"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"

MEMBERS OF THE U.S. CONGRESS SPEAK OUT ABOUT
UKRAINIAN DEMOCRACY AND THE ELECTION PROCESS

"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" Year 04, Number 76
Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC), Washington, D.C.
morganw@patriot.net, ArtUkraine.com@starpower.net
Washington, D.C.; Kyiv, Ukraine, MONDAY, May 10, 2004

INDEX OF ARTICLES
"Major International News Headlines and Articles"

1. RECENT RESTRICTIVE ACTIONS PROMPT CONCERNS
ABOUT UKRAINIAN DEMOCRACY
Statement by U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
U.S. SENATE, Washington, D.C., Wed, April 28, 2004

2. URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A
DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS
FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON OCTOBER 31, 2004
Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Chris Dodd and Joseph Biden
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
108th CONGRESS, 2d Session, S. RES. 352
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 5, 2004

3. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS CRITICAL TO
UKRAINIAN DEMOCRACY
Statement of U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO)
U.S. SENATE, Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 5, 2004

4. RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING DEMOCRATIC
ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE
Statement on Introduction of House resolution by
Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ)
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 5, 2004

5. WASHINGTON TURNING SCREWS ON UKRAINE
AHEAD OF ELECTION
By Taras Kuzio, Eurasian Daily Monitor
Jamestown Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Monday, 10 May 2004, Volume I, Issue 6

6. FORMER WWII POW VOLUNTEERING IN UKRAINE
Local man is dedicated to agricultural education
[His agenda is set by the Agribusiness Volunteer Program -- part of
the Citizen's Network for Foreign Affairs, a not-for-profit organization.]
By Sarah Williams, Staff writer, The News-Messenger.com
Fremont, Ohio, Saturday, May 8, 2004

7. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PAYS HOMAGE TO FATHER, FELLOW
COMBATANTS KILLED IN NOVGOROD DURING WWII
Andrei Letyagin, Russian Information Agency (RIA Novosti)
Veliky Ukraine, Sunday, May 9, 2004

8. UKRAINE'S CENTRAL BANKER, SERHIY TYHYPKO, URGES
PATRIOTIC, PRAGMATIC FOREIGN TRADE POLICY
Interview with National Bank Governor Serhiy Tyhypko
By Journalists of Parliamentary Newspaper Holos Ukrayiny
Holos Ukrayiny, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian 19 Mar 04; p 4, 5
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, May 07, 2004

9. COURT BOOST FOR UKRAINE EX-PRIME MINISTER LAZARENKO
By Justin Kane, Financial Times, London, UK, May 10, 2004

10. PROFILE OF UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER
VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH
BBC Monitoring Service Research, UK, Wednesday, April 21, 2004
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76 ARTICLE NUMBER ONE
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
===========================================================
1. RECENT RESTRICTIVE ACTIONS PROMPT CONCERNS
ABOUT UKRAINIAN DEMOCRACY

Statement by U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the demise of the Soviet Union, in 1991,
provided an opportunity for millions of people to chart their own
destiny as people free from the yoke of repressive communism. At that
time, there was great hope that a free and prosperous Ukraine could
become a member of the Euro-Atlantic community that is united by
democracy, free markets and the rule of law.

In the past 12 years, Ukraine's transition to democracy and
capitalism has been a difficult process marked by success and failure.
The successes are many: Ukraine has given up nuclear weapons,
peacefully changed power from Leonid Kravchuk to Leonid Kuchma,
partnered with NATO's Partnership for Peace program, and has stationed
roughly 1,600 troops in Iraq--one of whom, Private Ruslan Androshchuk
paid the ultimate price for his service.

Yet, in spite of these achievements, Ukraine faces a stark choice of
leadership as it seeks to shape its second decade of freedom from
communism. Those who would seek to forge a new and open Ukrainian
identity aligned with the community of democratic nations stand in
contrast to those who seek to return the nation to its repressive past
by establishing a more authoritarian regime that avoids the needed
reforms it must undertake.

The choices facing the Ukrainian people are clear, and the upcoming
October 2004 presidential election will play a critical role in
determining the course that this proud and important nation will take.
It is my hope that the presidential election will draw Ukraine closer
to the West by cementing a strong and stable democracy. Unfortunately,
a number of recent events and actions by the Ukrainian government have
provided supporters of a democratic Ukraine with reason for concern.

In the lead up to the fall's election, Ukrainian president Leonid
Kuchma has pursued constitutional changes that would shift substantial
powers from the presidency to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna
Rada, on the eve of the presidential election in which a strong
opponent of the President is currently leading in the polls. In
response to concerns expressed by many nations, President Kuchma
dropped the most egregious provision, which would have replaced the
direct election of the president with an election by the Ukrainian
parliament. Deliberations on constitutional reforms, especially reforms
that would alter the political landscape and structure of the nation,
should be discussed in a full and open parliamentary debate with the
broad participation of the Ukrainian population. Yet, the proponents of
this measure primarily relied on backroom maneuvering to push through
their changes. Although President Kuchma argued that he was not
advocating these changes to strengthen his position, since he has said
he will not run for reelection, many concerns existed that he was doing
so to fortify the position of his allies in the legislature.

In a sign that true democratic aspirations in Ukraine are still
alive, those changes to the Ukrainian constitution failed by six votes
earlier this month. I am hopeful that President Kuchma will permit the
election to go forward without further attempts to undermine Ukraine's
constitution.

