Watson salutes Yushchenko the statesman

4.25.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Feb 2005

"I was impressed this morning by the statement by Victor Yushchenko", declared Watson, leader of the European Liberal and Democrat Alliance following the solemn session at mid-day in Strasbourg to honour the leader of the 'Orange revolution' in Ukraine.

"Mr. Yushchenko has a clear vision of the tough tasks ahead to guide his country towards possible EU membership. My group supports this legitimate aspiration, still in its early stages, especially since Ukraine must still show itself capable of consolidating the promised reforms" underlined Watson. "Contrary to some others in this chamber who only appeared to acknowledge currents of air on Europe's doorstep, I feel the winds of history blowing in our faces" he continued.

ALDE welcomes in particular the sense of responsibility of the Ukrainian President who spoke of pragmatic political priorities, focusing initially on economic development in Ukraine which is indispensable to any future relationship with the EU. "The efforts already undertaken to obtain the status of a market economy with a view to WTO membership followed by the establishment of a free-trade area with the EU are evidence that Ukraine is sincere about becoming a fully-fledged liberal democracy", welcomed Watson.