20 March 2014
Poland stands ready to
support Ukrainian reforms
On Thursday, Minister Radosław Sikorski met with
Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman. The two officials discussed Poland’s
assistance for Ukraine, especially in reforming its local governments and
finances, and fighting corruption.
“Ukraine is going through a very difficult time.
Poland wants to help Ukraine overcome it, and stands ready to do so,” Minister
Radosław Sikorski said when opening the meeting with his Ukrainian guest at the
MFA office. “We appreciate your support. It’s at times like this that you
realize there’s much truth in the saying: a friend in need is a friend indeed,”
replied Vice Prime Minister Hroisman.
The interlocutors discussed the situation in Ukraine
in the context of security, politics and finances. “Looking from inside, I can
see what state our country is in,” said Vice Prime Minister Hroisman. “Ukraine
has been ruined not only by Yanukovytsch, but also by the twenty years in which
no reforms have been made,” underscored Minister Sikorski.
The deputy chief of Ukraine’s government assured the
Polish side that one of his priorities was to devolve power by reforming local
governments, a measure that would grant local authorities more competencies and
thus ensure a more effective governance of the state, while keeping its unity.
“We are interested in Polish experiences in this field.”
Minister Sikorski offered Ukraine prompt expert
assistance in reforming the country’s local governments and finances, and
fighting corruption. Details are to be agreed at a working level.
Vice Prime Minister Hroisman told the Polish side that
the Ukrainian government had adopted a number of laws to bring the country
closer to the abolishment of visas by the European Union. Ukraine has entered
into visa dialogue with the EU to achieve visa-free travel. Before proceeding
to phase 2, however, Kyiv must meet several conditions, such as adopting anti-corruption
and refugees laws, and introducing biometric passports. “The government has
already approved two pieces of legislation. In the coming days we will deal
with the issue of biometric passports,” said Hroisman.
http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/
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