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Ukraine's leader invites Polish counterpart to discuss Euro 2012

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KIEV, April 14 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine's president invited on Monday his Polish counterpart to attend a session of a national coordinating committee to discuss preparations for the UEFA Euro 2012 soccer finals.

Ukraine's Viktor Yushchnenko, who is on a one-day official visit to Warsaw, suggested that Lech Kaczynski attend the session on April 22 to discuss ways of speeding up preparations for the event to be hosted by the two countries.

UEFA criticized both countries in January over lack of progress in building new stadiums, and expressed concerns over political instability in Ukraine. UEFA President Michel Platini said: "I have the distinct feeling that the next four to six months will be crucial."

Last month Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and her Polish counterpart Donald Tusk signed an agreement to coordinate arrangements for Euro 2012, following UEFA's critical report.

The president of the Ukrainian Football Association, Hryhory Surkis, earlier admitted that quicker progress had to be made.

"It is true that we have lost nine months and everyone knows why - our authorities have proved slow-moving. But the time-out is over, and there can be no more excuses," he said.

Surkis called the event a "historic opportunity" for Ukraine, and said "not single month, day or hour should now be wasted" to conclude preparations.

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