Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has pledged that human rights will be observed in Ukraine.
"The protection of human rights is an essential value for democratic European countries. We will significantly improve the monitoring and control over the investigation of every case of infringements of human rights and freedoms. Freedom of speech will be the subject of special attention," the president said on Sunday at a solemn meeting in the Ukraine National Palace on the occasion of the Day of Unity and Day of Freedom of Ukraine.
The president also said that he would demand that the government guarantee the protection of the social and economic rights of Ukrainians. According to the president, it is necessary to increase payments to the less well off.
President Yanukovych also said he believed that the idea of modernization of the country will unite the nation.
"I have no doubt that the policy of modernization is an idea of a modern developed nation that will unite all citizens," he said.
The president said he knew how to achieve this goal.
"I will act decisively and consistently. I have enough political will to gradually realize our essential dream – building a strong, independent Ukraine," Yanukovych said.
