« We welcome a true hero », said Executive chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab, introducing Victor Yushchenko, the new President of Ukraine.

The documentary/movie broadcasted before he began his speech was to prove it. From electoral fraud to the victory of Yushchenko, from the mobilization of the Ukrainians to their tears of joy, it reminded the steps of a peaceful and democratic revolution embodied by Yushchenko.

With the “Orange revolution”, a new Ukraine has emerged was to repeat Ukraine President. Changes are on the way for “a free European Ukraine” with “European values”.

In a moving speech, he developed his hopes and plans for his country : its necessary transition to democracy that hardly began and its new dimension as a country that has a role to play in Europe. With an objective : achieving full membership in the EU. “We support a prosperous and democratic Ukraine in a strong and prosperous Europe”, said Yushchenko without a word for the Russian neighbour.

As he knows prosperity goes hand in hand with business, Yushchenko ended his speech inviting the audience to go to Ukraine to show support and launch a new dynamics (a “mini-forum” will probably be held in Kiev next summer where Statesmen and entrepreneurs will get the chance to meet).

His words were greeted with a standing ovation. This is a promising start, isn’t it ?

– Benoit Petit