The constitutional changes advocated by President Kuchma are just one
facet of an increasingly authoritarian trend in Ukraine. Media
repression that threatens the safety of Ukrainian journalists also
limits the ability of citizens to obtain fair and accurate reporting
prior to the October elections. A free press and open media are
essential foundations for any open, democratic society. Yet the ability
of the media to operate freely has been threatened in the past several
years.

The commercial FM Dovira network removed Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty, RFE/RL, Ukrainian-language programs from its schedule in
February of this year. This move came after the takeover of the network
by a political supporter of President Kuchma. The network had
previously served as the RFE/RL major affiliate, reaching roughly 60
percent of Ukraine's population. Apparently RFE/RL programming did not
"fit the envisioned new format of the radio network,'' despite the
fact that these programs were the most popular shows on the station.

When Radio Kontynent, an FM commercial station in Kyiv, started
airing RFE/RL programming a couple of weeks later, the station was
raided and closed by Ukrainian authorities. The station's transmission
equipment and three employees were briefly detained. The former owner
of the station fled to Poland fearing for his life and is awaiting
political asylum.

This action was not an isolated event, unfortunately. According to
the Broadcasting Board of Governors, Ukrainian authorities continue an
ongoing campaign against the independent media, including the
harassment of journalists and the suppression of fact-based news and
information and investigative reporting. Several journalists have been
murdered and others have been killed in suspicious "accidents.'' We
must do more to support efforts in Ukraine by journalists and media
organizations that fight for fundamental rights.

Political repression and harassment apparently influenced the
election for the mayor of Mukachevo, a town in southwestern Ukraine.
Exit polls for this election indicated that Our Ukraine's candidate
received 62.4% of the vote, yet a subsequent recount indicated that his
opponent won by 5,000 votes. Reports trickling out after the election
indicated that some of the election stations were raided and damaged by
"criminal elements'' and other ballots were summarily destroyed or
ignored. Four members of the parliament were beaten and an election
observer was hospitalized after being assaulted. In addition to this,
prior to the election the Our Ukraine candidate temporarily was taken
off the ballot and a theater director that allowed Our Ukraine to use
his venue for a meeting was severely beaten.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE,
expressed its concerns about this election, as well as recent
legislation that bars domestic non-partisan observers from monitoring
elections. Without the assurances of a free, open, and transparent
election, there is little to hope that the fall election will, in fact,
uphold true democratic values. The events in Mukachevo and the barring
of domestic observers are reasons for great concern. Recent actions,
such I described, raise the fear that this election will be stolen from
the Ukrainian people.

Ukraine has taken some positive steps toward the creation of
democratic institutions and a free-market economy, though much more
remains to be done. This is why a free and fair presidential election
in October 2004 remains so important to determining the future path of
Ukraine. Who emerges victorious from this election is a matter to be
decided by the Ukrainian people. What is of concern to the United
States is how these elections will be conducted. Both the election day
and the pre-election period must meet international standards for a
free and fair electoral process, including ensuring that candidates
have unimpeded access to media outlets, citizens are guaranteed the
opportunity to exercise their civil and political rights, free from
intimidation and interference, and domestic and international monitors
are allowed to observe the electoral process and report their findings.
The numerous problems in Ukraine noted in elections in 1999 and 2002
by election observers only intensify everyone's concerns.

Ukraine, if it is to realize its considerable potential, must take
action now to protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens.
There have been some achievements in the past twelve years, but much
more remains to be done. I know that my Senate colleagues share my
concerns about the upcoming presidential elections and stand ready to
support the Ukrainian people as they continue with efforts to make
their nation more free and democratic. (END)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement by Senator Carl Levin, United States Senate,
Congressional Record, Page S4484-S4485, Washington, D.C.
http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=220843
Our thanks to Marko Serbinsky, Political Analyst, U.S.-Ukraine
Foundation (USUF) for sending us this congressional statement.
==========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER TWO
The Genocidal Famine in Ukraine 1932-1933, HOLODOMOR
Genocide Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/famineart/index.htm
Become a financial sponsor of The Action Ukraine Report
==========================================================
2. URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A
DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS
FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON OCTOBER 31, 2004

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
108th CONGRESS, 2d Session, S. RES. 352
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself, Mr. DODD, and Mr. BIDEN) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations

RESOLUTION

Urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and
fair election process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004.

Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and fair election
process for the 2004 presidential election in Ukraine and of a genuinely
democratic political system are prerequisites for that country's full
integration into the Western community of nations as an equal member,
including into organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO);

Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous specific
commitments governing the conduct of elections as a participating State of
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including
provisions of the Copenhagen Document;

Whereas the election on October 31, 2004, of Ukraine's next president will
provide an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian authorities'
commitment to implement these standards and build a democratic society
based on free elections and the rule of law;

Whereas this election takes place against the backdrop of previous elections
that did not fully meet international standards and of disturbing trends in
the current pre-election environment;

Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities at all levels to
act in a manner consistent with all laws and regulations governing election
procedures and to ensure free and fair elections throughout the entire
country, including preventing activities aimed at undermining the free
exercise of political rights;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a period of political
campaigning conducted in an environment in which neither administrative
action nor violence, intimidation, or detention hinder the parties,
political associations, and the candidates from presenting their views and
qualifications to the citizenry, including organizing supporters, conducting
public meetings and events throughout the country, and enjoying unimpeded
access to television, radio, print, and Internet media on a
non-discriminatory basis;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that citizens be
guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to exercise their civil and
political rights, including the right to vote and the right to seek and
acquire information upon which to make an informed vote, free from
intimidation, undue influence, attempts at vote buying, threats of political
retribution, or other forms of coercion by national or local authorities or
others;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires government and public
authorities to ensure that candidates and political parties enjoy equal
treatment before the law and that government resources are not employed to
the advantage of individual candidates or political parties;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the full transparency of
laws and regulations governing elections, multiparty representation on
election commissions, and unobstructed access by candidates, political
parties, and domestic and international observers to all election
procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas of the country;

Whereas increasing control and manipulation of the media by national and
local officials and others acting at their behest raise grave concerns
regarding the commitment of the Ukrainian authorities to free and fair
elections;

Whereas efforts by the national authorities to limit access to international
broadcasting, including Radio Liberty and the Voice of America, represent an
unacceptable infringement on the right of the Ukrainian people to
independent information;

Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others acting at their
behest to impose obstacles to free assembly, free speech, and a free and
fair political campaign have taken place in Donetsk, Sumy, and elsewhere in
Ukraine without condemnation or remedial action by the Ukrainian Government;
Whereas numerous substantial irregularities have taken place in recent
Ukrainian parliamentary by-elections in the Donetsk region and in mayoral
elections in Mukacheve, Romny, and Krasniy Luch; and

Whereas the intimidation and violence during the April 18, 2004, mayoral
election in Mukacheve, Ukraine, represent a deliberate attack on the
democratic process: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship formed between the
United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in
1991;

(2) recognizes that a precondition for the full integration of Ukraine into
the Western community of nations, including as an equal member in
institutions such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is its
establishment of a genuinely democratic political system;

(3) expresses its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the
Ukrainian people to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect
for human rights in Ukraine;

(4) urges the Government of Ukraine to guarantee freedom of association and
assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties,
and others to freely assemble, to organize and conduct public events, and to

exercise these and other rights free from intimidation or harassment by
local or national officials or others acting at their behest;

(5) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet its Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratic elections and
to address issues previously identified by the Office of Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE in its final reports on
the 2002 parliamentary elections and the 1999 presidential elections, such
as illegal interference by public authorities in the campaign and a high
degree of bias in the media;

(6) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure--

(A) the full transparency of election procedures before, during, and
after the 2004 presidential elections;
(B) free access for Ukrainian and international election observers;
(C) multiparty representation on all election commissions;
(D) unimpeded access by all parties and candidates to print, radio,
television, and Internet media on a non-discriminatory basis;
(E) freedom of candidates, members of opposition parties, and
independent media organizations from intimidation or harassment
by government officials at all levels via selective tax audits and
other regulatory procedures, and in the case of media, license
revocations and libel suits, among other measures;
(F) a transparent process for complaint and appeals through electoral
commissions and within the court system that provides timely and
effective remedies; and
(G) vigorous prosecution of any individual or organization responsible
for violations of election laws or regulations, including the
application of appropriate administrative or criminal penalties;

(7) further calls upon the Government of Ukraine to guarantee election
monitors from the ODIHR, other participating States of the OSCE, Ukrainian
political parties, candidates' representatives, nongovernmental
organizations, and other private institutions and organizations, both
foreign and domestic, unobstructed access to all aspects of the election
process, including unimpeded access to public campaign events, candidates,
news media, voting, and post-election tabulation of results and processing
of election challenges and complaints; and

(8) pledges its enduring support and assistance to the Ukrainian people's
establishment of a fully free and open democratic system, their creation of
a prosperous free market economy, their establishment of a secure
independence and freedom from coercion, and their country's assumption of
its rightful place as a full and equal member of the Western community of
democracies. (END)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Above, please find the text of the Senate resolution on the Ukrainian
Elections, introduced May 5 by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO),
Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, together with Sen. Chris Dodd
(D-CT) and Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE). An IDENTICAL version was
introduced May 5 in the House of Representatives by Chairman of the
International Relations Committee Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), together with
Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. Tom
Lantos (D-CA). The resolution was printed in the May 5 Congressional
Record and can by found on the Helsinki Commission website at:
www.csce.com.

I should note that the use of the term Ukrainian Government in the
resolutions refers to all of the Ukrainian authorities ("vlada"), including
the President and Presidential Administration, and not just the narrower
definition of government ("uryad") used in Ukraine (i.e. the Prime Minister
and Ministries). Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions
or need more information.
Orest Deychakiwsky, Orest.Deychak@mail.house.gov
U.S. Helsinki Commission, www.csce.gov.
(a.k.a. Commission on Security and Cooperation and Europe)
==========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: 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
==========================================================
3. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS CRITICAL TO UKRAINIAN DEMOCRACY

Statement of U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO)
U.S. SENATE, Washington, D.C., May 5, 2004

Mr. President, as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I introduce today
a concurrent resolution urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a
democratic, transparent and fair election process for the presidential
elections scheduled to be held in late October. An identical resolution is
being introduced by Chairman of the House International Relations Committee
Henry Hyde and my colleague and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Rep.
Chris Smith. I am pleased to note that the Commission's Ranking Member,
Mr. Dodd, and the Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mr.
Biden, are original cosponsors of the resolution.

