"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT"
An International Newsletter
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"
INDEPENDENCE DAY IN UKRAINE!
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
13th Anniversary of the Restoration of Ukrainian Independence in 1991
Ukraine first declared Independence on January 22, 1918
FIFTEEN OLYMPIC MEDALS FOR UKRAINE!
GOLD ---Valeri Goncharov Gymnastics Parallel Bars
GOLD ---Yuri Nikitin Gymnastics Trampoline
GOLD ---Yuriy Bilonog Track & Field Shot Put
GOLD ---Olena Kostevych Shooting 10m Air Pistol
GOLD ---Yana Klochkova Swimming 200m Medley
GOLD ---Yana Klochkova Swimming 400m Medley
GOLD ---Nataliya Skakun Weightlifting 58-63kg
GOLD ---Irini Merleni Wrestling Under 48kg
SILVER-- Roman Gontyuk Judo 73-81kg
SILVER-- Taran/Katinina/
Matevusleva Sailing Yngling
BRONZE-Hrachov/Serdyuk/
Ruban Archery Team
BRONZE-Vladislav Tretiak Fencing Individual Saber
BRONZE-Grin/Bilushchenko/
Lykov/Shaposhnikov Rowing Quadruple Sculls
BRONZE-Andriy Serdinov Swimming 100m Butterfly
BRONZE-Morozova/Kolesnikova/
Olefirenko/Dementyeve Rowing Quadruple Sculls
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT" Year 04, Number 147
The Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC), Washington, D.C.
Ukrainian Federation of America (UFA), Huntingdon Valley, PA
morganw@patriot.net, ArtUkraine.com@starpower.net (ARTUIS)
Washington, D.C.; Kyiv, Ukraine, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2004
-----INDEX OF ARTICLES-----
"Major International News Headlines and Articles"
1. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT'S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH
CALLS ON HIS SUCCESSOR TO CONTINUE SAME COURSE
"I repeat, not a rejection and not a change, but a continuation."
UT1, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 23 Aug 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Monday, Aug 23, 2004
2. QUEEN OF U.K. ELIZABETH II WISHES UKRAINIAN HAPPY &
PEACEFUL FUTURE ON OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Daria Hluschenko, Ukrainian News, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sat, Aug 21, 2004
3. GREETINGS FROM VICTOR YUSHCHENKO TO THE CITIZENS
OF UKRAINE ON THE DAY OF INDEPENDENCE
PM and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Our Ukraine Website, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, August 23, 2004
4. UKRAINIAN CARDINAL HUSAR VISITS ROCHESTER AND
IRONDEQUOIT IN NEW YORK TO CELEBRATE 13TH
ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE IN 1991
By Cynthia Benjamin, Staff writer, Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester, New York, Sunday, August 22, 2004
5. "FROM UKRAINE, A CANADIAN HERO"
A soldier of the Great War, Filip Konowal
COMMENTARY by Lubomyr Luciuk, National Post
Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, Monday, August 23, 2004
6. VICTOR YUSHCHENKO HAS APPEALED TO THE PRESIDENT
LEONID KUCHMA TO DISCHARGE THE PROSECUTOR
GENERAL HENNADIY VASYLIEV
MP and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Open Letter to Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma
Press Service of Viktor Yushchenko, Kyiv, Mon, Aug 23, 2004
7. REPRESSIONS AGAINST "VOLIA" - PROSECUTOR GENERAL
HENNADIY VASILIEV WANTS ALL KYIV TO WATCH "KIEV RUS"?
Ukrainska Pravda (Ukrainian truth) website, Kyiv, Sat, Aug 21, 2004
8. SOUTH OSSETIA S.O.S.
"I am calling upon Washington, Brussels and the entire international
community to take a more active role in defusing tensions in South Ossetia."
COMMENTARY: By Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia
The Wall Street Journal, New York, NY, Monday, August 23, 2004
9.RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SUPPORTS BELARUSSIAN PRES
LUKASHENKO REGARDING STATEMENTS BY US SENATOR
JOHN MCCAIN SAYING LUKASHENKO WAS A DICTATOR
Associated Press, Moscow, Russia, Monday, August 23, 2004
10. U.S. CRITICIZES UKRAINE'S DANUBE CANAL PROJECT
Associated Press, Washington, D.C, Monday, August 23, 2004
11. UKRAINE STANDS BY BRODY-PLOCK PIPELINE PROJECT
Polish News Bulletin, Warsaw, Poland, Monday, Aug 23, 2004
12.UKRAINIAN MAFIA COLLECT 100,000 POLISH ZLOTY A DAY
BY CONTROLLING POLISH-UKRAINIAN BORDER CROSSING
Ukrainian customs officers work for the mafia
Warsaw Business Journal, From Poland A.M
Warsaw, Poland, Monday, August 23, 2004
13. THREE NEW ARTICLES FROM ZERKALO NEDELI
Independence Day Poll, the Election Commission, Yuliya Tymoshenko
Zerkalo Nedeli on the Web, Mirror-Weekly
International Social Political Weekly, Ukraine, Sat, Aug 21-27, 2004
14. RUSSIA SLAMS LITHUANIA'S "OCCUPATION" RHETORIC
Defends the Soviet Union which saved humanity from the 'brown plague'
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow, in Russian, 20 Aug 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Fri, August 20, 2004
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147 ARTICLE NUMBER ONE
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1. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT'S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH
CALLS ON HIS SUCCESSOR TO CONTINUE SAME COURSE
"I repeat, not a rejection and not a change, but a continuation."
