Victor Yushchenko told reporters on Wednesday the appointment of Ukraine’s security chief was at the top of his agenda and expressed confidence today’s vote to approve his choice to be foreign minister would facilitate talks on who would head the country’s security service, according to the President`s press-office.
The President said there were a few candidates for the job and added that he was holding political consultations, both “deep” and “tactical,” on each of them. He expressed hopes the Verkhovna Rada would back his nominee. He also said his chief of staff, Viktor Baloha, was not among these candidates.
Mr. Yushchenko said the country’s political leaders should continue talks, particularly to pass new bills and discuss new appointments. He added that he had spoken with the Prime Minister and the Parliament Speaker today to reiterate his demand that they must fulfill their obligations. He promised his role would be "constructive" and said the “spirit of revenge” in the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers would not affect Ukraine’s home and foreign policy course.
