President Yushchenko made comments on current economic and political situation in Ukraine, and set forth his vision of effective steps that would bring political stability and restore economic growth.
President Victor Yushchenko met today the Ukrainian neurosurgeon, Doctor of Medicine, Professor Andriy Slyusarchuk at which he congratulated him on setting a world record in memorizing large volumes of data.
At the meeting the President and the record holder also discussed prospects of establishing a research facility in Ukraine that would study extraordinary powers of human body and mind.
President Victor Yushchenko presented national decorations to those, who contributed to signature of the contract with India on modernization and service of Antonov An-32 airplanes for Indian military.
Among those awarded were Antonov ASTC chief designer Dmytro Kiva, ‘Spetstechnoexport’ company representatives Ihor Gladush, Vasyl Kryvorotko and Petro Fedoruk, and Ambassador of Ukraine to India Ihor Polikha.
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk, National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, Chief of Staff Vira Ulyanchenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff Oleksandr Shlapak, Deputy Chief of Staff Yuriy Bohutsky, Deputy National Bank Chairman Anatoly Shapovalov and Deputy Minister of Finance Volodymyr Matviychuk.
At the meeting officials discussed financing of projects within the framework of Ukraine’s preparation to hosting EURO 2012, financing of the Stabilization Fund and State Budget special fund.
President Victor Yushchenko accepted credentials from Mr. Pavol Hamzik the new Ambassador of Slovakia to Ukraine.
At the meeting sides have discussed Ukrainian-Slovak bilateral relations, European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, etc.
On the occasion of War Victims Memory Day President Victor Yushchenko laid flowers at the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb in Kyiv.
Other participants of the ceremony were Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, Security Service Head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Foreign Intelligence Service Head Mykola Malomuzh, representatives of the Kiev city government.
Those present honored victims of war by observing a minute of silence.
Making comments on the resignation of Minister for Transport Yosyp Vinskyi in the interview to ‘Ukraina moloda’ President Victor Yushchenko said that it was connected with ineffective policy of the Government in transport, particularly in preparation to EURO 2012.
According to him preparation of transport infrastructure to EURO 2012 is under threa now.
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko drawing her attention to the situation in mineral resources extraction.
According to the President, continuous neglect of the authorities towards problems in this area hinders the development of the geological industry, leads to irrational use of mineral resources and creates conditions for corruption.
In Cherkassy President Victor Yushchenko took part in the opening of the Doctors’ Training Center.
At the meeting with doctors from Cherkasy region that took place on the eve of their professional holiday, the President thanked them on behalf of all Ukrainians for their daily service. He stressed: Ukraine needs a full-scale reform in healthcare.
“We need deep structural reforms in the field aimed at improvement of a doctor's social status and expansion of healthcare facilities network”, - said Victor Yushchenko. He informed that next week he plans to hold a meeting with regional governors and workers in healthcare to discuss with them the program of healthcare development.
Speaking about the strategy of reforming the sector, the President stressed that in the coming 1-2 months it is necessary that “the Government and other institutions approved a number of decisions”. He expressed assurance that it is possible to make many effective steps in reforming healthcare. Victor Yushchenko urged Ukrainian doctors to become partners in this process.
In Cherkasy President Victor Yushchenko visited recently reconstructed regional neurovascular clinic.
President Yushchenko was shown the premises of the center and talked to the staff.
Representatives of Enerhoatom company and Mitsubishi corporation have considered in Kyiv prospects of cooperation in the area of nuclear energy development.
Director General of Atomproektengineering Volodymyr Bronnikov informed the
In his turn the head of Mitsubishi delegation, deputy director general for Nuclear Energy Systems department Satoshi Utsumi briefed Ukrainian party on the plans of development of the corporation, including construction of a nuclear fuel plant, elaboration of advanced nuclear technologies etc.
The head of the project of Nuclear Engineering Systems department of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kazumasa Tanaka told in details about new technologies for NPP elaborated on the basis of ABRW-1700 MWt reactor facility.
Volodymyr Bronnikov emphasized
Reference. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) deals with machine-building, instrument making, production of energy equipment (including for nuclear power plants) etc.
An Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR) is a generation III+ reactor developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry in synergy with 4 Japanese exploiting organization and American company Westinghouse.
On June 17 President Yushchenko will meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
President Victor Yushchenko met today with Ministers members of Our Ukraine Public self Defense block. The meeting was dedicated to their work in the Government.
Speaking to those present the President stressed that this year Government's failure to implement budgetary programs in different fields is unprecedented.
Referring to the report presented to him by the Accounting Chamber President Yushchenko made a conclusion that actually social, economic and cultural development is not financed at all. "Such ignoring of the Budget by the Government is unprecedented", - he said.
He urged Ministers to take a clear position in this situation and publicly explain the reasons for such policy of the Government.
Speaking about the procedure of the adoption of governmental decisions, Victor Yushchenko stressed that this year 215 decrees of the Cabinet of Ministers (every fourth) were approved despite criticism from Ministry of Justice. This means that such acts do not meet the Constitution or other legislation of Ukraine.
He also criticized the practice of not publishing the decisions that were voted for and approved by the Cabinet in the time foreseen in the legislation.
Separately the President drew attention to certain decrees of the Cabinet, which clearly do not meet national priorities. As the most striking example of that he gave the decision on payment for Russian gas at the expense of prepayment for transit. Implementation of this decision, Victor Yushchenko warned, could lead to loss of state control over NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine.
The President stressed that he expects the Ministers to be more active in cases of adoption of such decisions by the Cabinet.
Participants of the meeting were Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk, Minister of Education Ivan Vakarchuk, Minister for Culture Vasyl Vovkun, Health Minister Vasyl Knyazevych, Minister for Regional Development Vasyl Kuibida, Minister for Housing Oleksiy Kucherenko, Internal Minister Yuriy Lutsenko, Minister for Justice Mykola Onischuk, Minister for Family Yuriy Pavlenko, Minister for Emergencies Volodymyr Shandra, Chief of Staff Vira Ulyanchenko and Deputy Chief of Staff Oleksandr Shlapak.
President Victor Yushchenko took part in a TV bridge organized by ICTV Channel with Ukrainian law students.
Among the subjects discussed at the event were alterations to the Constitution, separation of powers, duties of the Parliament and the President, protection of citizens’ constitutional rights, etc.
At today’s consultative meeting on topical issues in relations between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of migration and visas President Victor Yushchenko has instructed the Foreign Ministry to intensify efforts aimed at improving relations between Ukraine and the EU in migration-visa field.
Victor Yushchenko stressed that despite positive shift in Ukraine-EU visa relations introduced by the Agreement on simplification of visa regulations around five per cent of Ukrainians willing to travel to the EU were denied visas.
“Despite the overall positive trend, to my deepest conviction, five per cent denial rate for Ukrainian citizens does not meet the standards of our agreements with the EU », - President said, adding also that such visa policy is unequal in terms of mutuality.
Viktor Yushchenko also noted that some embassies of European countries often require Ukrainians to present documents, which had not been foreseen in the agreement on simplification of visa regulations.
Speaking at the consultative meeting on financial rejuvenation of NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" President Victor Yushchenko said that current gas agreements with Russia threaten Ukraine with loosing ownership of its gas transit system.
Along with faulty governmental budgetary and fiscal policy Victor Yushchenko called the agreements one of the reasons for hard situation at Naftogaz of Ukraine, which may result in bankruptcy of the company.
He repeated that gas agreements with Russia are economically unfounded, asymmetrical in terms of commitments of the parties and do not meet national interests. "These political manipulations will last for years unless we revise the conditions... And the conclusion will be the loss of the transit system by Ukraine. This is the most dangerous thing in these arrangements - Ukraine has in fact lost the prospect of state control over gas transport system", - said Victor Yushchenko.
President Yushchenko warned that due to Ukraine's probable inability to consume 33 billion cubic meters of Russian gas as it is required by the contracts, potential penalties may amount to 10.4 billion USD in the first quarter of this year. And Russian side may lay a claim to these penalties at any time, he said.