UT1, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 23 Aug 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Monday, Aug 23, 2004
KIEV - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has called on his successor to
continue the same political course. Kuchma, whose term ends later this year,
is delivering his last Independence Day address at a gala meeting in Kiev to
mark the 13th anniversary of Ukraine's break from the Soviet Union. The
address is broadcast live on Ukrainian state-owned UT1 television.
Summing up the 10 years of his presidency and the early years of
independence, Kuchma described Ukraine's development as a "wandering
in the wilderness" and said that its path of reforms had been much more
difficult than in any other newly independent state in Eastern Europe.
"It is unlikely that anywhere in Europe, or even in the world is there a
nation that had to resist the catastrophic consequences of a 300-year lack
of statehood and for centuries was divided between empires."
He said that now the people wanted stability and that it was important for
the next president not to make any radical changes: "The length of the
process of Ukraine's transformation objectively requires that we ensure
continuity in the political course. The next decade must be - and I am
convinced that it will be - a continuation and not a change, not a rejection
of the decade that is ending. I repeat, not a rejection and not a change,
but a continuation."
Kuchma is seen as supporting Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych as his
successor, rather than the more pro-Western opposition leader Viktor
Yushchenko. Recently, the president and prime minister made a number
of important concessions to Russia, allowing it to pump oil through a
controversial pipeline and dropping the NATO membership goal from
the military doctrine. (END) (ARTUIS)
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER TWO
The Action Ukraine Coalition, "Working to Secure Ukraine's Future"
=======================================================
2. QUEEN OF U.K. ELIZABETH II WISHES UKRAINIAN HAPPY AND
PEACEFUL FUTURE ON OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Daria Hluschenko, Ukrainian News, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sat, August 21, 2004
KYIV - Queen of the United Kingdom and the Northern Ireland Elizabeth II
has congratulated Ukrainians on the Independence Day, which Ukraine
celebrates on August 24, and wished them happy future. Ukrainian President
Leonid Kuchma's press service said this to Ukrainian News, quoting a
telegram received.
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second on occasion of the Holiday wished
the head of Ukrainian state and the people of Ukraine happy and peaceful
future," the statement reads. On August 24, Ukraine will mark the 13th
anniversary of its Independence. (END)(ARTUIS)
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER THREE
A leading news source for thousands around the world
=======================================================
3. GREETINGS FROM VICTOR YUSHCHENKO TO THE CITIZENS
OF UKRAINE ON THE DAY OF INDEPENDENCE
PM and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Our Ukraine Website, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, August 23, 2004
Dear Compatriots!
The Day of Independence is always a reminder of a great event that
gave the Ukrainian nation the opportunity to choose its fate. It has
affected the lives of every one of us, the future of our children and all of
our descendants. Having a state has always been connected with most of
the spiritual values of a nation: the respect of human dignity, the love of
freedom and striving for social justice. The hopes of the nation were
proclaimed in the government manifesto by Bohdan Chmelnytskiy: 'For
everybody in the whole of Ukraine to have rights and our nation to rise
from slavery'. The words of this great Hetman apply equally to us today.
We, the citizens of Ukraine, are happy for our dream of a Ukrainian
state to come true. We are proud to be recognized in the world and we hope
for a European future. Every working day, and on holidays, every one of us
wants to be sure of tomorrow just as we want to be sure of future of our
country. We expect that every year of independence will bring us new
prospects, progress, and prosperity.
But not all of our hopes have become reality. Two thirds of Ukrainians
live beneath the poverty line; our rights and freedoms are being violated
and our state humiliated.
The Kuchma-Medvedchuk-Yanukovych regime is building for itself an
independence from the citizens and from the interests of the nation. Its
main 'achievement' is putting billions in the pockets of a few people - and
the lowest wages and pensions for all the rest. Today it is clear that it is
not possible to wait for prosperity, equality and democracy to be delivered
by the people in power today.
