Kosice region of Slovakia and Transcarpathian region approve cooperation plan for 2008-2009

A plan of cooperation between the Kosice Region (Slovakia) and the Transcarpathian region (West Ukraine), as well as a Protocol on measures for its fulfillment in 2008-2009 were approved at a meeting of leaders of the Kosice self-government region and a delegation of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration.

Participating in the meeting was Consul General of Ukraine to Presov Yevhen Perebyinis.

The documents will be officially signed during the holiday "Good-Neighborly Day" to be held on May 24.

President thankful to NATO members

At his press conference in Romania President Victor Yushchenko stressed that he highly appreciates the decision of North Atlantic Council and called it historic for Ukrainian state and nation. He also added that the results of Bucharest Summit as to Ukraine event to some extent surpassed the Ukrainian side’s expectations as the communique agreed by 26 NATO leaders indeed “does foresee Ukraine’s membership in NATO in historical perspective”.

President Yushchenko described as very important the fact that with no exception all NATO member-countries have approved Ukraine’s application for MAP.

He also informed that according to today’s decision NATO member-states’ Foreign Ministers were instructed to hold additional consultations so that by December 2008 the question of offering Ukraine and Georgia Membership Action Plan could be re-discussed.

President expressed gratitude to all those, who has been rendering partner support to Ukraine. According to him for Ukraine today’s NATO leaders’ decision was hard to achieve. “But this decision is historic and that is why we have reasons to thank all our partners for demonstrating their devoted efforts regarding Ukraine’s interests”, - he said.

President writes letter to PM

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

In his letter President noted that at his meeting with OU-PSD deputies, they expressed concerns to him about the Government’s staffing policy. According to them there are some people occupying governmental positions despite their reputation and personal qualities contradict with the principles, on which the Democratic coalition is based.

For example current first deputy Minister for Regional Development Oleksiy Ishchenko has been a deputy of Victor Medvedchuk at Presidential Administration during Leonid Kuchma’s presidency and is said to have been involved in falsification of 2004 presidential elections results in favor of Viktor Yanukovych. There were also other officials named by President in his letter, whose positions in offices according to him are worth to be re-discussed.

Victor Yushchenko expressed expectancies to Yulia Tymoshenko that the coalition as a whole and Mrs. Tymoshenko personally would reconsider achievements of those, mentioned in the letter and initiate Cabinet of Minister’s appropriate decisions on them.

“I also expect that further staffing incentives of the Government would correspond with a spirit of the Democratic coalition agreement”, - wrote President in his letter.

President signs Decree on 2008 Ukraine-NATO Target Plan implementation

President Victor Yushchenko signed a Decree on April 1st on implementation of 2008 Ukraine - NATO Target Plan.

As put in the Decree with the aim of realization of Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine, priority tasks within the framework of NATO-Ukraine Intensified Dialogue, and Ukraine’s obligations resulting from its membership in NATO PfP program the Cabinet of Ministers and all responsible bodies are to provide implementation of 2008 Ukraine - NATO Target Plan.

The Decree also obliges Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Centre of Euro-Atlantic Integration, State Committee on television and radio broadcast and other executive authorities to inform public regularly on implementation of the measures provided by the Target Plan.

President Bush: we support MAP for Ukraine

Joint press conference of the President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko and the President of the USA George W. Bush took place after Ukrainian-American talks.

At the press conference President Bush reaffirmed American support towards Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO Membership Action Plan. “In Bucharest this week I will continue to make America’s position clear: we support MAP for Ukraine and Georgia”, - he said.

President Bush characterized Ukraine – NATO relations as a strong partnership reminding that “Ukraine is the only non-NATO nation supporting every NATO mission”. He also drew attention to the fact that Ukraine and NATO share common democratic values. “We also share more than security interest, we share democratic values. Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to democracy and free markets.” Therefore according to President Bush’s words “helping Ukraine move toward its NATO membership is in the interest of every member in the Alliance. And we’ll help advance security and freedom in this region and around the world”.

Answering the question of a journalist if he thinks that Russia is applying undue pressure and threats to accomplish stopping NATO MAP’s for Ukraine and Georgia, Mr. George Bush said: ”This is an interesting debate that’s taking place and every nation has told me Russia will not have a veto over what happens at Bucharest and I take their word for it; and that’s the right policy to have”. President Yushchenko from his part stressed that when it comes to Ukraine’s course on joining MAC and NATO membership, this policy is not aimed against anybody. “I am assured that we’ve chosen the right strategic path and we act within the limits of national sovereignty”, - he said.

