Ukrainian President Does Not Favor Expensive Birthday Gifts

KIEV, Ukraine -- The President's family has called upon the Ukrainian community not to present expensive birthday gifts to Victor Yushchenko, as stated Iryna Gerashchenko, spokeswoman to the President of Ukraine.

"The President's birthday is not a national holiday. This is a holiday for his family and friends. Yushchenko's family will pleased to see your congratulations on his personal web-site," the spokeswoman emphasized.

"The practice of ostentatious birthday celebrations by top officials is past history," and expensive presents "will be regarded as misunderstanding of changes within our country and government and the denial of the new political culture." Under Yushchenko there will be neither elaborate receptions nor fancy birthday celebrations, no auto cavalcades, elaborate bouquets and super-expensive gifts, said Gerashchenko.

The President and his wife are aware of serious problems plaguing social and humanitarian spheres of the country, and “will be happy and grateful if money saved on the gifts and expensive bouquets would be targeted on backing projects within social and humanitarian areas.”

Victor Yushchenko will turn fifty one, tomorrow, February 23rd.