Bill Clinton Praises Ukraine's Reforms

KIEV, Ukraine -- Former President Clinton on Sunday praised Ukraine's reforms since last year's Orange Revolution but counseled Ukrainians to have patience.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton smiles at journalists after a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005, in the Ukrainian capital Kiev
"It takes time to build the kind of vibrant, progressive, forward-moving nation that you are all working to build," Clinton said at a news conference with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.

Many Ukrainians have expressed disappointment at their nation's failure to improve living standards and battle corruption since last year's mass protests against election fraud. There have been no demonstrable improvements in poverty rates, and Yushchenko's approval ratings have plunged after a split with his Orange Revolution partners and allegations of corruption against some of his closest aides.

Clinton came to Ukraine to offer his foundation's help to this ex-Soviet republic in its struggle against HIV and AIDS and to hold brief talks with Yushchenko.

The United States played an important role in condemning the fraud-marred vote and calling for a revote, which Ukraine's Supreme Court ordered and Yushchenko won.

"I see a more vibrant democracy, freedom of speech, a more aggressive, free press and freedom of political assembly and the kind of disagreements that characterize any modern democracy," Clinton said.

Yushchenko's party faces a tough challenge in March as Ukrainians elect a new parliament.

Yushchenko repeated a call for the country's democratic forces to unite.

"Solidarity and unity is the most original concept for bringing victory in the 2006 parliamentary elections," he said.

Under a deal signed Sunday, the Clinton Foundation will provide training for medical professionals who deal with HIV patients and will help Ukrainians get access to HIV medications at discounted prices.

Ukraine has one of the fastest-growing HIV rates in the world, with some experts suggesting that as many as 500,000 people - 1 percent of the population - are infected.

Source: AP