Speaking about Ukraine’s MAP and NATO aspirations President Yushchenko stressed that in his opinion there are no alternatives to the idea of collective security. “We proceed from the position that collective responsibility for security policy is the best response to the challenges existing in society and system of international coordinates”.

He expressed gratitude to the American side for supporting Ukraine in its craving for joining MAP. “I am assured that we will receive positive signal in Bucharest and that we will find proper reasons for those states, which are currently elaborating their position on the subject”, - he added.

The USA President arrives in Ukraine

The President of the USA George W. Bush with his wife Mrs. Laura Bush arrived today at Boryspil airport.

At the airport the presidential couple was met by Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko, Presidential Secretariat Chief of Staff Victor Baloha, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Oleh Shamshur and The Ambassador of the USA to Ukraine William B. Taylor with his wife Deborah Taylor.

The American delegation to Ukraine includes Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, their deputies, other officials.

Ukraine will never advance on its path if its movement is defined by dubious personalities - President

Making his comments to journalists on Prime Minister Tymoshenko’s statement on V. Medvedchuk’s possible involvement in preparation of gas agreements with Russia, President Victor Yushchenko said that Ukraine will never advance on its path if its movement is defined by dubious personalities.

“I don’t know why it is Medvedchuk being turned to by the Prime Minister today as to some sort of saviour. I think it is the disgrace for Ukraine”, - he said.

President holds meeting with Speaker, PM

President Victor Yushchenko held a weekly meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Other participants of the meeting were NSDC Secretary Raisa Bohatyryova, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Petro Krupko, BYut and OU-PSD Factions’ leaders Ivan Kyrylenko and Vyacheslav Kyrylenko, President’s Secretariat Chief of Staff Viktor Baloha and his First Deputy Oleksandr Shlapak.

During the meeting parties discussed situation with VAT rebates and discontinuing using promissory notes for rebating VAT to goods importers. Speaking about the problem with promissory notes President noted that while he supports their discontinuance, there are no unambiguous legal grounds for that. Also a ground-up analysis of such step’s consequences for the entire economy would be needed.

The participants also discussed Government’s activity regarding privatization; particularly it’s compliance with the decision adopted by NSDC on February 15, 2008 on protection of national interests and national security in privatization field. The decision required that strategic value enterprises were not made subject to privatization before programs of development of corresponding branches were adopted. Here Victor Yushchenko stressed urgency of bringing Government issued privatization legislative acts in compliance with the abovementioned decision of National Security and Defense Council. He also urged the Cabinet to work out a clear-cut schedule of privatization.

V. Ohryzko: Ukraine expects to join NATO Membershp Target Plan in Bucharest

“It will not take much to receive positive consensus decision in Bucharest on Ukraine” - said Minister of Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Ohryzko During his press briefing, following National Security and Defense Council meeting. “Ukrainian side is working intensively with NATO member countries, particularly with those, which are currently skeptical towards Ukraine’s accession to Membership Target Plan.”, - he added.

According to V. Ohryzko the position of country’s leadership, affirmed by the latest NSDC meeting, remains intact. That means to make all necessary efforts so that Ukraine would join the Target Plan already in Bucharest. He also said that NSDC adopted a decision to intensify informing public on NATO activity.

Victor Yushchenko holds phone talks with Vladimir Putin

President Victor Yushchenko held telephone conversation today with the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

During the talk sides discussed implementation of Second Ukraine-Russia Intergovernmental Commission decisions. They came to an agreement to stir up Intergovernmental Commission’s bodies work. In particular, the meeting of economic cooperation committee, headed by Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Russia is to be held on April 18 in Kyiv.

Beside the abovementioned the parties discussed mechanisms of terminating Kerch straight disaster consequences and the issue of damages payment.

We will be seeking new ways to guarantee security to Ukrainian peacekeepers - V. Ohryzko

During his press briefing, following National Security and Defense Council meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Ohryzko once again offered his condolences to the family of Ukrainian servicemen Igor Kynal, who had been killed in Kosovo earlier this week.

