The President opened a new gateway to Europe from Kharkiv

On Saturday in Kharkiv was opened the new building of the Kharkiv airport - the first in Ukraine terminal of international level.

For the sake of this event President Viktor Yanukovych flew to the first capital, who in this day was also awaited in Lugansk in the celebration of the Miner's Day.

From early morning all the entrances to the airport were closed, and the station square was surrounded by a double police cordon. From 9.00 the first people of the city and region: Governor Mikhail Dobkin and his first deputy Vladimir Babaev, Acting Mayor Gennadiy Kernes, head of the Regional Council Sergiy Chernov, Kharkiv MPs, as well as deputies of local councils and officials began to arrive to the place.

By 10 o'clock it became known that the program of the ceremony has changed - because of bad weather the plane with Kyiv guests was delayed. The weather in Kharkiv also worsened. It became very windy, the square was wrapped in smoke, which was brought from the private sector on the outskirts of Kharkiv.

At around 11.30 the presidential motorcade appeared in front of the terminal. Together with Viktor Yanukovych, director of Euro 2012, Martin Callen, Deputy Prime Minister for Euro-2012 Boris Kolesnikov, and Director of the Organizing Committee for Euro-2012 Ukraine Markiyan Lubkivsky came to Kharkiv.

- Congratulations to Kharkiv citizens, I congratulate all the Ukraine on the opening of the new terminal - the international state gate in the eastern Ukraine - started the ceremony Viktor Yanukovych.

Then the president cut a ribbon and has proceeded in the terminal for the tour. He viewed the building and has left for Lugansk.

– It is very pleasant to note that Kharkiv sets an example of cooperation of the power and business which together have found that decision which was the country needed, – has told the head of the state at a short briefing before flying away.

Martin Callen examined the terminal long and in details. He had no translators, but Euro-2012director`s words «big progress» were understood by all.

At this time the new terminal took the first passengers – at 13.15 the plane from Kharkiv flew to Kyiv. Passengers looked around and did not hide delight from the seen.

The holiday has ended with a concert of the Ukrainian and Russian stars. By this time the access to the airport was already opened to townspeople, however the pouring rain has prevented the pleasure from the show.

Marina Pilipenko