The Helsinki Commission, which has long monitored and encouraged human
rights, rule of law and democracy in Ukraine, continues to be a stalwart
supporter of Ukraine's development as an independent, democratic and
market-oriented state. There is a genuine desire in the United States for
Ukraine to succeed in this process and for the long-suffering Ukrainian
people to fully realize their dreams and aspirations. This resolution, by
encouraging fair, open and transparent elections, is a concrete expression
of the commitment of the U.S. Congress to the Ukrainian people.

The resolution underscores that an election process and the establishment of
a genuinely democratic political system consistent with Ukraine's
freely-undertaken OSCE commitments is a prerequisite for Ukraine's full
integration into the Western community of nations as an equal member,
including into NATO. The October elections will be vital in determining
Ukraine's course for years to come and they present the Ukrainian
authorities with a real opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to OSCE
principles and values.

Unfortunately, Ukraine's pre-election environment has already been decidedly
problematic and of increasing concern to the United States and the
international community. During the course of this year I have shared
specific concerns with Senate colleagues, particularly in terms of the
media. The resolution introduced today focuses squarely on key problem
areas, including increasing control and manipulation of the media and
attempts by national authorities to limit access to international
broadcasting, including Radio Liberty and Voice of America. Among other
concerns are the blatant obstacles to free assembly and a free and fair
political campaign as well as substantial irregularities in several recent
elections.

An egregious example of how not to conduct elections was the mayoral
election held two weeks ago in the western Ukrainian city of Mukacheve.
This election was marred by intimidation, violence, fraud and manipulation
of the vote count, electoral disruptions and irregularities. Despite strong
evidence indicating that a candidate from the democratic opposition "Our
Ukraine" bloc had won, the territorial elections commission announced as
winner the candidate of a party led by the head of Presidential
Administration, Viktor Medvedchuk. That some of the abuses and violence took
place in front of OSCE observers, and that some of the victims of violence
were members of the Ukrainian parliament, only underlines the brazenness of
these actions. The outlandish conduct of the Mukacheve elections not only
casts doubt over their outcome, but when coupled with other recent
problematic elections, including in Constituency No. 61 in Donetsk, could be
a barometer for the October presidential elections.

The resolution I introduce today outlines those measures the Ukrainian
authorities need to take - consistent with their own laws and international
agreements - for a free, fair, open and transparent election process. The
Ukrainian authorities at all levels, including the executive, legislative
and judicial branches, need to ensure an election process that enables all
of the candidates to compete on a level playing field. This includes the
various institutions and agencies involved directly or indirectly in the
elections process, such as the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of
Internal Affairs, Procuracy, the State Security Service (SBU), Tax
Administration, as well as the Constitutional and Supreme Courts.

Mr. President, Ukraine's October presidential elections should be a
watershed for the future direction of that country of great potential. It
is abundantly clear that a small clique have a vested interest in
perpetuating the outmoded status quo. Ukrainian authorities need to
radically improve the election environment if there is to be hope for these
elections to meet OSCE standards. The question is whether their perceived
self-interest will trump the interest of the people of Ukraine. Having
restored the independence of their proud land, the Ukrainian people deserve
an opportunity to overcome the legacy of the past, and consolidate
democracy, human rights and the rule of law. [Senator Campbell] (END)
==========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER FOUR
Major Articles About What is Going on in Ukraine
Current Events Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/events/index.htm
Become a financial sponsor of The Action Ukraine Program Fund
==========================================================
4. RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING DEMOCRATIC
ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE

Statement on Introduction of House resolution by
Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ)
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join Rep. Hyde, Chairman of the
International Relations Committee, in sponsoring an important resolution
urging Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election
process for the upcoming presidential election. By urging the Ukrainian
authorities to abide by their freely undertaken OSCE commitments on
democratic elections, this resolution emphasizes our commitment to the
Ukrainian people and the goal of Ukraine's integration into the Western
community of nations.

As Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have been a steadfast
supporter of human rights and democracy in Ukraine, and I value independent
Ukraine's contribution to security and stability in Europe. The stakes in
the upcoming elections are high, not only with respect to the outcome, but
also as a fundamental indicator of Ukraine's democratic development.

Recent events have dramatically underscored the need for this clear
statement of resolve to support a truly democratic process in Ukraine. The
pre-election environment in Ukraine has been discouraging, with examples of
obstacles to free assembly and free speech, the limiting of access to Radio
Liberty, Voice of America and other international broadcasts, and
substantial transgressions in recent parliamentary by-elections and mayoral
elections.

Mr. Speaker, the most blatant of these took place just a few weeks
ago in the city of Mukacheve. These elections witnessed violence,
intimidation, fraud and other massive violations both of the electoral code
and any standards of civilized human behavior. The mayoral elections have
been roundly and rightly criticized by the United States, Europe, and the
OSCE. Many observers fear that Mukacheve is a harbinger of things to come.
As Chairman of the US delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I join
OSCE PA President Bruce George in calling upon Ukrainian President Kuchma
to ensure a proper investigation of the violations which took place and to
rectify the situation so that the will of the voters is realized.

Mr. Speaker, Ukraine remains at a crossroads. Developments with
respect to democracy have been discouraging over the last few years. The
elections represent a real chance for Ukraine to get back on the road to
full respect for the tenets of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The United States stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they
strive to achieve these essential goals. [Rep. Chris Smith] (END)
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER FIVE
Exciting Opportunities in Ukraine: Travel and Tourism Gallery
http://www.ArtUkraine.com/tourgallery.htm
==========================================================
5. WASHINGTON TURNING SCREWS ON UKRAINE
AHEAD OF ELECTION

By Taras Kuzio, Eurasian Daily Monitor
Jamestown Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Monday, 10 May 2004, Volume I, Issue 6

In mid May, former U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski is
scheduled to visit Kyiv along with Deputy Secretary of State Paula
Dobriansky. Former U.S. President George Bush will likewise travel to
Ukraine on a private visit.

