"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"
In-Depth Ukrainian News, Analysis, and Commentary
"The Art of Ukrainian History, Culture, Arts, Business, Religion,
Sports, Government, and Politics, in Ukraine and Around the World"
"US President George Bush has thanked Ukrainian President Leonid
Kuchma on behalf of the US people 'for unflagging support and resolve
displayed in promoting peace and democracy in Iraq' ".
'The recent extremist attacks against peaceful Iraqi civilians, security
officers and coalition representatives were deliberate made in direct
defiance of the democratic future all of us support in Iraq,' George Bush
said in a letter sent to Kuchma, the Ukrainian president's press service
said.
....The Ukrainian troops [in Iraq] have displayed their skills and bravery,
and we are grateful for their efforts. Together we have succeeded in
restoring freedom and dignity for the Iraqi people, but a lot of work is
still ahead of us." [article one]
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" Year 2004, Number 61
Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC), Washington, D.C.
morganw@patriot.net, ArtUkraine.com@starpower.net
Washington, D.C.; Kyiv, Ukraine, FRIDAY, April 16, 2004
INDEX OF ARTICLES
1.GEORGE BUSH THANKS UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT KUCHMA AGAIN
FOR UNFLAGGING SUPPORT AND RESOLVE DISPLAYED IN IRAQ
Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Kiev, in Russian, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 15, 2004
2. STAGE APPEARS SET FOR SECOND VOTE ON PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION IN UKRAINE
Inside Ukraine Newsletter, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
3. POLL IN UKRAINE SHOWS VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO STILL TOPS
BUT SHOWS VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH GAINING STRENGTH
Yushchenko has 22.6 percent, Yanukovych now has 15.3 percent
Inside Ukraine Newsletter, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
4. UKRAINE'S CHIEF BANKER SERHIY TYHYPKO HAILS PRIME
MINISTER YANUKOVYCH'S NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT
Interfax news agency, Moscow, in English, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 15, 2004
5. UKRAINIAN PROGOVERNMENT PARTY CHAIRED BY VIKTOR
MEDVEDCHUK SAYS OPPOSITION "BETRAYED DEMOCRACY"
UNIAN news agency, Kiev, in Ukrainian, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English,, April 15, 2004
6. VICTOR YUSHCHENKO: "OUR UKRAINE" WILL PROPOSE ITS
OWN VERSION OF CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION
"Our Ukraine" Press, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
7.FACTIONS SLUG IT OUT IN BATTLE TO SEE WHO WILL LEAD UKRAINE
By Peter Baker, Washington Post Foreign Service
The Washington Post, Washington, D.C., Fri, April 16, 2004
8. KOZAKH PRIME MINISTER SAYS OTHER CIS COUNTRIES
MAY JOIN SINGLE ECONOMIC SPACE
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and more?
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow, in Russian, 16 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 16, 2004
9. UKRAINE ASKS U.S. FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR
CHERNOBYL REACTOR SHELTER A NEW AGENCY REPORTED
AP Worldstream, Kiev, Ukraine, Apr 15, 2004
10. UKRAINIAN COMMUNISTS CLAIM USA WANTS TO GAIN CONTROL
OVER VOTE-COUNTING SYSTEM FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
ITAR-TASS, Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
11. "UKRAINIAN DAYS" IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Advocacy of Ukrainian American Interests in Washington, DC
Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS)
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA)
Washington, D.C., April 12, 2004
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61 ARTICLE NUMBER ONE
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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1.GEORGE BUSH THANKS UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT KUCHMA AGAIN
FOR UNFLAGGING SUPPORT AND RESOLVE DISPLAYED IN IRAQ
Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Kiev, in Russian, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 15, 2004
KYIV - US President George Bush has thanked Ukrainian President Leonid
Kuchma on behalf of the US people "for unflagging support and resolve
displayed in promoting peace and democracy in Iraq".
"The recent extremist attacks against peaceful Iraqi civilians, security
officers and coalition representatives were deliberate made in direct
defiance of the democratic future all of us support in Iraq," George Bush
said in a letter sent to Kuchma, the Ukrainian president's press service
said.
"Our joint efforts to enforce security are progressing and prevailing. The
Ukrainian troops [in Iraq] have displayed their skills and bravery, and we
are grateful for their efforts. Together we have succeeded in restoring
freedom and dignity for the Iraqi people, but a lot of work is still ahead
of us. In democracy there is no place for those who try to impose their
authority through the military and rebellion. We must arrest those
responsible for the latest outbreaks of violence," George Bush stressed.
