President arrived in Verkhovna Rada (updated)

President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko has just arrived in Verkhovna Rada, as reported by President’s press-secretary Irene Gerashchenko.

President’s standard has appeared near presidential chair in the Parliament.

In his opening address Yushchenko has called political forces to unite. “I call you not to weave a plot, not to wage war, not to tear the country,” declared Yushchenko.

Head of the country also pointed out that there is a cynical plan of the power’s destroying, in which participants of Maidan are involved also.

“The prestige we had is extremely falling down,” said President.

“It is time for the political elite to unite to consider Ukraine’s supreme interests and respond to all challenges we are currently facing,” said the Head of State.

The President assured all he would spare no effort to stabilize the situation and urged all people’s deputies to employ the same tactics. Then, he reminded those present of the recently signed Declaration for Unity and Cooperation.

Yushchenko asked them to confirm Yuriy Yekhanurov’s appointment as Prime Minister. He stressed that we “are not speaking about Yekhanurov’s future, but about the future of the Rada and President and their efficient and adequate ability to ensure stability in Ukraine.”

“This is the test our parliament should pass,” he said.

Yushchenko noted that the new Cabinet would be pragmatic and there would be “no businessmen to discredit themselves.”

The President said the Rada should also approve the 2006 budget, which would give a positive signal to investors.

Speaking about the 2006 parliamentary elections, he promised all they would be fair and transparent while “no budget money and administrative resource will be used.”

Touching on the controversial political reform, the Head of State emphasized that he would not “act destructively to change the course.”