Ukrainian and World News: Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform

06 January 2009

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01.12.2008
Digest news "PHOTOplus" N17

26.12.2008
Bulletin "UKRINFORM: news from MIC, Aviation & Austronautics" N24

2008.12.30
Ukraine fully pays for Russian gas imported in 2008

Ukraine has fully paid for the Russian gas imported in 2008 owing to coordinated efforts of the Ukrainian President, Cabinet of Ministers, JSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), UKRINFORM reports with reference to the presidential press-service. The Ukrainian party has paid both for November and December 2008 in advance. Thus, all obstacles have been eliminated to reach mutually beneficial and constructive agreements with the Russian party on the imported gas deliveries for the Ukrainian consumers in 2009.

2008.12.29
Ukraine's gas transmission network not on agenda in talks with Russia, Presidential Secretariat says

The issue on the change of the pattern of ownership of the Ukrainian gas transmission system is not on the agenda in gas talks with Russia, according to Oleksandr Shlapak, Deputy Head of the Presidential Secretariat. He recalled that in accordance with the Ukrainian legislation, any changes in the use of Ukraine's gas transmission network without consent of the Ukrainian parliament are impossible. "No one is now considering the shift in the form of the use or the pattern of ownership of the gas transmission system," the official stressed.

2008.12.26
Verkhovna Rada approves of state budget 2009

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed the law on the state budget for 2009 with 226 MPs voting approval, UKRINFORM correspondent reports. The Cabinet of Ministers took into account proposals of the Verkhovna Rada's Budgetary Committee and that of the representatives of various political forces.

2008.12.24
Date for holding presidential elections in hands of Constitutional Court, President claims

A date for holding regular presidential elections falls under cognizance of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, President Viktor Yushchenko claimed this Tuesday at the annual press conference in Kyiv, UKRINFORM reports. "This issue is solely within the Constitutional Court's competence. I went to the Constitutional Court with such a petition and its explanation will be sole, as only the Constitutional Court is empowered to comment on such issues in Ukraine," V. Yushchenko stressed.

2008.12.22
Experts say latest 'exchange of amiabilities' between Yushchenko and Tymoshenko is early start of presidential campaign

Political experts believe that mutual accusations that were made by President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko last weekend are the early start of a presidential election campaign, which will be officially launched in 2009. In particular, Director of the International Institute of Democracy Serhiy Taran said that Tymoshenko, after saying she will go in opposition to the president, would not leave her post for classical opposition. Her accusations against the president regarding his involvement in hryvnia devaluation were made with the goal that Ukrainians still remember Yushchenko as the former head of the National Bank of Ukraine.

2008.12.22
Prime minister says she is in opposition to president

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said that she in opposition to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. She announced this at a briefing at the Cabinet of Ministers on Saturday, UKRINFORM reported. "I clearly state that I'm in opposition to such officials as the President of Ukraine and the National Bank Chairman. Along with the country, I will try to ensure there are no such events in Ukraine," Tymoshenko said, referring to illegal schemes with hryvnia devaluation.

2008.12.18
Naftogaz denies Gazprom's report blaming Ukraine for alleged refusal to pay for November-December supplies

NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine is surprised over a statement of the Russian Gazprom saying Ukraine allegedly refuses to pay for gas delivered in November-December.

2008.12.17
Cabinet approves bailout program

The Ukrainian Government examined at its meeting on Wednesday and passed as a basis the draft program of the Cabinet of Ministers' activity during the crisis and post-crisis period. The program will be adopted on December 20 after finalizing. The draft program took into account the provisions of the coalition agreement and the government's vital tasks set by the Ukrainian Breakthrough: For People, Not Politicians program, the Cabinet of Ministers' press service reported.

2008.12.16
BYuT, OUPSD, Bloc of Lytvyn sing coalition agreement

A coalition with the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko (BYuT), Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense (OUPSD) and Bloc of Lytvyn is formed in the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada. Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn announced creation of the coalition even on December 9, however the agreement needed to legalize this alliance has been singed only today.

2008.12.15
Presidential secretariat claims no coalition in Parliament, expenses for early parliamentary elections must be provided in budget-2009

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Viktor Baloha says the following in a statement placed on the presidential official website: the Speaker has actually been elected in the parliament, but the coalition .has not been set up either by formal nor by real parameters.. Baloha called the alliance (BYuT, OUPSD and the Lytvyn Bloc) that formalized in the Verkhovna Rada today as a .deputy club by interests.. Provided that the efficient and stable majority of at least 226 deputies is not formed in the parliament, if the deputies fail to sign the coalition agreement personally, the highest legislative body will remain to be incapable, Baloha states.

2008.12.15
Budget 2009 to be adopted by year-end

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has hopes that the 2009 budget will be adopted by the end of 2008, she was speaking at the government meeting on Monday. She however stressed that this budget will be "extremely difficult". "We do not see recovery of the global markets of metal products, farm goods, chemistry. But all the same we have to bring stability and reliability to the country," Tymoshenko said.

2008.12.11
Absence of legalized coalition threatening way out from political, economic crisis - Presidential Secretariat

President Viktor Yushchenko is interested in creating an efficient coalition he could work with, according to Petro Oliynyk, Deputy Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Presidential Representative in the Verkhovna Rada. A proof for effectiveness of the coalition should be an immediate adoption of bailout bills and the state budget 2009, he said. With a dangerous situation in the Ukrainian economics, the coalition must ensure carrying out of a consistent anti-crisis policy and set a tight control over its implementation, in the government's activity first of all.

