"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"
"The U.S is deeply concerned about the conduct of the election in
Mukacheve. By all accounts, there was manifestly fraudulent manipulation
of the voting results.....We do not believe the results reported by the
Territorial Election Commission accurately reflect the will of the voters of
Mukacheve." [Statement by US Embassy in Kyiv, article six]
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" Year 2004, Number 64
Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC), Washington, D.C.
morganw@patriot.net, ArtUkraine.com@starpower.net
Washington, D.C.; Kyiv, Ukraine, THURSDAY, April 22, 2004
INDEX OF ARTICLES
1. DEAL WITH UKRAINE BOOSTS RUSSIAN PLANS FOR
REGIONAL ECONOMIC BLOC
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yanukovich Hailed the Agreement
By Tom Warner in Kiev, Financial Times, London, UK, Wed, April 21, 2004
2. RUSSIAN UPPER HOUSE RATIFIES TREATIES WITH UKRAINE
RIA news agency, Moscow, Russia, in Russian, 22 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, Thursday, Apr 22, 2004
3. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR CRIMEA TO MEET PUTIN
Two-day "Ukraine and Russia: Strategic Partnership" Meeting
UT1, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 22 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Thursday, Apr 22, 2004
4. RUSSIA/UKRAINE: COMMON GROUND REACHED ON
BORDER AGREEMENTS
By Askold Krushelnycky, RFE/RL, Prague, Czech Republic, Apr 21, 2004
5. RUSSIA'S LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT EXPRESSES
CONCERN OVER UKRAINE-NATO RELATIONS, AND
END TO RUSSIAN BROADCASTING IN UKRAINE
AP Online, Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004
6.U.S. EMBASSY IN KYIV STATEMENT ON MUKACHEVE ELECTION
By all accounts there was manifestly fraudulent manipulation of the voting
Press Release: Public Affairs Section, U.S. EMBASSY
Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, April 22, 2004
7. KUCHMA REGIME STEALS MUKACHEVE MAYORAL RACE
Our Ukraine's Baloha wins the vote; regime names Social-Democrat Nuser Mayor
OUR UKRAINE UPDATE, Issue 9, Kyiv, Ukraine, April 21, 2004
8. UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT REJECTS CALLS FOR OFFICIALS'
DISMISSAL OVER FLAWED ELECTION
Radio Era, Kiev, in Ukrainian 1200 gmt 21 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004
9. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO HOLD FAIR ELECTION
WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
UT1, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 21 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004
10. UKRAINE TELLS USA IT WANTS A STRONGER VOICE
IN IRAQ ON NON-MILITARY ISSUES
Associated Press, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 21, 2004
11. UKRAINIAN DELEGATION ARRIVES IN USA FOR ANNUAL
SESSION INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND WORLD BANK
UKRINFORM, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 21, 2004
12. AMBIVALENCE TO AMBIGUITY:
WHY UKRAINIANS REMAIN "UNDECIDED"
Summary of Mykola Riabchuk presentation on April 12, 2004
Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center, Wash, D.C., April 22, 2004
13. FAMILIES SEPARATED 60 YEARS AGO IN SLOVAKIA, UKRAINE
BORDER VILLAGE OF SZELMENC SEEK US HELP TO REUNITE
By Christine Elliott, VOA NEWS, Washington, D.C., Thursday, 22 Apr 2004
14. WOSKOB PRIVATE COLLECTION OF UKRAINIAN ART
By E. Morgan Williams, Editor, The Action Ukraine Report
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 21, 2004
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64 ARTICLE NUMBER ONE
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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1. DEAL WITH UKRAINE BOOSTS RUSSIAN PLANS FOR
REGIONAL ECONOMIC BLOC
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yanukovich Hailed the Agreement
By Tom Warner in Kiev, Financial Times, London, UK, Wed, April 21, 2004
KIEV - Russia and Ukraine yesterday committed themselves to greater economic
integration when the two parliaments ratified a treaty creating an economic
union called the United Economic Space.
The agreement, approved amid angry protests from Ukraine's parliamentary
opposition, represents Russia's biggest success to date in drawing the
Soviet Union's former members into a new Russian-led bloc. Belarus and
Kazakhstan are also expected to join.
The union's precise role has yet to be defined, but it is likely to start
with a free-trade zone and could eventually culminate in creating joint
economic policy-making institutions.
Viktor Yanukovich, Ukraine's prime minister, hailed the agreement, which is
expected to play a central role in his campaign for Ukraine's presidential
election this autumn.
Mr Yanukovich, previously governor of the eastern Donetsk region, where ties
to Russia are strong, said the approval showed Ukraine had "got rid of its
inferiority complexes" and was on its way to becoming "strong, influential
and materially secure".
Russia's prior efforts at re-integration, including the Commonwealth of
Independent States and the Russian-Belarusan Union, made little headway,
mainly because Ukraine refused to join any bloc that involved ceding
sovereignty.
It remains unclear whether Ukraine will agree to do that in the new union,
also known as YEP by its Russian initials. The text ratified yesterday
described the stages in which the union's members would integrate, which
would not take effect until the details were agreed and ratified by the
union's members.
The first stage, most wanted by Mr Yanukovich, would be a free trade zone,
likely involving many exceptions. Future stages include a common trade
policy with non-members and common rules for "natural monopolies" such as
gas and oil pipeline operators.
The most controversial stage involves the creation of a common governing
body to which the union's members would cede sovereignty over economic
policy. The treaty says each country would receive a proportion of seats
based on its "economic potential", which detractors say would give Russia a
majority.
