You're reading: President Yanukovych calls for humanization of reforms

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said that it is necessary to humanize the reform of the country.

"First and foremost, the characteristics and social significance of any proposed changes should be clearly defined in all reform areas," the president said in Kyiv on Tuesday at events to mark the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in the Ukraine National Palace of Arts.

"How will the people live today and tomorrow, what opportunities will they have to get a good education and job, and how will their fundamental rights and freedoms under the constitution be guaranteed? The reforms have to answer these questions," Yanukovych said.

"The experience in preparing for and introducing tax reform has once again demonstrated that final decisions should be taken only after a broad public debate, independent examinations and taking into account the interests of those groups whom these changes directly concern," he said.

Yanukovych said the committee on economic reform and the government had to use the mechanisms of social dialog and partnership to the utmost.

He also noted the importance of regular parliamentary hearings, saying this helped take into account the opinion of leading political forces, as well as those of public and professional circles.