Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Joint Statement of participants of the XIII Summit Ukraine-EU
JOINT STATEMENT
Internal developments in the EU and Ukraine
Global challenges
In this spirit, the sides agreed that both the EU and Ukraine need to increase their mitigation efforts and present mid-term emission reduction targets for 2020. The EU and Ukraine will, under the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) work together for a comprehensive and ambitious outcome at the 15th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in December 2009 in Copenhagen. In this context, the leaders agreed that the issue of unused emission units should be addressed in such a way that it positively contributes to the outcome of the Copenhagen COP 15 meeting.
th progress report presented to the Summit. While noting the good progress in the roadmaps on nuclear safety, energy market integration and energy transit, the leaders call for further progress in the coal sector and in the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energies.
Ukraine-EU relations
rd progress report on negotiations on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, noting the substantial further progress that has been achieved in the course of the year. They recalled the forward-looking, innovative and comprehensive nature of the Agreement. They confirmed their strong commitment to complete negotiations as soon as possible, bearing in mind the complex, ambitious and technically demanding character of many aspects of the Agreement and notably the deep and comprehensive free trade area part.
th November to the Summit, noting progress made to-date, and endorsed the proposal to move to a structured visa dialogue focused on sequenced priorities of action and recommendations to the Ukrainian authorities.
Eastern Partnership
International issues
President's address to the Ukrainian people on the occasion of flu epidemic in Ukraine
I address you in performance of my constitutional duty under the Article 106 of the Basic Law of the state.
The reason is the emergency epidemic situation in the country.
The emergency is evident in the scale of the epidemic: the speed and the geography of its spreading, rapid progress of the illness and the exceptional number of deaths.
People are dying. The epidemic is killing doctors. This is absolutely unprecedented and inconceivable in the XXI century.
Therefore I am motivated by the most important: the security of your life and your health.
Therefore I give clear and frank assessment of the situation. And you should know that.
We have special risk factors that aggravate the epidemic in Ukraine.
First. Unlike similar epidemics in other countries, three pathogens of viral infections came to Ukraine at the same time: two of them are seasonal flu and the third is the A/H1N1.
According to virologists, such a combination of infections due to mutation may produce a new, even more aggressive virus.
That's why I have addressed the United Nations with the request to conduct a virologic examination in Ukraine and to establish the appropriate laboratory in order to take timely preventive measures.
Second. The A/H1N1 virus is easily mutating. It has travelled across half of the globe before coming to Ukraine.
This means that the virus has become particularly pathogenic.
This means that medical aid must be urgently reinforced by emergency, critical care treatment.
The third risk factor. It is generally known that the only way to prevent any infection is vaccination.
Due to unprofessional and highly disorganized vaccination against measles and rubella in Ukraine the practice of vaccination is compromised in essence.
According to the estimates of the Minister of Health approximately 58% of citizens are vaccinated today in Ukraine with the effective level being 90% and higher.
People have stopped getting vaccinated against extremely dangerous infections: tuberculosis, diphtheria, etc.
This led to high risk of A/H1N1 infection spread, when the virus came to Ukraine and made impossible preventive vaccination against both strains of seasonal flu.
All this made general epidemic situation in Ukraine even more complicated.
As the President I ask you, dear fellow citizens, to reconsider your attitude to vaccination and do it if necessary, but only, I emphasize it - only after consultation with the doctor.
At the same time I instruct the Government and the Ministry of Health to immediately start preventive and promotional work in areas where there is no epidemic, targeting primarily the special risk groups.
I demand the Government to immediately cancel the existing order of registration of medical supplies, including vaccines.
Studying this issue by the National Security and Defense Council shown that this procedure has allowed various dealers to bring to Ukraine dubious medicines, which are not recognized by the WHO or other national institutions.
Under my direction the Security Service is investigating the issue.
The fourth factor. In reality it is the Reactor 4.
I mean the epidemic, rapid spread of viral infections in the west of the country. The Government, the leadership of the Parliament and the opposition were all aware of that already in early October.
The first and the most effective preventive measure is avoiding large gatherings of people.
Ignoring this principle, hundreds of thousands of people from different regions were brought to Kyiv; from both the areas struck by the epidemic, and those where there was no evidence of this epidemic.
This greatly increased the risk of infection.
I emphasize: it was a well-known thing. And it was ignored by the Chairman of the Parliament, by the opposition leader and, first of all, by the Prime Minister. And Chief Sanitary Inspector, together with his subordinates in the regions, including those in the city of Kiev ignored their professional duty.
