February 20 President Viktor Yushchenko took part in the meeting of the Association of Ukrainian Cities and Communities, according to the presidential press office.
Speaking at the meeting Yushchenko said that 2009 State
Budget is “fictional”. According to him if the document is not revised,
the responsibility will be put not only on central authorities but on
local governments as well. Beside that the President reminded that
cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF was hared by unreality of the
budget and warned that absence of steps from the government aimed at
improving the situation would result in Ukraine loosing support of
outer financial world.
Making comments on internal economic situation in Ukraine, President
Yushchenko expressed concerns about high inflation rates, which
resulted in deterioration of social standards as well as about falling
GDP growth rate. He also noted that due to falling prices at global
markets Ukrainian metallurgy and chemical industry were forced to
decrease production.
Addressing the audience Yushchenko emphasized that in the
crisis consolidation of all state authorities around elaboration of a
joint anti-crisis plan is very important. He suggested that local
authorities representatives, present at the meeting, provided 10 to 15
most topical tasks to be realized in the nearest months. “Each side
should demonstrate responsibility,” said Yushchenko.
