ACTION UKRAINE REPORT - AUR
An International Newsletter, The Latest, Up-To-Date
In-Depth Ukrainian News, Analysis and Commentary
Ukrainian History, Culture, Arts, Business, Religion,
Sports, Government, and Politics, in Ukraine and Around the World
INDEPENDENCE DAY
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006
Ukraine's 15th Independence Day Since Fall of Soviet Union
ACTION UKRAINE REPORT - AUR - NUMBER 753
Mr. E. Morgan Williams, Publisher and Editor
PUBLISHED IN KYIV, UKRAINE, THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006
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-------- INDEX OF ARTICLES --------
Clicking on the title of any article takes you directly to the article.
Return to the Index by clicking on Return to Index at the end of each article
1. FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE
Fifteen years ago bells of joy pealed in Ukraine: our homeland.
STATEMENT: Orysia Sushko, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
2. ON THE OCCASION OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
GREETINGS FROM AMB OF UKRAINE TO THE U.S. OLEH SHAMSHUR
INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS: By Oleh Shamshur
Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States
Embassy of Ukraine to the United States
Original in Ukrainian, translated by Heather Fernuik for the AUR
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2006
3. UKRAINE: GROWING PAINS
As Ukraine prepares to celebrate Independence Day
EDITORIAL: Kyiv Post, Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
4. UKRAINE PUTS OFF SOME INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES
BECAUSE OF CRASH OF RUSSIAN AIRPLANE IN UKRAINE
UNIAN news agency, Kiev, in Ukrainian 1347 gmt 23 Aug 06
BBC Monitoring Service, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
5. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT UNVEILS MONUMENT TO LATE
OPPOSITION LEADER CHORNOVIL, ORDERS PROBE INTO DEATH
AP Worldstream, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
6. KYIV ERECTS MONUMENT TO VIACHESLAV CHORNOVIL
Leader of the Ukrainian people's movement
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
7. YUSHCHENKO HANDS OUT STATE AWARDS ON OCCASION
OF 15TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Wed, August 23, 2006
8. ROMANIA & UKRAINE: DEVELOPMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS,
ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF UKRAINE'S FOREIGN POLICY
INTERVIEW: With H.E Mr. Yuriy Malko, Ambassador of Ukraine in Romania
On the Occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine
Nine O'Clock, Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, August 24, 2006
9. 170 DIE IN UKRAINE AS RUSSIAN PLANE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTING
45 children killed in third major accident this year: Crash raises questions
over 'flying cigar' "The big question is: how the hell did the pilot get in
the middle of a thunderstorm?"
Tom Parfitt, Moscow, The Guardian,
London, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
10. THOUSAND AND ONE JOURNALISTS' WARNINGS
The statement of journalists and mass-media employees on assaults
of the freedom of speech in Ukraine.
STATEMENT: By Journalists and Mass-media Employees on
Assaults of the Freedom of Speech in Ukraine
Original statement in Ukrainian, translated by Irena Yakovina
Ukrayinska Pravda online, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, August 11, 2006
11. "'TURNKEY' CABINET"
People from Donbass dominate new Ukrainian deputy minister appointments
ANALYSIS: By Nataliya Romashova
Kiyevskiye Vedomosti, Kiev, in Russian 22 Aug 06; p 4
BBC Monitoring Service,United Kingdom, Wed, Aug 23, 2006
12. UKRAINE LEADER PROMISES NOT TO SIPHON RUSSIAN GAS
By Andrew E. Kramer, The New York Times
New York, New York, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
13. UKRAINE: "SOCHI TRIP. HE MADE HIMSELF RESPECTED AND
COULD NOT INVENT ANYTHING BETTER"
Ukrainian premier stands up to Russians in Sochi
ANALYSIS & COMMENTARY: By Iryna Havrylova
Source: Kiyevskiy Telegraf, Kiev, in Russian 18 Aug 06; p 2
BBC Monitoring Service, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
14. PRES & MRS YUSHCHENKO VISIT HOLODOMOR EXHIBITION
Press office of President Victor Yushchenko
Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
15. UKRAINE: PRESIDENT YUSHCHENKO EXPECTS PARLIAMENT
TO DECLARE 1932-1933 GREAT FAMINE ACT OF GENOCIDE
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
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1. FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE
Fifteen years ago bells of joy pealed in Ukraine: our homeland.
STATEMENT: Orysia Sushko, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Fifteen years ago bells of joy pealed in Ukraine: our homeland became a free
and independent state. Bells of joy pealed also three months later, on
December 1st during the referendum. And finally bells of joy pealed on
December 26th 2004, when the will of the people overcame the extraordinary
tribulations of the Orange Revolution.