Other recent U.S. visitors have included former Secretary of State and head
of the National Democratic Institute Madeleine K. Albright, the financier
George Soros, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage,
representatives of the U.S. Council on Foreign Policy, and Assistant Deputy
Secretary of State Steven Pifer.

These visits are tied to the upcoming Ukrainian presidential elections in
October and to growing competition between the United States and Russia
over Ukraine's future geopolitical orientation.

The message that the U.S. authorities are giving to the Ukrainian side has
varied, depending on the messenger. President Leonid Kuchma and his
centrist-oligarchic allies are keenly studying how much election fraud the
United States will let them get away with in this years election's. They
would prefer the American response to Azerbaijan's November election
rather than the staunch U.S. criticism directed at election fraud in Georgia
a month earlier.

Messages brought by the Bush administration has come in two varieties. The
first is a "Thank You" to Ukraine for providing the fourth largest military
contingent - 1,700 troops - inside Iraq for the U.S.-led coalition there.
The second message is a more moderate version of that also sent by U.S.
Democrats. This warns Kuchma and his allies that Ukraine's drive towards
Euro-Atlantic integration will suffer if the country does not hold a free
and fair election.

The Democrats tend not to mention Ukraine's contribution to the military
operation in Iraq; their main focus is on the regression of democracy in
Ukraine and the upcoming elections. Albright was very critical of the
Ukrainian authorities for an "intimidating, sometimes violent campaign." But
Albright also criticized the Bush administration, which she said "has been
strangely and sadly silent" about developments in Ukraine. She complained
that the current administration had only "spoken privately, and from a
distance".

Albright outlined how "The path that Ukraine will now choose has enormous
importance for the United States." She put forward three proposals. First,
she said, the United States should "speak out" more forcefully and insist on
the holding of free and fair elections. Secondly, the United States should
increase support for independent media and civil society. Thirdly, the
United States ought to work with Europe to provide "carrots" for Ukraine,
such as a road map to future EU membership as well as membership in the
World Trade Organization and greater military cooperation with NATO.

Albright and Mark Medish, a foreign policy adviser to Democratic candidate
John Kerry, have argued in favor of tougher sanctions if Kuchma fails to
hold free and fair elections. Albright warned Ukrainian leaders that if the
elections "are fraudulent" not only will Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration
suffer, but "their own bank accounts and visa privileges will be
jeopardized".

Medish backed Albright's sanctions against Kuchma and his oligarchic allies.
"The words of Albright represent the tendency found within the Democratic
Party," Medish said. "If the Ukrainian authorities decide to isolate
Ukraine, then they will have to live with the consequences of this decision
and we cannot talk about any partnership."

These are not idle threats. The United States has warned against Kuchma
standing again in this year's elections (the Constitutional Court ruled in
December that he was serving only his "first term," since the constitution
was adopted in 1996, two years after he first became president).

One U.S. sanction under consideration by the Democrats would involve a
refusal to give visas to high ranking Ukrainian officials, a step already
tried and tested with Belarus and Moldova's separatist Trans-Dniestr
enclave. The bank accounts of Ukraine's oligarchs, such as those held by
presidential administration head Viktor Medvedchuk in the Virgin Islands,
would also come under scrutiny. The United States has already adopted
an act limiting entry to the United States for politicians accused of
corruption in their own countries.

Kuchma and his oligarchic allies face a conundrum of their own making. If
they hold free and fair elections this would most likely ensure that Viktor
Yushchenko becomes Ukraine's next president. This, they fear, will lead to
the loss of their assets and the possible launching of criminal cases
against them.

On the other hand, if they hold fraudulent elections and ensure the victory
of their candidate, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, they risk isolating
Ukraine, which would become Europe's second "Belarus". And this would
effectively cost them their foreign liquid and property assets (New York
Times, March 8, Zerkalo Nedeli, 30 April-15 May, Ukrayinska Pravda,
May 2, Radio Liberty-Ukrainian Service, May 2).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamestown Foundation, Wash, D.C., http://www.jamestown.org
Dr. Taras Kuzio is Resident Fellow, Center for Russian and East European
Studies and Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science,
University of Toronto.
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER SIX
The Story of Ukraine's Long and Rich Culture
Ukrainian Culture Gallery: http://www.ArtUkraine.com/cultgallery.htm
===========================================================
6. FORMER WWII POW VOLUNTEERING IN UKRAINE
Local man is dedicated to agricultural education

[His agenda is set by the Agribusiness Volunteer Program -- part of
the Citizen's Network for Foreign Affairs, a not-for-profit organization.]

By Sarah Williams, Staff writer, The News-Messenger.com
Newspaper Network of Central Ohio
Fremont, Ohio, Saturday, May 8, 2004

FREMONT, Ohio - Glenn Maddy, a 19-year-old POW during World
War II, knows that experience changed his life.

"I imagine it has ... I know it has," Maddy said. "Ever since then I've
wanted to help people."

Maddy was sent into combat on Dec. 12, 1944 and was captured by the
Germans in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge on Jan. 1, 1945. He
spent 3 1/2 months in two prison camps before being liberated by the
British, resulting in a month in a British hospital.

