US Charge d’Affaires in Ukraine Kristina Kvien urged the Ukrainian authorities to pass additional bylaws to provide anti-corruption guarantees for land reform.
“Additional by-laws should be adopted to provide anti-corruption guarantees. As we quickly approach the opening day of the agricultural land market, the continued leadership of all stakeholders, including the international community, is important”, – said Kvien.
She noted that the adoption of the law to lift the ban on the sale of agricultural land last year was an important step towards the adoption of market principles, which will give land owners more flexibility in using the property they own.
“We applaud the President’s dedication to this important reform and look forward to seeing it accomplish after years of stalemate”.
More needs to be done to ensure the success of land reform, including fair implementation, Queen said. She explained that a bill creating partial loan guarantees for small farmers should be passed. This law will ensure that every Ukrainian has the opportunity to participate in the farming business.
Also, the US representative drew attention to the skepticism of Ukrainians in relation to land reform, which “will provide them with benefits”:
“It is vital that land and community owners know their rights and how to protect them. We urge the government and the media to initiate a public awareness campaign to provide clear, accurate information”.
She assured that the United States, together with the European Union and partners from the World Bank, are ready to support the Ukrainian government in the implementation of land reform, which will meet the interests of all Ukrainians.