These bells of joy rang in the hearts of millions of Ukrainians, living in
Ukraine and beyond its borders, and who fought for the independence of a
Ukrainian State over many long years.
They were a cry from our heroes, past and present, who throughout the
history of Ukraine stood together and will continue to stand in defense of
truth and freedom.
The sound of these bells reverberated across the entire globe wherever
Ukrainians are found and wherever beat Ukrainian hearts.
This sound is a sign of the victory of truth, which arose to forever stand
on guard for a free democratic Ukrainian State. The people are listening
closely to this sound.
They are aware that only freedom will defend all that is dear and important
to the life of every human being, give an opportunity to express one's views
freely, participate in truly democratic elections, and pray to God according
to one's chosen confession.
Despite the latest troubles in Ukraine, which cause and continue to cause us
concern, I am deeply convinced that our nation is strong enough to rise to
the high responsibility for its state and its destiny. It can never again
be led astray by internecine struggle.
We must believe that common reason, a sense of responsibility and deep
patriotism will prevail over all existing difficulties. It cannot be
otherwise.
We also want to believe that the bells, to which I alluded previously, will
not cease to ring and that the people will continue to listen to them in
order to improve the situation in Ukraine, understanding that these last
events will not deter the return to full democratic power.
All of us, Ukrainians in Canada, look forward impatiently toward the blessed
moment of our nation's return to a full, stable democracy. And while we
remain afar physically, spiritually we are always with Ukraine, for we are
all children of one mother - Ukraine.
Throughout many years we have tried to give moral and financial support to
Ukraine. We constantly prayed: "O Great, One and Only God, save our
Ukraine. Protect her with the rays of freedom and light." We continue to
pray in communion with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
While bringing these greetings to you on the occasion of the 15th
anniversary of the independence of Ukraine, I want to bring to mind the
moving words of Vasyl Symonenko that should forever become our
guiding light.
My people are! My people shall forever be!
No one shall invalidate my people!
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Contact: Ostap Skrypnyk, Executive Director
Ukrainian Canadian Congress, www.ucc.ca
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2. ON THE OCCASION OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
GREETINGS FROM AMB OF UKRAINE TO THE U.S. OLEH SHAMSHUR
INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS: By Oleh Shamshur
Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States
Embassy of Ukraine to the United States
Original in Ukrainian, translated by Heather Fernuik for the AUR
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Honoured Ukrainian community!
Dear fellow countrymen!
On behalf of the collective body of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United
States and myself personally I sincerely hail you with the Independence Day
of Ukraine!
Fifteen years ago the Ukrainian people won the independence dreamed of for
centuries. During this short-from a historical perspective-period Ukraine
came about as a state, and during the Orange Revolution, matured as a
political nation.
Undoubtedly the years of independence became a trial for all of us-a test of
maturity, of self-respect, of tolerance. And there cannot be any doubt in
that the industrious people of Ukraine are able to better life in their own
country and that the political elite are able to find ways to compromise,
national reconciliation and development.
The most recent political events in Ukraine demonstrated namely this: that
specifically dialogue, understanding and cooperation are the underpinnings
of true European politics.
We see Ukraine in a unified Europe; we are prepared to work towards our
goal gradually and steadfastly. The continuation of Ukraine's foreign policy
course towards integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures is
called to ensure the well-being and safety of its citizens.
We understand that the fundamental work is still ahead. However, we can
consolidate achievements and reach a new level of development in the modern
integrated world only together with our friends and partners.
A special role in this belongs to the Ukrainian-American collaboration that
proved its efficacy as a factor of facilitating the consolidation of the
independent Ukrainian State.
At the same time, the potential of our cooperation is far from exhausted,
and with optimism we are considering prospects for its further development.
The Ukrainian community of the United States plays a big role in the
cooperation of Ukraine and the USA and makes a colossal contribution so
that our Fatherland is known and respected throughout the entire world. For
Ukraine is that which unites all of us, regardless of where we live.
On this holiday we look to the future with confidence. The new Ukraine has
a chance to be at the heart of the prosperous, strong and influential
democracies. Therefore, let us together utilize the chance given us by God's
will and our own efforts.
Dear friends! I wish you health, happiness, successes in all of your
endeavors, and may the love of the Fatherland inspire us all to new ends,
new good works in the name of our Ukraine and her future generations!
Glory to Ukraine!
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3. UKRAINE: GROWING PAINS
As Ukraine prepares to celebrate Independence Day
EDITORIAL: Kyiv Post, Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
As Ukraine prepares to celebrate Independence Day it finds itself no longer
at the infancy stage but firmly in its teens, though full adulthood is still
at least a few years away. That is probably an accurate assessment of the
last 15 years.
