Social protection of Chornobyl cleanup workers a priority for government – Yanukovych

The social protection of Chornobyl cleanup workers remains a priority task for the authorities even 27 years after the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said this in his address on the occasion of commemorating Chornobyl cleanup workers, which was posted on the official website of the head of state on Saturday.

“I believe that the state and society must continue to make significant efforts to properly thank these people for all they experienced and achieved. The social protection of Chornobyl cleanup workers, the disabled and children who grow up in polluted areas remains one of the priority tasks for the authorities,” Yanukovych said.

He said that the key to the successful resolution of these issues should be national unity and concord, as well as joint efforts by all concerned citizens aimed at overcoming the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov also addressed Ukrainian citizens on the occasion of a memorable date.

“On behalf of the Ukrainian government I express my gratitude to our heroes. I bow low to the widows and families of those who have not lived until now. The duty of each of us is to remember this and support those families who suffered from the Chornobyl disaster,” Azarov said in an address released by the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The president and the prime minister thanked Chornobyl cleanup workers and their families and wished them good health, prosperity and a happy long life.

Ukrinform