Opening statement of the acting Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov at the meeting of the Government on February 19, 2014
I welcome members of
the Cabinet of Ministers, media representatives, all the attendees!
Just 48 hours ago me,
like most Ukrainians, believed that the country began to recover the political
crisis.
Each of us has done
everything he could to political conflict moved to the stage of constructive
dialogue.
For its part, the
authorities had met habitat:
- the laws that caused
a broad discussion in society were canceled;
- Law on amnesty was adopted.
Prosecutors’ office
and militia have begun to close the cases.
Moreover, for our
part, we comply with the requirements of this document in advance. All were
released who, the law on the amnesty concern.
It seemed that the
protesters understood the necessity of civilized solving of the crisis. They
began to free administrative buildings.
But, unfortunately,
yesterday radical demonstrators provoked turmoil in the capital.
It is unacceptable
that declaring European values and the desire to bring the country to a new
level of development:
- to sacrifice human
life;
- to destroy the property
of the state and ordinary citizens, to burn their cars and homes.
To discredit the
country with the international community, foreign investors and trading
partners, and to drive the economy into the abyss.
Community is outraged!
It has been waiting
for a civilized solution of urgent issues – in the building of the Parliament, but
not on the streets with the use of force.
Both citizens of
This is not a
manifestation of democracy and civic-mindedness.
This is a manipulation
of public consciousness and attempt of taking by force of the power.
In any country, such
methods do not lead to a solution.
But such methods can
lead to troubles!
I'm sorry that
yesterday disorder, and it’s scary, led to casualties.
I would like to
express my condolences to the families of those killed in these confrontations.
And I also emphasize
that the Government will make every effort to:
- provide timely medical
assistance to all the victims during disorders;
- pay the necessary
assistance to the bereaved families of militiamen who perform their duties.
Also, via the
difficult situation in the center of Kyiv, I recommend the following that:
- all government
agencies and educational institutions of Kyiv understand those who because of
problems with transportation could not get to work or school or was late;
- heads of
institutions and companies located in the epicenter of the events if it is
possible to allow women, especially mothers of minor children not attending job
until the situation stabilizes.
In addition, I call on
all ministers, given the difficult working conditions, to assist the media.
If necessary, go to TV
channels in order to not expose journalists to danger.
We also ask people to
treat with understanding the decision on limitation of traffic in the direction
of Kyiv. It aims to prevent the escalation of conflict.
The tragedy at the
mine in Makiyivka
Unfortunately, during
today's meeting we can not to mention the tragic event that happened two days
ago on the Pivnichna mine in Makiyivka.
I personally, and on
behalf of the Government I express deep condolences to the families of those
killed and injured in the accident miners.
On behalf of the
Government of Ukraine and from me personally, I express condolences over the
deaths of miners.
Seven miners were
killed as a result of the blast and nine others are in medical facilities of
The causes of the
accident will be found soon.
On behalf of the
President a government commission, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Yuriy Boyko was
created.
We are waiting for the
results of the investigation.
I authorize Vice Prime
Ministers Vilkul and Boyko, Minister of Health and responsible ministers - to
keep the situation under personal control:
- people should not be
left alone with their problems;
- victims must be
provided with all necessary medical care and their families must be provide with
adequate financial assistance.
We are in very
difficult situation. But we are not going to refused to be drawn.
It is millions of
citizen, who are not involved in these events. They work, drive their children
to school, cook dinner.
Life goes on, so the Government
should do everything possible to ensure the proper functioning of the country.
Today there are several
priorities
First of all we have
to ensure timely payment of salaries, pensions and social assistances.
We have to prepare for
spring field works. These are sowing campaign and possible sharp warming
consequently could lead to spring flood, and there are also possible spring
frosts and snowfalls.
Roads, bridges,
buildings, facilities, transport and municipal infrastructure need planning
spring repairs.
According payment of pensions
The issue of payment
of social assistances is principal for the Government.
We keep it under
personal control.
We understand that the
information environment today has a great impact on older generations.
