President Viktor Yushchenko met Michel Platini, President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the presidential press-service reports.
Viktor Yushchenko noted he considers Platini's visit to Kyiv as demonstration of support to Ukraine in its right to host Euro-2012. The Ukrainian President stressed that Euro-2012 for Ukraine - is one of the state's national priorities. "Ukraine appreciates UEFA's decision to hold the Euro-2012 finals in Ukraine. An efficient holding of Euro-2012 in Ukraine - is a matter of honor for the state, for me personally," he said.
The Head of State noted that development of sports infrastructure has already achieved considerable results. As referred to preparation of transport infrastructure, airports in particular, Viktor Yushchenko said the Cabinet of Ministers, Transport and Communications Ministry, local executive authorities, local self-government and Football Federation of Ukraine signed a memorandum on preparation of airports to Euro-2012.
He also reported that Ukrzaliznytsia earmarked necessary funds to reconstruct railway stations in the hosting cities.
Speaking about motorway development, President Yushchenko said the Ukrainian government will allocate USD 5 billion of governmental guarantees till 2012 which will be channeled for corporate obligations of the participants involved in the project implementation. The matter concerns development of 4,200 km of roads.
For his part, UEFA President Michel Platini underscored that UEFA has never had questions or doubts regarding the decision to hold Euro-2012 in Ukraine and Poland. "You democratically won your right to hold the championships," Platini emphasized. He expressed hopes that the parties will do all necessary work in three month following which a final decision on holding of Euro-2012 in Ukraine and Poland will be made in Bordeaux. He called on the participants "to work these three months jointly". "We trust you. We need several small guarantees and everything will be OK," he noted.
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