We, the citizens of Ukraine, strive for changes. We want missed
opportunities to become a thing of the past. We know that today Ukraine
needs a new government that will lead the country out of this dark corner.
Nevertheless, today's regime does not want to admit that it is
bankrupt. Those in power are aware that they are losing the game, and they
see their escape in domination, provocation and attempts to intimidate those
who stand against them. The people in power obtrude the state, blocking the
much-needed political reform solely in order to stay in power. For a long
time now the citizens have not trusted those in power. The opposition
against illegality is starting to be successful. It is harder now for the
regime to hide its fear and debility. A new era is approaching for Ukraine:
an era of responsibility and patriotism. On the day of the election we will
go to the bays and we will vote only according to our conscience. Every vote
will be counted. The people will chose a new, honest leadership and their
choice will be recognized.
We can make the dream of a worthwhile life transform into a clear
plan, and that plan into reality. I know how to do that. The National Bank,
led by me, has created a stable Hryvnya, which has won trust both in
Ukraine and throughout the world. The government, led by me, has created
economic growth for the first time in Ukraine, and is still doing so today.
In the year 2000 everybody felt that in their purses, but not in statistical
reports. I have proved that our state can honestly pay off debts, raise
salaries and pensions, and create more jobs. I have shown that we can do
everything with our money, not borrowing a penny.
I am going to the presidential post. My plan of action is 'Ten Steps
to the People' - this is a fulfillment of the people's expectations. We will
create five million new job positions; we will give these jobs to the hands
and minds of everyone. Nobody will need to find a better life abroad.
Pensions and salaries will provide a worthwhile life for everybody. An
effective medical care will become available; and the youth will be able to
get a better education. We will stop the plundering of the country; and we
will stop the moral degradation.
Together, the nation will leave in the past the resistance which has
divided it until now. The state will be on the side of our unity.
Ukraine will be respected in the world for its honest and thoughtful
politics which will guarantee its security, assist economic partnership, and
secure the rights of compatriots abroad. Our relationship with Russia will
be mutually advantageous, friendly and stable.
I believe that we will strengthen the independence of Ukraine and will
change our lives for the better.
Together we will win!
Glory to our people and glory to Ukraine!
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[LINK to Independence greetings: http://www.razom.org.ua.]
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER FOUR
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=======================================================
4. UKRAINIAN CARDINAL HUSAR VISITS ROCHESTER AND
IRONDEQUOIT IN NEW YORK TO CELEBRATE 13TH
ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE IN 1991
By Cynthia Benjamin, Staff writer, Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester, New York, Sunday, August 22, 2004
IRONDEQUOIT, New York - Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, patriarch of
the Ukrainian Catholic Church [Lviv, Ukraine], made a rare visit to
Rochester and Irondequoit on Saturday to celebrate the 13th anniversary
of the Eastern European country's independence.
Husar's visit was considered an honor for residents of the Rochester area,
where more than 25,000 Ukrainians live. About 15,000 of them are in
Irondequoit.
"When he walked in, I felt such a spiritual atmosphere around him," said
Lesia Telega of Irondequoit. "You can tell he is devoted not just to
Ukrainian Catholics but to the rebirth of the Ukraine."
Husar has been traveling to raise money to build a Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral in Kiev, the nation's capital. About 200 people greeted him at
a ceremony Saturday at the new Ukrainian monument, located on the
grounds of Irondequoit Town Hall.
In his speech, which was first in Ukrainian and then in English, Husar
talked of human dignity, justice and a better future for Ukrainians. Ukraine
declared its independence from Russia on Aug. 24, 1991. Each year,
Ukrainians celebrate their independence but this was the first time Husar,
the major archbishop and cardinal of the Ukrainian Catholic Church since
2001, has joined the celebration in the Rochester area.
"This is major," said Nataliya Shulga, president of the Rochester Ukrainian
Group. "I feel wonderful because of all the dreams of (Ukrainian) people who
were fighting (for freedom). And we have this beautiful person rebuilding
this church." Irondequoit Supervisor David Schantz said the town will now
observe Ukrainian Independence Day.
Several Ukrainian churches participated and events featured music by Golden
Strings Instrumental Ensemble. Ukrainian Bishop Basil Losten of Stamford,
Conn., attended, and Roman Catholic Bishop Matthew Clark was expected to
join a pontifical divine liturgy Mass Saturday evening. Husar also conducted
a prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Epiphany, which is
located at 202 Carter St. (CBENJAMI@DemocratandChronicle.com)
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 147: ARTICLE NUMBER FIVE
Join the free distribution list of The Action Ukraine Report
=======================================================
5. "FROM UKRAINE, A CANADIAN HERO"
A soldier of the Great War, Filip Konowal
COMMENTARY by Lubomyr Luciuk, National Post
Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, Monday, August 23, 2004
I was standing over his grave when the verses came to me: "I once was lost,
but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.... Through many dangers, toils
and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home."