Unfortunately, this is
the negative impact. Therefore, this category of the population is very
sensitive to any disruptions.
The task of the
government to prove to them that the country operates, the economy is stable,
social obligations are fulfilled.
I assure you that all
pensioners receive pensions in time.
I instruct the
Minister of Social Policy and the Minister of Finance to keep the matter under
personal control.
The weather and emergencies
Sharp warming poses
risks of emergency situations.
All elements of
municipal infrastructure should be kept in full readiness.
I believe that last
year's mistakes will not be allowed.
In any whatever conditions,
the life of people should be safe and comfortable.
So the Ministry of
Regional Development, Housing and Communal Services, the Ministry of
Infrastructure, local authorities and other specialized agencies should:
- monitor the state of
all elements of municipal infrastructure;
- if necessary,
immediately carry out all repairs and maintenance work so that municipal
systems were prepared for worsening of the weather conditions;
- to strengthen the
work to eliminate debts for provided utility services.
Vice Prime Minister Olexander
Vilkul has to keep this issue under personal control.
Concerning the
situation in the agricultural sector
Today, farmers are
actively preparing for spring field works.
At a recent Government’s
meeting I have instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Food to conduct the necessary
preparation work.
The Government has to
assist farmers in this. Because of their timely provision with equipment, fuel,
lubricants and fertilizers is the key to successful seeding campaign.
And as a result it is a
food security of the country.
In addition, the
country needs foreign exchange earnings from the export of agricultural
products. This year we expect to get $ 20 billion.
As of today, the state
of preparation works for sowing campaign is more than satisfactory:
- winter grain sown
almost the same level as of last record year - 96 %;
- agricultural
producers are fully provided with high-quality seeds;
Readiness of tractors
is 96%, tillage and sowing machines - 98%.
The weather conditions
this winter, I hope will promote to good yield.
I note that farmers
are ready to eventual replanting.
The State Reserve Seed
Fund has sufficient amounts of seeds for this.
In addition, the state
support of the agricultural sector in 2014 is realized.
It is aimed at
industries that need it most of all.
And these are livestock,
which in 2013 could consolidate growth, horticulture and viticulture. As well
as development of wholesale markets of agricultural products.
Another important
component of agricultural development is to encourage small farms in rural
areas and their cooperation.
One of the main
reasons for this is the implementation of social initiatives of the President.
Here we can stress on implementation
of two social projects. Namely, a pilot project of procurement and distribution
network "Native village" and the "Quality Water - to every
village."
Development of
construction of municipal infrastructure
A clear criterion for
the efficiency of the construction industry is the creation of new housing.
For example, more than
11 million square meters of housing were put into operation in
Development of housing
construction is due to the deregulation of the industry.
In 2013, in the World
Bank ranking Doing Business Ukraine raised its indicator by 145 points (from
186 th place to the 41 st).
So providing citizens
with affordable housing
The government does a
lot.
In particular, in
terms of providing state support for purchase of housing.
The Government within
Social initiatives of President of Ukraine tries to attract more people to
public housing programs.
To this end, the total
volume of construction financing has been increased to 574 million in the
budget of 2014.
These funds will solve
the housing problem of almost seven thousand families.
Concerning the agenda
The government plans
to discuss many important social issues. Every decision is a step towards
overcoming social injustice.
Also, we now consider
the draft Decree of the President of
We have to discuss and
adopt a number of important acts of the Cabinet of Ministers, of which I highlight
the following draft resolutions:
- on the use by
enterprises of funds released as a result of granting them exemptions from
income tax, due to the introduction of energy efficient technologies;
- on reducing the
number and consolidation of national target programs;
- on the establishment
of the
- a Draft act to
further the implementation strategy for reform of consumer protection in
financial services markets in 2012-2017 years.
Issues related to
enhancing energy security are particularly noteworthy. Such as: approval of the
project for construction of nuclear plant and other issue - the Extension of
the State Program "Nuclear Fuel of Ukraine."