Pavlo Lebedyev: Defence Ministry continued to work on Armed Forces reform and development in 2013
President
of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych pays special attention to Ukraine’s defence and development of the Armed Forces, Ukraine Defence Minister Pavlo Lebedyev emphasized during a briefing at the Government’s
House held today.
He said that
in 2013 the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine had continued
systematic work on the reform and development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,
the implementation of the rights of servicemen and strengthening their social
protection.
The main
efforts were directed towards the execution of orders of the President of
Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, the decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
and of the State comprehensive program on reform and development of the Armed
Forces of Ukraine for the period till 2017, Pavlo Lebedyev said.
In general,
the tasks set before the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2013 had been completed
within the allocated financial resources.
The Defence Minister told the media that last year the defence department had been able to prevent the reduction
of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, improve the management system, optimize
its structure and strength, preserve the human
potential.
A number of
legal acts were approved last year, thus helping to standardize the mechanism
of alienation of immovable military property, expand the boundaries of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine participating in international peacekeeping and
security, strengthen social protection of servicemen and their families, Pavlo Lebedyev said.
He
mentioned that the main goals for the Ministry of Defence
of Ukraine in 2014 were defined by the State complex program of reform and
development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the period till 2017.
The main
priorities include the implementation of the tasks set by President of Ukraine
Viktor Yanukovych - to complete full transition of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to
the contract basis, ensure protection of servicemen, their families and staff
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to maintain repair and modernization of
armament and defence technology, the Minister of Defence said.
The new
system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in compliance with modern military
standards and measures that will prevent violations and corruption among the
administration of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in the future is also one
of the priorities for this year, Pavlo Lebedyev emphasized.