OREANDA-NEWS. August 05, 2010. In Simferopol President Viktor Yanukovych held a meeting on strategic development of Crimea with participation of Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy Klyuev, Deputy Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov, Prosecutor General Oleksandr Medvedko, leadership of the Council of Ministers of Crimea, chairmen of Local Administrations and city mayors, etc.

Opening the meeting President Yanukovych stressed that development of Crimea requires serious discussion and adoption of substantive decisions. He expressed confidence that all those present are well aware that development of Crimea depends directly on the development of Ukraine as a whole. According to Viktor Yanukovych, harmonious development of all regions is undoubtedly an integral part of building the whole state. In this context, the President once again stressed, that Crimea is "the pearl of Ukraine and of the whole world”.

Among the chronic problems of Crimea Viktor Yanukovych, in particular, named the irrational use of the Black Sea coast. "We do not use the Black Sea coast in Crimea effectively,” he said, referring to representatives of local authorities.

The President also noted that the situation was particularly bad in the last two years when the economic crisis has overlapped with lack of stable government in the country. "We are to summarize the work today," he said, noting both Crimean authorities and the Government were carefully preparing for today’s meeting.

Viktor Yanukovych also said that he has dedicated personal attention to the problem of ensuring the effective implementation of decisions to be taken at today's meeting. "Draft directions of the President have been prepared. The Government has practically coordinated them. We do not approve uncoordinated decisions. If we promise something, we will do it," said President Yanukovych.

The President said separately that the Verkhovna Rada, of course, should also play a role in making these decisions, particularly in the context of adjustment of national legislation if necessary.

The President also said that at the level of the European Commission the agreement on pilot program regarding the Crimea was reached. "Russia is also ready to participate in the development of the Crimea by means of investment,” he said, adding that other state leaders who took part in the recent informal CIS Summit have also expressed readiness to contribute to development of Crimea.

Of course, said President Yanukovych, for Crimea to become competitive, the appropriate infrastructure and conditions for tourists must be developed.