The Minister of foreign Affairs of great Britain and his Ukrainian counterpart explain why the international community must protect Ukraine from those who want to “transform boundaries”.
In the center of Kiev there is a monument dedicated to the “heavenly hundred Heroes” — citizens who gave their lives during the Ukrainian revolution for the sake of their country could be a European and not a Russian future. When the old regime tried to suppress the revolution, they were killed on independence Square, the Central square of Kiev, which is better known under the name independence. Since that time the restless 2014, the new Ukrainian government (backed by the UK and other allies) worked hard to ensure that the sacrifice of these people was not in vain.
The overall goal
Our common goal is to make Ukraine a prosperous, successful country that is worthy of the courage and ideals of those who joined forces in the revolution. The government of President Poroshenko proposed the most ambitious reform program since 1991, when the country gained independence, to the present day. Over the past three years has been done more steps than 23 years prior to the revolution on the Maidan. Today all members of the Ukrainian Parliament and all government officials (and more than a million people) are required to publicly report their income. This is a new measure which is fundamental for the implementation of the fight against corruption and ensure greater transparency.
Corruption
Britain helped Kiev to create national Institute for the fight against corruption, which is becoming more efficient. In addition, in order to reduce the level of corruption in different government departments and other government structures was established e-ProZorro. At the same time, the Central government launched a decentralization programme aimed at strengthening the power of individual citizens, giving them more authority and funding at the local level.
Growth
On energy, banking and economic levels of government carry out the most urgent and necessary reforms. Already the first results. After two years, when economic indicators fell to 5% in the past year they have grown by 2.3%, and in 2017 the forecast for growth of 3%. The agreement between Ukraine and the European Union this year will finally take effect. It is the rejection of this agreement by the previous government was the cause of the revolution on the Maidan in 2013. Ukrainian citizens can now move freely between the Schengen countries without the need to obtain a visa.
Legal state
Of course, in this area there is still a lot of work, especially as regards the fight against corruption, which will not be destroyed, while Ukrainian citizens do not get legal system, which they can trust. Clean and transparent governance will be possible only in a country where the priority is the rule of law. It’s safe to say that those who benefited from the old system, will continue to fight hard for the preservation of their privileges.
The conference
The creation of a stable and prosperous nation requires steady leadership of Kiev with the constant support of the international community. Therefore, it is important Conference on reforms in Ukraine, which is scheduled for July 6 in London. Our common goal is to enable the UK to contribute to the strengthening of external support in exchange for the acceleration of reforms. This conference should take part of the international community and Ukrainian leaders in favor of government reform plans from now until 2020.
The Annexation Of The Crimea
The United Kingdom is one of the most important allies of Ukraine. We do our best to implement reforms to fight corruption, to create the Ukrainian armed forces thanks to the mission’s Orbital Operation. We face several fundamental questions. The security of any nation depends on the key principle under which no one country can conquer territory or by force to change their borders. The illegal attempt by Russia to Annex the Crimea, as well as the deployment of the armed forces and heavy weapons in the Donbass region in the East of Ukraine violate the first rule of international order.
Huge potential
Today, the Ukrainian conflict has claimed 10 thousand lives, it was almost 24 thousand wounded, he more than 2 million people were forced to leave their home. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a threat to the security of the whole Europe. As part of the implementation of the reform plan, we see some fundamental truths. Ukraine, with its 44 million inhabitants and rich natural resources is a country with huge potential. There’s no reason that its citizens were not able to enjoy the same wealth and the same opportunities as their European neighbors. We must remain United in the struggle to achieve this goal.
Conference on reforms in Ukraine, expresses solidarity, commitment and participation aimed at preserving the vector of development and reform.
Boris Johnson (Boris Johnson), the Minister of foreign Affairs of great Britain, and Pavlo Klimkin, Minister of foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
