Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine has told, than like our country, what good can they do for each other, as Argentina experienced a severe crisis and sovereign default in the beginning of the two thousandth 's like to feel in the Southern Hemisphere, the descendants of Ukrainians, and that she likes to .
Do you like Kiev?.
Yes, of course! . Well, almost radical. I have some problems with language, but nevertheless, I cope with all. You know, Argentina and Ukraine are very similar in some respects. Historically, our country's agriculture, which means our people closer to the ground and appreciate family ties. Argentina and Ukraine, countries with large populations and people living throughout the territory of our state. In short, the notion of solidarity, family and friendships should be taken into account. After all, when people live far away from each other, you might need someone's help. For example, in the Pampas and Patagonia, where houses are located at a distance of miles, people are rare, so you need to really develop a sense of solidarity.
I know of places in Ukraine....
Our two countries are of strategic importance to our region, our continent we have strong neighbors, participate in the process of economic integration. For example, Argentina - a member of MERCOSUR ( Common Market of South America, the other full members - Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay - a comment. ed. ). In our region, Brazil and Argentina are leading the growing integration process, beneficial both economically and from a political point of view. In Europe, Ukraine is also close to another integration process within the European Union, your government is working on a treaty on cooperation and the creation of a free trade zone. On the other hand, Ukraine is also a very powerful neighbor, just as in Argentina. That's why I think we have much in common, over which is work, especially when you consider that our two countries have a mutual understanding.
Once the conversation turned to the similarity of our countries, in 1995, Fernando Petrella, who was then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, said that Argentina and Ukraine competed in the export of goods. What has changed since then?.
I have not heard that our country competed in anything... I will allow myself to agree with Fernando, my friend and teacher, saying that the demand for agricultural products - I think it was her he had in mind - for many high that our countries . We own the technology, which could share. Currently, we are actively working with manufacturers and producers of agricultural machinery for the agricultural sector in Argentina. We are also trying to exchange technologies and open up joint ventures for co-operation of Argentine and Ukrainian agricultural producers.
Is there any success and progress in these respects?.
Yes, in some areas of cooperation brings benefits and certain Argentine products, such as agricultural machinery, achieve recognition and valued, even in comparison with the products of our American and European rivals. Yes, here I use the word ... But we use a completely innovative methods in the agricultural sector, and as I said, agricultural infrastructure, and extremely fertile tillage are very similar in our countries. Briefly, in the Ukraine can apply the same technology, and over this is to work.
- In agriculture, what other areas of cooperation between our two countries are Argentina, Interested?.
- We are working on the development of many industries, and one of them is tourism. Three months ago we opened a school tour operators under the auspices of the embassy in Kiev. Once a month the school conduct workshops for groups of 30 people. Specialists, experts and invited guests tell participants about the tourism industry in Argentina and show them movies. We try very hard to sign an agreement on tourism cooperation with Ukraine. We are very lucky, because, as even at a great distance our countries can complement each other. Ukraine and Argentina are in different hemispheres, and therefore the time of the year, we do not match. If you want to ski in the summer, we are always happy to welcome you to our ski resorts. We can collaborate effectively, following the example of our joint work in the shipbuilding. We can also cooperate in the space industry and nuclear technology. In the near future we plan to take in outer space technologies from Ukraine. Work is progressing slowly but steadily, and we will get more opportunities and expand the scope of joint activities.
- In essence, what are the priorities in the relations between Argentina and the Ukraine?.
- The relations between our countries are very warm, so the priority is to maintain this cooperation in politics, as well as the improvement and deepening of cultural and economic aspects of such relations.
- Responding to questions from our publication, your colleagues in other diplomatic missions often complain about the lack of transparency of business and a high level of corruption in our country. Did you have to protect the interests of Argentine companies and entrepreneurs who face such problems in the Ukraine?.
- I have often heard of such situations, but I personally do not have to deal with it. Of course, the level of corruption tarnishes the international image of the country and reduces the level of trust in business. Although Ukraine is not only live with this problem, especially in our time. This issue of international concern, and must decide not only governments, but also ordinary citizens. At a minimum, this problem should not be exaggerated and can not do it from a source of revenue for governments, on the contrary, it should be solved through better education and structural change.
- Continuing the theme of the tourism industry, you may want to think about mitigating mutual visa?.
- Of course, not only in terms of win-win for tourism development, as we have in Argentina has a large Ukrainian diaspora.
- What steps are being taken in this regard and it is possible to speak of the abolition of visas for tourists from Ukraine?.
- We 're working on it, and I hope I will soon be able to please you with good news. We plan to sign an agreement on visa-free travel. It is almost ready.
- That is, do not need visas at all, or your government will simplify the procedure for obtaining them?.
- For tourist travel visas do not need. Only students and entrepreneurs will have to submit applications for visas for a longer period.
- Since we are on the theme of winter tourism, as you have experienced this winter in Ukraine?.
- In my opinion, it was a long and cold winter, because I do not like such weather conditions. But we survived it without any major problems. This is my personal point of view. I understand that this winter has been hard for many people. And, incidentally, does not matter, winter or summer outside. Everyone has nlegko when there are problems with the housing sector or transport.