Mr Yanukovich's chief opponent in the election campaign, Viktor Yushchenko,
is promising to kill the union if he is elected and instead focus on
integration with Nato and the European Union. In yesterday's debate, members
of the Our Ukraine bloc of Mr Yushchenko denounced the union's supporters as
"national traitors". (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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
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2. RUSSIAN UPPER HOUSE RATIFIES TREATIES WITH UKRAINE
RIA news agency, Moscow, Russia, in Russian, 22 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, Thursday, Apr 22, 2004
MOSCOW - The Federation Council ratified on Thursday [22 April] the treaty
between Russia and Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and
the Kerch Strait. The senators voted unanimously in favour of the document.
The upper house of parliament also ratified the treaty between Russia and
Ukraine on the state border. One hundred and thirty senators voted for the
document and one against; there were no abstentions.
Addressing the Federation Council before the ratification of the
Russian-Ukrainian documents, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged
the senators to approve the treaties. The Russian foreign minister is
convinced that these accords coming into force will help move our
partnership to a strategic level. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR CRIMEA TO MEET PUTIN
Two-day "Ukraine and Russia: Strategic Partnership" Meeting
Putin and Kuchma Meet Again and Again
UT1, Kiev, Ukriane, in Ukrainian, 22 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Thursday, Apr 22, 2004
KIEV - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has left for Crimea, where he is
going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The presidents will
participate in a two-day Ukrainian-Russian meeting "Ukraine and Russia:
strategic partnership", which will be held in the town of Alushta [southern
Crimea, on 22-23 April].
Ukrainian parliament speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, who has already arrived in
Crimea, and Russian State Duma speaker Boris Gryzlov are also to participate
in the meeting. They are to discuss the role of Ukrainian and Russian
parliaments in bilateral and multilateral integration and discuss laws
necessary to implement the Single Economic Space.
Leonid Kuchma has already signed the laws ratifying the agreements on
creating the Single Economic Space, cooperation in using the Azov Sea and
the Kerch Strait, and the Ukrainian-Russian state border. [Please send
queries to kiev.bbcm@mon.bbc.co.uk]
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RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN DUE TO PAY A WORKING VISIT TO
CRIMEA, UKRAINE, MEET WITH UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT KUCHMA
Interfax news agency, Moscow, in Russian, 22 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 22, 2004
MOSCOW -Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to the Crimea in Ukraine on
22-23 April at Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma's invitation, Interfax has
been told at the Russian head of state's press service.
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NOTE: US President George Bush has never met with Ukrainian President
Leonid Kuchma for any strategic partnership talks between the US and
Ukraine and refuses to do so. Russian President Putin and Ukrainian
President Kuchma, meet on a very regular basis, many times for two days.
Ukraine is obviously high on the Russian President's agenda. Russia does
not want Ukraine to move towards the West and integrate with Europe for
sure. Russia's aggressive actions in this regard are very obvious.
Recent events indicate Ukraine is number one on the Russian priority list.
This is not good for the future of Ukraine and their plans to integrate with
the West. Russia seems to be working very hard, once again, to make sure
Ukraine is basically under its domination and control.
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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 Program Fund
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4. RUSSIA/UKRAINE: COMMON GROUND REACHED ON
BORDER AGREEMENTS
By Askold Krushelnycky, RFE/RL, Prague, Czech Republic, Apr 21, 2004
In an unusual move, the Ukrainian and Russian parliaments yesterday
simultaneously ratified three important agreements. Two concerned borders,
including that governing the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, which were
the focus of a bitter dispute last fall.
PRAGUE - A dispute last autumn over the border between Ukraine and
Russia in the area of the Sea of Azov led to a tense political drama, with
Ukraine even deploying troops there.
The Azov seabed is reputedly rich in oil reserves, while the Kerch Strait,
which permits access to the Black Sea, is of strategic military importance.
Last year, Russian authorities unilaterally started building a dam across
the Kerch Strait toward the tiny Ukrainian island of Tuzla. Ukraine warned
it would not allow construction to proceed to its side of the waterway and
implied it would use force by posting soldiers on Tuzla.
The work was halted after both sides agreed to negotiations. Ukraine has
long wanted an international line in the sea to define who owns what.
Russia, however, has always pressed for joint control of the strait and for
exploitation of the Sea of Azov. Moscow also wanted to change the previous
status, under which Ukraine effectively controlled entry to the Sea of Azov.
Yesterday's agreement gives Russia what it wanted. It fixes the legal
status of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait as inland waters of the two
countries. It provides for joint use of the Azov-Kerch water area and bans
the entry of warships of third countries without mutual consent. That will
prevent Ukraine from inviting NATO warships to joint maneuvers in the Sea
of Azov, something it has never done but a possibility Russia wanted to
sink.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a detailed resolution of the
Tuzla dam issue is still in the works, but he assured the Russian State
Duma that all of Russia's interests will be taken into account.
The two parliaments also ratified an agreement on the Russian-Ukrainian
state border, which was signed by the presidents of both countries in
January 2003. It concerns regulations for border crossings by private
individuals and commercial entities and stipulates the permanency of the
border.
The third treaty ratified yesterday is an agreement for a Single Economic
Space (SES), which envisages a common tax code, customs union,
foreign-trade policy, and joint financial policies, possibly leading to a
common currency.
Lavrov said the ratifications meet the goal of strengthening the "strategic
partnership" between Russia and Ukraine. However, he said Moscow is
dissatisfied with some aspects of its relations with Kyiv, particularly its
desire to join NATO.
"Clearly, not everything in Russian-Ukrainian relations is satisfactory to
us. We have taken note of the recent growth of the so-called Euro-Atlantic
vector in Ukraine's foreign policy and the increased level of its
cooperation with NATO," Lavrov said. "There are still problems with the
humanitarian rights of our fellow countrymen [in Ukraine]. Nevertheless, we
are convinced that the development of a strategic partnership between our
countries must be active, and not passive."