2008.12.10
Political crisis settled, says prime minister

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has said that yesterday's developments in the Verkhovna Rada when a newly elected speaker announced the creation of a new parliamentary coalition are historical, according to the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers. "The faction of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko, the majority of MPs from the faction of the Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc, and the faction of the Bloc of Lytvyn have settled the political crisis by creating a new parliamentary coalition and electing Volodymyr Lytvyn as Verkhovna Rada chairman," she said.

2008.12.09
Verkhovna Rada's speaker elected

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has today appointed its speaker, Volodymyr Lytvyn, who used to head the parliament till 2005. Lytvyn was elected owing to creation of the ruling coalition of BYuT, OUPSD and Lytvyn's Bloc. The speaker announced this following his election. When voting, not all members of the pro-presidential faction OUPSD gave their votes for Lytvyn - 40 out of 72.

2008.12.09
Yushchenko, Adamkus discuss bilateral relations between Ukraine, Lithuania

Ukrainian and Lithuanian Presidents Viktor Yushchenko and Valdas Adamkus discussed a whole range of bilateral relations during an extended meeting on Tuesday, according to the presidential press service. Particular attention during their meeting was paid to cooperation in the energy sector. The presidents discussed the further process of creating the Baltic-Black Sea-Caspian energy space in the context of decisions taken at a summit in Baku on November 14, 2008. Moreover, Yushchenko and Adamkus also considered the possible long-term export of electricity from Ukraine to Lithuania. In this connection, they discussed the formation of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian working group on energy issues, which is to draft and implement joint projects.

2008.12.08
Yushchenko to speak to Parliament only after renewal of VR capability - presidential press secretary

President Viktor Yushchenko will speak to the Parliament only under condition that the Verkhovna Rada renewes its capability, President's Press Secretary Iryna Vannykova said Friday as MPs demanding to invite the President to the Verkhovna Rada on December 9. "Viktor Yushchenko is convinced that the people's deputies should renew capability of the Parliament before demanding a meeting with the Head of State. It is necessary to elect Speaker, to create a coalition, to make public its program principles and top priorities", she noted.

2008.12.04
Yushchenko says NATO's decisions opening new opportunities in developing relations with alliance

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said that decisions taken by the North Atlantic Council, which held meetings at the level of foreign ministers on December 2-3, are opening new opportunities in the development of Ukrainian relations with NATO. The head of state was speaking at a meeting with UK Minister for Europe Caroline Flint in Kyiv on Wednesday. Yushchenko thanked London for supporting Kyiv's plans to join the European Union and NATO. "We appreciate Britain's consistent support in the question of Ukraine's integration with European and Euro-Atlantic structures," he said.

2008.12.03
Ukraine - Russia group will help consolidate bailout efforts, ambassador says

Ukraine's Ambassador to Russia Kostiantyn Hryschenko expressed hope that the newly set-up interagency workgroup for relations with the Russian Federation would help consolidate both countries' efforts in their fight with the economic crisis. The diplomat says it is necessary at least to exchange experience in combating the crisis. According to Hryschenko, the two countries stand better chances to get out of the crisis with smaller losses together.

2008.12.01
Yushchenko says stabilization of hryvnia exchange rate is a priority

The stabilization of the hryvnia exchange rate should become a top priority for the authorities in 2009, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said in an interview with 1+1 TV Channel. Secondly, he said that speculation should be ended over privatization, which should be one of the financing sources for the stabilization fund. Yushchenko said that in January 2009, this fund could be partially financed at the expense of the issue of government bonds, however, it is necessary to develop technologies and draft a privatization scheme to ensure the fund is fully financed. Another condition for tackling the economic crisis, according to the head of state, is the restoration of foreign investment activity to the level of the pre-crisis period when Ukraine monthly received USD 1-1.2 billion in foreign investment.

2008.11.26
PM urges to revive democratic coalition with BYuT, OUPSD, Lytvyn's Bloc within a week

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko calls on President Viktor Yushchenko to resume the democratic coalition in the parliament within this week. "I approach the President to renew the democratic coalition...If the democratic coalition is not resumed till the end of this week, we will be looking for other options and other proposals," she told a news conference Wednesday.

2008.11.24
Premier Tymoshenko guarantees Europe trouble-free gas transit

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko claims the Russia natural gas will be transported to European countries without any troubles. NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine will work as a reliable partner of Russia and the European Union on gas transit to Europe," she said. The Premier also stressed that all current payments of the natural gas consumed are held according to the agreements concluded with Russia

2008.11.22
V. Yushchenko calls Holodomor 1932-1933 in Ukraine as one of world's largest humanitarian catastrophes

The Holodomor 1932-1933 in Ukraine became one of the largest humanitarian catastrophes in the world history by its scales, President Viktor Yushchenko emphasized while speaking at the International Forum "My Nation will Live Forever" that was held at the National Opera and Ballet Theater in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor. In his speech the President noted that tens of other nations of the former USSR suffered from the Stalin executioners, but annihilation by the famine in Ukraine was of a particularly terrible and large-scale character. "The Famine 1932-1933 was the most large-scale and refers to the world's largest humanitarian catastrophes", V. Yushchenko noted.

