Taras Shevchenko: March 9, 1814 – March 10,1861 Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has called on compatriots to unite around the national idea.

"I ask all national forces to unite - not political parties or political blocs, but people, Ukrainians, citizens of Ukraine," he said at a grand meeting devoted to the 195th birthday of great Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko at the National Opera House of Ukraine on Monday.

Yuschenko said that he does not overestimate his president's role, although he knows whom he addresses to.

Yuschenko asked Ukrainian citizens to unite around the national goal, children and Ukraine's freedom.

"Often our national priorities are lost in political fight," he said.

The head of state said that the largest threat is separateness of Ukrainians.