Ukrainian president Victor Yushenko became laureate of European contest for his role in "orange revolution", struggle against corruption and "turn of the country to West".

Yushenko was awarded prestige title by results of contest that was organized by influential British editorial "European voice", specializing on problems of European politics.

Winners got honorable titles in 9 nominations.

Editorial held contest annually, its jury consists of famous European politicians, political scientists and journalists, including ex-premier-minister of Belgium and Sweden Wilfred Martins and Carl Bild.

Title of "European of the year" is awarded in following nominations: "Commissar of the year", "Euro parliament delegate of the year", "Statesman of the year", "Participant of campaign of the year", Business-leader of the year", "Journalist of the year", "Successful person of the year", "Diplomat of the year" and "Non-resident of EU of the year".

This year winner of nomination "Statesman of the year" became president of Poland Alexander Kwasniewski.

This year list of candidates for title "Non-resident of EU" included Byelorussian opposition politician Mikhail Marinich, Israeli premier-minister Ariel Sharon, head of African Union committee Alfa Umar Konare, Ukrainian president Victor Yushenko and famous Kurd right defender Leila Zana.

Winners in all nominations were determined by on-line voting, which ended on November 11.

Names of winners were solemnly announced on November 29 in Brussels.
sections: World News