Quotable notes

"I stand for a diversity of languages in communication. The more languages a person knows, the higher the chance of that person realizing himself creatively. But I am opposed to speculation on the language issue. The Constitution of Ukraine clearly stipulates that the only state language is Ukrainian. Ukraine is the only country that is obliged to preserve and develop the Ukrainian language.

"Great and wise nations understand that language is not only a means of communication, but also a way of thinking and a foundation of culture. Therefore, they not only preserve, but also develop their languages, demanding that other people respect their languages. ...

"I am happy to see increasingly more young people, who have a brilliant command of Russian and speak fluent English, French and German, using Ukrainian for communication. I welcome the youth that has taken a patriotic stance and says - we are Ukrainians and our native language is Ukrainian. The younger generation is wise, patriotic and educated. As president, I pin great hopes on young people."

- President Viktor Yushchenko in his weekly radio address on June 3 that was devoted to problems of children and youths.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 18, 2006, No. 25, Vol. LXXIV

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