Viktor Yushchenko: 'We must intensify efforts to fight corruption'
From a speech by the Ukrainian president in Independence Square, Kiev, to mark the 14th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Soviet rule
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Your support makes all the difference.Ukraine's independence is the nation's greatest creation. Freedom is the alpha and omega of Ukrainian democracy. The freedom in the Independence Square doesn't belong to any political force. Millions of people stood through the winter and defended the rights of every citizen in Donetsk and Lvov, in Sumy and Crimea. We won a victory here, which consolidated our independence and confirmed the choice we made in 1991.
Freedom of speech has become a reality in Ukraine. A journalist like Georgiy Gongadze who criticises the authorities doesn't risk his life any more. I have signed a decree presenting the Hero of Ukraine award posthumously to Gongadze. He gave his young life for our freedom and independence.
Despite this, the face of power has not changed. Citizens face a bureaucracy that is unwilling to listen to them. I am going to deal with this. There are a lot of honest professionals in Ukraine and we will open the way for them.
Corruption is slowly backing off. The government and law-enforcement agencies must introduce tougher control over customs, agrarian relations and the issuance of licences. We must intensify efforts to fight corruption and step up financial support for medicine and higher education establishments.
It will take time, but the way to prosperity is never strewn with flowers. What is important is that the nation has awakened to its responsibilities as a free country.
Ukraine's example proves that the peoples from the Baltics to the Black Sea can successfully modernise their countries and develop democracy. Ukraine now has the opportunity to become an important nation within Europe. Our neighbours consider Ukraine a regional leader, and keenly watch what is happening here.
We can overcome all difficulties. We have enough talent and strength for it. The most important thing is to be united - divided we are nothing; united, we are everything. It is only when we work together as a community that we can ensure no return to the past.
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