This directly reminds of the May Day demonstration in Kiev, held shortly after the accident at Chernobyl NPP.
This is a display of criminal irresponsibility of politicians and complete indifference towards the people.
Let me cite one example. On October 20 the epidemic of flu was declared in Ternopil with schools and kindergartens closed for quarantine. "From October 21 secondary and primary schools are closed due to the growing rate of flu and ARD sickness”. This was the order of local authorities.
As of October 20 the rate of ARD in Ternopil was 172.9 cases per 10 thousand people with epidemiological threshold for the city being 160 patients per 10 thousand people. In other words - all services of the country responsible for monitoring the figure were informed and knew about the situation.
However, not a single Sanitary Inspector has banned either the movement of people, nor their gathering, including those in Kiev on October 24, when people have gathered at the central square.
I would like to remind you, my dear, that on October 24, 2009 10 deaths were known to have occurred in Ternopil region itself and 6 deaths were reported in Lviv region. And in 7 days after the abovementioned gathering Kyiv turned out in the situation, when the rate of sickness demanded the announcement of flu epidemic. This is the behavior of the great politicians. The neglect of elementary means of prevention of a disease in any country in the world, by any society. Because they must conduct a show, they have concerts, because they were paid for and 130 million have already been spent.
In that, dear Ukrainians, I see not only moral but also criminal liability.
I have addressed the Prosecutor General of Ukraine with the request to institute criminal charges of negligence committed by first of all the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Kyiv City Sanitarian and the officials, who, despite having daily information on the epidemic situation in the country, neglected it in pursuit of political dividends and ambition.
Now, the only principle of organizing preventive measures at the national scale should be as follows:
We treat the West and defend East, Center, North and South of Ukraine amain.
I now rely solely on the professionalism of our doctors. Today they are the true heroes of our nation.
I once again demand the Government to comply with the order the National Security and Defense Council to resolve the issue of wages for our doctors in this difficult period for the country.
The fifth factor.
Dear fellow citizens, the key threat that is aggravating the situation is chaos in the system of healthcare and protection of lives of people.
Today we must recognize that Ukraine does not have a single healthcare system. Prevention of any infection, including through vaccination, the localization and overcoming the consequences of epidemics is the responsibility of the State Sanitary-Epidemiological Service of Ukraine.
The Service is headed by the Chief Sanitary Inspector. He is appointed by the Prime Minister.
The current Constitution after alterations in 2004 makes the Government solely responsible for conducting state healthcare policy.
The practice of using the power, as evident today, is a failure.
To the executive power, which is not subordinate to the President, I have suggested the holistic healthcare reforms plan and a set of instructions and recommendations that would help create the optimal model of the system for years to come. My remarks were presented as the groundless interference in Government’s work and as the unfounded criticism.
Back in April of 2009 I addressed the Government with the request to establish a special interdepartmental commission on fighting the spread of flu viruses, to finance the establishment of Flu Center and to take all measures to protect the country against flu. That included providing adequate availability of medicines, facemasks and all other necessaries.
Partial implementation of the instructions has its consequences.
They were not ignoring me – they were ignoring the people, the citizens. It is clear why. Because Ukraine still has unfair system of healthcare - one is for the power, the other is for the people.
We must change the system. We must change the entire system of government in Ukraine.
But now, in this moment there is no time for waiting or remonstrance.
Failure to comply with its orders will immediately result in application to the law enforcement authorities.
I remind all the responsible persons and draw attention to all of my orders, made in Lviv four days ago. In three days the deadline for compliance with these orders expires.
With my decree I put Minister of Health and Chief Sanitary Inspector of Ukraine into the Council for National Security and Defense.
I am conscious of my responsibility.
I express deep condolences to the families and relatives of those who have died.
I express my deep appreciation to doctors, who are saving our people risking their own lives. I am moved by this sacrifice. Such a commitment means that the epidemic will be stopped.
I appeal to all of you, dear fellow citizens, to show solidarity, mutual support, and strictly adhere to all the safety regulations regarding protection of your health and lives.
For not a single moment you will be left alone by the state.
Thank you for your attention.
President holds meeting on childcare
"The politics and the dialogue which we have initiated four years ago, the laws and government decisions taken during this time show that we have found the correct way to address this significant problem for society", he said.