"We also have to do a lot of work for transition to sovereignty on 30 June
2004. The UN secretary general's special adviser [Lakhdar] Brahimi is now in
Iraq, we are actively supporting his activity to help the Iraqis in
developing the structure and the elections process for the interim authority
which will assume power on 30 June. We appreciate the UN's role in the
political process and hope to involve the UN Security Council in Iraq's
transition to self-government," the US president's letter said. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61 ARTICLE NUMBER TWO
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
Become a sponsor of The Action Ukraine Program Fund
==========================================================
2. STAGE APPEARS SET FOR SECOND VOTE ON PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION IN UKRAINE
Inside Ukraine Newsletter, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
KYIV - Ukraine's mass media outlets concentrated their Thursday coverage
on the Wednesday meeting between President Leonid Kuchma and leaders
of the pro-presidential majority of the Verkhovna Rada that agreed on Prime
Minister Viktor Yanukovych as a consolidated candidate for president.
Also agreed, as an essential element in the deal, was a second consideration
of the constitutional amendments that failed last week.
Yanukovych obviously likes the idea of being named as the unified candidate
of the current power elite but is much less pleased with the prospect of
passage of the constitutional amendments that would severely restrict the
powers of the office that he seeks. However, Yanukovych has publicly
affirmed that he will push for the second vote.
Over 50 Rada members have already filed a motion with the Constitutional
Court, asking sanction for the second vote, based on the contention that the
first vote, held on a reform bill that had been amended by the addition of
changes demanded by Socialist faction leader Oleksandr Moroz, was not valid
because of those changes.
The court is believed ready to find in favor of the Rada group's petition,
thus allowing a second vote to be held as early as next week.
However, it is unclear how the pro-reform forces will find the necessary
votes for passage since any vote on the original form of the amendments is
almost certain to be opposed by the 20 members of the Socialist faction.
Unless there were a very substantial shift in the opposition blocs of Viktor
Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, which have proven quite solid so far, it is
hard to see how an adequate number of votes could be rounded up to push the
amendments past the 300 vote mark required.
Also, there is wide suspicion among Rada members that Yanukovych will not be
all that active in lobbying support for the second vote since passage would
seriously degrade the powers of the office that he seeks.
Although coming up with a consolidated candidate for president and agreeing
reconsideration of the reform amendments was generally considered to be very
serious business, there were some light moments. Serhy Tyhypko, National
Bank head and chairman of the Labor Ukraine Party along with former Prime
Minister Anatoly Kinakh, now head of the Party of Industrialists and
Entrepreneurs, both withdrew their candidacies yesterday in favor of
Yanukovych.
One Rada wag suggested that Tyhypko and Kinakh should both be considered
for orders as official Dragonslayers of Ukraine, based on their demonstrated
abilities in killing mythological beasts, i.e. their campaigns for
president. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER THREE
Check Out the News Media for the Latest News From and About Ukraine
Daily News Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/newsgallery.htm
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3. POLL IN UKRAINE SHOWS VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO STILL TOPS
BUT SHOWS VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH GAINING STRENGTH
Yushchenko has 22.6 percent, Yanukovych now has 15.3 percent
Inside Ukraine Newsletter, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
KYIV - A newly completed public opinion poll by the Razumkov Center for
Political Studies tested the voter popularity of the presidential candidates
including front runners former Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko and current
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.
The poll questioned 2,020 respondents in all Ukrainian oblasts and major
cities and is said to have a margin for error of 2.3 percent.
Yushchenko's popularity rating so far as a potential vote-getter in the
presidential race remained the highest at 22.6 percent. However,
Yushchenko's ratings have shown no growth in some time and now show
a slight downward trend.
Yanukovych has surged into the second place with a rating of 15.3 percent, a
quite remarkable showing considering that one year ago his rating was less
than 4 percent.
Communist Party leader Petro Symonenko also showed a downward trend,
with his rating now standing at 10.8 percent.
Socialist Party leader Oleksandr Moroz gained a rating of 4.6 percent, with
all other candidates getting ratings of less than 4 percent.