The human rights concern refers to Ukraine's announcement last week that
all of the country's national radio and television channels must broadcast
in Ukrainian, with other languages being used only in areas with a
significant ethnic minority.
The ruling has angered many of the millions of ethnic Russians who live in
Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryshchenko said the three agreements
"meet the country's national interests." Referring to the Azov and Kerch
accord, he said Ukraine and Russia will use the sea jointly but that each
country will have its own zone of responsibility.
Opponents say the agreements threaten Ukraine's sovereignty. Referring to
the Azov and Kerch agreement, a member of parliament from the
opposition party Our Ukraine, Oleh Tyahnebok, says deputies were not
provided with information before the vote explaining where the borders ran.
"As to the agreement between Ukraine and Russia about the border, I didn't
want members of parliament to be blind kittens, but they voted without maps
or definitions of the national borders," Tyahnebok said. "We didn't see
where this border between Ukraine and Russia was. This is a threat because
Russia, which was always greedy for territory as far as Ukraine went, can
according to its documents grab half of Ukraine."
The Ukrainian parliament stipulated the agreements must not contradict the
country's constitution. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER FIVE
Exciting Opportunities in Ukraine: Travel and Tourism Gallery
http://www.ArtUkraine.com/tourgallery.htm
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5. RUSSIA'S LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT EXPRESSES
CONCERN OVER UKRAINE-NATO RELATIONS, AND
END TO RUSSIAN BROADCASTING IN UKRAINE
AP Online, Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004
MOSCOW - Russia's lower house of parliament on Wednesday expressed alarm
over Ukraine's rapprochement with NATO and its recent ruling that television
and radio stations will broadcast only in Ukrainian, the Interfax news
agency reported.
The State Duma voted 333-34, with two abstentions, in favor of sending a
protest to its Ukrainian counterpart a day after answering the government's
call to ratify three key treaties involving Russia and Ukraine: two
agreements setting out terms for Ukraine and Russia to share the Azov Sea
and determine the countries' border in the Kerch Strait, which connects the
Azov and Black seas, and an agreement on a free-trade zone including Russia,
Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
The Duma called the Ukrainian parliament's recent ratification of the
country's memorandum of understanding with NATO "de facto agreement to
NATO's plans to expand eastward," Interfax said.
Last month, the Ukrainian legislature approved a memorandum giving NATO
troops the right of quick entry and passage across the country's territory,
a move aimed at bringing the former Soviet republic closer to the desired
membership in the Western alliance. Under the memorandum, NATO vehicles and
aircraft will be allowed to use Ukrainian roads, railways and airspace if
they have a permit. Ukraine will receive financial compensation for the
alliance's use of its territory.
As for the Ukrainian language ruling, the Duma said it "ignored the
traditional Ukrainian-Russian bilingualism" and violated Ukrainians' rights.
Up to now, many TV and radio stations throughout Ukraine have broadcast both
in Russian and Ukrainian; as of Monday, only Ukrainian broadcasts will be
allowed.
Up to 50 percent of Ukrainians call themselves Russian speakers while ethnic
Russians comprise some 25 percent of country's 48 million people. (ji)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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. U.S. EMBASSY IN KYIV STATEMENT ON MUKACHEVE ELECTION
By all accounts there was manifestly fraudulent maniuplation of the voting
Press Release: Public Affairs Section
U.S. EMBASSY, Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, April 22, 2004
KIEV - The U.S is deeply concerned about the conduct of the election in
Mukacheve. By all accounts, there was manifestly fraudulent manipulation
of the voting results.
There were highly credible reports -- including by the OSCE's Office of
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights -- of widespread and serious
irregularities in the voting and counting process, as well as numerous
instances of violence and intimidation of voters and observers.
We do not believe the results reported by the Territorial Election
Commission accurately reflect the will of the voters of Mukacheve.
We have seen a very discouraging pattern of irregularities and fraud in
recent local and parliamentary elections in Ukraine. We hope that such
problems will not characterize the presidential election later this year.
We welcome the news that President Kuchma has ordered a full investigation
of the Mukacheve election and urge the authorities to take the necessary
steps to ensure that the will of the voters is not overturned by gross
electoral violations.
A failure to address this issue in full would only embolden those in Ukraine
who are determined to thwart the conduct of free and fair elections.(END)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://usembassy.kiev.ua/infocentral_eng.html
Public Affairs Section, United States Embassy Kyiv
4 Hlybochytska St., Kyiv 04050 Ukraine
(380 44) 490-4026, 490-4090, Fax (380 44) 490-4050
http://usembassy.kiev.ua, info@usembassy.kiev.ua
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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. KUCHMA REGIME STEALS MUKACHEVE MAYORAL RACE
Our Ukraine's Baloha wins the vote; regime names Social-Democrat Nuser Mayor
OUR UKRAINE UPDATE, Issue 9, Kyiv, Ukraine, April 21, 2004
KYIV, Ukraine - Viktor Baloha, Our Ukraine's candidate for the April 18
Mukacheve mayoral election, beat his social-democrat competitor Ernest Nuser
in one of the dirtiest campaigns ever in independent Ukraine's history.
According to protocols from 36 Mukacheve city polling stations, Baloha won
19,385 votes (57%) compared to 13,898 votes (40%) cast for Nuser. Exit polls
showed voters favoring Baloha by 62.4% compared to 30% for Nuser.
