President: Ukraine expects prompt and impartial investigation of the incident at Ukrainian-Russian border

On November 26, 2009 near the Ukrainian-Russian state border, on the territory of Russian Federation Russian border guards have shot Ukrainian citizen Andriy Yakymenko.

President Victor Yushchenko conveyed his condolences to the man's family.

At the same time the President expressed particular concern about the fact that the incidents of Russian border guards using firearms at the Ukrainian-Russian border recently became more often.

"Ukraine hopes for prompt and impartial investigation by the competent authorities of the Russian Federation of all the circumstances of the incident, especially the appropriateness of firearms use as a means to stop a crime", President said and emphasized the scandal caused in the Ukrainian society by the actions of Russian border guards.

According to the President the Ukrainian-Russian state border is traditionally perceived by citizens of both countries as a border of friendship and peace, where economic, social and cultural relations between the citizens of both countries are closely linked.

In this context he expressed his expectations for Russia's constructive approach towards completion of the process of demarcation and delimitation of the state border. "We must abandon the policy of futile statements on the demarcation of our common border and proceed to the practical steps in establishing a joint demarcation commission and conducting the demarcation", said Victor Yushchenko.

The President expressed confidence that resolving the problem is essential and urgent for changing the perception of state border as the important attribute of the state and minimizing illegal activities at the border.

 "I urge the Russian side to make tolerant, progressive and predictable steps and do believe that we are able to find consensus on all vital border issues", said Victor Yushchenko.