"Certainly Russian side may make a concession and allow the penalties not to be paid under certain conditions. But just imagine what these conditions will be? Of what nature?", - said the President.
Same situation Viktor Yushchenko said is with the requirement to import 42 billion cubic meters of Russian gas next year. "It's billions of potential penalties", - he said.
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with Minister for Environmental Protection Heorhii Philipchuk, First Deputy Prosecutor General Tetyana Kornyakova and Security Service Head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko.
At the meeting sides have discussed use of natural resources deposits, problems of legal basis regulating the sphere and prevention of abuse in management of natural resources extraction, the situation at NJSC ‘Nadra Ukrayny’ (major state company that processes state orders for extraction of mineral resources), etc.
President Victor Yushchenko will instruct the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine to analyze financing of social programs by the Government in 2009, he said at his today’s meeting with regional Governors.
He said that for today there are many social programs, which are not being implemented or receive unequal financing from region to region. With regard to that the President instructed the governors to conduct daily monitoring of social programs’ financing in their regions.
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with Accounting Chamber Chairman Valentyn Symonenko.
At the meeting sides have discussed main priorities for the Accounting Chamber such as monthly monitoring of implementation of the Budget, informing the society on the situation with state finances, inspection of legality of state funds use, etc.
Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko urged Regional State Administrations’ Heads to elaborate a joint action plan of regions development or the period until the end of 2009. “The Government went into politics, and the Parliament never quit it, so the aim is to fill the second half of 2009 with joint activities”, - President said today at a meeting with Heads of Regional, Kyiv and Sevastopol State Administrations and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Crimea. Victor Yushchenko stressed that the local authorities and local governments have become “the key figures in the organization of everyday life in the country”.
According to the President there is no hope that the Parliament will approve the program of development, because it has no majority. “Expecting the Ukrainian breakthrough from the Parliament would be useless. With such conductors as those political forces that now represent the power in Ukraine, the Parliament can not conduct a concentrated, strong national policy”, - said the President.
Victor Yushchenko stressed that with lack of a majority in the Parliament, in fact, there is no one to adopt a program of national economic development. “There is a daily improvisation. The Government has no economic program of its own. The Ukrainian breakthrough, I understand, has already ended. I think we will soon be witnesses to Ukrainian breakthrough-2 as a sequel to the first part. This is carelessness”, - said Victor Yushchenko.
V. Yushchenko also urged the leaders of publicly express their stance the personnel policy of the Government in the regions. He stressed that today in Ukraine there are 80 vacant posts of District State Administrations Heads, 66 posts of First Deputy Heads and 196 posts of Vice-Heads. Victor Yushchenko reminded that appointment of these officials requires proposals from the Government.
President Victor Yushchenko believes that the Party of Regions and BYuT were unable to make a constitutional coupe due to efforts of the public and journalists, who opposed illegal alteration of the Constitution, he said at the press conference on the occasion of Journalist Day.
Victor Yushchenko noted that this was not an easy test for him as President, and for each citizen of Ukraine. However, he stressed, he was convinced that the revolt will not happen. He also reminded that always had been stating clearly that he would not allow the election of President in the Parliament.
The Head of State stressed that changes to the Constitution should be transparent and subject to public discussion. "Only through legal and public changes to the Constitution we can achieve stability in the country", - said the President.
President Victor Yushchenko met with Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Sergiy Kirichenko.
At the meeting sides discussed problems in financing of military of Ukraine, particularly in financing of international peacemaking and peacekeeping activity of Ukraine.
Also Sergiy Kirichenko touched upon the subject of holding international military exercises at the territory of Ukraine, which require appropriate approving of President’s decree in that field by the Verkhovna Rada.
President Victor Yushchenko met with Kyiv City Administration Head Leonid Chernovetsky to discuss with him preparation of the city to EURO 2012 Championship events.
Other participants of the meeting were Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk, Minister for Family Yuriy Pavlenko, Chief of Staff Vira Ulyanchenko, Deputy Chief of Staff Yuriy Bohutsky, Ukrainian Football Federation President Grygoriy Surkis.