2008.11.20
Yushchenko keen on NATO MAP for Ukraine - The Times

President Viktor Yushchenko says Ukraine has done the utmost for NATO foreign ministers to pass a positive decision on the Membership Action Plan for it in early December, despite Moscow's protests and political crisis in this country. He gave warning that expansion of the military alliance was vital to European security in the wake of Russia's war with Georgia, and the only way to secure Ukraine's independence, The Times reported on Thursday.

2008.11.19
Stalin rule, not Russia to blame for Holodomor - MFA

Stalin's rule rather than Russia is guilty of the 1932 - 1933 Great Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine, Ambassador Volodymyr Vasylenko, Ukraine's representative to the UN Human Rights Council, told a news briefing at international press center "Holodomor. 75th Anniversary of Memory" on Wednesday. He emphasized that speculations over Ukraine's alleged accusations against Russia are tactless and do not correspond to fact. "We lay no blame on Russia," the ambassador stressed.

2008.11.17
Yushchenko calling on international community to commemorate Holodomor victims

Addressing Ukrainians the world over, and the whole of the international community on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the 1932 - 1933 Great Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine, President Viktor Yushchenko called on everybody to join in the mourning events and light a candle of memory on November 22. In Yushchenko's words, truth about the Holodomor is becoming known to the broad public in the whole of the world.

2008.11.14
President blames Premier for blocking direct regime of Odesa-Brody oil pipeline "only by political motives"

President Viktor Yushchenko is convinced that the blocking of the direct regime of the Odesa-Brody oil pipeline operation is caused solely by political motives. "Today, the direct regime of the Caspian oil delivery is blocked by political motives alone," the President told Ukrainian reporters in Baku adding that such situation is connected with "political promises and obligations" Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko had undertaken before the September developments in the parliament [BYuT-OUPDS coalition split September 16 - ed.].

2008.11.13
Parliament decides to work on anti-crisis bills in committees until Tuesday

The Ukrainian parliament that dismissed Speaker Arseniy Yatseniuk November 12 decided to work on Thursday and Friday in committees on anti-crisis bills submitted by the government and MPs. First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Lavrynovych closed a morning meeting of the parliament and said that the next one would take place on Tuesday, November 18.

2008.11.12
Yushchenko reschedules snap parliamentary elections for 2009

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said he refused to hold snap elections to the parliament in December this year and believes that they could take place in 2009. "There's no point in holding the elections during holidays at the end of the year," he told journalists in Warsaw. "We're doing all we can to bring the package of anti-crisis measures and the budget for 2009 in line with clauses on the financing of the early elections," Yushchenko said.

2008.11.11
Cabinet, metallurgists sign memorandum of understanding

The Cabinet of Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding with mining and smelting enterprises, Federation of Metallurgists of Ukraine and trade unions, UKRINFORM correspondents reported. The instrument, which incorporates obligations on behalf of the government and metallurgists to back Ukraine's mining and smelting sector, was signed following a meeting of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko with representatives of mining and smelting enterprises. Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko signed the document on behalf of the Cabinet.

2008.11.07
President urges to review draft budget-2009, launch work of stabilization fund immediately

President Viktor Yushchenko demanded to recall the governmental draft state budget-2009 from the parliament at the November 7 meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). V. Yushchenko explained that it is connected with the necessity to recalculate basic indicators of the state budget in view of the economic turmoil. The Head of State was peremptory with assessments. "The budget submitted to the parliament is not a subject to discussion, we must discuss another budget," he stressed addressing Finance Minister Viktor Pynzenyk.

2008.11.06
IMF loan - sign of confidence, says Ukraine's president

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said that the provision of a loan by the International Monetary Fund is a sign of increasing confidence in Ukraine for the international community. "This decision is a signal to the international community about increasing confidence in our country. IMF assistance will give more confidence to business circles, and, first and foremost, to the financial sector. The national economy will receive a strong resource for the development of its priority directions and a guarantee of the banking system's liquidity," the president said.

2008.11.05
Ukraine to resume oil, gas cooperation with Libya

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discussed on Tuesday with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who is on a state visit in Kyiv now, issues involved in cooperation in petroleum and natural gas industries. Yushchenko invited Libya to partake in development of the Ukrainian market of petroleum products. Particularly, he proposed that Libya organize construction of an oil refinery in West Ukraine, and start selling petroleum products via its own filling stations all across this country.

2008.11.03
President not to refuse from snap elections saying Premier has no support in parliament

President Viktor Yushchenko does not refuse from the idea of holding pre-term parliamentary elections, he was speaking when on a working visit to Chernivtsi region (West Ukraine). Viktor Yushchenko stressed that talks about a possible revival of the coalition in the Verkhovna Rada lie in the plane of "the credit of the Prime Minister" alone. He personally does not see any political force in the parliament, except BYuT, that could back the incumbent Premier in frames of a negotiation process.

2008.11.01
Parliament passes anti-crisis law that guarantees obtaining of IMF stabilization credit

On October 31, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed an anti-crisis law proposed by the president. The relevant decision was backed by 243 people's deputies including former allies in the democratic coalition, namely BYuT and Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc, as well as the Bloc of Lytvyn.

2008.10.31
Ukrainian politologist Valeriy Chalyi calls rhetoric of participants in Russian World Conference of Compatriots, to put it mildly, untruth about Ukraine

Valeriy Chalyi, director of international programs of the Razumkov Centre, commenting to UKRIFORM correspondent on today's statement of Moscow Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov at the World Conference of Compatriots Residing Abroad, running in the Russian capital, said that Yuriy Luzhkov "to put it mildly, says untruth with regard to Ukraine and mistakes the wish for the reality".