How apt a devotional for a Canadian hero, Filip Konowal.
I first heard of him in the early 1980s. In those days, Konowal was
"lost" -- unknown except to a few.
There was no Ukraine when Konowal came to Canada, they said, only
Imperial Russia. Ukrainians were just "little Russians." Those claiming
otherwise were pesky "emigre nationalists." People ignored how he identified
himself as Ukrainian. So I empathized with Konowal. They didn't want me to
be a Ukrainian, either.
In Ottawa's Notre Dame cemetery, where he has been since 1959, scarcely
a trace of him could once be found, save for a small tablet, flush to the
ground. How ironic that Konowal lies not far from prime minister Sir Wilfrid
Laurier, a good man who opposed branding Ukrainians and other Europeans
as "enemy aliens" during Canada's first national internment operations.
Yet, from 1914-20, thousands were herded into camps, stripped of what
little wealth they had and later disenfranchised. That happened as other
Ukrainians, like Konowal, were loyally volunteering for the Canadian
Expeditionary Force, some lying to enlist -- calling themselves Russians,
for example.
Across Canada, and even in his ancestral village of Kutkivchi, Konowal was
unremembered, save for his name inscribed over Branch 360 of the Royal
Canadian Legion on Toronto's Queen Street West. It was not then the trendy
area it is today.
Why should Konowal have been better known? Because he was a hero.
During the Battle of Hill 70 in August, 1917, just beyond Vimy Ridge,
Corporal Konowal's exploits were so daring that His Majesty, King George
V, personally awarded him the Victoria Cross. And also because he was
archetypically Canadian -- an immigrant, forest worker, soldier, a man who
persevered through hard times, losing his first wife during the genocidal
Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Soviet Ukraine. He married a French-Canadian
widow, learned her tongue, worked as a janitor on Parliament Hill, never
bragging of his VC, save for joking how he cleaned up with a mop as once he
mopped up with a rifle.
Mainly due to Branch 360, a campaign to recover Konowal's memory began
in 1995. Much was done. A proper headstone was consecrated. Trilingual
historical plaques were unveiled at sites connected with his life -- one at
the Toronto Legion, whose honorary patron he is; another in the Governor
General's Foot Guards Armoury in Ottawa, home of the 77th Regiment; a
third in the Armoury of The Royal Westminster Regiment, in Richmond, B.C.,
for he fought in the 47th's ranks. And a marker was placed at the Ukrainian
Canadian Centennial Park in Dauphin, Man.
His bust even graces the village where descendants occupy the family home.
And a bas-relief will be unveiled next August, near Lens, France.
With Ukraine having re-emerged in Europe, Konowal is also no longer called
a Russian. Curators and commentators alike concede he was Ukrainian-
Canadian and most acknowledge Ukrainians weren't Russians -- then, now
or ever.
Still, something remained "lost" -- his Victoria Cross. Spokesmen for the
Canadian War Museum vowed it was just misplaced, astray in their
collections. We thought it was stolen, but couldn't prove it -- until April
this year, when an e-mail came from England. A writer named Iain Stewart
reported Konowal's VC for sale by Jeffrey Hoare Auctions, of London, Ont.
Immediate steps were taken to have the RCMP secure and authenticate the
medal. Unquestionably, it is Konowal's. Undeniably, it had been filched from
the museum.
By whom? Where was it? This tale has yet to be told. But, thanks to the
CBC's Geoff Ellwand, we know that in the early 1990s a well-dressed
woman in her thirties brought it and a Hawaiian silver dollar into a local
coin dealer's shop. Told, wrongly, that both were fakes, she sold them,
got $20 and went away content.
And so, today, on the 87th anniversary of the Battle of Hill 70, Konowal's
Victoria Cross is returning to its rightful owners, the people of Canada.
His prodigal medal will become a centrepiece in the new Canadian War
Museum's First World War galleries. It will be where it belongs.
As a soldier of the Great War, Konowal must have heard the magnificent
hymn Amazing Grace. Hoot, if you will, but I am a man of faith. That
spiritual's comforting words intruded just as I paused where he rests. So I
know Konowal has been found. And that grace led him home. (END)
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Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of political geography at the Royal Military
College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, and director of research for the
Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association (UCCLA).
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER SIX
Ukrainian Information Website: http://www.ArtUkraine.com
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6. VICTOR YUSHCHENKO HAS APPEALED TO THE PRESIDENT
LEONID KUCHMA TO DISCHARGE THE PROSECUTOR
GENERAL HENNADIY VASYLIEV
MP and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Open Letter to Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma
Press Service of Viktor Yushchenko, Kyiv, Mon, Aug 23, 2004
Mr. President,
According to the Constitution, The President of Ukraine is a warrantor of
civil rights and civil liberties. You have stated yourself repeatedly that
you would provide honest and transparent presidential election in Ukraine.