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with Minister for Education Ivan Vakarchuk at which they have discussed results of this year's independent testing for school graduates, entrance exams campaign in higher education facilities and preparation to the 2009-2010 school year.
With his family President Victor Yushchenko visited a concert by Chernivtsi region artists that was held within the framework of Ukrainian Arts Festival.
On June 9, at 16.00 President Victor Yushchenko will hold a traditional press conference on the occasion of Journalist Day.
After the press conference President Yushchenko will present national decorations to journalists.
The conference will be broadcasted live by NTCU, Channel 5, Channel 24 and UTR World.
President Victor Yushchenko gave interview to a group of foreign media in which he made comments on political situation in Ukraine.
Speaking about possible coalition of Party of Regions and BYuT Viktor Yushchenko assured that he will not allow a political scenario in Ukraine, which puts into question the democratic achievements. "Today, the key discussion focuses around the question: will we be able to preserve our democratic achievements or not", - he noted.
"As the President I will not allow next presidential election to happen in the Parliament. The next presidential election will be direct and all-national. This is my duty as the citizen of Ukraine and as the President", - said Victor Yushchenko.
At the same time he stressed that resolution of the situation in the parliament through early elections is impossible because of the lack of legal grounds for calling the election. "We do not currently have constitutional grounds to take that path" - said the President responding to questions about whether dissolution of the parliament is possible.
Answering the question whether he plans to compete at the next presidential election President Yushchenko responded positively
Before opening NSDC Meeting President Viktor Yushchenko held urgent meeting with National Bank Chairman, and Naftogaz of Ukraine Chairman dedicated to the situation with payments for Russian gas in May.
At the meeting President Yushchenko instructed the NBU and Naftogaz to urgently resolve the issue of delays in payments for gas stressing that all the transfers should be done by June 7.
He also requested the institutions to present their strategies of planning payments for next three months.
President Viktor Yushchenko took part in the meeting of National Security and Defense Council.
The agenda for today's meeting included such subjects as energy strategy of Ukraine and development of energy resources markets, development of national military industry and questions regarding state border of Ukraine.
President Viktor Yushchenko met with G7 Ambassadors, some EU countries and the Representative of European Commission to inform them of the current political situation in Ukraine.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko called upon the international community to support Ukraine in preservation of our democratic achievements, democratization of political life and prevention of the constitutional coup represented by coalition agreement between BYuT and the Party of Regions. He stressed that main aim of this coalition would actually be initiating illegal alteration of the Constitution.
The President noted that the coalition agreement foresees securing the office of Prime Minister for Yulia Tymoshenko for next 10 years and transferring the right to elect the President to the Parliament through unconstitutional alteration of the basic law.
"This initiative is illegal because reduction of democratic rights or voting rights in particular is impossible in Ukraine without holding appropriate national referendum; it is fixed in the Constitution"- said Victor Yushchenko. He also added that the agreement between the Party of Regions and BYuT also includes extension of local councils and their chairmen cadence, as well as of the current Parliament. "All these initiatives are illegal... and in fact would be a constitutional coup", - noted the President.
Obviously, he said, this would mean losing all the democratic achievements of last years in Ukraine. "As the Head of State I guarantee that I will not allow illegal elections of the President of Ukraine in the Parliament and will be doing everything to ensure that Ukraine fulfilled all the assumed international obligations regarding protection of human rights and freedoms. But apparently only these actions will not be enough. I therefore appeal to the international community to provide all possible support to securing democratic development in Ukraine », - the President said, urging the ambassadors to convey information about the situation in Ukraine to the leadership of their states.
President Victor Yushchenko gave an exclusive comment on political situation in Ukraine for 1+1 TV Channel.
Speaking about possibility of coalition between Party of Regions and BYuT President Yushchenko stressed that ‘the aim of this political bargain is securing the office of Prime Minister for Yulia Tymoshenko for next 10 years with simultaneously providing Viktor Yanukovych with guarantees that he would be the President for this period of time". "This is a constitutional coupe and attempt at Ukrainian democracy", - added Victor Yushchenko.