2008.10.30
Separatism will be punished - Security Service

Separatist organizations in Ukraine do not pose a serious threat to the national security, acting chief of the security service Valentyn Nalyvaichenko told the securities' board meeting in Donetsk Thursday. Those organizations are scanty and were created artificially, being financed from abroad, he says. "We know what they do, and we will persecute them according to law," Nalyvaichenko emphasized. He noted that the security service is investigating a number of criminal cases involving separatist manifestations and infringements of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

2008.10.28
Accusations of arms smuggling to Georgia absurd - Security Council

The accusations leveled against Ukraine of alleged smuggling of weapons to Georgia are absurd, Serhiy Khimchenko, head of the military security department at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, told a press conference Tuesday.

2008.10.27
Yushchenko hopes for adoption of anti-crisis bills Tuesday

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko is hoping that the anti-crisis package of laws will become an effective instrument of stabilization of the national economy and minimization of negative aftereffects of the global financial crisis. He voiced this hope during a press conference in Ankara Monday. "I am an optimist and I wish to say that Ukraine is sure to cope with the problems in economic market," he said.

2008.10.27
Ukrainian president thanks European Parliament for resolution on Famine

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko thanked the European Parliament for passing on October 23 a resolution recognizing the Famine of 1932-1933 as an appalling crime against the Ukrainian people and against humanity. In a letter to President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pottering, Yushchenko said that Ukraine had long waited for the recognition of the Famine of 1932-1933 as a crime against the people and against humanity.

2008.10.23
President rules out strong-arm scenario of solving political crisis

President Viktor Yushchenko says a forceful scenario of resolving the political crisis is impossible, he said in Zhytomyr. "No one will call tanks, no one will call police and Interior Troops," he stressed. Politicians, according to Yushchenko, must resolve the contradictions democratically. In his opinion, there is the only way for that - snap parliamentary elections. The President underscored that the country loses much more due to the incapable parliament in comparison with the means needed for holding the elections. "The matter now does not concern advisability, but the elections legality," V. Yushchenko said.

2008.10.21
President postpones early parliamentary elections until December 14

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said after an extraordinary meeting of the National Security and Defense Council on Monday evening that he takes the country's situation under tight control, postpones snap parliamentary elections from December 7 until December 14 due to the government's failure to implement his decree and that he resumes parliamentary work for several days so that anti-crisis laws and laws necessary for the holding of the elections are passed.

2008.10.20
President rejects premier's proposal to form coalition to protect Ukraine from global financial turmoil

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said that a proposal made by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to create a coalition for the protection of Ukraine from the global financial crisis is inappropriate. The press secretary for the Ukrainian president, Iryna Vannykova, announced this at a briefing on Monday.

2008.10.20
Premier suggests forming new coalition and government

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has suggested forming a coalition involving all parliamentary factions and a new government based on this coalition, in order to protect the country from the global financial crisis. She was speaking in a televised address to the Ukrainian people on Sunday. Tymoshenko said that at 1200 on Monday, she would expect all faction leaders in the parliament to discuss this question.

2008.10.16
Criminal case opened over attempt to bring PromInvestBank to bankruptcy

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has opened a criminal case over an attempt to bring PromInvestBank to bankruptcy, according to the press service of the PGO. As UKRINFORM reported, on August 12, Moody's confirmed, with a positive outlook, the B2 long-term foreign-currency deposit ratings of 22 Ukrainian banks, including PromInvestBank. This happened despite reports in the Ukrainian media that the active purchase of the bank's shares in favor of a certain strategic investor started in April.

2008.10.14
Ukrainian metallurgy challenges global crisis with vacations and repairs

Metallurgical companies of Donetsk region that are the support of the local budget were put on a slow run: 6 of 21 blast furnaces were shut down for repairs, which immediately told on the output of steel. Compared to last September, the metal industry of Donetsk region reduced the output of cast iron by 21%, raw steel by 22.3%, and finished steel by 34%. The personnel were sent on vacation, had their workday cut, or given some other missions. According to Viktor Kysil, deputy head of the industry and infrastructure development department at the Donetsk regional state administration, this situation owes to the global financial crisis. The region falls short of up to 15,000 tons of metal production a day as a result.

2008.10.14
Premier Tymoshenko officially calls on President to cancel early parliamentary elections

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko officially addresses President Viktor Yushchenko with a proposal to cancel pre-term parliamentary elections in Ukraine with aggravation of the global financial crisis taken into account, she was speaking at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. "For the sake of order in the country, for the sake of people protection I call on the President to cancel the parliamentary elections so that the parliaments starts work, while all quarrels must be put aside," the Premier stressed.

2008.10.13
Cabinet will not meet until Wednesday despite Security Council demand to finance early elections

The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers reported that as of 5 p.m. Monday the government had not considered allocation to the Central Election Commission of any funds from the reserve fund for financing early parliamentary elections, as required by the Monday ruling of the National Security and Defense Council.

2008.10.13
Conditions for holding early elections created in Ukraine, says Yushchenko

There are no hindrances to holding early parliamentary elections, which might have required additional presidential decrees or the postponement of the elections. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was speaking in an interview with Inter TV Channel on Sunday evening. "There's no need to seek hindrances where they don't exist," he said, adding that in the absence of a single register of voters, the lists of voters were formed no worse as they were formed at early elections in 2007, which were declared transparent and democratic by all observers.

