Viktor Yushchenko introduced the National Concept of Cooperation with Compatriots Overseas at the Fourth World Forum of Ukrainians in the capital, Kiev, and called it the first step in the development of a solid modern concept of the creation of the global Ukrainian Diaspora.
"We must abandon the practice of an unnatural division of Ukrainians between those who live in the country and those who reside abroad," the president said. "In the global perspective, Ukraine is where Ukrainians are and where the Ukrainian language is spoken."
Yushchenko said about 20 million Ukrainians lived in more than 60 countries and called for the creation of an effective model of cooperation between the Ukrainian state and Ukrainians abroad. He said Kiev should be the coordinating center of the global Ukrainian Diaspora.
The Ukrainian leader also urged Ukrainians to abandon the term of federalism.
The idea of possible federalization of Ukraine has been proposed by political forces with strong support in the east and the south of the country.
"We must prevent the disease called federalism from spreading," Yushchenko said.
He said that the Ukrainian state had finally become a reality.
"It was formed to last and become invincible," Yushchenko said.
