06 December 2008, 10:30
Mykola Tomenko: It is the military, not the politicians who should secure a reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"The prospects of the Armed Forces of Ukraine appertain only to the formation of the professional contract army. Therefore, it is necessary to suspend the discussion concerning terms of transition to the contract service, and launch active work aimed at such reforming", - stated Mykola Tomenko, Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, in his interview to the journalists in Cherkasy on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He stressed that activity of the military units conducted on the voluntary and professional basis is characterized by a totally different quality and high degree of professionalism. "It is not without reason that participation of our servicemen in different peacemaking missions is highly appreciated", - stated the Vice-Chairman.
Separation of business and army is also necessary. "Further active economic activity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (sale of property, land, weapon) is a wrong way of the Ukrainian army", - believes Mykola Tomenko.