The poll showed those unable to give an answer as to their current choice
for president at 14.5 percent while 10.8 percent stated their intent to cast
a ballot "against all." Another 7.9 percent said they would not cast a
ballot.
In addition to rapid escalation of his popularity ratings, Yanukovych is
almost certain to profit from his continued control of the government,
including influencing disbursal of large amounts of funds that are said to
have been hidden in the 2004 state budget specifically for the purpose of
late-campaign use to influence votes through increased social payments to
pensioners and socially-deprived elements in the population.
The Our Ukraine faction claims that the funds secreted away in state
revenues for campaign-time spending total in excess of 10 billion hryvnia, a
little less than 2 billion US dollars, but that figure is unconfirmed.
Also, the Donetsk political clans, to which Yanukovych owes allegiance, have
been further developing their business ties in Russia. Yanukovych seems very
well placed to gain the support of a majority of the approximately 1.5
million Ukrainian citizens who live and work in the Russian Federation.
Although it may sharpen its focus as the presidential campaign progresses,
at this time the Yushchenko campaign is said to suffer from the somewhat
unfocused statements of its candidate in relations to issues regarding
Ukrainian statehood, national priorities and historical and spiritual
heritage. Yushchenko's campaign themes seem so far to have failed to excite
immediate appeal and strong support from citizens concerned about their
standard of living and other economic issues.
There is also a strong suspicion that the new rules that force even greater
use of the Ukrainian language are designed to have a negative effect on the
Yushchenko campaign. The new rules are expected to be very unpopular in
those areas where Russian is the first language learned and commonly used,
thereby disadvantaging Yushchenko who is considered to be much closer to the
western Ukrainians who are much more likely to learn Ukrainian first and put
it to everyday use.
The presidential race will be hard fought but Yushchenko may find
Yanukovych's support from established political forces and his control of
government spending a hard combination to overcome. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER FOUR
Major Articles About What is Going on in Ukraine
Current Events Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/events/index.htm
You can become a sponsor of The Action Ukraine Fund
===========================================================
4. UKRAINE'S CHIEF BANKER SERHIY TYHYPKO HAILS
PRIME MINISTER YANUKOVYCH'S NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT
Interfax news agency, Moscow, in English, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 15, 2004
KYIV - National Bank of Ukraine Chairman Serhiy Tyhypko has expressed
optimism over Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych's chances in the country's
upcoming presidential elections, calling him the optimal candidate.
On Wednesday [14 April], leaders of the parties and factions that make up
Ukraine's parliamentary majority nominated Yanukovych as their single
presidential candidate.
Tyhypko, who is also leader of the Working Ukraine party, told a news
conference in Kiev on Thursday that he was among those who had suggested
this nomination.
"This candidacy comes as a logical follow-up to what we have started to do
by signing a majority agreement," Tyhypko said. "The (parliamentary)
majority has no candidate today who has a higher (popularity) rating than
him Yanukovych)," he said.
Tyhypko was also considered as a possible presidential candidate during
yesterday's consultations. He had not ruled out joining the presidential
race if the parliamentary majority had made this decison. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER FIVE
Exciting Opportunities in Ukraine: Travel and Tourism Gallery
http://www.ArtUkraine.com/tourgallery.htm
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5. UKRAINIAN PROGOVERNMENT PARTY CHAIRED BY VIKTOR
MEDVEDCHUK SAYS OPPOSITION "BETRAYED DEMOCRACY"
UNIAN news agency, Kiev, in Ukrainian, 15 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English,, April 15, 2004
KIEV - The United Social Democratic Party of Ukraine believes that the Our
Ukraine [centre-right opposition] faction [of Viktor Yushchenko] in the
Supreme Council [parliament] has been fully responsible for an attempt to
slow down democratic political reform.
"We view Our Ukraine's actions in the Supreme Council on 8 April, when it
blocked amendments to the constitution [aimed at transferring some powers
from the president to parliament and the prime minister], as open betrayal
of democracy," the United Social Democratic Party said in a statement.
The authors of the document expressed confidence that "the constitution will
be amended before the presidential election [scheduled for 31 October]. The
United Social Democrats are calling on the centrist and left-wing factions
in parliament to consolidate at this moment, which is decisive for this
country's fate, and to do everything that is needed for the constitutional
amendments to be implemented as soon as possible. We believe that there are
sufficient reserves for a fruitful vote".
