Chernovetsky predicts great political future for Tymoshenko

Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky has described Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko as a "politician with a great future."

"Yulia Volodymyrivna is a beautiful woman with a great political future," he told journalists on Thursday, while congratulating Tymoshenko on her 48th birthday.

"She thinks I have a personal business with her. Therefore, she has withdrawn, in a non-Christian manner, UAH 11 billion from the Kyiv budget that was foreseen under social programs to the less well off," Chernovetsky said.

"I forgive everything to her. I presented the most beautiful flowers to a beautiful woman. I hope she will repent, come to God and start liking the Kyiv mayor. Besides, I am planning to be the mayor forever," he said, smiling.

Chernovetsky commented on whether he would give a present to Tymoshenko for her birthday.

"It would be bad to give a present. It is uncivilized and corrupt," he said.