MONDAY, 08 september 2008

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Eastern Europe entices Australian tourists

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Oz Traveller : Problems is that Australia is not included in the Free Tourist Visa scheme
Australia. home to the Lonely Planet Publishing company, is not listed as one of the countries that can benefit form the free short-stay tourists visas that is available to other western countries. They still require an invitation where as America, Canada and European countries do not. Australians when they travel tend to travel for longer periods of time and more countries . The need to apply for a visa is a real show stopper when it comes to short term stays and deciding which countries to visit. It also limits opportunities for Australians to accompany their European Friends who may like to also visit Ukraine for a long weekend. Ukraine should standardise its visa requirements with the EU where possible. The development of the tourist industry is in Ukraine`s best interest first and foremost. Given that australians are leaders in adventure travel including australians and other Western Countries in the free visa list makes good economic sense.

Ed : This issue was addressed in a recent visit to Ukraine
Mr Micheal Danby, Chairman of the Australian Government`s foreign Affairs committee addressed the issue of Australian visa to Ukraine during his meetings with Ukraine`s Foreign Affairs Committee and members of Parliament. Problem Australia has is that its Ambassador for Ukraine resides in Moscow and pays little attention to representing australia`s best interests in Ukraine. Hopefully a positive result will come from Micheal Danby`s meeting and Australia will seek to establish proper diplomatic relations with Ukraine in the near future. .. http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-245873.html

John : Ukrainian Youth Hostel Association
We have spoken to the Director of the Ukrainian Youth Hostel Association and they have also written to the Ukrainian Government requesting that Ukraine extend its free visa regime to Australia, New Zealand and other Counties that do not require a visa to visit Europe. Hopefully they will write again to the new government and request further consideration. Those interested in supporting this proposal should write to Oleg Belarus and Taras Chornovil with copies to Micheal Danby, MP in Australia.

Russel : Problem is Australia`s ambassador to Ukraine is based in Moscow
The Australian Embassy in Moscow does next to nothing to represent Australia`s interest in Ukraine. If you take time to look at their website Ukraine barley gets a detention and Kyle is never on their list for cultural events. Correspondence forwarded to the Embassy seeking information on Australian-Ukrainian relations goes unanswered, Micheal Danby`s visit was the first visit form a senior member of parliament from the new australia Government. he is very much aware of the criticism pertaining to the Moscow office and has been advocating that australia establish a Embassy in Kyiv. This is a policy that is long over-due. Moscow will no doubts try and scuttle and proposal. Hopefully Australia with a new government and hopefully a new Ambassador Australia v will finally declare independence and recognize Ukraine as an independent sovereign nation, Australia still refers to Ukraine as Ukraine SSR which is another issue Australia`s living in Ukraine have written to the Embassy in Moscow which had gone unanswered.

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