President closes 17th International Hutsul festival

President Victor Yushchenko and his family on Sunday attended a ceremony in the city of Yaremcha (Ivano-Frankivsk region) to close the 17th International Hutsul Festival, according to the President`s press-office.

“Today we are all rediscovering our roots, which is immensely important now,” he said in a speech, calling on Ukrainians to respect their country’s traditions.

Yushchenko also thanked the mayor of Yaremcha, which is celebrating its 220-year anniversary, for “preserving and renewing” the city and honored him with a state award.