President Victor Yushchenko met Donetsk Regional Administration Head Volodymyr Logvynenko and Donetsk Mayor Oleksandr Lukyanchenko to discuss preparation of the region and the city to hosting EURO 2012.
Participants of the meeting also were Vice Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk, National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, Chief of Staff Vira Ulyanchenko, Deputy Chief of Staff Yuriy Bohutsky, Ukrainian Football Federation President Hryhory Surkis.
President Victor Yushchenko held a consultative meeting with Security Service Head Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh, First Deputy Head of State Customs Service Ihor Pinkovsky, Deputy Prosecutor General Tetyana Kornyakova, Deputy Head of State Tax Administration Natalia Ruban, representatives of Ukrainian major banks dedicated to fighting black market and corruption in banking sector.
Speaking at the meeting President Yushchenko pointed to the growth of black market: last year which has reached 31.1% of GDP. "This is not a question of Government policy but the issue of national security", - President warned, adding that according to the World Bank estimates, the shadow sector of Ukrainian economy is over 50%. President Yushchenko urged the Security Service, NBU, law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to protect the economic borders of Ukraine.
According to President Yushchenko the negative tendencies result from smuggling and corruption in customs bodies, shady transfers through payment systems and at interbank market with weakness of law enforcement bodies' activity in the economic field.
Viktor Yushchenko noted that over 70% of smuggling operations were carried out at boarder checkpoints. Vast majority of the smuggled goods at domestic market were cars and spare parts, light industry products, audio and video materials (two thirds), computers (more than a half) and household appliances, food (especially meat) , petroleum products, jewelry and luxury goods. Beside that channels of smuggling goods through the southern ports and at Ukrainian-Moldovan border have been restored.
The President also stressed assurance that the existence of shadow schemes would be impossible without involvement of banks. Striking evidence of that the President called the uncovering of the conversion center by the Security Service and Prosecutor General's Office at the end of May, through which currency funds were transferred abroad and smuggling was financed. "Banks that took part in this scam were the black market paymasters", - President said and added that in result of this illegal activity the state suffered losses amounting to 1 billion USD.
President Yushchenko warned the bankers present at the meeting against involvement in organization of such transactions and said that such involvement is impossible without its chairman knowing about it.
Caspian Energy (CE): Mr President, how actively is Ukraine involved in the ongoing integration processes across the EU?
Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine: I would say that Ukraine is more actively involved in the ongoing integration processes in the EU if to compare with other EU partners. We successfully develop cooperation with the European Union in foreign policy and security policy, join the statements and actions on behalf of the EU on most regional and international issues and actively participate in EU's measures aimed at tackling the global crises. Striking an Agreement on Association between Ukraine and EU is the major issue in the European agenda for us. We are also interested in achieving results of the dialogue about the visa-free regime. For us it is very important to join the energy community as a full member. All these objectives are going to facilitate our practical integration into the European Union in the mid-term outlook and create favourable conditions for Ukraine to be able to be prepared for a full-fledge membership in the EU.
The Eastern Partnership initiative makes Ukraine feel confident enough as the key "innovations" of the concept which distinguish it from the European Neighbourhood Policy are already present in the EU-Ukraine relations.
In June we are going to submit our opinion as regards the concrete implementation of the initiative. They will cover liberalisation of the visa regime, deepening of cooperation in the field of energy security, realisation of regional projects, cooperation in creating of the integrated frontier management system according to the EU standards as well as introduction of the overall programme on institutional development.
CE: How urgent is liberalization of the European energy market now? What impact will the last reforms of the European Commission have on the energy security of Ukraine?
Victor Yushchenko: The European Union, as we see, is taking purposeful steps to create a healthy competition in the energy sector. So, the issues around transparency and openness of the European energy market are as vital now as never before. However, not all EU member states are downsizing monopolist companies "in a due way" to decentralize access to transmission systems and gas storages. This must promote creating of favourable conditions and enable to maximum load gas transmission networks within Europe.
