Ukrainian Society Commits to European Freedoms and Democracy - President Yanukovych

KYIV, Ukraine, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Historic commitment of Ukrainian society to pursue European values of freedom and democracy and implement innovative models of economic development have influenced Ukraine to adopt European experience and make the necessary economic and political reforms. The President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych made this statement during his annual preliminary address to the Ukrainian Parliament - the Verkhovna Rada.

Ukraine has been trying to streamline the reform process since its independence. In 2010 the state government declared the economic reform program for 2010-2014 Prosperous Society, Competitive Economy, Effective Governance, which triggered the new wave of reforms in the country. The program was tailored in accordance with Ukraine's European objectives and with the goal to achieve economic stability and sustainable development, mentioned the country leader.

According to the program, the economic stability and sustainable development could be achieved through structural modernization of the economy by creating a climate conducive to entrepreneurship and business initiatives, stabilizing public finances and by creating a stable financial system. Other objectives included upgrading infrastructure and housing reform, improving energy security, import substitution and development of the internal market, establishing a land market, etc. The success of these reforms, according to President Yanukovych, was the key to achieving high national competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

In addition to political dialogue, the civil society, national business, and Ukrainian media have had significant impact on the country's course toward European integration, acknowledged Ukrainian head of state.

Nevertheless, to better serve the national interests, according to President Yanukovych, it is important that Ukraine combines the European integration vector with consistent implementation of its national interests in the Eurasian direction by improving bilateral relations and actively employing formats of cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States.

On May 29, 2013, Ukraine has reached an agreement with the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council - the governing body of the Customs Union (CU) of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus - to receive an observer status within the Eurasian Economic Commission. Ukraine's participation in the work of the Customs Union would not contradict Ukraine's WTO membership and the strategic course toward European integration, stressed President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych during his phone conversation with the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso on May 31, 2013.