The Letter has been received via the president's press-secretary Iryna Herashchenko on a sheet of paper with the president's signature on the bottom.
I highly value the role of the Ukrainian journalists in the victory of democratic forces during the Orange Revolution and respect the point of view which the Ukrainian mass-media takes in the processes of the democratization of the country. For me the freedom of speech and free journalists are axioms, we respect one of the major functions of the media - to keep the government's actions public and under control.
Every morning of mine begins by browsing through newspapers and Internet-based publications. Among them is "Ukrayinska Pravda", which has exerted many efforts towards the establishment of independent journalism in Ukraine. I respect the reporters of this site, which have obtained the distinction of omnipresent investigators.
I know that one of the journalists, Serhiy Leshchenko, always asks sharp and unconvenient questions, but this is why he is an interesting journalist. I respect his sense of journalistic "grip" but hope that the feeling of etiquette must not be forgotten not just by politicians, but by journalists as well.
It seems to me that the recent publication in Ukrayinska Pravda became a common test for us - a test of the readiness of the government and the press to live in the new conditions, a test of the government's readiness to respect the journalist's right to information and the citizen's right to a private life.
After reading the story in Ukrayinska Pravda, I had a manly conversation with my son. I also addressed the police: to force everyone to respect the traffic laws, regardless of the car's model or the licence plate. Everyone must abide the laws, the politicians and their children included. That is obvious.
On the other hand it is hard for all of us to hold back emotions when the object of discussion is one's family and children. Some situations might invoke understandable reactions from us. My family have lived through a lot, my son included.
It is good that we live in a country where no topic or person is taboo for discussion. It is right that the president and his family lives under the watchful eye of the press. But it is not a reason to take away my family's right to private life. I never avoid answers to the toughest of questions. The answer may seem satisfactory or not, but I am always honest with journalists.
Having said that, I expect understanding and honesty in return.
(Signed by Viktor Yushchenko)
