President Victor Yushchenko and National Security and Defense
Council Secretary Vitaly Haiduk have viewed an exercise involving the Alpha
Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Security Service of Ukraine to mark the
15th anniversary of its founding. The Alpha officers demonstrated
their skills by simulating an attack on a bus to free hostages and firing their
guns while driving.
The President wished those working at the Security Service a
happy anniversary. He said it was a perfect occasion to critically assess what
has been done and outline plans for the future.
“The Security Service has completed the first phase of its
development. Nobody questions its role in protecting the nation’s interests,” he
said.
The Ukrainian leader said the Security Service and the country
had been developing simultaneously and so it, just like Ukraine, had been
through a "difficult period of changes."
“Not all of these transformations have benefited it [the
Security Service],” he said.
Mr. Yushchenko believes it has great potential, which is seen
in its active participation in global counter-terrorism operations, as well as
in its professional work in other areas.
“The Security Service is being constantly watched by our
society and stands on the crossroads of political forces. Like the rest of the
country, it should become immune to all attempts to use it unlawfully,” he said.
The President is convinced it is necessary to improve the
Security Service but introduce reforms along with structural changes within the
country’s law enforcement system so that they should prove effective.
He also said the Security Service “needs protection.”
“We must protect it against infighting and professional apathy.
We must also build an inviolable wall to protect it from desires to make it
politically dependent,” he said, pledging to ensure that the Security Service is
"never influenced." “Your guides are the Constitution, laws and the President.”
He also insisted that “renewing the original functions of the
Security Service is task number one” and called on those present to “resolutely
get rid of the peels” of uncharacteristic functions and duties.
He said the Security Service should develop
counterintelligence, prevent claims on our sovereignty, promote
counter-terrorism efforts and carry out information and analytical research.
The President promised he would soon nominate his candidate to
head the Security Service.
“This person will be able to introduce reforms and focus on
state priorities,” he said, thanking “all the honest, professional and moral
security officers.” “I rely on your patriotism, professional commitment, honor
and dignity,” he added.
