“The issue of top priority standing before Armed Forces of Ukraine is the increase of their combat readiness”, - said President Victor Yushchenko during the Ministry of Defense Board meeting, according to the President`s press-office.
In view of that he asserted that it is very important nowadays to build up a modern professional contract army. “It is no end in itself, neither this is a question of political argument. Times dictate it. We must have a modern European professional army. It is a profession to be a soldier”, - President said.
V. Yushchenko confirmed that “autumn conscription of 2009 shall be the last”. Therefore he obliged Government, Ministry of Defense and General Headquarters before December 30 to calculate charges necessary to convert Ukrainian army to contract basis before the end of 2009.
“Each and every commander must have a target plan for 2008 on converting his branch to contract basis”, - President said.
Regarding army financing issues discussed at the meeting V. Yushchenko announced that 2008 budget must contain shifts towards the increase of army funding. This funding must be optimized though as there are many irrational directions currently financed.
To President a question of proper social protection of military men is of crucial significance to the state too. Therefore he obliged Cabinet of Ministers to increase funds aimed at building accommodation for military and to revise current model of financing due to its excessive level of bureaucracy.