[Passage omitted: repetition]
[The United Social Democratic Party is chaired by Viktor Medvedchuk, the
head of the presidential administration. Our Ukraine did not participate in
the vote on constitutional amendments on 8 April.] (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER SIX
The Story of Ukraine's Long and Rich Culture
Ukrainian Culture Gallery: http://www.ArtUkraine.com/cultgallery.htm
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6. VICTOR YUSHCHENKO: "OUR UKRAINE" WILL PROPOSE ITS
OWN VERSION OF CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION
"Our Ukraine" Press, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
KYIV - "Our Ukraine" has always been in favor of political reform. We
stress, however, the need for a true reform and not just a primitive
revision of the Fundamental Law, with the main goal of continuing the
employment of a few influential people," noted Victor Yushchenko, commenting
on the coalition's position towards constitutional reform.
"We have set a goal of completing our own bill of changes to the
Constitution, which concept had been determined by "Our Ukraine" a long time
ago and has already been coordinated with Yulia Timoshenko's Bloc and, on
many issues, with the Socialist Party of Ukraine. We have not submitted this
bill earlier because we did have an agreement with SPU, which then had
already submitted its bill.
We are now improving it, discussing it with other political forces, and are
planning to register it in the nearest future in order to confirm "Our
Ukraine's" position on this issue," declared Yushchenko. He stressed that
the coalition favors a transparent, public political reform, which aim is
improving the system of governing. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER SEVEN
The Genocidal Famine in Ukraine 1932-1933, HOLODOMOR
Genocide Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/famineart/index.htm
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7. FACTIONS SLUG IT OUT IN BATTLE TO SEE WHO WILL LEAD UKRAINE
By Peter Baker, Washington Post Foreign Service
The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.,
Friday, April 16, 2004; Page A18
KIEV, Ukraine -- Politics has become a contact sport lately in Ukraine.
Brawling, wrestling and punching have come to characterize an increasingly
tense debate about the future of the country.
When President Leonid Kuchma advanced a plan recently to keep power after
leaving office, opposition lawmakers smashed the parliament's electronic
voting system. As debate resumed weeks later, they threw water and flowers
on parliamentary leaders. A fistfight broke out in the chamber last month. A
few days later, Kuchma supporters pelted his nemesis, U.S. financier George
Soros, with eggs and mayonnaise-filled condoms.
With the president previously committed to stepping down this fall after two
terms and 10 years in office, a struggle has erupted for control of this
nation of nearly 50 million. Independent radio stations have been yanked off
the air. Non-governmental groups report harassment. And opposition leaders
call this the most significant moment for Ukrainian democracy since the
country emerged from the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
"For all these years, we haven't had such a critical point," said Yulia
Tymoshenko, a former deputy prime minister and a prominent opposition
leader. "It will not be an election, it will be a war. This circle around
the president doesn't even want to think they might lose power. They will
try to keep it at any price."
The other side denies any attacks on democracy and castigates the opposition
for simply seeking power. But Kuchma's allies agree with their rivals on one
thing: As Stepan Havrich, leader of the pro-Kuchma parliamentary majority
bloc, put it, "The struggle for the president's post is going to be very
acute."
Defying enormous pressure from Kuchma's camp, the parliament last week
narrowly rejected proposed constitutional amendments that would have
eliminated direct election of the president and effectively allowed him to
control succession.
Stung by the setback, Kuchma moved this week to quell growing discontent
within his ruling bloc by designating Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych as
his choice for successor Yanukovych, a loyalist appointed in 2002, would
represent Kuchma's majority coalition as a single consensus candidate in the
Oct. 31 election.
The move puts pressure on the fractious opposition to rally behind a single
candidate, according to lawmakers and analysts. But so far, former prime
minister Viktor Yushchenko, the country's most popular politician and
front-runner in campaign polls, has yet to unify the various parties that
oppose Kuchma, according to Tymoshenko and others.
"Yushchenko hasn't managed to send signals to society what will happen if he
came to power," said Maryna Pyrozhuk, a journalist at Radio Liberty, who
cited issues of press freedom, education and health care. "No one can tell
what will happen. The struggle goes on, but no one sees a clear message so
the electorate can compare arguments."
Yushchenko says he wants to bring his potential coalition together now after
the success in beating back the constitutional amendments. "The question is
how is it possible for democratic forces to get prepared for the election
and come out with a united, solid program," he said in an interview.