Ukraine had a rocky, unsure start as it began the 1990s with two Leonids -
Kravchuk followed by Kuchma - at the helm. It sees in the start of its 16th
with two Viktors - Yushchenko and Yanukovych - steering the country.
At the beginning of independence many ordinary folk were confident, buoyed
by the feeling that resources-rich Ukraine would do better as an independent
state as the Soviet Union imploded and the referendum on independence
received the unanimous support of people in December 1991.
Kravchuk experienced huge inflation and Kuchma, promising reforms, found
that, like many other politicians, it is easier to promise than deliver. He
brought Ukraine some stability but was too busy playing off the European
Union and Russia on the foreign front and magnates and businesses on the
home front.
Viktor Yushchenko fought Viktor Yanukovych for the presidency and won only
for the latter to complete a remarkable return by returning as prime
minister with more powers than the president.
Fifteen years on, and less than two years after the Orange Revolution,
people's expectations have been tempered and, unfortunately, a level of
realism and sense of "stability", a word used unsparingly during the Kuchma
era, have set in. However, there is no doubt that Ukraine has made progress
in many respects.
Economically, much needs to be done but the mass media is now freer and the
political system is moving, albeit slowly, towards greater responsibility.
There is a plethora of political forces out there, giving the voter a wide
choice of ideology, even if the majority of the main players hail from the
Communist era and these forces do not resemble apparent counterparts in the
West.
Perhaps more importantly a responsive civil society is being formed, thanks
in part to the Orange Revolution. People now feel more confident about
standing up for their rights. Many thrifty business people, working mainly
in small and medium-sized companies created from scratch, are thriving.
However, it has to be said that progress by entrepreneurs has largely been
despite and not due to the efforts of the authorities over 15 years. Many
people have been weaned off looking to the state to provide for them from
"the cradle to the grave", as was the case in Soviet times.
A middle class is forming and as society becomes more stratified the danger
exists that unless an adequate social security system is put into place
society will be divided even more into "the haves and have nots". Such
social protection is vital during the lengthy transition from a command
economy to one based on free market lines.
Though it can be said that Ukrainian society is now more meritocratic than
before much still needs to be done to give people in rural areas the
opportunity and means to at least compete on a level playing field. Cosy
relationships and arrangements need to be challenged.
A start could be made from the very top by ensuring MPs and their relatives
declare all their interests, business or otherwise. Business and politics
have still not been separated.
The countryside has been neglected by all governments and parties of every
political color, despite promises to invest in the infrastructure.
Many big problems still exist - ubiquitous corruption and business
monopolies are just two. Excessive, pointless bureaucracy is a third. It
could be argued that time and opportunities have been squandered by
politicians in moving the country ahead.
However, for all that Ukraine is now firmly on the world map. No longer is
it known just because of Dynamo Kyiv, Chornobyl or the latest scandal. Now
it is known in the world for successful people like Ruslana, the Klitshcko
brothers and Andriy Shevchenko. It is known for quality products like its
steel, the Ruslan plane and the Kolchuga radar system.
It is known for the Carpathian Mountains, Crimea and wildlife reserves like
the Aakania-Nova Biosphere Reserve. Perhaps what Ukraine needs more than
anything is a new and youthful generation of politicians to move it on over
the next 15 years.
Perhaps then Ukraine will be able to make a qualitative big step to fulfill
the hopes and dreams of those who voted for independence back in 1991.
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http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/editorial/24981/
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4. UKRAINE PUTS OFF SOME INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES
BECAUSE OF CRASH OF RUSSIAN AIRPLANE IN UKRAINE
UNIAN news agency, Kiev, in Ukrainian 1347 gmt 23 Aug 06
BBC Monitoring Service, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
KIEV - Only ceremonial events will take place in Kiev and other Ukrainian
cities on Independence Day on 24 August, Deputy Prime Minister Dmytro
Tabachnyk has told journalists.
"There will be no parade-ground concert by 35 military orchestras, it will
be held on Saturday (26 August - UNIAN). Also on Saturday, there will be a
big folk concert, which has been prepared by the organizing committee, and a
pop concert prepared by the Culture Ministry and the Family and Sport
Ministry. The fireworks will also be put off and will end the concert,"
Tabachnyk said.
Accordingly, fireworks, concerts and festive shows in other Ukrainian cities
will also be postponed from 24 to 26 August, Tabachnyk said. [Passage
omitted: more details of Independence Day celebrations]
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko today signed a decree "The issue of
marking the 15th anniversary of Ukraine's independence", which moved some
of Independence Day festivities from 24 to 26 August.
