Foreign Minister's statements regarding Viktor Chernomyrdin correspond with international law - President

Speaking at his press conference after the visit to the 96th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade located in Kyiv region, President Victor Yushchenko said that Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko’s statements regarding Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Chernomyrdin do not contradict international law.

“It is not accepted by international law that in the country of residence ambassadors said things that may be inappropriately perceived by nation, government or people as the whole”, - said Victor Yushchenko. He also emphasized that in this case the Foreign Minister “stood up for dignity and status of our country”.

At the same time President Yushchenko expressed assurance that Viktor Chernomyrdin did not have intention to harm bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia. “We are two large European states and we must be careful about our relations”, - said Victor Yushchenko adding also that first of all the diplomats should refrain from emotional statements.