- As for the Ukrainian Diaspora, it still retained its Ukrainian tenure or its representatives have already been assimilated into Argentine society?.
- You know, here in Argentina there is a tradition we take in his state of many people from around the world. We are always allowed to enter and immigrants in our society is very easy to find a place. In fact, our society absorbs immigrants. Apparently, they feel comfortable in our country there are many mixed marriages. There are areas, particularly in the north- eastern states, such as El Chaco and Misiones, where many immigrants from Ukraine. Their traditions, dances and costumes are highly respected. In Buenos Aires also has a large Ukrainian community. In our capital city you can find Ukrainian libraries, churches and schools. We attach importance to the preservation of Ukrainian culture, which is also a positive aspect. After all, these people are both the Ukrainians and the Argentines.
- What do you think, how much should be the official languages ?.
- Everything depends on the structure of the state. Ukraine has changed and the boundaries and composition of the population. Many people have passed through your country, and many stayed to live here, bringing with them their cultural heritage. Here in Argentina there is no problem. We are happy to accept many nationalities, but we have a language to which newcomers adapt. We have not had a chance encounter with this dilemma. I 'm sorry I can not give you a clear answer to this question.
- Let's talk about modern politics. You could compare the foreign policies of the current Ukrainian government and the foreign policy of the previous one?.
- You know, by law the executive branch has the ability to set policies, and I think President Yanukovich very clearly defined principles of domestic and foreign policies, which were recently approved and adopted. He chose for the country's policy of non-participation and stated that he wanted to maintain friendly relations not only with the countries of the West, but also with Rossisey and CIS. I think the best policy for any state, is the ability to adhere to the best tactics in the negotiations for the sake of its own development. In short, if such policies will help Ukraine to achieve this goal and protect its national interests, we can only welcome such a decision.
- I understand you think that the current political course better than the last?.
- No, I do not judge what. President Yushchenko was very keen on cooperation with the West and worked hard to achieve this goal, the signing of a cooperation agreement with the European Union. Apparently, this government is also working in this direction. Thus, in this respect may be very little change. At this point, the main difference is the policy of non-alignment of Ukraine to military units.
- Over the past ten years, left-wing parties were able to come to power in Latin America. Why did it happen, and whether these trends have continued?.
- History Repeats. It's like a series of actions and reactions to such actions. We talked about our experiences in the 1970s when there were radical leftist movement, not only in our country, but in most countries of the region during the military dictatorships. In the 1980s there were attempts to restore democracy. It was a difficult time full of hope. All were glad to change, even though the state of our economy has been disastrous, and required the development of. In 1990 came the stabilization, as the government adhered to liberal views. But in some cases, a liberal policy is not justified itself, causing the left and center- left movement found the strength to confront and come to power again. I think now there is a tendency to maintain economic stability and cooperation with other countries, especially in business. Many countries in our region tend to center-left political movements and exchange rates.
- The IMF requires the optimization of social benefits in Ukraine, just as he demanded that the Government of Argentina to reduce social benefits and salaries for employees of the state budget. What were the responses of Argentina?.
- In 2001 - 2002, we experienced a severe crisis, which led to the intervention of the IMF. It must be noted, this intervention resulted in a strong negative reaction in society. It is for this reason that Argentina supports the reform of multilateral lending agencies. We believe that reform is carried out according to the needs of each individual state and policies should not have a sharp impact on people. Unable to overcome the crisis, the social aspects of the lobbying process.
- Currently, the Ukrainian economy depends on foreign loans and the money must be repaid. As Argentina has found a way out of the so -called ...
- Argentina has received a significant amount of foreign loans, and after the crisis of 2001 - 2002, the government found it necessary to invest in the reconstruction and economic development. Then it was forced to announce the defaulted. Of course, after such events has been difficult to obtain new loans from abroad, but fortunately we were able to overcome the crisis. In recent years our country has achieved sustained growth in the economy and we are gradually returning debts.
- Is it possible to resolve the territorial dispute over the Falkland Islands?.
- Of course!.
- How can I solve this problem? . It has something to do with the aforementioned conflict?.
- No, certainly not! . All what we want is a discussion of the problem to solve the question of sovereignty. This is what Argentina and is trying to achieve in accordance with UN resolutions on the subject. Although some bilateral discussions underway regarding the fishing and shipping in the Falkland Islands... We are trying to discuss the problem, but the UK did not agree to sit at the negotiating table and resolve the question of sovereignty.
- Well, and yet on the budget for the armed forces. According to our information, it increased the....
- Previously, the budget for the defense industry and armed forces were very small, so that the Department of Defense might maintain the level of wages and pay for teaching and content of the infrastructure required only redistribution of the national budget.
- Finally, one last question. Do you dance tango?.
- A little bit. I'm not sure what am I good at, but I like this dance.
DOSSIER.
Lila Roldán Vázquez de Moine. graduated from the Argentine Tukumansky University, received a master's degree at Madrid's Complutense University. Postgraduate education in the province of Tucuman national universities and Buenos Aires. On the diplomatic service in 1980. She has worked in senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina. Abroad, served as Deputy Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, in the embassies of Argentina in Spain and Mexico.
She is married and has one son.
Discuss. 