Despite these results, the territorial election commission declared Ernest
Nuser the winner and certified him as Mukacheve's new mayor. Later that
evening, President Leonid Kuchma cancelled a decree issued last year
appointing an acting mayor, thereby clearing the way for Nuser to take
office.
"Ukrainian legal norms were completely ignored" in the Mukacheve election, a
statement by the country's Committee of Voters said. "We have grounds to
confirm that election results were absolutely falsified, as they did not
conform with either exit polls results nor parallel vote counts," the
non-governmental watchdog announced. "There was unprecedented interference
from law enforcement bodies and criminal structures, as well as beatings of
observers, members of parliament, and pogroms at polling stations," the
committee noted.
Gang members invade a polling station
The head of the observer mission from the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Gerald Mitchell, said "this blatant attempt to
disrupt the election proceedings is an attack on the very foundations of the
democratic process."
"The brutal falsification of elections results is evidence that the regime
is ready to use any means to retain political power in Ukraine," Our Ukraine
leader Viktor Yushchenko said. "At the same time, Our Ukraine MPs
demonstrated that we are ready to face the worst measures undertaken by
state authorities."
State uses hooligans as diversion to falsify elections
While the voting process was generally peaceful during the day, it was only
in the late evening, after ballot counting was completed, that state
authorities put into effect crisis scenarios that intended to disrupt the
election. When it became clear from exit polls that Viktor Baloha won the
mayoral by-election, criminal-looking gangs began storming polling stations
in order to capture official protocols. Windows, chairs and other furniture
were broken in local schools that served as a polling station.
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Our Ukraine Political Bloc who were at
the polling stations were beaten up and injured during the assaults. MPs
quickly telephoned local militia to ensure law and order was restored,
however, it became clear that the police were given orders not to interfere
with the hooligans who entered polling stations.
Confrontation at a Mukacheve polling station
"Because Our Ukraine MPs were present at each polling site, the special
operation launched by the state to seize and change official protocols
failed," Our Ukraine MP Yuriy Pavlenko said. "The most horrible thing about
the raids was that police did nothing to stop criminal gangs," Pavlenko
added.
Late at night, when the local elections commission announced that Ernest
Nuser had allegedly won the race, four Our Ukraine MPs entered the building
housing the local election commission to find out why official results
differed from polling station protocols. There they were severely beaten by
a special force police squad, and two MPs were pushed down the stairs from
the second floor.
"When police begin to violently injure MPs, its time to admit that Ukraine
has long ago passed the stage of being a "manipulated democracy" and has
moved closer to totalitarianism akin to Nazi Germany," one of the victims,
MP Yuriy Pavlenko, said. "We will demand the Minister of Internal Affairs be
sacked because he endorsed these barbarian scenarios instigated by
presidential aide Viktor Medvedchuk," Pavlenko added.
As predicted by numerous political observers, Mukacheve was a "dress
rehearsal" for the October 31 presidential election. State authorities were
given carte blanche to instigate as many dirty tricks as possible to derail
the mayoral election. Everything was done to make sure people stayed home
and did not participate in the election.
"People are tired of living under this repressive regime, they want changes,
and these elections showed that they are ready to support Our Ukraine and
its candidates on all levels," Viktor Yushchenko concluded.
Reactions from International Community and Kyiv
"International reaction to the Mukacheve events is crucial today to protect
democracy in Ukraine," democratic opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said.
Even though the small town of Mukacheve experienced a "foreign invasion" as
international observers from the Council of Europe and the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) settled into local hotels, this
did not prevent President Kuchma's top aide Viktor Medvedchuk from
organizing the active measures.
International observers were simply ignored and barred from entering rooms
where ballot counting occurred. Our Ukraine will appeal to the Council of
Europe's Congress of Regional Councils to immediately step in and make
official statements regarding the numerous violations during the elections.
On April 20, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, heard a special
report on the "critical" situation in Mukacheve from Deputy Speaker
Oleksandr Zinchenko. He said in Mukacheve "state power is closely
intertwined with law enforcement agencies and the criminal world" and
thereby "the values of democracy have been put in question." He called for
changes in the leadership of the oblast and city administrations as
"irregularities were allowed at all stages of the electoral process."
Following the report, parliament debated the adoption of a resolution
calling on President Leonid Kuchma to sack his top aide Viktor Medvedchuk
and the Minister of Interior Mykola Bilokon. However, the effort fell short,
as 214 MPs voted in favor out of the 226 votes needed to pass.
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www.ourukraine.org, Comments and questions: responses@ourukraine.org
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER EIGHT
Ukraine's History and the Long Struggle for Independence
Historical Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/histgallery.htm
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8. UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT REJECTS CALLS FOR OFFICIALS'
DISMISSAL OVER FLAWED ELECTION
Radio Era, Kiev, in Ukrainian 1200 gmt 21 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004
KIEV - Parliament has failed to support an opposition proposal to vote on a
resolution calling on the president to dismiss a number of top officials
over the conduct of a controversial mayoral election in western Ukraine. The
decision came after the head of a parliamentary commission sent to
investigate the controversy around the 18 April poll in Mukacheve, deputy
speaker Oleksandr Zinchenko, delivered a damning report saying that the
election was marred by blatant vote-rigging, and victory was stolen from the
opposition candidate. radio Era on 21 April
The Ukrainian Supreme Council today discussed events in Mukacheve. They
listened to a report by the special parliamentary working group that worked
in Transcarpathian Region. Parliament also failed to support a proposal to
hold a secret ballot on a draft resolution proposing that the president
dismiss presidential administration chief Viktor Medvedchuk, Interior
Minister Mykola Bilokon and Transcarpathian Region governor Ivan Rizak.