Kuchma, a former Soviet factory director, presides over a country torn
between historic ties to Russia and aspirations of joining the rest of
Europe. Foes accuse him of running a corrupt system dominated by business
tycoons. Audiotapes smuggled out of the country by a former bodyguard have
linked Kuchma to the killing of an opposition journalist and to illegal arms
sales to Iraq when Saddam Hussein was in power. Kuchma denies the charges.
Domestic and international critics contend that Kuchma is pushing Ukraine
toward authoritarian rule. Most broadcast media are controlled by groups
loyal to Kuchma. U.S.-funded Radio Liberty lost its FM frequency in February
in a move journalists said was orchestrated by the government. The network
now broadcasts on short wave and has lost 60 percent of its audience.
Kuchma supporters also have targeted nongovernmental organizations,
particularly those funded by billionaire Soros, whose Open Society Institute
promotes civil society and democratic institutions by funding human rights
organizations and independent newspapers. Kuchma supporters accuse them of
trying to instigate a change in power as they did in Georgia last fall, but
Soros charges that the president's office is using its media outlets to wage
a smear campaign against him.
Kuchma's drive to rewrite the constitution drew criticism from U.S. and
European officials, who said it would have damaged Ukraine's democratic
institutions. Under Kuchma's plan, the president would be picked by
parliament rather than voters, leaving the choice in the hands of his allies
who control the legislature. The proposal received 294 votes, just six shy
of the two-thirds needed in the 450-member parliament.
Although the vote failed, Kuchma split the opposition. Communists and
socialists supported the changes, breaking on the issue with allies in
Yushchenko's Our Ukraine bloc and Tymoshenko's bloc, both of which support
democratic and market reforms.
Yushchenko's chances of bringing all four factions back together behind his
candidacy appear slim. In an interview this week, Communist leader Petro
Symonenko blasted Yushchenko for opposing the constitutional plan, comparing
Our Ukraine's ideology to "Italian fascism and German Nazism." Symonenko
appears poised to run.
Socialist leader Oleksandr Moroz also expressed bitterness toward
Yushchenko. If Yushchenko does not change his view on the constitutional
plan, Moroz said in an interview, "I don't see any opportunity to unite the
opposition." In that case, Moroz added, "I will have to run." (END)
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16340-2004Apr15.html
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER NINE
Ukraine's History and the Long Struggle for Independence
Historical Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/histgallery.htm
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8. KOZAKH PRIME MINISTER SAYS OTHER CIS COUNTRIES
MAY JOIN SINGLE ECONOMIC SPACE
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and maybe other CIS countries
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow, in Russian, 16 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 16, 2004
CHOLPON-ATA - Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine which belong to
the CIS are working actively on forming a Single Economic Space, Kazakh
Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov said today in the Kyrgyz town of Cholpon-
Ata where the session of the heads of CIS governments took place.
"We have set up joint high-level groups which will work towards this. A
single economic space will include a single market for capital, labour,
finances and much more," he said.
He said it could not be ruled out that other CIS states, for instance
Kyrgyzstan, might be in the single economic zone space in future. "We will
only welcome such aspirations," he said.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The best future for Ukraine and her people does not take a step
forward by Ukraine participating in the Single Economic Space. The
Single Economic Space concept is a huge step backwards for Ukraine
and will end up destroying Ukraine's plans to integrate with Europe.
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER NINE
The Rich History of Ukrainian Art, Music, Pysanka, Folk-Art
Arts Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/artgallery.htm
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9. UKRAINE ASKS U.S. FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR
CHERNOBYL REACTOR SHELTER A NEW AGENCY REPORTED
AP Worldstream, Kiev, Ukraine, Apr 15, 2004
KIEV - Ukraine has asked the United States for additional funds to stabilize
the shelter over the destroyed Chernobyl nuclear reactor, a news agency
reported Thursday. The report by the ITAR-Tass agency, citing the Ministry
for Fuel and Energy, did not specify the sum being sought.
The Chernobyl plant's reactor No. 4 exploded in April 1986 and the
radioactive fallout affected vast parts of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus and
much of northern Europe. Some 7 million people are estimated to suffer from
radiation-related effects.