He also emphasized that Ukrainian and UN official is currently investigating the details of what had happened and that Ukraine will apply necessary measures to enhance security of Ukrainian peacekeepers. “We will be searching for a new ways to guarantee security to our peacekeepers, including those within the framework of cooperation with KFOR, which are deployed in Kosovo too”, - said V. Ohryzko. He also stressed that Ukraine has no plans to cease its peacekeeping activity in Kosovo.

Ukraine and Russia discuss cooperation in international organizations

The first sitting of the sub-commission on cooperation in international organizations of the sub-committee on international cooperation of the Ukrainian-Russian international commission was held in Kyiv. The sitting was chaired by Director of the UN Department of The Foreign Ministry Serhiy Kyslytsia and Director of International Organizations Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Oleksandr Konuzin.

The parties exchanged opinions and discussed prospects of the 62nd session of the UN Assembly General.

The participants estimated cooperation on the Chornobyl as positive.

The consultations confirmed readiness of the foreign ministries of Ukraine and Russia to resume intensive political dialogue.

The next sitting of the sub-commission will be held in Moscow, Russia.

Next round of negotiations on new enhanced agreement between Ukraine and EU slated for July, 2007

The next round of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU is slated for July 2 to 4 in Kyiv, Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Veselovskyi said in Brussels.

According to Andriy Veselovskyi, who heads the Ukrainian delegation to Brussels, the third round of talks between Ukraine and the EU was held in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. Ukraine is the only country so far, considering a new enhanced agreement with the EU. This is a new move and a new stage for the EU, a so -called handicap, it overcomes.

The diplomat noted that negotiations were held in the format of three working groups in the sectors of security policy, law and sector cooperation. The forth group will join negotiations after Ukraine accedes to the EU. We hold unofficial consultations, albeit no official statements have been aired yet.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the working group on international security policy has a successful operation. Ukraine's stance reflects its bids to reach new political associations and economic integration in the result of the agreement's fulfilment.

Activity in the format of the second group in the justice sector was a bit strained. It was complicated for the EU to allow free move of Ukrainian citizens and migration. We are sincere, noting that we are not ready yet to meet European standards in this view. Therefore, we need rather the EU's assistance than cooperation, Andriy Veselovskyi stressed.

The third working group on sector issues discusses the most complicated issues for Ukraine. Our state attempts to follow the path of the EU's members. We don't copy their experience, we want to launch it in Ukraine. The job will be quite hard, as we don't get the EU's finance support unlike other countries.

He stressed that both Ukraine and the EU have grounds for mutual interest in sector cooperation. A majority of the Ukrainian officials successfully geared up to the negotiations.

The EU's delegation admitted successful work of the Ukrainian delegation, qualitative and timely draft of documents. This is a proof for the EU that the internal crisis doesn't influence the negotiations, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.

Internal crisis in Ukraine doesn't influence negotiations with EU, Arseniy Yatsenyuk says

Internal situation in Ukraine doesn't influence negotiations with the EU, Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told journalists after a meeting with his German opposite number Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Prospects of reaching a new agreement between Ukraine and the EU are in focus at negotiations of official delegations.

Ukraine doesn't demand membership from the EU, Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed.

Kyiv refuses from declarations in favour of pragmatic tactics of free crossborder move of citizens, access to finance and commodity markets, rehabilitation of transport corridors, legal employment of Ukrainians abroad, access for the youth to European educational programs and cooperation in the IT sector.

According to Arseniy Yatsenyuk, negotiations on a new agreement between Ukraine and the EU will last for a year. Meanwhile, a document on simplification of visa regime for Ukrainian citizens is expected to be signed on June 18.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk also noted that Ukraine's full-fledged membership in the EU is the state's key goal.

Gearing up to sitting of CIS Council of Prime Ministers completed in Ukraine

Gearing to a sitting of the CIS Council of Prime Ministers, slated for May 25 in Crimea has been completed. A sitting of the organizing committee for gearing up to the event was conducted by Crimean PM Viktor Plakyda.

The sitting saw consideration of the agenda of the sitting.

The sitting of the CIS Council of Prime Ministers will be broadcast live on TV and will be tackled by the press.

The heads of foreign delegations will arrive in Simferopol on early May 24. A number of bipartite meetings will be held after in the day.

The sitting itself is slated for May 25 and will be followed by a press conference.