Deputies from [centre-right opposition bloc] Our Ukraine also submitted a
request for the Prosecutor General's Office to open a criminal case against
the head of one of the polling station electoral commissions. The deputies
say that the commission head exceeded his authority during the vote count,
violating the law and the rights of voters. In this polling station, the
commission counted votes behind closed doors.
Nestor Shufrych of the United Social Democratic Party of Ukraine [USDPU]
accused the parliamentary commission headed by Oleksandr Zinchenko of
lacking objectivity and transparency. Shufrych said that Zinchenko had had
all the necessary meetings, and in a binding manner.
Zinchenko responded by saying that Shufrych's words created the impression
that "It was I who stole the voting records, beat up policemen, and
contributed to the Mukacheve mayor's heart attack. [The ICTV TV channel
reported that the head of the local electoral commission, Yuriy Peresta, was
admitted to hospital with a heart attack on 20 April - see ICTV television,
Kiev, in Ukrainian 0945 gmt 21 Apr 04.] If you don't have any facts, you
should at least have a conscience," the deputy speaker said.
[The USDPU candidate, Ernst Nusser, was declared the winner of the Mukacheve
mayor election, even though Our Ukraine has said that exit polls and copies
of voting records from polling stations suggested that the its candidate,
Viktor Baloha, had achieved a landslide victory. Formerly a leading member
of the USDPU, Oleksandr Zinchenko was expelled from the party in September
2002.] (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: 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. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO HOLD FAIR ELECTION
WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
UT1, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 21 Apr 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Apr 21, 2004
KIEV - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has warned against foreign
interference in the forthcoming election campaign, promising to ensure a
free and transparent election. He was speaking at a conference on Ukraine's
socioeconomic development held in Kiev.
In excerpts from his speech which were broadcast in a special news bulletin
by the state-owned television UT1, Kuchma highlighted a need to secure the
continuity of state policy after he goes.
Kuchma insisted Ukraine's European integration bid did not run counter to
its rapprochement with Russia and other post-Soviet countries, which have
recently formed the much-criticized Single Economic Space. Kuchma hailed the
revived partnership with the USA and dwelt on the need for Ukraine to be
cautious in copying the Western experience of building civil society and
democracy.
The following is an excerpt from a report broadcast by UT1 on 21 April;
subheadings inserted editorially:
[Presenter] Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has delivered a speech at the
scientific conference "The strategy of sustained development and
structural-innovative transformation of the Ukrainian economy in 2004-15"
held in Kiev. The president said that Ukraine, just like other CIS states,
is seeing a totally new political situation take shape in society. Leonid
Kuchma links this situation with the actual completion of the initial
transformation stage in Ukraine and the beginning of a stage of long-term
strategy implementation.
[Correspondent] Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma noted that the scientific
conference provided the opportunity to give an in-depth assessment of
reforms and, most importantly, in the head of state's view, to map out
strategic prospects.
[Kuchma] The discussion that has been held has shown that all of us are
unanimous in our belief that Ukraine, just like other CIS states, is seeing
a totally new political situation take shape in society. It is linked to the
previous, in essence, initial period of systemic transformation and a
transfer the practical implementation of long-term strategy tasks. It has so
happened that in our country the beginning of this stage has coincided with
a presidential election.
In this regard, someone may wonder whether we are trying to run ahead of the
locomotive in this case and whether it would be better to postpone the issue
till later, till after the election - when the new president comes and dots
all the i's. Such a scenario is indeed possible. However, being the
initiator of the conference, I was guided by somewhat different logic.
I proceeded from the belief that society has, first and foremost, to
determine landmarks as to the future of our state and to identify electoral
preferences accordingly. I believe this approach is a sign of deep respect
for voters and is sufficiently democratic. It is aimed at helping citizens
to make a well-conceived and well-thought-out choice.
[Passage omitted: Kuchma calls for socially-oriented and effective economic
policy, favours the emergence of the middle class and urges scientific
innovation in the economy.]
Amnesty for shadow capital
[Correspondent] The Ukrainian president dwelt on issues of raising the
state's viability, in particular, on how to make it strong without reviving
the old administrative system. Leonid Kuchma is convinced that this problem
has become topical for all the post-Soviet states without exception.
[Kuchma] Let's be frank: no ready-made prescriptions have been worked out to
address this extremely challenging task either by ourselves or other CIS
countries. It is necessary to be guided in this issue by the experience that
has been accumulated. One should realize that the much-touted policy in the
West, the less state regulation the better, has suffered a crushing defeat
in the CIS. This policy has become truly destructive in the transition
period.
The spread of shadow relations to virtually all noneconomic areas has become
particularly dangerous to society. I made the proposal in my annual message
to the government and the Supreme Council [parliament] that they should
consider the possibility of amnesty for citizens in order to legalize shadow
capital. We are neither first nor last to do this. This is also done in
Europe, and this procedure has been rather positive there. I submitted a
draft law to this effect to parliament. In the light of this, it is very
important to remember that, apart from financial effect, amnesty for shadow
capital may become a step towards forming an economy of trust. [Passage
omitted: more in the same vein]
Benefits of civil society
[Correspondent] Leonid Kuchma said that a state's viability is directly
linked to the development of democracy and the maturity of civil society.
Progress is possible only on the basis of democratic transformation. This is
the president's position of principle.
[Kuchma] However, one has to be realistic and understand that it is
impossible to make an instantaneous leap from one known system to a
European-type democracy, no matter how badly one may wish that. We are
talking about another illusory belief holding captive Ukrainian and foreign
politicians alike. It is worth remembering that the process of modern
European democracy asserting itself has had a history of more than 200
years.
It has not gone off without a hitch even in the now prosperous countries.