One of the most important steps towards improving the situation Victor Yushchenko called the radical increase in financial aid to parents with newborns. Through such actions, he said, 20% more children were born in Ukraine last year than in 2004. "I have the opportunity and pleasure to say that this program was extremely effective", said Victor Yushchenko.
He drew particular attention to improvement of the demographic situation in Ukraine in recent years. "After three years we can say - one fourth of Ukraine already has a progressive regional demographic dynamics", said Victor Yushchenko, adding that at such a pace in 2015 for the first time Ukraine will have absolute growth of the population.
The President also pointed to effectiveness of the joint project of government and business "Warm a childe with love”.
President holds meeting of the Consultative Council on Foreign Investments
"The dialogue with investors, the establishment of a legislative field that would have attracted international and national investors is very important for the economy of Ukraine ", said Victor Yushchenko in his opening remarks.
Victor Yushchenko noted that due to internal economic and political changes that have happened in the last 4 years the investment in Ukrainian economy grew from $8.6 billion (January 1, 2005 data) to $ 38 billion. During this time, he said, Ukraine has also made progress in the integration into international economic institutions. "For us, the most important document, which reflects our strategy is the economic integration into the European Union", said Victor Yushchenko. The President reminded that three-quarters of talks have been completed on the Free Trade agreement, and the talks on united energy system and joining the European Energy Association are continuing.
Victor Yushchenko praised the dynamics of cooperation between Ukraine and such global financial institutions as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank. "We currently have a key package of relations with leading financial institutions", said the President.
Among the problems that have arisen in the Government budget and privatization policies, President Yushchenko mentioned the unmanageable budget deficit, which by experts’ estimates may reach 120-130 billion.
"The problem is around 120 - 130 billion. In fact, 50% of the budget in 2009 has no real income. This is a key challenge for the prices, for social and political stability. We have one of the worst budgets – the political budget, rather than the economic, which obviously cannot be anti-recessionary budget", said the President.
President takes part in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Ukrainian Cossack state
th anniversary of proclamation of the Ukrainian Cossack state.
At the beginning of the celebration, the ceremony of flying the National Flag took place.
Congratulating all the Ukrainians on the outstanding date, the President called its celebration in the ancient capital of Hetmans symbolic.
"Here in Chyhyryn our great Ukrainian nation began. Here on this land is our military beginning and the source of our national energy. Here the host of Bohdan Khmelnytsky was born to liberate our spirits and pave the road to our national independence", said Victor Yushchenko.
Within the framework of the celebration President also watched a performance by the company of soldiers of the Guards of Honor company.
Kateryna Yushchenko’s speech at the Session “Speaking of the Past for the Sake of the Future: historical truth about the Soviet Period”
Esteemed Heroes of Ukraine Miroslav Marinovych and Ivan Hel’,
Post Genocidal Nation
Programs of the Ukraine 3000 Foundation
Destruction of Spirituality
th century, Ukraine already had more than 100 churches!
th century. It was destroyed by a system that wanted to replace the role of God Himself.
Historical Truth
th century, the Holodomor-genocide, the Great Terror, the execution of “enemies of the state”, destroyed spirituality, post-war tragedies and repressions.
Kateryna Yushchenko’s speech at the Righteous Among Nations Award Ceremony
Halytsky Synagogue, Kyiv, Ukraine
Statement by His Excellency Victor Yushchenko President of Ukraine at the General Debate of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly
New York, 23 September 2009
th session of the UN General Assembly. I wish you, Mr. President, every success in your activities.
th anniversary of the victory over fascism.
UN Photo/Marco Castro
Video-address of H.E. Mr. Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine, to the Summit on Climate Change
Click on the picture above to play video
th century, defining the commitments of the people and nations with respect to the nature and taking care of the rational management of resources, preventing the pollution and the environmental destruction.
th anniversary of the largest man-made disaster in the history.
President Yushchenko welcomed in Ashgabat by President Berdymuhamedow
The ceremony was held on the square in front of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
President meets Chairman of the Sejm
Victor Yushchenko and Bronislaw Komorowski discussed the development of Ukrainian-Polish-Lithuanian cooperation in the framework of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the three countries.
Another theme of the meeting was humanitarian policy, including the historic reconciliation and evaluation of episodes of common history between the two countries.
During the meeting Viktor Yushchenko has expressed hope for further support of the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine by the Polish side.