PGO resumes agency for foreign investments protection

The Prosecutor General Office has resumed the work of the main agency for foreign investments protection, Prosecutor General Sviatoslav Piskun said, by way of speaking at a meeting of the president and foreign investors, diplomats. "This month I've promoted the resumption of the investments protection agency," he said, having noted that since now the issue is being supervised by a specially appointed Deputy Prosecutor General.

According to Piskun, presently the PGO investigates 27 criminal cases on violation of investors' rights. The Prosecutor General also announced the PGO being involved in checking VAT reimbursement facts.

PACE has no intention to influence solution of internal problems, however, demands to keep to liabilities on European Council, Rene Van der Linden say

ng to its liabilities on the European Council, PACE President Rene Van der Linden stressed at a meeting with the VR standing delegation to the PACE.

In turn, Deputy Head of the VR Standing Delegation to the PACE, representative of the BYUT Hryhoriy Nemyria stressed that an April resolution of the PACE on the political situation in Ukraine assists searching for ways out.

On the behalf of members of the delegation, Hryhoriy Nemyria passed a letter to the PACE President, suggesting that Speaker Oleksandr Moroz impedes activity of members of the VR Standing Delegation to the PACE. Meanwhile, Rene Van der Linden stressed that the issue was in question at a meeting with the speaker, who promised to let free activity of the VR Standing Delegation to the PACE from now on.

Taking the floor at the meeting Coordinator of the Parliamentary Majority Rayisa Bohatyriova noted that she sees no clear stance of the president and opposition. Democratic fresh elections should be constitutionally predetermined, she said.

Summing up the meeting, Rene Van der Linden called himself an optimist, who looks far ahead. In case you truly cared about your electorate, neither of political forces would have allowed the crisis to linger, he said.

PACE President arrives in Ukraine

President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden arrived in Ukraine on Monday.

He is supposed to meet with President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Oleksandr Moroz.

The Ukrainian speaker and PACE president will open the PACE's political affairs committee session.

Our Ukraine: Yanukovich replaced American political strategists by Russian “shenanigans”

“Today we are witness to change in the political behavior of the prime minister’s team and the Regions Party in general: namely, Yanukovich has replaced American political strategists by Russian ‘shenanigans’,” head of the analytical administration of the Our Ukraine Party Central Executive Committee Anatoly Lutsenko said in a statement released today by the party’s press office.

“Evidently, the model of behavior that was elaborated by the American political strategists for the last year and a half is not used any longer,” Lutsenko stressed. “It looks like the American strategists do not have influence any longer on Regions Party and Yanukovich’s behavior.”

“We can register a kind of a political deja vu of 2003-2004, which is now applied by Russian political strategists — ‘shenanigans’ specializing in various terror attacks, forceful scenarios, attempts, accidents and so on,” the Our Ukraine official said.

Ukraine’s rival leaders dash slight hopes for crucial election date

KIEV: Ukraine’s feuding president and prime minister failed again yesterday to agree on a date for an election, prolonging political uncertainty.
In April, pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved the largely hostile parliament and ordered the poll in an attempt to end months of disagreements with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, who favours Moscow.
Yanukovich opposed the vote for weeks, but eventually agreed.
The two leaders held talks last weekend and their camps said after that meeting they were “100%” confident the long-awaited date for the election would have been set yesterday.
But after more than a week of talks, a working group which brings together all parties involved in the conflict failed on Tuesday to agree on a draft of laws needed for the new poll.
“Yushchenko and ... Yanukovich proposed the working group must work to accomplish whatever can be agreed upon in one or two days,” Security Council head Ivan Plyushch told journalists after Yushchenko met Yanukovich yesterday.
“The (election) date will be named after final agreements.” He declined to say when that point could be reached.
Yushchenko favours a date at the end of June or beginning of July, Yanukovich’s allies say the polls cannot be held earlier than September, and preferably in October.
First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, a Yanukovich loyalist in the premier’s Regions Party, said there was no agreement because “of the hugeness and complexity of the problems”. He also declined to elaborate.
Yushchenko had threatened the working group there could be no further delays and he could force a decision through the Security Council if no deal was reached.
Yushchenko surprised many on Saturday by dismissing the head of the Security Council, wealthy industrialist Vitaly Haiduk, and appointing Plyushch, a skilful Soviet-era functionary and a former parliament speaker, to the post.
Yushchenko beat Yanukovich in a rerun of a rigged 2004 presidential election and has promoted Nato and European Union membership and liberal economic policies.