Crises and setbacks have occurred throughout all history. The process had
not become stable or unwavering until it was propped up by the mechanism of
civil society - when the broadest stratum of the middle class, the main
carrier of democracy and a guarantor of political society in any state, was
formed. [Passage omitted: more arguments in favour of democracy]
The modernization of the socioeconomic area is possible only on the basis of
a real revamp of the authorities and society in general.
[Correspondent] The president said political reform is fully in line with
Ukraine's European integration strategy. The transformation of Ukraine into
a stronghold of democracy in the CIS is of major significance not only to
the Ukrainian people, but also to the international community, Leonid Kuchma
is convinced. He believes the creation of a European-type political system
is not limited to the problems of top power bodies, but rather requires
drastic judicial and local government reforms. The president is convinced
that Ukrainian politicians will find the strength to see these tasks
through.
[Kuchma] However, issues of political reform should be separated from
electoral issues. Those issues are separate in their essence and should not
be mixed.
No need to rush European integration
[Correspondent] Foreign policy priorities. The president remarked that entry
into the WTO and steps to secure NATO membership are the main real steps in
implementing the strategy called European choice. Leonid Kuchma stressed
that Ukraine should analyse all the negative aspects of this process in
order to avoid the mistakes of Eastern European countries. [Passage omitted:
more correspondent speculation]
[Kuchma] We can talk about the peculiar features of Ukraine's path of
European integration, where the main emphasis is placed on the fundamental
nature of domestic reforms. We are talking about the policy that could be
called a policy of constructive European integration, which takes account of
the risks and threats of expedited integration. We should implement the
Copenhagen criteria precisely on this basis. Haste is absolutely
unacceptable. That is why I would like to allay the fears of EU officials,
who sometimes give overly straightforward interpretations of our state's
European integration course.
We are not asking anyone for anything. We have not done this in the past,
nor are we doing this now. The course we have declared deals mainly with the
European self-identification of the Ukrainian people, the strategic goals of
domestic reforms, the logic of deepening transformation processes and the
policy of a new wave of reforms. A course in this direction is our own
challenge which requires time and is fully up to us and no-one else. The
strategic partnership with Poland is of special importance in this context.
This is our mutual aspiration. I am convinced that the Year of Poland in
Ukraine will be conducive to the attainment of the aforementioned goal.
CIS ties
Ukraine was, is and will always be objectively interested in developing
multilateral cooperation with CIS countries in every aspect.
The implementation of the agreement on forming the Single Economic Space
involving Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and our country can play a positive
role in this respect. Parliament's decision [on 20 April] to ratify the
above accord is an important step in this direction.
At this stage of development, it is not a dilemma [of choosing] between
integration alternatives that is important to Ukraine, but constructive and
mutually beneficial economic cooperation. [Passage omitted: elaborates on
the need to cooperate in industry and science]
I would also like to respond to my opponents who artificially set Ukraine's
eastern and western [integration] policies against each other, seeking to
benefit from this politically. This sort of antagonism shows utter political
ignorance. Ukraine is at the crossroads of geopolitical interests. These
represent not only difficulties but also objective advantages for us, of
which we have to be able to take advantage.
In addition, deepening regional cooperation is fully in line with EU
principles. At their core is an understanding of the fact that only through
cooperation and partnership with neighbours can each individual country
implement its potential to the fullest and defend national interests.
A boost to integration processes between our countries can facilitate the
creation of a zone of sustained social and political development and rapid
economic growth in Eastern Europe, which is something the European and
world community is very much interested in.
Our active position on issues related to optimizing relations with Russia
and bringing them up to the level of real strategic partnership is fully in
line with our European integration policy. The European community is
objectively interested in this course of events, including in the mutual
coordination of our country's European integration policies.
However, the creation of the Single Economic Space cannot be at odds with
Ukraine's membership of other subregional integration entities, such as
GUUAM [an alliance of Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Azerbaijan and Moldova]
and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization. The advantage of these
vectors of international cooperation lies in the fact that our country is
their recognized leader and is at the core of regional integration.
Revived partnership with USA
[Correspondent] Leonid Kuchma views the resumption of a constructive
dialogue with the USA as a one of the successes of foreign policy.
[Kuchma] On the whole, I have always consistently advocated the idea that
the establishment of a strong partnership with the USA, especially in the
military and political field, is of strategic importance to us, in
particular in view of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic strategy and common views on
the fight against terrorism and strengthening the security in Eastern Europe
and the Black Sea and Caspian regions.
We would very much like to always be sure that the American side's approach
to us is fair. We count on this. The country's political leadership is well
aware of present-day realities in the world and of the need for concerted
efforts to address new global threats, such as international terrorism.
Ukraine has always been in favour of making the most of the UN's authority
in solving the most acute problems of collective security. It has always
favoured the creation of natural preconditions which would not only
counteract dangerous and destructive processes in modern global development,
but would also pre-empt them.
We are talking about a joint search for mechanisms which, in the global
dimension, would bring countries closer in terms of their living standards.
A world where the dangerous gap between the rich countries and the poor ones
is widening instead of being closed cannot be stable.
No need to copy foreign experience
[Correspondent] Summing up what he said, the president noted that Ukraine
should take advantage of the world's best experience in order to develop as
fast as possible, but warned against copying foreign experience blindly.
[Kuchma] We, on the one hand, state our intention to build a strong
sovereign state. On the other hand, we always bow to someone, bragging about
our aspiration to be just like everyone else and not different in any way.
There is a deep contradiction there. Over the years of independence, we have
failed to develop a desperately needed sense of national pride and
confidence. Our colonial past is still dragging us down, stopping us from
straightening up, raising our head and making our presence known.
