OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2008. President Victor Yushchenko took part today in the All-Ukrainian Cossacks gathering dedicated to 360th anniversary of the beginning of XVII Liberation War.

In his address to those present Victor Yushchenko encouraged Cossacks organizations to participate more actively in cultural projects aimed at renewing Ukrainian history such as restoration of hetman capital Baturyn, establishment of a “Arts arsenal” museum, restoration of sights connected with Cossacks history, commemoration of Holodomor, etc. He also informed that he had plans to forward to Verkhovna Rada a draft law on restoration and development of Ukrainian Cossacks movement.

V. Yushchenko described Ukrainian Cossacks as the unique page in the history of Ukraine which other countries have no equivalents of. He also expressed gratitude to All-Ukrainian Cossacks gathering for serving Ukraine and awarded its distinctive representatives with national awards.

Together with President, Vice-Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk, Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov, Minister for Education Ivan Vakarchuk, Minister for Culture Vasyl Vovkun and National Defence Council Secretary Rayisa Bohatyryova were also present at the meeting.