Victor Yushchenko, Lech Kaczynski ink Ukraine-Poland Roadmap 2009-2010
The signature of the roadmap confirms strategic nature of partnership between Ukraine and Poland, aimed at future and establishes the main tasks of bilateral cooperation between our countries.
Also Victor Yushchenko and Lech Kaczynski signed a joint statement by Presidents of both countries on energy cooperation.
The decision of the Presidents of Ukraine and Poland to sign a joint statement on cooperation in the energy sector shows the existence of joint assessments of the need to further diversify sources of oil supplies to European consumers and increase energy security in Europe.
After the ceremony Ukrainian-Polish talks began under the chairmanship of the two Presidents.
President meets town and village governors
Victor Yushchenko warned that he would seek bringing the budget process in accordance with the procedure and the lessons were drawn from the problems of this year’s budget.
The President called for a rational approach to the problems of budgeting, one of which is excessive centralization of the budget process. “We must formulate a clear approach in both political and economic sense. So long as Kyiv manages the lion's share of finances, which are a function of local government, we will not overcome corruption”, he said.
In this context he referred to the provisions of a draft amendments to the Constitution he had suggested, which should strengthen the role of local government, as a part of the process of strengthening democracy in Ukraine.
He called upon those present to actively participate in the national discussion of the draft constitutional amendments.
President congratulates personnel of Intelligence Office of Defense Ministry
On behalf of the Ukrainian State President thanked intelligence service agents for their service, the quality of their work and loyalty to the motherland. “Without your work, without success in countering threats and challenges to national security there would be no safe life of Ukrainian citizens, or the Ukrainian state”, said Victor Yushchenko.
Victor and Kateryna Yushchenkos attend bandura concert
In Baturyn National Historical and Cultural Reserve "The Hetman's Capital" President Victor Yushchenko and his wife Kateryna Yushchenko attended Ukrainian Bandura Arts Festival named after Ostap Veresai.
Also Victor and Kateryna Yushchenkos toured a thematic exhibition of V. Taranovsky Historical Museum and Ostap Veresai Museum pieces.
Working visit to Chernihiv region
On August 22 President will go to Chernihiv region with a working visit.
President attends concert by Ukrainian ensembles from abroad
President Victor Yushchenko attended the concert by Ukrainian ensembles from abroad held within the framework of the Festival of Arts of Ukraine.
In his speech at the event Victor Yushchenko greeted Ukrainian artists from the United States and Canada, Russia, Moldova, Lithuania and Estonia, Poland and Slovakia, Germany and Spain and all Ukrainians of the world. "We are a great power. Our spirit dominated the North and South, West and East, all countries and continents where Ukrainians are present. We are one in time and space and in our national nature", he said.
Attending of "Let's come together" arts festival
On August 21 President Yuschenko will come to "Let's come together" arts festival.
President meets law enforcement authorities' heads
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting on the results of work of Internal Affairs Ministry for the first seven months of this year.
The President made generally positive remarks on the level of cooperation between the Interior Ministry, General Prosecutor's Office and Security Service. "I welcome the established dialogue and would like it to continue", he said, expressing confidence that further coordination of law enforcement bodies' actions "would seriously improve investigative and operational work".
President Yushchenko pointed to improvement of the situation with the preparation of objective statistical data on law enforcement bodies' work. "Your job is to fight crime, rather than numbers", he said and added that regaining society's trust in them is the matter of honor for law enforcement officers. In this context the President stressed that he "fully supports those who show an honest accounting".
After hearing the reports of law enforcement authorities' heads, President Yushchenko positively assessed the reduction of crime recorded in the first 7 months of this year. "The trend is strongly welcomed by the President and, I am sure, by the people", he said.
Among the urgent tasks President Yushchenko named reforming the law enforcement system, importance of improving human resources policy, maintaining the apolitical status of law enforcement institutions, etc.
"I wish that through your work you were showing professionalism, patriotism and, of course, efficiency", said President of Ukraine.
President condoles with people of the Republic of Korea
President Victor Yushchenko offered his condolences to people of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of the death of state's former President Kim Dae-jung.
Weak budgetary policy threatens stability of hryvnya - President
President Victor Yushchenko believes that weak fiscal policy of the Government is the only threat to the stability of national currency, he said answering questions from reporters during his visit to Poltava region.
President once again called on the Government to demonstrate strict budgetary policy and stop "giving away candies of sweet promises to the people.
"Today we see an attempt to patch professional failures, which were made in the formation of 2009 budget by the destabilization of the currency, and substitute the funding through budgetary revenue budget by the emission by the National Bank", President said.