It is natural that energy security and legal regulation are number one issues for both the EU and neighbouring states. Ukraine is willing to become a part of the European energy market and now applies all efforts to succeed. We are ready to start the integration process as proved in the Joint Declaration on Upgrading of the Gas Transmission Network of Ukraine signed on March 23.
Ukrainian gas pipelines now transit 80% of Russian gas towards the European Union.
Here the interests of Ukraine and the EU match in terms of ensuring maximum security of energy transportation. Once upgraded, the Ukrainian gas transmission network will become more reliable and budding in terms of enhancement of mobility and if necessary raising the throughput capacity of the existing and new Ukrainian transit routes. This is a very important aspect. Even if new gas routes are created, Ukrainian transit pipelines will still be optimal among the existing and perspective resource bases.
Through boosting the EU's intends to ensure transparency and competition in the European energy market, we welcome all concerned parties to take part in upgrading of the Ukrainian gas pipeline system on terms stated in the Joint Statement signed on March 23 in Brussels by Ukraine, the European Commission, EBRD, WB and the European Investment Bank.
CE: How does Ukraine see the future of the White Stream gas project?
Victor Yushchenko: Certainly, Ukraine is interested in realization of all projects which may increase energy security both of our country and the European continent in general. White Stream project fully corresponds with the goal.
Here comes the question: Is it really rational to invest considerable means into development of completely new infrastructure during the global financial and economic crisis? This question concerns all the new projects including North Stream, South stream and Nabucco.
I would like to note that nowadays the Ukrainian gas transportation system is capable to considerably increase volumes of pumped gas. Besides, volumes may be increased as much as Europe needs it.
Moreover, our system is considered to be one of the most reliable ones in the region, whereas figures of losses are not higher than the global ones.
Therefore, I believe that complex modernization of the existing Ukrainian gas transportation system is the priority direction today. This will happen quicker and cost cheaper than the construction of new gas pipelines. This is an economically valued fact confirmed by experts and is beneficial both for Europe and Russia if ignoring the issue of political rationality which unfortunately becomes more important than the economic interest for our northern neighbors.
On the other hand, Ukraine does not refuse participating in other projects. We will be glad if suppliers and gas consumers are convinced of its importance and priority.
Time will show to what degree our hopes are justified.
CE: What perspectives will the establishment of the single Odessa-Brodi-Plotsk-Gdansk oil-transportation corridor provide?
Victor Yushchenko: Stable supply of energy resources to Europe is still of great importance even during the global economic crisis. For this purpose, Ukraine's proposals on establishment of the single Baltic-Black Sea-Caspian energy space, especially on implementation of the Eurasian oil transportation corridor project on basis of Odessa-Brodi oil pipeline remain without a rival.
According to experts, oil production in the Caspian region shall have increased by 100 million tons per year till 2015. This figure shall have increased by 150 million tons per year by 2025. In the meantime, starting from 2013, the deficiency of free oil-transportation capacities which could provide transportation of additional oil volumes to the external markets will be felt.
Hence, in order to solve this problem, new capacities for transportation of over 80 million tons of oil in addition to the existing ones will have to be built in the Caspian region in 2025. It means that project of the Eurasian gas transportation corridor fully correspond with the development plans of the Caspian region and will be supplied with oil. This project will also promote the solution of the problem on the relief of the Bosporus channel which is the only way out for oil transportation from the Black sea. Thus, we need alternative routes. The fact that by 2020 oil transportation volumes via the Bosporus channel will have grown twice as much compared to the current figures, will raise the delay in work of tankers and increase prices for tanker transportation.
Experts also confirm the available demand for light Caspian oil in Europe. This is the result of considerable decline of light oil production in the North Sea as a result of exhaust of domestic fields. According to forecasts, its deficiency will be partially covered by hydrocarbons supplied from the Caspian region.
On whole, cooperation between the countries of the Caspian, Black and Baltic Seas shall provide safe and transparent energy supply to Europe since it is based on principles of balance of interests of all participants of the energy flow.
I am sure that we will manage implementation of this project.