The government appealed to central and local authorities to postpone
concerts and fireworks planned for 23-24 August due to the crash of a
Russian Tu-154 airliner in Donetsk Region [Ukraine] -30-
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5. UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT UNVEILS MONUMENT TO LATE
OPPOSITION LEADER CHORNOVIL, ORDERS PROBE INTO DEATH
AP Worldstream, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
KIEV - President Viktor Yushchenko unveiled a new monument to late
opposition leader Vyacheslav Chornovil on Wednesday, and ordered a new
investigation into the 1999 automobile crash that killed the popular
nationalist.
Authorities said the March 25, 1999, incident - in which the car Chornovil
was riding in slammed into the side of a truck _ was an accident, but doubts
grew when the government refused to investigate other theories and quickly
granted amnesty to the truck driver.
The crash occurred as Chornovil, who was expected to enter the 1999
presidential race, was returning from a campaign trip. A video-recorded
confession of alleged police involvement surfaced, but then was mysteriously
misplaced.
Former President Leonid Kuchma's government long dismissed allegations
that Chornovil's death was a political killing aimed at removing a potential
presidential rival.
Yushchenko called for the new probe as he unveiled a life-sized bronze
monument to Chornovil in the center of Kiev. "For the people in power and
law enforcement bodies, solving the case is an issue of professional
conscience and civic dignity," he said.
"I am sure that we must come to a totally different conclusion ... which is
likely to lead us to the fact that this wasn't just a mere accident,"
Yushchenko said.
Yushchenko came into office in 2004 and the investigation was reopened
after numerous requests from former party colleagues and Chornovil's
son Taras, a member of parliament.
Last fall, police said they suspected Chornovil's death was a political
killing, but the case again stalled. "It is obvious that it was not a usual
car accident," Chornovil's widow, Olena Pashko, said.
Chornovil was a dissident during the Soviet period who spent time in jail
for his political views, and he was instrumental in fostering Ukraine's
independence amid the Soviet collapse. -30-
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6. KYIV ERECTS MONUMENT TO VIACHESLAV CHORNOVIL
Leader of the Ukrainian people's movement
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
KYIV - The Kyiv city state administration has erected monument to Viacheslav
Chornovil, the leader of Ukrainian people's movement, on the corner of
Hrushevskoho Street and Muzeinyi Lane. The monument was unveiled by
President Viktor Yuschenko and Chornovil wife Atena Pashko.
'It is good that that we have another chance to remember this name...and
unveil the monument to this great person,' Yuschenko said. He also said that
words 'independence' and 'life of Viacheslav Chornovil' are synonyms.
Viktor Yuschenko said that when people speak about the desire to make
Ukrainian policy really Ukrainian, people remember things Chornovil entered
the politics with: Ukrainian language, sovereignty, integrity and
collegiality of the country. 'He (Chornovil) has to be among us today...,'
Viktor Yuschenko said.
He said that erection of the monument is symbolic on the eve of the
fifteenth Independence anniversary. In his turn, People's Rukh (Movement) of
Ukraine leader Borys Tarasiuk called on law enforcement agencies to fulfill
their constitutional duty and find out reasons of Chornovil death.
The monument is made of bronze, its height is 5 meters and weight is 6.5
tons. It depicts Chornovil walking through a wall.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, the municipal enterprise Department for
Reconstruction Works agreed with the creative and production enterprise
Hudozhnyk (Artist) on erection of monument to Viacheslav Chornovil the
leader of Ukrainian people's movement on the corner of Hrushevskoho Street
and Muzeinyi Lane. -30-
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7. YUSHCHENKO HANDS OUT STATE AWARDS ON OCCASION
OF 15TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Wed, August 23, 2006
KYIV - President Viktor Yuschenko has handed state awards on the occasion
of the 15th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence at Mariinskyi Palace. He
personally rewarded about 90 people.
Viktor Yuschenko awarded 10 people, who set Ukrainian national flag in Kyiv
in 1966 and in Chortkiv city (Ternopil region) in 1973, with first degree
order 'For Courage'; nine people with the degree of Hero of Ukraine and
State Order.
The president also awarded fourth and fifth degree Yaroslav The Wise orders.
The award was given to Former Premier Yurii Yekhanurov; Former Finance
Minister Viktor Pynzenyk and Former State Tax Administration Chairman
Oleksandr Kireev. Viktor Yuschenko congratulated Yurii Yekhanurov with his
birthday on August 23 and thanked him for his work on the post of Ukrainian
premier.