In addition, the President expressed negative attitude towards the initiative of the Prime Minister to consider redistribution of National Bank's profits and targeting them to finance various projects.
Ukraine interested in good relations with Russia - President
Ukraine is interested in developing dynamic and effective partnership with the Russian Federation emphasized President Victor Yushchenko at today's press conference in Poltava region.
"Certainly, it is important to have active Ukrainian-Russian relations. This corresponds with national interests", he said.
However, the President said, Ukraine stands for mutual respect of our two countries to one another, building equal relations, including trade, and against the "policy of constraints" it faces today.
In this context, Victor Yushchenko pointed to a number of unresolved issues, particularly creation of a free trade zone. "We're sorry that since the establishment of the CIS only 4% of the reached agreements within its framework have been actually implemented... We support pragmatism in our relations. But pragmatism means that we must form primarily the modern market economic relations, which should of course be based on a free trade zone ", said Victor Yushchenko.
Separately he pointed to the need to form a new customs policy. "Customs economic border should not be a blood clot in the channel of exchange of goods, services or investment", he said.
Ukraine also constantly stresses the importance of consistent, and later single tariff policy, the President said, "so that it was not used today as a form of pressure on the organization transit trade flows".
"We oppose any restrictions in the area of goods, services, investment and labor trade", noted the President.
"We of course expect that our partners adequately approach realization of our common opportunities. So once again I, as the President, address the President of Russia and Russian authorities with a call to enhance our dialogue, our relations, to stop involving politics in these relations as it has happened a few weeks ago ... when simply wiredrawn questions were raised only to raise the temperature of negativism in our relations", said Victor Yushchenko.
President firm to defend his veto on new election law in Constitutional Court
If state deputies overcome President's veto on the Law of Ukraine "On alteration of some legislative acts of Ukraine on elections of the President of Ukraine", President Victor Yushchenko will dispute the law in the Constitutional Court, he said today answering to questions from reporters.
"If the parliament does not agree with the suggestions introduced the Law by the President, I certainly will sent the appropriate submission the Constitutional Court ... My response will be clear and unequivocal: I will appeal to the Constitutional Court, the only authority to date, which is able to put an end to this", said Victor Yushchenko.
Head of State stressed that he could not agree with many provisions that were introduced to the public law on the presidential elections. "The law pulled through by two political forces, BYuT and Party of Regions, in fact makes Ukrainian election unfair, illegitimate, puts a lot obstacles ... to fair democratic elections", the President said.
At the same time, Victor Yushchenko praised some provisions of the law, such as shortening of the election campaign.
President takes part in the opening of Sorochyntsi Fair
Within the framework of his working visit to Poltava region President Victor Yushchenko took part in the ceremony of opening of the National Sorochyntsi Fair in the village of Great Sorochyntsi.
The President greeted fair's organizers, participants and guests. In his welcoming remarks he stressed that the fair has become a real national holiday, which clearly represents the creativity of folk artists.
He also expressed joy that the fair glorified in the works of Mykola Gogol and which ceased to exist in the 1920's is now restored as a national tradition.
President visits Mykola Gogol museum
During his visit to Velyki Sorochyntsi, Poltava region President Victor Yushchenko visited the museum of Mykola Gogol.
The President was shown the reconstruction of the museum and toured the exhibition of children's drawings dedicated to the 200-year anniversary of the birth of Gogol.
President visits Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church in Velyki Sorochyntsi
During his visit to Poltava region President Victor Yushchenko visited Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church in Velyki Sorochyntsi, Myrhorod district, built in 1732 on the commission of Hetman Danylo Apostol.
Opening of the Sorochyntsi Fair
On August 19 President Yushchenko will take part in the opening of the annual Sorochyntsi Fair.
President condoles with Russian people
President Victor Yushchenko offered condolences to the Russian people on the occasion of accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya power plant in southern Siberia, which resulted in casualties.
President meets National Bank Chairman
President Victor Yushchenko met with National Bank Chairman Volodymyr Stelmakh.
At the meeting sides have discussed the situation at currencies market, actions necessary for stabilizing hryvnya exchange rate, refinancing and recapitalization of Ukrainian banks, etc.
President meets Prosecutor General
President Victor Yushchenko met with the Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko to discuss with him investigation of the most resonant criminal cases.