CE: During the meetings held with Azerbaijan's President I.Aliyev, You invited Azerbaijan to participate in the development of the oil-industrial sphere of Ukraine. What projects you belive will promote the expansion of cooperation between two countries?
Victor Yushchenko: I would like to note that it was Ukraine which stood for the establishment of the single Caspian-Black Sea-Baltic energy space a year and a half ago.
Azerbaijan in her turn supported this initiative. This is natural since a geostrategic location of Azerbaijan and transit state status provides an opportunity to diversify oil and gas transportation routes via her own territory. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan aspires to enter the new markets for sale of her raw stock and products of oil processing.
Owing to considerable oil and gas reserves, Azerbaijan gained a broad experience in oil refining. Therefore, Ukraine offered Azerbaijan's companies to take part in implementation of projects for oil delivery to the European consumers within the framework of the Eurasian oil transportation corridor which also includes Odessa-Brodi oil pipeline. We also offer projects on processing of Azerbaijani oil (at the scope of 5 million tons a year) at Drogobich and Nadvirnansk oil refineries with further sale of refined products in the Ukrainian and European markets.
Construction of new oil refineries in Ukraine is another perspective direction for cooperation.
We are also grateful to the Azerbaijan Republic for supporting our proposal on the establishment of the alternative gas transportation route. For Ukraine, Poland and other countries of Europe which are dependent on an exclusive supplier, this is a real chance for diversification. These projects are beneficial for Azerbaijan since she gains an alternative access to the Baltic region.
I assume that both Ukraine and Azerbaijan are interested in sooner implementation of such perspective projects.
CE: What Caspian projects are interesting for Ukraine to participate in?
Victor Yushchenko: As an energy dependent country, Ukraine is mainly interested to be involved in projects on production of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.
Specialists of the Ukrainian oil-gas sphere are well known and popular in the world since they have a broad experience in the most various geological and climatic conditions. It is noteworthy that they have got a developed infrastructure for cooperation with the Azerbaijani companies. Our oil and gas cooperation now includes exchange of experience and geological data. However, we are about to go ahead. Both the Ukrainian and Azerbaijani governments undertake joint efforts to activate a joint action plan. Ukraine would be also interested to fulfill orders within the framework of creation of the tanker fleet for oil transportation within the water area of the Caspian Sea.
Thank you for the interview
In Luhansk President Victor Yushchenko visited family-type orphanage organized by Skirdiny family.
In Luhansk President Victor Yushchenko took part in the opening of "The eastern gate of Ukraine" international economic exhibitiondedicated to the 71st anniversary of Luhansk region establishment.
Speaking at the event President Yushchenko congratulated Luhansk region inhabitants on the holiday and also thanked everyone who contributed to organization of the exhibition.
President Victor Yushchenko met with Supreme Court of Ukraine Chairman Vasyl Onopenko.
At the meeting sides have discussed implementation of judicial reform and current situation in courts and conduction of legal proceedings.
For development of Ukrainian-Polish cultural ties President Victor Yushchenko awarded Polish producer and film director Krzysztof Zanussi with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise V grade.
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko with the request to establish a state commission to investigate May 2 blast that occurred in Savings Bank office in Melitopol, Zaporizhzhya region and resulted in casualties. He also requested the Prime Minister to arrange provision of help to victims of the blast and inhabitants of living block the office was situated in.
President Victor Yushchenko and his wife Kateryna Yushchenko visited St. Josaphat Ukrainian Papal Collegium in the Vatican.
President Victor Yushchenko gave interview to ‘Vatican Radio' in which he answered questions about Ukraine-Vatican ties, internal relations between religious organizations and the state, his audience with Pope Benedict XVI, etc.
Within the framework of his one-day official visit to Vatican City President Victor Yushchenko together with his wife Kateryna Yushchenko visited the grave of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica.
They put flowers to the grave honoring memory of Pope John Paul II.
Within the framework of his one-day official visit to Vatican City President Victor Yushchenko met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
At the meeting sides have discussed bilateral relations between Ukraine and the State of the Vatican City
Within the framework of his one-day official visit to Vatican City President Victor Yushchenko had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
After the audience President Yushchenko met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.