"I nearly starved to death, I had lice," Maddy said. "I wore the same
clothes for five months day and night. Pretty much since then, it's been
about food, or feeding people."

That was 59 years ago.

Now, Maddy and his wife, Evelyn, are headed to the Ukraine -- marking the
11th country he's either volunteered in or worked in. For 29 years, Maddy
was an agricultural agent for the OSU Extension office. He retired in 1984
but has continued his work through lectures and volunteering.

This time around, he'll take his knowledge to farmers in the Ukraine. His
agenda is set by the Agribusiness Volunteer Program -- part of the Citizen's
Network for Foreign Affairs, a not-for-profit organization.

The 78-year-old's assignment is to educate Ukrainian farmers on the
production and marketing of vegetables -- primarily tomatoes, pickles,
cabbage, carrots, red beets and squash. He'll conduct soil tests, make
fertilizer recommendations, provide vine training for pickles and will
consult the farmers on seeding rates and depth, as well as weed control.

He's even had to study up in the last month on some of the topics about
which he's not quite as knowledgeable.

The program is sponsored by the United States Agency for International
Development, an organization dedicated to furthering America's foreign
policy interests to expand democracy and free markets, while improving the
lives of citizens of the developing world.

All related to agricultural education, Maddy has volunteered in Ghana,
Zimbabwe, Hungary, Russia, Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, Egypt and the U.S.,
and this will be his second trip to the Ukraine volunteering. He has worked
in Armenia, and in total, has visited 50 countries in his lifetime.

"The biggest problem is establishing credibility when you get there," Maddy
said. "I had one guy tell me that he can tell within five minutes if you
know what you're talking about. A lot of people are pretty sharp -- I've had
arguments on culture practices before, which will end with me saying, 'Well,
that's how we do it in the United States.' "

While staying on the farm, Maddy said there will be electricity, but he's
not sure if running water will be available. The trip will last for five
weeks. He and Evelyn will leave on Sunday and return June 12. It will be
Glenn's 56th trip over the Atlantic Ocean.

"It'll be interesting," 80-year-old Evelyn Maddy said. "It always is. You
meet such beautiful people."

It's the people that make all the difference to the Maddys. Glenn Maddy said
that for most of his trips, he has had an interpreter, and he'll have one on
this trip to speak Ukrainian. He even attended the wedding of one of his
interpreters and ate in his mother's house.

"My main objective is to eat in their homes," Maddy said. "You really get to
know someone when you become a guest in their home."

He has even had some of the people he's worked with in other countries come
to the U.S. to visit.

But aside from needing an interpreter for communication, Maddy said the
teaching is the same around the world as it is in America. And the people
are the same, too.

"It's all working with human beings," Maddy said. "We're all alike. Everyone
has the same needs. What I enjoy is helping people. That's the challenge,
and the pay for it."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarah Williams, 419-334-1051, swilliam@fremont.gannett.com.
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/news/stories/20040508/localnews/379997.html
LINK: CNFA, www.cnfa.org
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER SEVEN
The Genocidal Famine in Ukraine 1932-1933, HOLODOMOR
Genocide Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/famineart/index.htm
Support "The Action Ukraine Report"...Send A Check Today
===========================================================
7. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PAYS HOMAGE TO FATHER, FELLOW
COMBATANTS KILLED IN NOVGOROD DURING WWII

Andrei Letyagin, Russian Information Agency (RIA Novosti)
Veliky, Ukraine, Sunday, May 9, 2004

VELIKY - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma is spending this Victory Day in
the northwestern Russian city of Veliky Novgorod, where he has come together
with his family. Other Ukrainian government officials and Ukrainian WWII
veterans are accompanying him on the trip.

Upon arrival at the Novgorod airport, Kuchma headed for a military garrison
in the nearby village of Novoselitsy. He came along to pay homage to his
father, Danila Kuchma, buried at a local cemetery. Danila died of wounds in
the Novoselitsy military hospital on February 7, 1942, but it was only in
1996 that his family learned about this. Ukrainian President now visits the
place every Victory Day.

Leonid Kuchma and his grandson sounded memorial tolls and laid wreaths at
the tombs of Danila Kuchma and his comrades-in-arms. He then chatted with
servicemen on active duty in the Novoselitsy garrison as well as WWII
survivors.

The community presented the Ukrainian leader with traditional craft wares
and a photo album containing photographs taken during his previous visits.
Kuchma and his entourage then had a memorial meal. He raised a shot glass of
gorilka (Ukrainian red pepper vodka) in the memory of all Soviet soldiers
killed in WWII. His second toast was to the Victory. (END)
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER EIGHT
Ukraine's History and the Long Struggle for Independence
Historical Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/histgallery.htm
===========================================================
8. UKRAINE'S CENTRAL BANKER, SERHIY TYHYPKO, URGES
PATRIOTIC, PRAGMATIC FOREIGN TRADE POLICY

Interview with National Bank Governor Serhiy Tyhypko
By Journalists of Parliamentary Newspaper Holos Ukrayiny
Holos Ukrayiny, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian 19 Mar 04; p 4, 5
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, May 07, 2004

KYIV - Ukraine's policy in foreign trade relations should be pragmatically
patriotic, National Bank of Ukraine governor Serhiy Tyhypko has said.
Speaking in an interview with a Ukrainian daily, he said that Ukraine could
slow down its debt payments to the IMF and other international
organizations, using the money to develop the domestic infrastructure.

