Arsen Avakov: To protect and to serve the people instead of punishing and protection racketeering

The motto of the new police in Ukraine is: “To protect and to serve the people instead of punishing and protection racketeering,” – announced Arsen Avakov, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, during the 9th Kyiv Security Forum, organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

“When we came to government, all security forces were demoralized by the activities of the previous regime. So we were to solve the problem of organizing the effective operation of these structures. We clashed with war and lack of money. But we have taken a clear decision that we would carry out the reforms. We started with the police and the motto of this process became the following: “To protect and to serve the people instead of punishing and protection racketeering”. The first reform results were really inspiring: more than 80% of the population trusted the new police,” – said the Minister. At the same time, he added: “Yes, we understand that this is an advance made by society, but it is also the result of a well implemented level of their wishes”.

In addition, A. Avakov emphasized that the launched reforms are only the beginning of a long and difficult road, complicated by many factors in Ukraine.

“The reformation process that we have started is a long way. In all countries took it took really much time to implement these reforms and we are on the way as well. Moreover, our path is complicated by the fact that we have the occupation, the front line in the East, the internally displaced citizens. Because of this reforms are very difficult to carry out. However, we have to pass this chaos way and achieve our goals,” – said A. Avakov.

“Also, we pay special attention to reforms in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions. The reforms are to demonstrate the quality that will show the people of these regions that they must strive for Ukraine,” – said the Minister.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. 

Internet broadcast of the Forum:

9th Kyiv Security Forum (Ukrainian):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4bx8DXN4wk

9th KYIV SECURITY FORUM (ENGLISH)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG5fdmhG2g