Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko emphasizes that changes in regional leadership should be justified. He stated this to journalists in Ternopil, answering a question regarding yesterday's government initiative to dismiss a number of regional state administration heads, the President's press service reported. \n \n"I would advise the government and the Prime Minister today not to engage in easy decisions. We agreed that all personnel positions will be decided in a coordinated manner," Yushchenko said. \n \nThe President emphasized that he "does not welcome spontaneous decisions regarding personnel changes" – and this especially applies to regions. He stressed that he will not allow any political motives to be the basis for such rotations. \n \nSpeaking directly about the Ternopil region, Yushchenko noted that he "does not idealize the situation," however, the improvement of indicators in the region over the past year and a half should be taken into account. This refers in particular to the implementation of local and consolidated budgets, a 13 percent growth in industrial production volumes, and a 20 percent reduction in the unemployment rate over the year. That is why, the President noted, before starting a conversation about personnel changes, it is necessary first of all to study the state of affairs in one or another region. Yushchenko emphasized that decisions on replacing leadership should be made in those regions where, through verification and assessment of the activities of local authorities, both the Presidential Secretariat and the Cabinet of Ministers will have a common vision of the state of affairs. \n \nThe head of state also called on regional councils to be more active in this matter: "Regional councils, as an elected body that enjoys a high level of trust from voters and citizens, must conduct an effective policy on personnel issues that would be harmonious with the position of the President and the government on this matter – so that together we feel the need for these changes or their inexpediency." \n \n"There will be no rush jobs. This will be a well-considered policy and maximally separated from political colors," the President emphasized. \n \n