KIEV, Dec. 30 – Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has instructed government members to continuously coordinate work in their areas of responsibility during the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays, in particular, to ensure the smooth payment of pensions, social benefits, as well as the stable functioning of essential services.

Azarov said that the New Year's holidays for most citizens would continue until January 7. Therefore, in order to ensure that all of the essential services in the country work effectively and pensions and other payments are paid on time during this period, officials must monitor the work they direct and coordinate.