It is not really about our uniqueness or Ukrainian efforts to reinvent the
wheel. There is something else that needs to be grasped. What has taken the
West several hundred years - we have to go through in several decades' time.
Politicians who do not understand this reality and for whom the standard
matrix endorsed by a Western official is above everything have no promise. I
do not see myself among them.
Pledges of fair election
[Correspondent] In his speech the president did not skirt the important
subject of presidential elections. He once again gave assurances that he
would do his best to make sure that the presidential election is held in a
democratic way and in full compliance with current legislation.
[Kuchma] The key aspect of the presidential election this year has got to
be, in my view, ensuring the continuity of state policy in the social,
economic and political areas. Polls carried out by the national institute
for strategic research indicate that the majority of the Ukrainian
population fully shares the aforementioned stance.
I this connection, I would like to stress the following. Realizing that the
state policy will inevitably be adjusted to fit the programme and ideology
of the new head of state, we will have to do all we can to ensure the
consistency of our country's policy as a precondition of retaining the
positive achievements of society's development. I repeat, society is
rightfully cautious about any electoral schemes that pursue the aims
dictated by the selfish ambitions of some politicians. We have no right to
allow this to happen.
However, it is worth preventing any attempts by external forces to interfere
in the election race in Ukraine. The holding of a fair, transparent and
democratic presidential election in Ukraine should be regarded as a key
factor in speeding up European integration processes, establishing
productive relations with leading democracies and improving the Ukrainian
state's international image. [Audio and video available. Please send queries
to kiev.bbcm@mon.bbc.co.uk] (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER TEN
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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10. UKRAINE TELLS USA IT WANTS A STRONGER VOICE
IN IRAQ ON NON-MILITARY ISSUES
Associated Press, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 21, 2004
KIEV, Ukraine - Ukraine, a leading contributor of troops in Iraq, wants
members of the U.S.-led coalition to have more influence in decisions
on nonmilitary issues, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko expressed that demand in a
phone call Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, the
ministry said.
In the call, initiated by Powell, Gryshchenko "stressed the importance
of stepping up political contacts between coalition countries on key
questions involving the present and future of Iraq,'' the ministry said.
The two discussed opportunities for Ukraine to take part in
reconstruction projects.
Ukraine has about 1,650 soldiers in Iraq - the fourth largest contribution
behind Britain, Italy and Poland.
Ukraine opposed the U.S.-led war, but its troop contribution improved
relations that were frayed by suspicions that President Leonid Kuchma
approved sales of anti-aircraft radar systems to Saddam Hussein.
Some Ukrainian lawkmakers have demanded that Kuchma withdraw the
country's troops, but the government has resisted.
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64 ARTICLE NUMBER ELEVEN
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
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11. UKRAINIAN DELEGATION ARRIVES IN USA FOR ANNUAL
SESSION INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND WORLD BANK
UKRINFORM, Kiev, Ukraine, April 21, 2004
KIEV - A Ukrainian delegation, headed by Minister for Economics and
European Integration Mykola Derkach, arrived in Washington, DC on
Tuesday. The board of the IMF and the World Bank are expected to
discuss issues of international economic development, combating famine
and poverty on April 21 to April 24.
The Development Committee and the International Monetary and Financial
Committee are also scheduled to deliberate these days. According to the
World Bank, partnership relations between Ukraine and international
financial institutions have resulted in dozens of joint projects, aimed at
improving state and private sectors, enhancing efficiency of agricultural
and energy spheres, protecting natural environment and supporting for the
social sector.
The Ukrainian delegation are expected to hold negotiations with Acting
Managing Director Anne Krueger, European Department Director Michael
Deppler, World Bank CEOs, First Vice President of the US Export-Import
Bank April Foley, President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Peter Watson and other officials.
The Ukrainian delegation consist of NBU Deputy Governor Arseni Yatseniuk,
Deputy Finance Minister Anatoli Shapovalov, Deputy Head of the Presidential
Administration Office, Head of the Main Department for Economic Policies
Pavel Gaidutsky and Deputy Minister for Economics and European Integration
Liudmila Musina. (END)
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THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER TWELVE
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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12. AMBIVALENCE TO AMBIGUITY:
WHY UKRAINIANS REMAIN "UNDECIDED"
Summary of Mykola Riabchuk presentation on April 12, 2004
Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center, Wash, D.C., April 22, 2004
WASHINGTON - At a recent Kennan Institute talk [April 12, 2004],
Mykola Riabchuk, Research Associate, University of Kyiv-Mohyla
Academy; John Kolaska Fellow, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies,
Edmonton; and former Regional Exchange Scholar, Kennan Institute
discussed the development of society and identity in Ukraine.
He noted that the common concept of "two Ukraines," divided by
geography, identity, and values does not provide a complete picture of
Ukraine's current political and social landscape, as it ignores a large
"third Ukraine" made up of an ambivalent and silent populace.
Riabchuk identified two nation-building projects in contemporary Ukraine.
The first is the "Ukrainian project," which looks to Europe as the future
of Ukraine; the second is espoused by those with an "East Slavic identity"
who view Ukraine's future in a Eurasian or neo-Soviet context.
Riabchuk went on to describe a third Ukraine that is not a project but a
silent majority without clear opinions. This majority is concentrated in
central Ukraine, and can be identified in survey data as the majority who
remain "undecided" or with "no opinion." According to Riabchuk, the
silent majority was created by the totalitarian regime and has been
maintained by the post-Communist elite.
He explained that this large ambivalent portion of society is advantageous
to the current Ukrainian elite because its members are susceptible to
propaganda and are easily manipulated by the regime.