Deputy Minister for Fuel and Energy Oleksandr Svetelyk has asked for
additional U.S. aid since the costs of building a new sarcophagus over the
reactor are now estimated at US$1.05 billion, far more than the previous
figure of US$758 million. Ukraine has allocated US$50 million for the
project.
Ukrainian experts are saying that the concrete-and-steel shelter hastily
constructed over the damaged reactor needs urgent repairs, but authorities
claim that there are no serious safety threats.
Ukraine shut down Chernobyl's last reactor four years ago, but
decommissioning work continues. (av/jh) (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61: ARTICLE NUMBER TEN
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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10. UKRAINIAN COMMUNISTS CLAIM USA WANTS TO GAIN CONTROL
OVER VOTE-COUNTING SYSTEM FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
ITAR-TASS, Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, April 16, 2004
KIEV - Ukrainian Communist leader Petr Simonenko claimed Thursday
the United States is working to gain control over the vote-counting system
at the presidential election scheduled for October 31, 2004 to bring
pro-American opposition leader Viktor Yuschenko to power.
"The Americans are planning to create such a system of vote-counting
that will be under the control of Washington, and use various US
private foundations to ensure the Georgian scenario of electing Our
Ukraine opposition bloc leader Viktor Yuschenko as president",
Simonenko said.
He claimed the US plan comprises a "technological aspect", which
includes vote-counting software and data communication mechanisms,
and a "humanitarian aspect", which includes "bribes" to certain
officials and assistance to non-governmental organizations backing
Yuschenko.
The press service of the Communist party also said the US agency for
international development plans two projects with the Ukrainian
Central Election Commission worth 10 million dollars.
On Thursday Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich was named as the
presidential candidate of the pro-presidential parliamentary and
government coalition. Several other politicians also announced plans
to run. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 61 ARTICLE NUMBER ELEVEN
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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11. "UKRAINIAN DAYS" IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Advocacy of Ukrainian American Interests in Washington, DC
Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS)
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA)
Washington, D.C., April 12, 2004
WASHINGTON - Within a framework of programs in preparation for the U.S.
presidential and congressional elections, the Ukrainian National Information
Service (UNIS), the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America's (UCCA)
Washington, D.C. public affairs bureau, organized "Ukrainian Days" in
Washington from March 24-25, 2004. The intent of "Ukrainian Days" was to
promote the concerns of the Ukrainian American community, as well as to
establish better contacts with its elected representatives in Washington.
The first annual advocacy program allowed Ukrainian community members from
around the country to visit Washington, D.C. and meet with principal policy
makers in the field of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
During two days of meetings and briefings, the delegates had an opportunity
to acquaint themselves with various perspectives on the current U.S.-Ukraine
relationship, as well as meet with respective Members of Congress from the
House of Representatives and the United States Senate. The first annual
"Ukrainian Days" event hosted Ukrainian community members from New York,
California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, and
Virginia. Representatives from the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, Ukraine-U.S.
Business Council, Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV), as well as students
from several area universities in the greater metropolitan Washington, DC
area also participated in the proceedings.
"Ukrainian Days" opened on Wednesday morning, March 24th at 10am with a
briefing at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC), during which Herman
Pirchner, AFPC President; Mark Taplin, Senior Officer of Ukraine, Belarus
and Moldova desk at the U.S. Department of State; Stephen Nix, Director of
Eurasian programs at the International Republican Institute (IRI); John
Eddy,
Regional Field Coordinator for the Republican National Committee (RNC); and,
Joshua Rosenblum, Assistant Regional Coordinator for the Democratic National
Committee (DNC), made short presentations.
The speakers provided their perspectives on U.S. policy toward Ukraine, in
particular regarding the upcoming Ukrainian presidential elections on
October 31, 2004. The RNC and DNC representatives informed the delegates
about the pre-election campaign for the U.S. presidential elections and
their efforts to involve the various organized ethnic communities. A
question and answer session followed each presentation, where delegates had
an opportunity to pose specific inquiries.
The informational session continued with a working lunch to discuss issues
of concern that the community representatives would be advocating in their
meetings with Members of Congress. UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr.
briefed the "Ukrainian Days" participants as to the core topics of interest:
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Ukraine; U.S. Foreign
Assistance to Ukraine; the work of the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID); information regarding the upcoming Ukrainian
presidential elections in Ukraine and furthering U.S. engagement in the
democratic processes in Ukraine; recognition of the 1932-1933 Ukrainian
Famine-Genocide as an act of genocide and the construction of a Memorial in
Washington, DC to the Famine-Genocide victims; and, the granting of a
federal charter for the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV).