2008.10.10
President calls "politically weighted and legally ground" his decree on snap elections

A decision on Verkhovna Rada's pre-term dissolution was politically weighted and legally grounded, as MPs of the 6th convocation failed to ensure a constructive work in favor of the country, President Viktor Yushchenko told a news conference in Rome. He accused BYuT and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko of unwillingness to revive the democratic coalition following its breakdown on September 3. All the same, Yushchenko stressed, the talks were running in other political camp. The Head of State underscored that the question was about "a very well-prepared scenario". "I would like to stress - non-Ukrainian scenario", he added.

2008.10.08
Ukraine, Italy presidents meets in Rome

Ukraine is on the whole pleased with the current relations with Italy, President Viktor Yushchenko said during his meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in Rome. They focused on bilateral relations, particularly, settlement of problem issues of Ukrainian community in Italy, and the international community's memory of the Ukrainian Holodomor victims, the perspectives of Ukraine's European and Euroatlantic integration, and aftereffects of the Russia - Georgia conflict.

2008.10.08
Ukraine calls Russia's restrictions of Everburning Candle action as unfriendly move - MFA statement

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ukraine has spread a statement over Russia's position on holding in its territory an international action Everburning Candle in memory of the 75th anniversary of the 1932 - 1933 Great Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine. The action organized by the Ukrainian state together with the World Congress of Ukrainians has taken place in 29 countries of the world, and its conduct in Russia with the participation of the Ukrainian community was officially agreed with authorities, the MFA says.

2008.10.06
President addresses MPs assuring he will accept any coalition if formed legally

Dear MPs, there is still a chance for mutual understanding, I bank on your responsibility for Ukraine's future and reiterate that I am ready to accept any coalition given it is formed in line with the Constitution, President Viktor Yushchenko stressed addressing the 6th convocation Verkhovna Rada MPs. He reminded that the parliament forgot about its key tasks having instead engaged itself in endless race for power. According to him, "beginning from September 2 the country has witnessed a union of former "irreconcilable" opponents - the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko, Party of Regions and Communist Party, who "were consistently voting distributing powers in their interests".

2008.10.01
BYuT ready to accept all conditions set by Our Ukraine in coalition talks, says Tymoshenko

The faction of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko is ready to accept all of the conditions set by the Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc in talks on the revival of the democratic coalition, BYuT Leader and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko told journalists after a government meeting on Wednesday. "We accept all conditions and ultimatums so that the democratic coalition is not destroyed under any circumstances," she said, UKRINFORM reported.

2008.09.30
Ukrainian President gives "highest estimate" to present level of Ukraine-Sweden relationship

Sweden is playing one of the leading roles in assisting Ukraine's Eurointegration process, President Viktor Yushchenko claimed following Ukraine-Sweden talks within a state visit to Ukraine of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. V. Yushchenko appreciated the European Eastern Partnership Initiative, declared by the foreign ministers of Sweden and Poland, and expressed hopes that this initiative will be shortly filled with a particular content.

2008.09.29
Ukrainian President says "political forces to go on theme of snap elections"

President Viktor Yushchenko, currently on a working visit to the United States, met representatives of the Ukraine-US Business Council. During the meeting, the Ukrainian President commented on the domestic policy situation in Ukraine, according to the presidential web-site. Viktor Yushchenko noted in particular that a new coalition is de facto formed in the Verkhovna Rada. The President also expressed conviction that the events in the Ukrainian parliament after September 2 is not just a domestic policy issue.

2008.09.26
Tymoshenko will demand simultaneous election of president and parliament if coalition not restored

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections will be the only way out of the Ukrainian power crisis, if the Rada coalition is not restored. She expressed this view speaking in interview with foreign news agencies about her vision of political and economic situation in this country.

2008.09.25
Government to sue communist rule for masterminding Holodomor

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Vasiunyk for the first time disclosed on Thursday the government's plans to initiate legal proceedings on the crimes of the communist rule according to the criteria sealed in the UN Convention of December 9, 1948 on prevention of genocide and relevant punishment. He announced this during the international scientific conference in Kyiv on the Holodomor of 1932 - 1933 in Ukraine, its reasons, demographic results and legal assessment. According to the vice premier, the process will be based on scientific and investigation findings about Holodomor that were collected by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, research and archive institutions in the course of several years.

2008.09.24
Yushchenko urges for strengthening UN security council role, expresses Ukraine's readiness to partake in responding to global challenges

Addressing the 63rd session of the United Nations' General Assembly on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Ukraine is ready to take part in responding to global challenges. Particularly, Ukraine aims at making a tangible contribution to the joint settlement of the global food crisis. Ukraine is also ready to contribute to consolidation of international efforts for implementation of effective and just energy policy. The principles to be observed are simple: mutual profit, uninterrupted observance of duties, and prevention of energy pressure, he said.

2008.09.24
Main lesson of Russia-Georgia conflicts lies in necessity to create security counterbalance system in Black Sea region, President Yushchenko says

President Viktor Yushchenko, currently on a visit to New York, said the main lesson of the Russia-Georgia conflict is the necessity to create "a security counterbalance" system in the Black Sea region, UKRINFORM correspondent in the US reported. When delivering his speech to representatives of the National Geographic Society and Foreign Relations Council, Viktor Yushchenko expressed confidence that efforts of the international community should be directed to the very creation of such a balance, which would prevent such incidents in the future.