Sides have discussed such fields as fighting corruption, observation of language legislation, development of pre-trial investigation of the murder of journalist Georgiy Gongadze, investigation of Valeriy Oliynyk murder in Kirovohrad region, etc.
Separately sides have discussed Prosecutor's Office reaction to President's requests to investigate legality of some decisions of the Cabinet.
Letter of the President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko to the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev
Respected Dmitry Anatolyevych,
I have perused your letter of 6 August 2009. Straightforwardly speaking, I am very disappointed with its unfriendly nature.
I agree that there are serious problems in the relations between our countries, but your absolute denial of Russia's responsibility for them surprises me.
Our state has never betrayed the principles of friendship and partnership fixed in the Agreement of 1997, was doing its best to ensure fruitful and mutually beneficial development of bilateral relations. Moreover, in accordance with the abovementioned agreement our countries were to build up relations with each other based on principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality.
Yet, I would like to set aside the emotions and proceed to the objective analysis of the state of bilateral relations.
Ukraine's position on last year's events in Georgia is well known and coincides with positions of almost all other countries of the world. Its core is indisputable respect towards sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of Georgia or any other sovereign state.
The accusations of supplies of weapons to Georgia are groundless. It's a shame that despite numerous clear and comprehensible explanations of the legality of its activity at arms market from the Ukrainian side, the Russian side continues the consecutive campaign aimed at shaping image of Ukraine as a state that does not obey international regulations and regimes in the sphere of military technical cooperation. In this regard I would like to remind that Georgia has never been and is still not a subject to any international sanctions or embargo on supplies of arms, military equipment and dual use goods imposed by either the UN Security Council, OSCE, European Union or other international organizations. Moreover, the proposition to impose such restrictions within the framework of the OSCE, made by Russia after the Russian-Georgian conflict, found no support.
Ukraine's NATO integration course may not be subject to Russia's political criticism either. It forces us to again repeat the common truth that the right to choose international means of ensuring one's national security, including the participation in military-political alliances, is an integral part of national sovereignty of any state and Russia has to respect that. I would like to remind you that the Law of Ukraine "On foundations of national security of Ukraine" approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2003 with support from leadership of current opposition provides for integration of Ukraine with NATO up to full-fledged membership. The President of Ukraine follows that.
Also would like to once again emphasize that the desire of our country to gain membership in NATO is in no way aimed against Russia and that final decision on accession of Ukraine to NATO will be made only after a national referendum.
I would like to point out separately that Article 17 of the Constitution of Ukraine prohibits deployment of foreign states' military bases at the Ukrainian territory. Yet, our state keeps up to its international treaty obligations on the temporary deployment of Russian Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine until May 28, 2017 and fully complies with provisions of the relevant basic agreements of 1997. On the other hand I am forced to admit serious problems in compliance of the Russian side with the basic agreements regarding use of land, real estate, radio frequencies, navigation equipment, etc. Throughout the period of deployment of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia in Ukraine its command has been rudely and systematically violating the bilateral agreements and legislation of Ukraine and the Ukrainian side has been constantly informing the Russian side about that.
Ukraine consistently supports the development of pragmatic economic relations with Russia, especially in energy field. Ukraine has started a program of modernization of its gas transport system to bring it to the highest international standards and is ready to invite the potential of European countries and of other parties to the process. Our country has many times proved in practice its reliability as a partner in the transportation of energy resources: gas, oil and nuclear energy fuel. Ukraine was one of the few countries in the world, which in June this year welcomed the initiative of the Russian Federation to start a multilateral dialogue on improving international legal framework in energy security that in our opinion should be based upon the Energy Charter and other relevant documents.
Your letter also repeats regular and well-known accusations aimed at depriving Ukraine of its view of its own history, our own national interests, foreign policy priorities. I am convinced that such questions as history, along with native language, culture, and family ethics are fundamental principles for development of the state and identification of the Ukrainian nation.
By raising the question of recognition of the Holodomor in Ukraine of 1932-1933 at the international scene the Ukrainian people also pays tribute to millions of Russians, Belarusians, Kazakhs and representatives of other nationalities, who died of starvation in the Volga region, Northern Caucasus, Kazakhstan and other parts of former USSR. It is known that during the "Light the candle" campaign dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor in Ukraine burning candles in hundreds of cities worldwide, including in Russia, proved multi-ethnic solidarity with Ukraine in recognition of the fact.
