Bern, 11.11.2005 - Switzerland Supports Reforms in UkraineSwitzerland is interested in closer relations with Ukraine, and will continue to support the country during its transition to democracy and the rule of law. This was confirmed by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey on the occasion of the 10th Annual Conference on Swiss Cooperation with Eastern Europe and the CIS held in Lugano.
Switzerland is ready to support Ukraine as it collaborates more closely with European institutions, stated Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, in her opening remarks at the Conference. The experience Switzerland has gained in many years of dealing with EU institutions could be very useful to Ukraine. The Foreign Minister emphasised that establishment of the principles of the rule of law and better economic framework conditions were crucial prerequisites for stable development in Ukraine, and that external support would also be required to put them into place.
Ukraine, a partner country in Switzerland’s cooperation with Eastern Europe, was the main focus of the Conference, which took place for the first time in the Canton of Ticino and was attended by about 250 people. Specialists from the fields of culture, economics, and politics presented initial assessments of the «Orange Revolution» that brought a reform-oriented alliance of parties to power in Kiev a year ago. For writer Juri Andruchovitch, the Orange Revolution marked the awakening of Ukrainian civil society. The mass uprising reinforced self-awareness among Ukrainian citizens. For the first time in decades, people in Ukraine realised that they could actively help to shape the course of events rather than being merely passive onlookers. Economist Leslie Hawrylyshyn pointed to Ukraine’s great economic potential which still remains untapped. He expressed the hope that Ukraine would be able to join Europe in the course of time by consistently pursuing the path of reform.
In their discussion with moderator Guilia Fretta, SDC Director Walter Fust and Ambassador Oscar Knapp of seco underscored the high quality of Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe, acknowledged as such and held in high esteem by its partner countries. Since the mid-1990s, the SDC and seco have been supporting system transition in Ukraine through a series of projects valued at an annual budget expenditure of CHF 8-9 million. Reform of the judicial and penal systems, sustainable management of natural resources, and the strengthening of civil society have been key areas of action for the SDC. Seco, in turn, accords prominence to the promotion of the private sector, namely to the support and the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises, along with the strengthening of corporate governance in the business and banking sectors. In addition, seco is also involved in projects organized by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) aimed at enhancing nuclear security.

Источник: http://www.seco.admin.ch/