2008.09.23
Yushchenko to leave on visit to United States on September 22

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko will pay a working visit to the United States on September 22 to participate in the 63rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, according to the presidential press service. The head of state will speak at the general debate of the UN General Assembly and will express Ukraine's position on the topical global problems of modernity.

2008.09.22
Yushchenko to leave on visit to United States on September 22

2008.09.17
Tymoshenko: government will not resign

The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers will not tender resignation, because the parliamentary coalition did not split but just stopped functioning due to one of its member-blocs, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko told a press conference Wednesday. She pointed out that "one of political forces unilaterally abandoned the coalition" that "actually did not split". That is why "we will stay to work as a bulwark of peace and stability in Ukraine," she said.

2008.09.17
Yatseniuk says he resigns as Verkhovna Rada speaker

Verkhovna Rada Chairman Arseniy Yatseniuk said at a meeting of the parliament on Wednesday that he had resigned. At the same time, he said he would remain on the post until the parliament takes a respective decision. Yatseniuk said on Tuesday that the ruling coalition between the factions of the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko and the Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc had ceased to exist. On September 2, 2008, the pro-presidential faction of the Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc left the ruling coalition after the factions of the Bloc of Tymoshenko, the oppositional Regions Party and the Communist Party had passed certain laws redistributing the powers of the president and the government.

2008.09.16
Ruling coalition dies away, Speaker announces

The ruling coalition of BYuT and Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense no longer exists, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Arseniy Yatsenuik told a plenary session. "I officially inform of liquidation (activity - ed.) of the coalition of democratic forces in the Verkhovna Rada created November 29, 2007," Yatsenuik said. On September 2, following adoption in the parliament by the BYuT faction (a coalition member), the opposition Party of Regions and the Communist Party of several laws distributing the presidential and governmental powers, the pro-presidential faction Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense withdrew from the ruling coalition.

2008.09.15
Speaker calls on MPs to refute groundless reports on alleged preparations for settlement of political crisis by force

Verkhovna Rada Chairman Arseniy Yatseniuk, at a meeting of the coordination council on Monday, called on MPs to put an end to groundless reports on the alleged preparations for the settlement of the current political crisis by force.

2008.09.11
40% of citizens afraid of country's split - KIIS opinion poll

The Kyiv International institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted an opinion poll finding 40% of Ukrainians afraid of the country's split. KIIS asked the respondents to name three main threats for Ukraine for the nearest year. As a result, 76% named an economic depression, 40% - the country's split, 25% - a sovereignty threat on the part of the West, 25% - concentration of power in hands of one political force, 21% - the President's impeachment, 20% - a sovereignty threat on the part of Russia, 19% - full concentration of power for the President. 9% of Ukrainians failed to answer the question.

2008.09.08
Premier blames President for demolition of democratic coalition in favor of eliminating Yulia Tymoshenko as hypothetical competitor at upcoming presidential elections

At today's new conference Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko directly accused President Viktor Yushchenko of demolition of the democratic coalition. According to her, these actions of the President aim "to destroy" her as a hypothetical competitor at the upcoming presidential elections. "The President clings to power and sacrifices the future of his country for the sake of power," Tymoshenko strongly stressed making an example that, in particular, about 50 governmental documents designed for carrying out strategic reforms were vetoed by the President.

2008.09.05
Yushchenko, Cheney: Black Sea countries should join collective security system to guarantee region stability

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko discussed three blocks of questions with US Vice President Richard Cheney in Kyiv Friday. He told the press they had touched on the Russia - Georgia conflict, Ukraine - US relations, and political situation in Ukraine.

2008.09.05
Tymoshenko says government and parliament will ensure economic growth and democracy in Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers will currently ensure a high quality of work on the questions of both democracy and economy. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was speaking during extended talks with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday. "I want to say that the democratic government and the democratic parliament will currently be able to ensure economic growth at the highest level of 6.5%, in the situation in which we have inherited one of the highest inflation rates," Tymoshenko said.

2008.09.03
Yushchenko points to creation of new coalition, establishment of Tymoshenko's dictatorship, threatens to disband parliament

Events that happened at the Verkhovna Rada on September 2 have stopped the activities of the democratic coalition. A new coalition has in fact been formed in the parliament, as the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko united with the Regions Party and the Communist Party, President Viktor Yushchenko said in his address dedicated to the situation at the parliament on Wednesday. The head of state said he would use his right to dissolve the Verkhovna Rada, if a new coalition of deputy factions is not formed in the parliament within a period set by the law.

2008.09.02
Rada opens third session, president decides to postpone his address to parliament

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, who was planning to deliver his extraordinary address to the parliament on September 2, the opening of the Verkhovna Rada's third session, has changed his mind. Presidential secretary Iryna Vannykova said that the head of state would speak in the Verkhovna Rada after the latter enters a normal regime of work.

2008.09.01
President expects parliament to evaluate Georgian situation

President Viktor Yushchenko demanded the parliament "to evaluate events in Georgia distinctly" during a meeting with speaker Arseniy Yatseniuk and leader of the faction Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense Vyacheslav Kyrylenko. "The consolidated position of the coalition on this issue will prove its capability,' the president noted.