Though, the beginning of the election campaign shows that the all power
structures are working for the sake of one pro-governmental candidate - the
current Prime-Minister Victor Yanukovych. The General Prosecutor's Office
asserts the rights and liberties of only person - Victor Yanukovych rather
than those of Ukrainians.
The GPO is an active illegal member of the election process on the side of
the pro-governmental candidate. The MIA officials follow the candidate for
presidency on Ai-Petri. They organize provocation on the motorway with
the driver of a lorry. They upset meetings with the candidates who dare
criticize authorities. It was reported about threat to the life of the
presidential contender. Still the Prosecutor General failed to respond to
this fact.
Instead, the citizens were made to sign in favour of Victor Yanukovych and
to take part in rallies in support of Victor Yanukovych. Without reason they
bring criminal cases against the people's deputies who state their
positions. Inexorable pressure is put on the adherents of those candidates
who resist the government. The principle of presidential contenders' equal
access to the media is violated for the sake of the pro-governmental
candidate. Still the Prosecutor General failed to respond to this fact.
The GPO does not investigate the case of Georgi Gongadze. The
Mukachevo case, the symbol of criminal "outrage" during elections, is
buried in the dark corners of the GPO. Still the Prosecutor General failed
to respond to this fact.
The apotheosis of the use of administrative resources is the tragedy in
Zhytomyr region: August 21, Alik Aslanov, a resident of the Zeremlia
village (Baranovskyi district, Zhytomyr oblast) poured gasoline over his
body and set himself alight in front of the regional Prosecutor's Office.
Alik Aslov took this step after the head of the local administration Mr.
Dykyi had cynically refused to provide him with necessary equipment
because Alik Aslanov was collecting signatures and agitating for the
presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko. These unjust and illegal
actions have driven a person to self-immolation. This is a big tragedy for
the family consisting of five children where the youngest one is five-
month-old. Nevertheless, our government spares no effort to ensure
its candidate's victory.
Not only the live person was burning but the fire gutted the rest of the
legality and justice in this country. Those responsible for this tragedy
are to be punished.
The political responsibility for the tragedy lies with the Prime-Minister
Victor Yanukovych for whose sake the total administrative terror is
organized. And the Prosecutor General Mr. Vasyliev is to account for
these unlawful actions, having turned into the advocate of the interests
of one person, named Yanukovych.
Thus, I appeal to you to discharge immediately the Prosecutor General
Hennadiy Vasyliev, to keep your promises, and to provide honest and
transparent presidential election in Ukraine.
Victor Yushchenko
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LINK to letter: http://www.yushchenko.com.ua
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER SEVEN
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7. REPRESSIONS AGAINST "VOLIA" - PROSECUTOR GENERAL
HENNADIY VASYLIEV WANTS ALL KYIV TO WATCH "KIEV RUS"?
Ukrainska Pravda (Ukrainian truth) website, Kyiv, Sat, Aug 21, 2004
KYIV - The arrest of the leaders of "Volia-cable" can be connected
with attempts by the Prosecutor General Hennadiy Vasyliev to obtain
more beneficial conditions for the broadcasting of his own television
channel "Kiev rus".
This was said in a comment to "Ukrainska Pravda" (Ukrainian truth) by
Mykola Tomenko, Chairman of the Parliament Committee on Freedom
of Speech".
According to Tomenko, the other day "Volia-cable" got an order from the
Procurator of Dniprovskiy district in Kyiv "on investigating the claims of
six people regarding the restriction of their rights to watch any programs
in the "Volia-cable" "social' package.
The Procurator demanded "the immediate elimination of the violation of the
law on protection of consumers' rights" for those who wanted to watch
"Kiev rus" channel in the "social package" of "Volia-cable" operator. It is
cheaper than the "commercial package" where "Kiev rus" is presently being
shown.
Tomenko said that the order was signed by Lenskiy, Procurator of
Dniprovskiy district in Kyiv. "I can interpret this as abuse by the
Procurator of his official position and obvious incompetence in media
legislation", noted Tomenko.
He said all experts know that the "Kiev rus" channel is under the control
of Procurator General Vasyliev.
"If you consider "Volia" as a business enterprise, it is the same as if one
would come to a supermarket and demand the selling of only "Electron"
TV sets, as they are locally produced and cheaper, and thus "social",
explained Tomenko.
Tomenko also noted that the new arrest of Serhiy Boiko, director of
the company, coincided with the decision of Procurator's Office of
Dniprovskiy district in Kyiv.
