The visit of George Soros to Ukraine is over. However, Ukrainian media are still actively commenting certain statements that the IRF founder made during the UNIAN press conference on November 3, 2005
Soros on public broadcasting service:
“A public broadcasting service will help consolidate the freedom of discussions and the freedom of mass media which are currently to a great extent present, however, without a public broadcasting service, will lack an organizational basis. Thus, the objective of the Renaissance Foundation is to promote the public broadcasting service by all means with the help of the public. The Foundation also targets defending the freedom of information by making all directives and provisions of the government and official documents known and available to the general public.”
Soros on corruption and independent testing:
“The process of budget revenues must also be made transparent. This is an important instrument for preventing corruption and decreasing the number of corruption cases. Also, independent testing must be introduced. This foresees certain corrective intrusions into the field where corruption may have the most destructive effects.”
Soros on IRF:
“Therefore, the Foundation has developed a very concise yet achievable program: a Program that will promote the advance of Ukraine to transparent society, a Program that will help consolidate the achievements that Ukraine has now, and prevent the loss of energy that was conceived in Ukraine. I am impressed, very pleasantly impressed with the consistency of the vision the Foundation has both in the members of its now expanded Board of Directors and in the dedication to the cause that the workers of the Foundation show. I am very satisfied and proud of the Foundation’s work.”
Question: “What do you think about the freedom of mass media in Ukraine and how has the situation with the freedom of media improved since the 1994 election?”
“The improvements are significant and the changes are great; currently you truly have free mass media in Ukraine and can really be proud of that. Yet I believe these changes must be strengthened and supported by legislation in order to prevent changes in the situation due to the changes in the political climate of Ukraine. This is why the Foundation is greatly concerned with the approval of the Law on the Public Broadcasting Service.
Question: “You said your group foresees crises. What crises are currently developing in Ukraine?”
“I am happy to announce that Ukraine is not on the agenda of the International Anti-Crisis Group. At the same time, Transdniester is an important issue on the agenda of this group. And I would like to emphasize that the Ukrainian way of resolving the crisis is still the most attractive for Transdniester, which is democratization, consecutive elections based on such democratization and then consideration of all political issues related to the sovereignty of Transdniester. And the customs regime currently proposed as of December 1 with the help of EU.
Maybe I don’t have sufficient materials to evaluate the actions program of the government, but I must state that I have known Mr. Yekhanurov for over 10 years since the times when he dealt with privatization. And I can say that he is known for his professional ethics and strategic vision and I am among one of his admirers.”
Question related to privatization of Kryvorizhstal. Is it good or bad?
“It was the right decision because the process was fully transparent. This was a good change.”
Question on Ukraine’s entry into the EU
“The de facto attitude of the European Union to Ukraine has improved, however it is worth noting that the EU is still experiencing internal difficulties due to disapproval of the Constitution and lack of budgetary agreements. I believe the negotiations on the visa regime have positive implications and will lead to Ukraine’s further approaching the EU”.
Question on the parliamentary elections and abuse of administrative leverage
“I believe these elections will be honest and transparent. As to the abuse of administrative leverage – I hope it’s maintained under control.”
Question on Ukraine’s entry into the WTO
“I without a doubt support Ukraine’s entry into the WTO, but I have little influence on those who oppose such entry. I have met with certain representatives of the political environment, but please keep in mind that I have undertaken this visit as part of the International Anti-Crisis Group, and thus had only one day for Ukraine.”
Question on the Orange Revolution
“I, despite anything that is said about me, personally dislike revolutions. Because revolutions take place when people have had enough and absolutely disapprove of the existing regime. This feeling of disappointment arises when people lack the feeling of democracy and observe a deficit of democratic institutions. And the revolution, so to speak, does not provide for this deficit. In order to establish these institutions it is necessary to utilize constructive efforts. Therefore, my goal and the goal of the Foundation in Ukraine, which is also shared by me, are to constructively build these institutions in Ukraine. In the event of a revolution certain opportunities are created. And when such an opportunity is provided, the Foundation must certainly take advantage of such an opportunity properly. Today there is such an opportunity in Ukraine. I believe the Foundation will be useful here by uniting and supporting civil society. I especially believe that the Foundation must focus its efforts on promoting the rule of law and judicial reform, because the difficulties in this field lead to major implications. It is also important for the electorate to be aware and strive for such changes on their part.”