2008.08.27
Yushchenko makes official statement on Russia's recognition of South Ossetia's and Abkhazia's independence

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko made an official statement on Wednesday in connection with Russia's decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The statement by the Ukrainian president, which has been posted on his official Web site, reads that on August 26, 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, "contrary to numerous calls by the international community," signed decrees recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

2008.08.26
Russia recognizes independence of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Ukraine views this as very dangerous precedent

Russia officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said this in his televised address and signed respective decrees at the request of Council of the Federation and the State Duma, "taking into account the will of Ossetian and Abkhaz nations." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry earlier this morning called on Russia to refrain from recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. "The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expresses deep concern over Council of the Federation and the State Duma's approval of addresses to the Russian president on August 25, 2008, proposing to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia that are integral parts of Georgia's sovereign territory," the ministry said.

2008.08.24
Ukraine to take all measures to prevent escalation of frozen conflicts and attempts to settle them by force, says Yushchenko

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said that Ukrainian citizens have always been kind to their neighbors and partners. "We have a clear foreign position - neighborly relations, mutual cooperation and the strict observance of international standards," he said in his address to the participants and guests of a military parade at Khreschatyk Street in Kyiv on August 24.

2008.08.21
Early presidential campaign starts with discredit of Tymoshenko

The President's Secretariat continued devastating criticism of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Deputy Head of the Secretariat Andriy Kyslynskyi has again declared Tymoshenko's involvement in the "fifth column" that is trying to influence the coming presidential election campaign, with acting participation of Russian political circles. Secretariat Head Viktor Baloha called the Prime Minister's Wednesday address to the World Forum of Ukrainians as an example of "cynical craftiness".

2008.08.21
President receives credentials from new ambassadors of Germany, France, Canada, Korea

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has received credentials from the newly appointed extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of Germany, France, Canada, and Korea. The president received credentials from Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth of Germany, Jacques Faure of France, Daniel Caron of Canada, and Park Ro-Byug of Korea. Following the presentation of credentials, the head of state held short meetings with the newly appointed ambassadors.

2008.08.18
By September 1 repair of all flooded schools should be completed - President

President Viktor Yushchenko noted a progress in overcoming consequences of the July flood by the Ivano-Frankivsk region. While in the Verkhovyna district, Yushchenko noted that a part of humanitarian aid came to the district, including over 1.3 thousand tons of foodstuffs. The Defense Ministry handed over 14 units of special machinery and two bridges of boats, UKRINFORM reports with reference to the presidential press service.

2008.08.15
Ukraine supports unconditional territorial integrity of Georgia as it equalizes such Georgian threat and own sovereignty - Viktor Yushchenko

We really went through most likely the most terrifying ten days of our contemporary history as for the first time over 17 years the war started between the countries which formed the Soviet Union in past, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko noted in the comment published on his official web-site. He proposes to make some conclusions from this "unexampled situation" which can not leave Ukraine indifferent. The first conclusion lies in the fact that each national security and defense model can not ensure all-sufficient reply to the national sovereignty.

2008.08.15
Archer Viktor Ruban wins 3rd Ukrainian Olympic gold

Viktor Ruban from Kharkiv (East Ukraine) has become Olympic champion in archery. In the final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games he won Kyung-Mo Park from South Korea 113:112. Bair Badenov from Russia. On his way to the highest stage of the pedestal he won Maged Youssef (111:96), Australian Michael Naray (115:109), Polish Jacek Proc (114:108), Japanese Ryuichi Moriya (115:106) and Russian Bair Badenov (112:112, 10:10, 10:8). Viktor Ruban was born on May 24, 1981 in Kharkiv. He is a bronze winner of the 2004 Olympics in Athens in team classification. He has higher education, graduated from the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports. He is a serviceman of the State Border Guard Service. His trainer is Liudmyla Prokopenko. He is married, football is his hobby.

2008.08.11
BYUT, Party of Regions have no particular attitude to Georgian tragedy

It seems that not all Ukrainian leading parties determined their attitude to Georgian events. The leading in democratic coalition Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko remains silent about this as well as the Premier's top Batkivshchyna. The party Our Ukraine included into the parliamentary coalition of democratic forces condemned the events in Georgia and noted that Russia which began military operations against sovereign Georgia on August 8, 2008, demonstrated that it did not cope with peacemaking role and used the conflict situation with unrecognized Republic of South Ossetia for implementation of own geopolitical plans concerning Georgia.

2008.08.05
President calls for immediate implementation of anti-flood program in Chernivtsi region

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, who visited flood-hit areas in Chernivtsi region on Monday, has called for elaboration of a regional anti-flood program. He said he would task the government to draft a regional program on fight with floods, to create water level control facilities, start their construction and immediate financing. In his opinion, it would be possible to avoid accidents of such a scale with a rational and well-considered attitude to the nature.

2008.07.31
Verkhovna Rada amends state budget

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted compromise draft amendments to the state budget 2008 to mitigate the disaster effects in Ukraine's 6 regions. A total of 441 MPs voted for the decision. In particular, the expenditure side is increased by UAH 5,802.200 billion (USD 1 - UAH 4.84). Including, expenditures of the general fund are enlarged by UAH 5,046.800 billion.

2008.07.29
Commentary by Spokesman of Ukrainian MFA on report of Russia's MFA Information and Press Department for mass media of July 25, 2008

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry accepted with concern a report for mass media made public by the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry of July 25, 2008 in which the Russian MFA gives estimates to some events that have recently taken place in Ukraine. We are convinced that the estimates given do not correspond to reality, they are too politicized and far from being objective.