The state should create a system to protect Ukrainian exporters, reduce
company profits tax, strengthen the hryvnya and start using it as money of
account, Tyhypko said. As regards the presidential election, Tyhypko expects
Viktor Yanukovych or whoever is prime minister at the time of the polls to
stand the best chance. Tyhypko vaguely hinted that he may run for
presidency.

The following is the text of Serhiy Tyhypko's interview with journalists of
the parliamentary newspaper Holos Ukrayiny published on 19 March 2004;
subheadings have been inserted editorially:

On 17 December, the Supreme Council [parliament] of Ukraine appointed Serhiy
Tyhypko as chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine on the initiative of
president Kuchma. Over this period, Ukraine's gold reserve has grown by
about 50 per cent. The hryvnya has taken a steady trend to strengthen. Being
the leader of the Working Ukraine party, Serhiy Tyhypko is sure that it is
the party's duty to care about the poorest.

"------------------------------------------------------"

NOTE: To read the entire interview with Serhiy Tyhypko click on the
following link: http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/tyhypko.htm.
===========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER NINE
The Rich History of Ukrainian Art, Music, Pysanka, Folk-Art
Arts Gallery: http://www.artukraine.com/artgallery.htm
Support "The Action Ukraine Report"...Send A Check Today
=========================================================
9. COURT BOOST FOR UKRAINE EX-PRIME MINISTER LAZARENKO

By Justin Kane, Financial Times, London, UK, May 10, 2004

Pavlo Lazarenko, a former prime minister of Ukraine being tried in the US
for money-laundering and fraud, won a court victory at the weekend when a
federal judge in San Francisco dismissed almost half the 53 charges against
him.

Judge Martin Jenkins ruled that the prosecution, which rested on May 3, had
failed to make a case that much of the $114m (£68m, ?96m) Mr Lazarenko
wired into US banks before his arrest in 1999 was obtained illegally.

According to the ruling, Ukrainian laws in force when Mr Lazarenko was in
government forbade bribe-taking only if it led to "material harm to state or
social interests".

Most of the dismissed charges related to money Mr Lazarenko allegedly
received in return for allocating natural gas distribution contracts.

The trial will continue with the defence's rebuttal of the remaining
charges. (END)
=========================================================
THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 76: ARTICLE NUMBER TEN
Politics and Governance, Building a Strong, Democratic Ukraine
http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/index.htm
If The Action Ukraine Report is beneficial to you support it.
=========================================================
10. PROFILE OF UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER
VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH

BBC Monitoring Service Research, UK, Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych is poised to become one of the
two main contenders for the presidency in the election due to be held on 31
October 2003. Nominated by the parliamentary-government coalition of forces
loyal to outgoing President Leonid Kuchma, Yanukovych is thought best placed
among the pro-Kuchma politicians to challenge the popular opposition leader,
Viktor Yushchenko, and to secure safe retirement for the incumbent.

The latest opinion polls have shown Yanukovych overtaking Communist leader
Petro Symonenko, who had been firmly in second place, and edging closer
towards the frontrunner, Yushchenko.

Born into a family of a metalworker and a nurse in 1950 in the east
Ukrainian town of Yenakiyeve and orphaned at the age of five, Yanukovych
had a turbulent childhood, which saw him convicted for beatings and serving
time twice in a penitentiary. The convictions were later overturned, his
official biography says.

Having received a university degree in mechanical engineering at the age of
30, Yanukovych began a successful career as a transport executive in the
coal-mining industry, reaching senior managerial posts and becoming governor
of Donetsk Region, Ukraine's industrial powerhouse populated by 5m people
(in 1997). Yanukovych is regarded as a key figure in the business empire of
Donetsk tycoon Rinat Akhmetov and an initiator of setting up the large
corporation Industrial Union of Donbass.

Yanukovych rose to prominence on the national political scene when Kuchma
named him as prime minister in November 2002. Being viewed as the figurehead
of the Donetsk business and political group, which has been vying for clout
with Dnipropetrovsk and Kiev "oligarchs", Yanukovych is believed to enjoy
the personal trust of Kuchma, whom Yanukovych as a regional governor
supported in all the elections and the 2000 referendum.

Contrary to expectations, the densely-populated and traditionally
pro-Communist Donetsk Region gave more votes to Kuchma than to
Symonenko in the 1999 presidential election run-off. The Yanukovych-led
Party of Regions was also the driving force behind the merger of pro-Kuchma
parties into the For a United Ukraine alliance in the 2001 parliamentary
election, securing the bloc's victory over the opposition's Our Ukraine in
Donetsk Region - in contrast to the rest of the country.

Despite having the physique of a heavyweight boxer (a height of 195 cm) and
his somewhat awkward manner of speaking and carrying himself, often
ridiculed by the Kiev establishment and the opposition, Yanukovych has
surprised his opponents by mastering the Ukrainian language and avoiding
any serious blunders as prime minister.

Analysts say he has succeeded in walking a tightrope between the need to
maintain his image as a representative of Ukraine's Russian-speaking and
Russia-friendly east and the new reputation of a statist determined to
defend national interests.

Having won Vladimir Putin's favour as Kuchma's "consistent successor",
Yanukovych has nevertheless managed to rein in the most fervent proponents
of integration with Russia, stalling plans to reverse the flow of the
controversial Odessa-Brody oil pipeline and somewhat slowing down the
formation of the Single Economic Space of four post-Soviet republic being
pushed for by Russia.