"In this order I can see am ulterior motive for the harsh action of the
Procurator General's office, who arrested, for the second time, the
leader of "Volia" Serhiy Boiko, who did not hide himself but stayed
in Kyiv", added Tomenko.
As it is known, the tax police of the Dniprovskiy district in Kyiv opened
a criminal case against the director of "Volia-cable" Serhiy Boiko and
chief accountant Lesia Kysylevska and brought charges regarding the
evasion of large amounts of tax payments.
"Ukrainska pravda" (Ukrainian truth) requested commentary from the
press service of the Procurator General's office or a reaction of Hennadiy
Vasyliev to Tomenko's statement. We were told that the office will
provide their comments if they deem that necessary. (END)
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[Original article was published in Ukrainian. The article was translated
from Ukrainian into English by the www.ArtUkraine.com Information
Service (ARTUIS) in Kyiv.]
====================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER EIGHT
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8. SOUTH OSSETIA S.O.S.
"I am calling upon Washington, Brussels and the entire international
community to take a more active role in defusing tensions in South Ossetia."
COMMENTARY: By Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia
The Wall Street Journal, New York, NY, Monday, August 23, 2004
TBLISI, Georgia -- Not long ago, the people of Georgia launched a bold
and uncertain experiment. After years of decline and chronic lawlessness,
they stood up last fall to defend their democracy in what has since been
called the Rose Revolution.
At the time, a chorus of regional voices predicted Georgia's rapid demise,
claiming that liberal values and democratic principles could never take
root in the Caucasus, and that soon Georgia would collapse under the
weight of entrenched corruption, poor governance and regional separatism.
Despite the tragic violence in South Ossetia recently, the people of Georgia
will continue to prove the pundits wrong. A review of the current situation
explains why.
Earlier this month, South Ossetian separatists attacked and killed several
Georgian servicemen. They died while trying to maintain peace in the South
Ossetia region of Georgia, a small but integral area of our country where a
separatist war raged 12 years ago and is now in the midst of a humanitarian
crisis. Ironically, the impetus behind this reckless wave of aggression has
its roots in Georgia's very success. After assuming the presidency of
Georgia late last year, I made it a priority to reunite our country and
clamp down on corruption and the rampant smuggling activity that
destabilized the entire state and contributed to its economic freefall.
The first step in Georgia's peaceful reunification came this May.
Courageous activists in the Black Sea region of Ajara forced out a local
dictator who for years outlawed political pluralism and free media,
undermined efforts to hold democratic elections and threatened to secede
from Georgia. Afraid to face the people he once terrorized, Ajara's former
dictator fled to Moscow, where hardliners generously offered him safe haven.
With the Ajara example in mind, it is no wonder that the separatist regime
in South Ossetia, which has thrived for so many years off criminality, now
finds itself uncomfortable with Georgia's democratic success. Because the
Georgian government recently introduced robust measures that significantly
reduced the amount of smuggling to and from South Ossetia, the de facto
leadership in this lawless region saw their income threatened and have
resorted to violence. Georgian servicemen were killed in order to provoke
a confrontation that they hoped would undermine Georgia's credibility and
standing in the international community.
For millennia, Georgia has prided itself on being a multi-ethnic, open-
minded society. Ethnic and religious tolerance has always been a central
component of our identity. As evidence of this -- even as separatist
activity and tensions brought on by the South Ossetians continue to mount
-- the government of Georgia has maintained its policy of resettling
refugees from all ethnic backgrounds and religions from Russia back
to Georgia.
Unfortunately, the attitude of South Ossetian authorities and certain
elements within the Russian government have brought the situation to the
brink of a major armed conflict. While Georgia has gone to great lengths
not to respond to dangerous provocations, I have also made it clear that
the security of our people is my highest priority and we will defend our
citizens from aggression. But it is because Georgia wants to solve this
issue through peaceful dialogue that I am calling upon Washington,
Brussels and the entire international community to take a more active role
in defusing tensions in South Ossetia.
How can the international community help find a peaceful solution through
political dialogue? A good start would be an active role for the
international community -- specifically the United States, European Union
and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) --
in high-level negotiations among the parties directly involved. This
dialogue should center on the following three issues: The first is the
demilitarization of South Ossetia. Paramilitary groups and arms deliveries
from Russia have played a major role in the escalation of tensions.
Therefore, an international peacekeeping operation that is balanced and
takes into consideration Georgia's Euro-Atlantic partners should be
mandated in South Ossetia to provide security for the population and
ensure the conditions for political negotiations towards a lasting
settlement.
Just as urgently, we must substantially broaden the existing international-
observer mission mandate in South Ossetia -- particularly by the OSCE.