2008.07.28
Ukrainian president, his wife participate in festive events on Kyiv Rus conversion celebrations on Sofiyska Square

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and his wife Kateryna Yushchenko participated in festive events dedicated to the 1020th anniversary on converting the Kyiv Rus to Christianity on Sofiyska Square in Kyiv on Saturday. The events were held during an official visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to Ukraine. In his address, the head of state congratulated the whole Ukrainian nation on the 1020th anniversary of the conversion of the Kyiv Rus to Christianity. "It is a holiday for Christianity and a holiday for the European civilization. It is a holiday for the Ecumenical Christian community and a holiday for Orthodoxy. It is a holiday for Ukraine and all of its Christian churches. It is a holiday for our millennial nation," the president said.

2008.07.25
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I says it is great honor for him to visit Ukraine and Kyiv

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I says it is a great honor for him to visit Ukraine and Kyiv on the occasion of the 1020th anniversary of Kyiv Rus Baptism, he said on his arrival in the Boryspil Airport addressing participants in the ceremonial meeting.

2008.07.24
Ukraine, Russia should put on agenda of bilateral relations issue on withdrawal of Russian Black Sea Fleet from Crimea - Viktor Yushchenko

Ukraine and Russia should place the issue of withdrawal of the Russian Black Sea Fleet from Ukraine on the agenda of bilateral relations, President Viktor Yushchenko said this at a news conference. "The issue on launching the talks on withdrawal of the Russian Black Sea Fleet from Ukraine should be put on the agenda," he stressed. Redeployment of the Russian fleet needs plenty of time, and thus we have to start negotiating the issue. "And we have to go the way fairly," the President underscored. Yushchenko recalled that the Ukrainian Constitution clearly states that there should be no foreign military bases on the territory of the state.

2008.07.22
Prime Minister appreciates interaction between NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, JSC Gazprom

With good mutual relations that have been lately developed between NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and JSC Gazprom, the Ukrainian company showed perfect results of gas pumping into underground gas storage facilities, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said following her meeting with JSC Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller.

2008.07.21
Viktor Yushchenko notes great progress in Ukraine-Germany dialogue on Ukraine's European integration

President Viktor Yushchenko noted a great progress in a Ukraine-Germany dialogue on Ukraine's European integration, the Head of State told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UKRINFORM correspondent reports.

2008.07.17
Ukraine preparing to mark 1020th anniversary on converting Kyiv Rus to Christianity at state level

Ukraine is preparing to mark the 1020th anniversary of the conversion of the Kyiv Rus to Christianity at the state level. Events initiated by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko will take place in Kyiv on July 24-27.

2008.07.16
Ukrainian premier notes deflation in first ten days of July

Figures shown in the first ten days of July are evidence of deflation processes in Ukraine, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said while opening a government meeting on Wednesday. "Apart from two regions, the rest [of regions] have significant deflation," she said. Tymoshenko expressed hope that, in whole, deflation would be registered in Ukraine in July. However, she said that prices for poultry meat and bread could grow.

2008.07.15
Ukraine, Poland to set up relevant working groups to solve particular issues within Euro-2012

Ukraine and Poland will establish working groups to solve particular issues in preparation directions within the Intergovernmental Ukraine-Poland Committee on Preparation and Hosting of Euro-2012. The statement to this effect was made by Premier Yulia Tymoshenko at a joint news conference with her Polish counterpart Donald Tusk following the committee's first meeting in Warsaw. According to Tymoshenko, today's meeting has actually launched close communication of all actions of Ukraine and Poland to prepare for Euro-2012.

2008.07.14
Government forecasts deflation in July

The Cabinet of Ministers has forecast deflation of 0.5% in the third quarter of 2008, taking into account deflation of 0.4% in July, deflation of 0.3% in August and inflation of 0.2% in September. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko made the forecast on Saturday, July 12. The Ukrainian government counts on an inflation rate of 0.9% in the fourth quarter of 2008 given inflation of 0.4% in October, 0.2% in November and 0.3% in December.

2008.07.11
President submits his draft law on amendments to Budget-2008 to Parliament

President Viktor Yushchenko submitted a draft law on amendments to the State Budget-2008 for consideration of the Verkhovna Rada, the presidential press service informs. According to Yushchenko's convictions, amendments to the Budget submitted by the Government "have a number of risks". According to the President, the governmental amendments to the Budget provide for underestimated revenues to the Budget as a result of underestimated macroeconomic indexes, used for calculation of the Budget indexes. "The Government lays down inflation forecast for the year at 115.9 percent, while this index reached 115.5 percent over six months", the statement reads.

2008.07.09
Parliament has no right to go on holiday without passing budget amendments, president says

Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko has said he is confident the Verkhovna Rada has no right to go on holiday until the MPs pass amendments to the national budget for 2008 and bills on the court reform. The Ukrainian head of state was speaking during a joint press conference with Maltese President Edward Fenech Adami in Kyiv on Wednesday.

2008.07.08
Ukrainian President does not blame contemporary Russia for Holodomor in Ukraine

President Viktor Yushchenko invited Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer to partake in the International Forum dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of Holodomor 1932-1933 in Ukraine to be held November 22 in Kyiv. This was disclosed by the Ukrainian President at a joint news conference with his Austrian counterpart in Vienne.

2008.07.07
Indicators of budget amendments 2008 demonstrate breakthrough promised by government, Prime Minister says

The indicators which are put in the basis of amendments to the state budget 2008 demonstrate the Ukrainian breakthrough the government had promised, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko told a presentation of the budget amendments. "We've passed the way of economics unshadowing having received in the budget extra UAH 30.4 billion (USD 1 - UAH 4.85)," she said.

2008.07.07