Pundits expect a close contest between Yushchenko and Yanukovych, who
has all the government machinery and the backing of the parliamentary
majority to make up for the gap in popularity ratings. Despite the support
publicly voiced for Yanukovych by the movers and shakers in the
parliamentary-government coalition, such as National Bank governor Serhiy
Tyhypko and presidential chief of staff Viktor Medvedchuk, sceptics have
called the coalition's cohesion into question.

People's Democratic Party leader Valeriy Pustovoytenko has already broken
ranks, saying his party is strong enough to field its own candidate, and
casting doubt on the coalition's choice. Speculation is rife that Medvedchuk
may unofficially place his bet on a different candidate while Kuchma himself
may covertly opt to back Yushchenko in return for guarantees of a safe exit.

Yanukovych became a doctor of economics in 2000 and president of the
National Olympic Committee in December 2002. He is married to Lyudmyla,
a housewife, and has two grown-up sons, Oleksandr and Viktor. (END)
==========================================================
ARTICLES ARE FOR PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC USE ONLY
===========================================================
Become a financial sponsor of The Action Ukraine Program Fund
Support "The Action Ukraine Report" to Expand Around the World
Send a check today to the Ukrainian Federation of America!
===========================================================
INFORMATION ABOUT "THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04

"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04, is an in-depth news and analysis
newsletter, produced by the www.ArtUkraine.com Information Service (ARTUIS)
The report is distributed worldwide free of charge using the e-mail address:
ArtUkraine.com@starpower.net. Please make sure this e-mail address is
cleared for your SPAM filter. Letters to the editor are always welcome.
LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/aur/aur1.htm.

"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" is financed through The Action
Ukraine Program Fund. You can become a financial sponsor of The Action
Ukraine Program Fund. Individuals, corporations, non-profit organizations
and other groups can provide support for the expanding Action Ukraine
Program by sending in contributions.

The program includes THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT, the Action
Ukraine Information Service (AUIS), the www.ArtUkraine.com website,
the Ukrainian information program in Washington, D.C. regarding the U.S.
Congress and the Administration, which supports the building of an
independent, democratic and financially strong Ukraine operating under
the rule of law.

Checks should be made out to the Ukrainian Federation of America,
(UFA), designated for The Action Ukraine Program Fund (TAUPF), and
mailed to the Ukrainian Federation of America (UAF), 930 Henrietta
Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006-8502. For individuals a
contribution of $45 is suggested Your support to help build The Action
Ukraine Program to support Ukraine is very much appreciated.

"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04 SPONSORS:
.
1. ACTION UKRAINE COALITION (AUC): Washington, D.C.,
http://www.artukraine.com/auc/index.htm; MEMBERS:
A. UKRAINIAN AMERICAN COORDINATING COUNCIL,
(UACC), Ihor Gawdiak, President, Washington, D.C., New York, NY
B. UKRAINIAN FEDERATION OF AMERICA (UFA),
Dr. Zenia Chernyk, Chairperson, Vera M. Andryczyk, President,
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. http://www.artukraine.com/ufa/index.htm
C. U.S.-UKRAINE FOUNDATION (USUF), Nadia Komarnyckyj
McConnell, President; John A. Kun, VP/COO; Markian Bilynskyj, VP, Dir.
of Field Operations; Kyiv, Ukraine and Washington, D.C., website:
http://www.usukraine.org .
2. UKRAINE-U.S. BUSINESS COUNCIL, Kempton Jenkins, President,
Washington, D.C.
3. UKRAINE BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL (UBI), Chicago,
Washington, New York, London, Brussels, Prague, Kyiv
4. KIEV-ATLANTIC UKRAINE, David and Tamara Sweere, Founders
and Managers; Kyiv, Ukraine; Myronivka, Ukraine
5. POTENTIAL, the launching of a new business journal for Ukraine.
http://www.usukraine.org/potential.shtml
6. INTERNATIONAL MARKET REFORM GROUP (IMRG),
Washington, D.C.; Brussels, Belgium; Kyiv, Ukraine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KYIV vs. KIEV--SPELLING POLICY--CHORNOBYL vs. CHERNOBYL
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" uses the spelling KYIV (Ukrainian)
rather than KIEV (Russian), whenever the spelling decision is under our
control. We do not change the way journalists, authors, reporters, the news
media spell these words or the other words they use in their stories.

TO SUBSCRIBE (FREE)
If you know of one or more persons you think would like to be added to
the distribution list for "THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04 please
send us their names, country of residence, and e-mail contact information.
We welcome additional names. To subscribe please send a subscription
request e-mail to Morgan Williams, morganw@patriot.net. Past issues of
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-03 (125 reports) and UR-04 will
be sent upon request. Let us know if you want the Report sent to a different
e-mail address. Please let us know if you are receiving more than one copy
of the Report. LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/aur/aur1.htm

TO UNSUBSCRIBE
UNSUBSCRIBE: If you do not wish to receive future editions of
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04, up to five times per week,
please be sure and notify us by return e-mail to morganw@patriot.net.

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
Mr. E. Morgan Williams, Coordinator, Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC)
Publisher and Editor: "THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"-04,
www.ArtUkraine.com Information Service (ARTUIS), and the
http://www.ArtUkraine.com News and Information Website.
Senior Advisor, Government Relations, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation (USUF);
Advisor, Ukraine-U.S. Business Council, Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: P.O. Box 2607, Washington, D.C. 20013,
Tel: 202 437 4707, morganw@patriot.net
====================================================