Until now the OSCE monitoring mission has been limited to only six
monitors. It has also suffered from Russian efforts to keep OSCE
observers out of the northern zone of South Ossetia. That's where almost
all of the arms, drugs and other contraband enters South Ossetia from
Russia through the only road link into the region -- the Roki tunnel. So,
third, it is imperative to establish a joint Georgian-Russian customs and
border checkpoint at the Roki tunnel. Russia has continued to balk at the
establishment of such a checkpoint, even though it acknowledges that
South Ossetia is indeed part of Georgia's territory.
Georgia has close cultural links and a common history with Russia. We
have warm relations with our Russian partners that we hope to enhance.
We have made initial progress in our joint efforts to combat international
terrorism. I want to continue to have a productive working relationship
with Moscow, but when it comes to defending our citizens, there is a
distinct line representing protection of democratic values and territorial
integrity that needs to be respected.
Waging peace is full of risks but we will continue to press ahead with
reuniting the country through political empowerment, spreading the values
of liberal democracy, and promoting a common market in the Caucasus
as a precondition for integration into European security and economic
structures.
Despite the current tensions and blatant provocations, I remain fully
committed to resolving the South Ossetia issue through peaceful means
only. To help with this task, I call upon the international community --
because it shares my total commitment for a peaceful solution through
political dialogue -- to take concrete steps to help ensure that such a
process takes place. Anything less risks a further escalation of tensions
that can derail Georgia's young democracy and destabilize the entire
region. (END) (ARTUIS)
======================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER NINE
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9. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SUPPORTS BELARUSSIAN PRES
LUKASHENKO REGARDING STATEMENTS BY US SENATOR
JOHN MCCAIN SAYING LUKASHENKO WAS A DICTATOR
Associated Press, Moscow, Russia, Monday, August 23, 2004
MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin offered some support Monday to
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who was branded a dictator
by a U.S. senator over the weekend.
Senator John McCain used a visit to Latvia on Saturday to criticize
Lukashenko, whom he accused of installing a climate of fear, repression
and arbitrary rule. McCain called for using international pressure to help
remove Lukashenko.
Hosting Lukashenko at his Black Sea vacation residence in Sochi, Putin
said that "both we in this country and the Belarussian people must think for
themselves."
"We have always stood for independence and defended the right to
independently make any decisions in domestic policy and on the international
scene," Putin said. "Naturally, we will support this right of our allies."
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ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER TEN
Ukrainian Information Website: http://www.ArtUkraine.com
=======================================================
10. U.S. CRITICIZES UKRAINE'S DANUBE CANAL PROJECT
Associated Press, Washington, D.C, Monday, August 23, 2004
WASHINGTON - The State Department criticized Ukraine on Monday
for pushing ahead with a shipping canal project along the Danube River
despite an international outcry over the possible environmental
consequences.
Spokesman Adam Ereli said the Bush administration had publicly criticized
the project in May as it was getting under way.
Since then, "construction has continued unabated on the canal," Ereli said,
noting that protests have come from governments of Germany, Romania
and the European Union, as well as the World Conservation Union and the
World Wildlife Fund.
"We remain deeply concerned about the environmental impact of this
construction project and by the lack of action by the government of
Ukraine to be responsive to its treaty obligations and to the position
stated by other countries and the international organizations," Ereli said.
The administration maintains that the planned route for the canal will
probably cause significant environmental destruction to the Bystre Estuary,
an ecologically sensitive area of the Danube Delta.
According to the State Department, the biosphere region of the Danube
Delta provides crucial habitat for endangered species, vital nesting grounds
for over 300 species of migratory birds and spawning grounds that support
a vital herring fishery. (END) (ARTUIS)
=======================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER ELEVEN
Forward The Action Ukraine Report to all your associates in Ukraine
=======================================================
11. UKRAINE STANDS BY BRODY-PLOCK PIPELINE PROJECT
Polish News Bulletin, Warsaw, Poland, Mon, Aug 23, 2004
WARSAW - UKrTransNafta (UTN), the Ukrainian oil company, insists that
despite a recent agreement regarding the transit of Russian oil through
Ukraine, the construction of the Brody -Plock pipeline through which Caspian
oil is to be pumped to Poland and then to Western Europe, is not in danger.
However, UTN Deputy-Director General Roman Borsz admitted that the
existing section of the pipeline linking Odessa port with Brody on the
Polish-Ukrainian border will be used to pump Russian oil until the extension
linking Brody to Plock is constructed.