In no way I can agree with the allegation about ousting of Russian language from public life in Ukraine. Elementary impartial evaluations of the language situation in Ukraine and Russia show completely opposite facts. It is in the Russian Federation, where members of Ukrainian minority have virtually no ability to realize the right to fulfill their national and cultural needs. The well-known findings of international organizations prove that.
Responding to concerns about alleged intervention of the Ukrainian government in the affairs of Orthodox Church, I would like to note the following. The Ukrainian leadership respects canons and traditions of churches and religious organizations. Church in Ukraine is separated from the state; each citizen has the right to profess any religion. However, no one may prohibit the citizens to freely express their position on any issues, including those religious.
Regarding the visit of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Cyril to Ukraine it is worth mentioning that he expressed words of gratitude to the leadership of our nation for the high level of organization of his stay in Ukraine. And of course, the Russian Orthodox Church Prior did not make any negative or critical remarks similar to those contained in your letter and discrediting the very spirit of the visit. Generally speaking, we consider the connections between the visit of Patriarch Cyril and bilateral political relations to be wiredrawn and irrelative.
Speaking about the forced decision of the Ukrainian side regarding the two diplomatic representatives of Russia, it should be emphasized that before making such a step we have three times officially argued to the Russian side about the wrongful actions of the abovementioned senior diplomats. The Ukrainian party has provided sufficient evidence of their activities in Ukraine, which harmed national interests of Ukraine. On the other hand, the responsive actions of the Russian side against the Ukrainian diplomat were totally unjustified and baseless. I hope that in the future our two countries will manage to avoid recurrence of such unfortunate situations, which cast shadow over bilateral relations.
Summarizing the listed, I would like to express my conviction that solving current problems in Ukrainian-Russian bilateral relations requires intensive work. Therefore the decision to postpone the arrival of the new Russian Ambassador to Ukraine will certainly not contribute to constructive development of our relations.
Ukraine remains a supporter of broad cooperation with the Russian Federation based upon mutual respect and equality, by means of maintaining constructive dialogue, including that at the highest level. At least three times last year I have proved my willingness to engage in dialogue at the negotiating table in my letters to you. Today this call still applies. Unfortunately, in response to that I only received invitations to take part in the race for the prize of the President of Russia or other multilateral arrangements. I hope that this time your response will be constructive.
I believe in good future of Ukrainian-Russian relations, which are based on the deep tradition of friendship and neighborliness between the peoples of our two countries that are stronger than the interests of certain political circles and not influenced by situational conditions of political moment.
Sincerely
Viktor Yushchenko
President condoles with people of Slovakia
President Victor Yushchenko sent a letter of condolence to the President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic on the occasion of the explosion that occurred in the Handlová mine of the Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza (HNB) mining company at about 8:30 in the morning on August 10.
President reqests the Government to solve arrears of wares problem
President Victor Yushchenko wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko drawing her attention to debts in wages and payments to state pension insurance fund.
"First Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov said that the issue of arrears of wages is monitored constantly by the Government and is systematically discussed at the meetings of Cabinet and telephone conference with heads of central and local executive authorities. According to latest updates from central and local executive bodies arrears of wages for June 2009 decreased by 7.1% and on July 3 was 1401 million hryvnyas", said President Yushchenko in the letter.
However, he said, July 1, 2009 data from the State Statistics Committee shows that the debt increased by 8.7% compared to June and was 1639.2 million hryvnyas. Since the beginning of the year the debt has increased 1.4 times.
At the same time the General Prosecutor's Office reported about the facts of deliberate delays in wages payment and violation of legally provided minimum wage amount.
"Central and local executive bodies do not properly monitor the timeliness and completeness of wages payment; the statistics bodies do not check properly enough the accuracy of accounting papers submitted by business entities. State Tax Service does not properly monitor compliance with legislation in wages payment", stressed Victor Yushchenko.
President Yushchenko requested Prime Minister Tymoshenko and the Cabinet to take appropriate actions to improve the situation and inform him on the results in person.
President meets delegates from the U.S. Congress
President Victor Yushchenko held a meeting with a delegation of the U.S. Congress headed by the House Republican Minority Leader John Boehner.
"Our relations with the USA are significant for us. We think they are developing very rapidly", said Victor Yushchenko opening the meeting. He expressed the belief that our countries have clear priorities for development of bilateral relations, particularly the Strategic Partnership Charter and Ukraine - United States Action Plan.
V. Yushchenko also noted active diplomatic relations between our countries. "It is very important for us that Ukrainian policy of democratization of political processes saw large internal and external support", noted the President pointing to role of such support from the American government.
