Viktor Yanukovich and Vasiliy Dzharty

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich (left) and Head of the Council of Ministers of Autonomous Republic of Crimea Vasiliy Dzharty during the Council of Regions meeting in Yalta (Crimea), on Friday, June 3, 2011. The meeting is dedicated to preventing radicalism, civil conflicts, and intolerance in society; social-economic development of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; fire safety in the regions of Ukraine and measures to strengthen it. Local government reform must establish the mechanisms of enabling citizen participation in decision-making, and most importantly - give local communities real influence on the public policy, President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich said during a meeting of the Council of Regions in Yalta. President Yanukovich said Ukrainian government has begun the reform of local government. "Our country is now starting a profound reform of local government. A concept and practical plan to develop and support local government are being elaborated. Main purpose is making its basic level work," Viktor Yanukovich said. Photo by Mikhail Markiv / POOL / UNIAN