Armed with briefing papers in their informational folders to be distributed
during their congressional meetings, the partakers of "Ukrainian Days"
headed for the United States Capitol to walk the halls of Congress, knock on
the doors of their respective Members of Congress and acquaint them with
issues that concern the Ukrainian American community. On Wednesday
afternoon, meetings were held in the following Congressional offices: Sen.
Thomas Carper (D-DE); Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA); Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY); Rep.
Joseph Hoeffel (D-PA); Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA); Sen. George Allen (R-VA);
and, Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA). That evening, the Ukrainian Embassy in
Washington, D.C. hosted a special reception for the "Ukrainian Days"
participants, where they were able to meet the Ukrainian diplomatic corps in
Washington and discuss their viewpoints on the current situation and
development of U.S.-Ukrainian relations in an unofficial setting.
The following day began with an early morning breakfast meeting with the
representatives of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (CUC) held in the
Rayburn House Office Building. CUC co-chairs Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) and
Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) greeted the "Ukrainian Days" delegates and thanked
the UCCA for organizing this timely event. In introducing the two
congressional leaders of the CUC, Mr. Sawkiw acknowledged their commitment
and support of increased U.S.-Ukrainian relations. "Their constant
communications with the Ukrainian American community," stated Mr. Sawkiw,
"indicates their deep commitment and strategic outlook in enhancing the
strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States."
Rep. Weldon welcomed the assembled participants, stating that is in indeed
worthwhile to hold such events, which "emphasize how the community can be
effective in promoting your concerns." The congressman remarked that
although there are several "issues that encumber Ukraine's democratic
development, there are also many numerous positive aspects that should be
considered" when the U.S. formulates its foreign policy toward Ukraine. He
elaborated on the role Ukraine played in getting Libya to denounce its
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program.
Second to address the gathered "Ukrainian Days" participants was Rep. Sander
Levin who also acknowledged the importance of holding advocacy days in
Washington, D.C. to ensure that the Ukrainian community's agenda is always
on the radar screen. "Let me add," continued Rep. Levin, "that we [Members
of Congress] are diligently working to graduate Ukraine from the
Jackson-Vanik amendment, as well as to erect a monument to the victims of
the Ukrainian famine-genocide in Washington, DC." Rep. Levin encouraged the
community to continue its long-standing work.
The morning breakfast session was followed by additional meetings with
various Congressional and Senate offices: Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA); Rep.
Grace Napolitano (D-CA); Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D- NJ); Sen. Joseph
Lieberman (D-CT); Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY); Rep. John Castle
(R-DE); and, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI). When meeting the "Ukrainian Days"
delegates, Sen. Frank Lautenberg greeted them by saying "Glory to Ukraine!
He also noted how important it is for our community to hold such functions
and maintain uninterrupted contact with Members of Congress.
Of particular note was a very productive meeting with members of the
Michigan delegation with Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) who keenly emphasized the
importance of free and transparent presidential elections in Ukraine. UCCA
President Sawkiw mentioned the need for increased engagement of Ukraine at
the highest U.S. governmental levels to bring attention to the democratic
reforms process transpiring in Ukraine. The senator thanked the
participants for their activism and mentioned that he is "supporting efforts
in the Senate to grant Ukraine permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) [the
Jackson-Vanik amendment]. We ought to engage Ukraine in all realms." With
that, the representatives from the community thanked Sen. Levin for his
timeless support of Ukrainian American issues and wished him good fortune in
his many endeavors as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"Ukrainian Days" was a great success and highly praised by its
participants, Members of Congress, as well as representatives of the
participating think tank organizations. Further aspects of "Ukrainian Days"
will be accomplished throughout the year as UNIS develops a framework for
contacting various Members of Congress at the local levels to continue
advocating the concerns of the community. Such contact is vital in
promoting a strong, vibrant, and influential Ukrainian community on a local,
as well as a national level. UNIS plans to instill "Ukrainian Days" as an
annual advocacy event with an even greater number of community participants
in the future.
For more information, please contact the Ukrainian National Information
Service (UNIS) at (202) 547-0018, or visit its website at
http://www.ucca.org/unis. (END)
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