Nationalist appeals have not been successful in post-Soviet Ukrainian
politics, said Riabchuk, in part because of the large undecided portion of
society who reject both Ukrainian and Soviet nationalism or patriotism.
Instead, officials often change their platforms depending on the audience,
emphasizing very different priorities in Lviv (in Western Ukraine) than
they would in Kharkiv (in Eastern Ukraine). According to Riabchuk, this has
undermined nationalist movements.
Riabchuk pointed to the Our Ukraine party, led by Victor Yushchenko,
as a good example of an umbrella party that does not claim to be nationalist
but tries to encompass a variety of views and thus be amenable to the silent
majority.
Riabchuk pointed out that ambivalence in society is inevitable during a
transition period. However, Ukraine's large silent majority makes it
difficult to check the new version of Ukrainian authoritarianism evident
today.
Riabchuk characterized this authoritarianism as non-ideological and
marked by disrespect for the law, rampant corruption, and extensive state
surveillance. In closing, he suggested that the best hopes for altering the
situation are a strengthened civil society, a change in the ruling elite,
and pressure from the international community. (END)
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER THIRTEEN
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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13. FAMILIES SEPARATED 60 YEARS AGO IN SLOVAKIA, UKRAINE
BORDER VILLAGE OF SZELMENC SEEK US HELP TO REUNITE
By Christine Elliott, VOA NEWS, Wash, D.C., Thursday, 22 Apr 2004
WASHINGTON - Slovakia is just days away from becoming part of the
European Union, a move the government has hailed as a success. But the
change could devastate hopes of re-uniting families separated 60 years ago
when their village was split right on the border of present day Slovakia
and Ukraine. Activists are asking for help from the U.S. Congress.
For six decades, a wall has separated family and friends of the village of
Szelmenc. The 1,100 Hungarian residents were split at the end of World
War II, and today they live in two different countries, Ukraine in the east,
Slovakia in the west.
For years the villagers have tried to find ways to connect with their loved
ones. In order to do so today, they have to spend a month's salary on
visas and take a costly bus trip to the nearest crossing point, a 50
kilometer trek to get to a place that is literally across the street.
In 2001, the heads of the split villages lobbied their governments to build
a border crossing allowing them to freely travel twice a week. But so far
the
fence still stands.
Slovakian Ambassador to the United States, Rastislav Kacer, said during a
briefing in Washington Wednesday that his country's accession to the
European Union could complicate the matter. "On external border of European
Union, when we open any cross border point, it would have to comply with EU
norms, legislation and standards," he said.
Ambassador Kacer says his government is focusing on the issue and has
brought it before the bloc.
"What is particular good news today is that E-U Council has been already
discussing and is very close I understand adopting new piece of E-U
legislation which would facilitate this kind of minor or small cross border
personal trafficking," he said.
But the president of the Center for Hungarian American Congressional
Relations, Sandor Nagy, says the EU's Schengen treaty on border controls
does not affect this split village.
"It's quite clear in the Schengen treaty that it only depends on the
willingness of the two countries what they would like to do. So it is
important to underline here that the European Union does not oppose,
it does not hinge upon the decision. So, if the governments of Slovakia and
Ukraine really wanted to do that they could have done it," he said.
Mr. Nagy said the fact that the Ukrainian and Slovakian governments
are now formally and publicly addressing the villagers' requests is a good
sign. "We hope that now that the attention of the media and Washington is
turned toward this village, that finally something will come of it," he
said.
Mr. Nagy's organization has asked some members of the U-S Congress to
take action on the issue. California Democratic Congresswoman Diane
Watson, who attended the briefing, said she and some of her colleagues
could help.
"It sounds like you're almost right there. And the only problem would be the
money, the resources, to put this structure together. So what we would like
to do is support you in concept and maybe point up a source of funding," he
said.
Ambassador Kacer says he cannot say for sure, but he believes a time
frame for implementing a new border crossing is weeks or months away,
not years. (END)
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-2004, No. 64: ARTICLE NUMBER FOURTEEN
Become a financial sponsor of The Action Ukraine Program today!
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14. WOSKOB PRIVATE COLLECTION OF UKRAINIAN ART
By E. Morgan Williams, Editor, The Action Ukraine Report
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 21, 2004
STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania....Sixty outstanding artworks from the
Helen Woskob private collection of Ukrainian art are now on exhibition at
the Woskob Family Gallery in the Penn State Downtown Theater Center
in State College, Pennsylvania.
The artworks will be on display through Monday, May 31, 2004. The
gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The major exhibition of Ukrainian Art includes a wide variety of painting
styles and subject matters. The collection includes paintings, artwork,
graphics, wood carvings and metal relief by such artists as: Alexander
Archipenko, Rem Bahautdyn, Ivan Baldukha, Valentyna Bystriakova,
Jacques Hnizdovsky, Oleksa Hryshchenko, Alexander Ivakhnenko,
Serhiy Karpenko, Kateryna Korniychuk, Yuriy Kucherenko, Mykola
Kumanovsky, Mykola Malynka, Roxanne Naydan, Mykola Storozhenko,
Victor Zaretsky, Rostyslav Zviagintsev, Olena Zviagintseva, Svitlana
Novhorodska-Kucherenko, Mykola Muliarets and Ruslan Kutnyak.
The Penn State Downtown Theatre Center is located at the corner of
Beaver Avenue and Allen Street, http://www.downtownstatecollege.com.
The mountains of central Pennsylvania are beautiful this time of year and
we suggest a trip to State College to see the art exhibition, the mountains
and Penn State University would be most rewarding. (END)
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LINK with photos: http://www.artukraine.com/exhibitions/woskob_ex.htm
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