The President expressed appreciation of the Congress members' initiative to visit Ukraine saying that such a step is very important especially in the context of the recent visit of the U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
"It means a lot for us to have active dialogue with the American authorities and American opposition", emphasized the President.
From his part John Boehner assured that the Congressmen came to Ukraine as its friends. "We are interested in developing better understanding of democracy in Ukraine and prospects of its further advance", he said.
During the meeting the sides have also dwelled on a number of topical questions on the agenda of Ukrainian-American strategic partnership, particularly strengthening the energy security of Ukraine, Euro-Atlantic integration course of Ukraine and overcoming the financial crisis, including development of cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF.
President cuts ribbon at the new oil works in Illichivsk
Within the framework of his working visit to Odesa region President Victor Yushchenko took part in the opening of the new oil and fat production combine in Illichivsk.
In his welcoming remarks the Head of State positively assessed the very opening of the new production despite the crisis in the Ukrainian economy. "We are witnessing the launch of one of the most technologically advanced oil production works in the Eastern Europe», - said Victor Yushchenko.
Ukrainian-Russian relations are strategic - President
Ukraine's relations with Russia have strategic value for our country, said President Yushchenko at his press conference in Odessa region.
"There are many reasons for that, beginning with the fact that Russia is one of the major countries of the world having unique potential and features for realization of Ukrainian interests: economic, political and cultural. So for us this relations are strategic", said the President. He emphasized that such principles also apply to the most sensitive issues in Ukrainian-Russian relations.
Victor Yushchenko said that Ukraine is constructive about diplomatic relations with Russia. He said that the Ukrainian side has approved the agrément for the appointment of a new Ambassador of Russia in Ukraine.
"All matters relating to appointment and stay of the Ambassador are resolved. I do not see any state-level problems here", - added Victor Yushchenko.
State Financial Monitoring Committee: Delegation of Ukraine participates in regular sitting of Special Committee of the Council of Europe (MONEYVAL)
A delegation of
The Plenary sitting of MONEYVAL will take place in
During the meeting it is planned to hear a FATF report on impact of the global economic crisis in the sphere of counteraction to money laundering and financing terrorism. Besides, the participants will hear information concerning initiatives in fight against money laundering and financing terrorism devised by the financial institutions, such as the IMF, the World Bank, UNO Counter-Terrorism Committee, the EBRD, Offshore Group of Banking Supervisers, OCSE, Egmont Group and Eurasia Group on Counteraction to Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism.
Moreover, the agenda of the meeting includes discussion of a report on mutual evaluation of
Reference.
MONEYVAL (Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures) was set up by the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe in 1997 and appears one of the three international organizations dealing with fight against money laundering. The principal goal of activity is the expert evaluation of the effectiveness with which the countries-members of the Council of Europe counteract to legalization of profits obtained in a criminal way.
Ukraine is a MONEYVAL member and constantly participates in its meetings.
FATF is an interstate body dealing with elaboration of a policy of fight against legalization of funds acquired in a criminal way and facilitates its implementation on both the national and international level.
AMCU: Operator on oil products market fined for groundless increase of prices for gasoline and diesel fuel
The Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine has imposed a fine of UAH 500 thousand on Optima Trade company for violation of its monopolistic state. Such a decision was approved on the outcomes of a meeting of Temporary Administrative Collegium of the Committee held in the framework of an official visit of acting head of the Committee Olexandr Melnychenko to Kharkiv region.
As the Committee found out, Optima Trade had charged extra prices for gasoline and diesel fuel in
In February of 2008 the Committee fined Optima Trade with UAH 1 million for violation of the monopolistic state on the market of retail trade of gasoline and diesel fuel in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and Cherkasy regions.
During seven months of current year the Committee has imposed fines on operators of oil product market for violation of competitive legislation to the tune of UAH 3.5 million.
Ministry of Labour and Social Policy: Timely financing of all kinds of payments of state assistance to families with children is under constant control of the Government
Payments of assistance to the families with children, indigent families, invalids from childhood, children-invalids and temporary state assistance to children have been financed from the State Budget in full in August of the current year.
According to the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of Ukraine Liudmyla Denysova, issues of timely financing of all kinds of payment of the state assistance to the families with children will further remain under constant control of the Government.
Ministry of Fuel and Energy: Enerhoatom and Mitsubishi tackle cooperation prospects
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.
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