Meanwhile, the company Sarmatia, established by the Polish pipeline operator
PERN and UTN to construct the extension, is looking for investors to finance
the project. The main candidate is the American oil giant Chevron Texaco,
which is already exploiting Caspian oil fields and wants to export the oil
through Odessa, Brody and Plock to the EU. (END) (ARTUIS)
=======================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No.147: ARTICLE NUMBER TWELVE
Please send us names from Europe for the Report's distribution list
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12. UKRAINIAN MAFIA COLLECT 100,000 POLISH ZLOTY A DAY
BY CONTROLLING POLISH-UKRAINIAN BORDER CROSSING
Ukrainian customs officers work for the mafia
Warsaw Business Journal, >From Poland A.M
Warsaw, Poland, Mon, August 23, 2004
WARSAW - The Krakowiec-Korczowa Polish-Ukrainian border crossing,
used by 2 million drivers a year, generates over zl.100,000 a day for the
Ukrainian mafia. [One US dollar equals 3.6408 zloty] [Ukrainian Mafia
earns approximately $28,000 a day]
The money comes from those who want to cross the border without queuing.
Ukrainian customs officers who work for the mafia collect as much as zl.500
from each vehicle that otherwise would have to wait more than 48 hours.
Smugglers who cross the border several times a day pay a set sum of
between, $30-100.
"All you have to do is give. Don't be afraid of customs officers, they are
paid by us," said a source close to the mob. After you pay, all you have to
do to exit the EU is to say "Get out of my way!" to the border police and be
sure they open the gate and bow low. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1) D.W.
=======================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 147 ARTICLE NUMBER THIRTEEN
The Action Ukraine Coalition, "Working to Secure Ukraine's Future"
=======================================================
13. THREE NEW ARTICLES FROM ZERKALO NEDELI
Independence Day Poll, the Election Commission, Yuliya Tymoshenko
Zerkalo Nedeli on the Web, Mirror-Weekly
International Social Political Weekly, Kyiv, Sat, Aug 21-27, 2004
(1) "ON TOTAL INDEPENDENCE AND QUEEN VICTORIA'S
ADVICE," By Ludmila Shangina
Since 2001, the Rasumkov Center’s sociological service has been polling
Ukrainians about their attitude towards their country’s independence and
the celebration of Independence Day. This year, the nationwide poll of
2,014 respondents aged 18 and over was conducted from July 22nd-28th.
LINK: http://www.mirror-weekly.com/ie/show/508/47549/
(2) "ENTERING THE MATRIX THROUGH THE ELECTION
COMMISSION," By Yuriy Butusov
The matrix has come for 26 presidential candidates. Good Morpheus,
embodied in the Central Election Commission Head Serhiy Kyvalov,
presented the results of a software exercise aiming to form territorial
election commissions. All the candidates, except for the two major
opposition members, Viktor Yushchenko and Olexander Moroz,
seemed in awe of the high technology.
LINK: http://www.mirror-weekly.com/ie/show/508/47548/
(3) YULIYA TYMOSHENKO: "WE WILL ALL BE HELPFUL"
Interview by Olga Dmitricheva
She was last seen in public two months ago, signing a coalition agreement
with “Our Ukraine”, which signified her resignation from running as a
candidate in the presidential race and accepting a secondary role on
Viktor Yushchenko’s team.
LINK: http://www.mirror-weekly.com/ie/show/508/47547/
========================================================
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT-04, No. 147 ARTICLE NUMBER FOURTEEN
Ukrainian Information Website: http://www.ArtUkraine.com
========================================================
14. RUSSIA SLAMS LITHUANIA'S "OCCUPATION" RHETORIC
Defends the Soviet Union which saved humanity from the 'brown plague'
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow, in Russian, 20 Aug 04
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, August 20, 2004
MOSCOW - Moscow regards as untenable the attempts by Lithuanian
politicians to lay claims to compensation from Russia for Lithuania's
"occupation". This was the Russian Foreign Ministry's reaction today to
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus's utterances.
Adamkus said that Lithuania "has the same right to compensation for
damage as European countries which suffered from Nazi Germany".
"Attempts to equate Germany's Nazi regime, which unleashed a war of
aggression in Europe, with the Soviet Union, which saved humanity from
the 'brown plague', are perceived in our country as sacrilege," the Russian
Foreign Ministry stated.
"There are no grounds whatsoever for demands for compensation from
Russia to be made," Smolenskaya Ploshchad [Russian Foreign Ministry]
underlined. The ministry believes that "appeals that have been attempted
for so-called 'historic' justice to be restored can seriously damage the
development of international relations, even globally".
Russia calls on Lithuania to relinquish ideologically motivated
interpretations of history. "The hope is that a mindset in favour of a more
modern policy, whose aim would be to join forces for relations to be
established between Russia and Lithuania which would be on an equal
footing, mutually beneficial and free from stereotypes, will prevail in
Vilnius," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. (END) (ARTUIS)
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"POWER TENDS TO CORRUPT,
ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY"
An observation that a person's sense of morality lessens as his or
her power increases. The statement was made by Lord Acton, British
historian of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
True then, true today, true always.
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"Working to Secure Ukraine's Future"
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