'I want to thank Yurii Ivanovych (Yekhanurov) for the work he did on the
post of Ukrainian premier...this is the person, who brought Ukraine
stability at the moment the country needed it the most,' the president said.
He also awarded orders: 'For Merits' of the first, second and the third
degrees; "Bohdan Khmelnytskyi" of the third degree; "For Courage" of the
third degree; "Princess Olga" of the third degree. He also awarded medal
'For Military Service to Ukraine'; and degree of 'People's Artist of
Ukraine' to Oleksandr Ponomariov.
The president also gave degrees of "honoured art worker", "honoured science
worker', "honoured journalist", "honoured folk art worker", "honoured
metallurgist", "honoured culture worker", "honoured social worker",
"honoured medical worker", "honoured miner", "honoured lawyer" and 'hero
mother.'
Viktor Yuschenko said that it is a great pleasure for him to award people,
who had made their contribution into democracy, sovereignty and independence
of Ukraine. 'It is a great pleasure for me to fulfill state mission and give
state awards,' Viktor Yuschenko said.
He called on the participants of the awarding ceremony to be more active in
discussions on language, territorial structure and religion of Ukraine.
'Your word will be powerful,' Viktor Yuschenko said.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Viktor Yuschenko awarded 756 people
on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence.
According to the presidential decree No.1177 of August 18, 2005, the
awarding ceremony is linked to five events: Ukrainian Independence Day;
Collegiality Day; Constitution Day; Victory Day on May 9 and Day of
Ukrainian Independence Endorsement via Referendum. -30-
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8. ROMANIA & UKRAINE: DEVELOPMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS,
ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF UKRAINE'S FOREIGN POLICY
INTERVIEW: With H.E Mr. Yuriy Malko, Ambassador of Ukraine in Romania
On the Occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine
Nine O'Clock, Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, August 24, 2006
[Question] On August 24 Ukraine celebrates the 15th anniversary of
proclaiming its independence. How does the Ukrainian diplomacy celebrate
this important date for your state?
[Ambassador Malko] The Ukrainian diplomats are guided in their activity
by priority tasks defined by the Program of President of Ukraine Viktor
Yushchenko "Ten steps towards people".
Ukraine cooperated almost with all countries on bilateral and multilateral
basis for the period after the presidential elections. The Ukrainian
diplomacy took active participation in solving important issues at global
stage.
Due to active and purposeful efforts of the Ukrainian diplomats we succeeded
in achieving specific outcomes on European and Euro-Atlantic directions.
Ukraine-EU closing has taken place. My country has consecutively followed
Ukraine-EU Action Plan.
In the beginning of 2006 the EU acknowledged Ukraine to be a market economy.
Abolition of discrimination obstacles provides the Ukrainian producers and
EU with new possibilities.
Currently Ukraine and the EU are considering the possibility of concluding a
new document which is to facilitate effective development of relations
between Ukraine and EU and to open the door to the EU.
Strategic character of Ukraine-NATO relations has become stronger and
stronger. The main political outcome is realization of the Intensified
Dialogue with NATO tasks on membership and proper reforms issues.
WTO membership is considered by MFA to be an important prerequisite of
successful realization of Ukraine's integration to the EU and NATO.
I am pleased to establish the fact that we received official confirmation of
the Romanian party on acceptability of Ukrainian tariff obligations and
proposals on accession to goods and services market.
That removes necessity of signing appropriate bilateral protocol. After
obtaining the WTO membership we hope for establishing a free trade area
between Ukraine and the EU.
[Question] What is the meaning of the National Day of Ukraine?
[Ambassador Malko] The Day of proclaiming Ukraine's independence -
August 24, 1991 - became an outstanding date in history of the Ukrainian
people.
The independence of Ukraine is the embodiment of the national ideal and
consecutive aspirations of many generations of our predecessors including
such famous historical figures as Volodymyr Velykyi, Yaroslav Mudriy, Bogdan
Hmelnitskiy, Pylyp Orlyk, Mihaylo Grushevskiy, Symon Petliura, Vasyl Stus
and many other brilliant representatives of the Ukrainian nation for free
development and independent determination of own nation's destiny.
The independence of Ukraine - represents the creation of new conditions for
economic development of the country, cultural and intellectual prosperity of
the Ukrainian nation and representatives of 135 national minorities who live
today on the territory of our state.
At last the independence of Ukraine - gave the possibility of the
introduction of its proper foreign policy directed at the protection of the
national interests of the state, accession of our state to common European
values of democracy and security.
One of important features of this event this year is conducting of the IV
World Forum of Ukrainians on the eve of the 15th anniversary of Ukraine's
independence.
That gave possibility to its participants to be present at many actions and
to feel the atmosphere of celebrating Independence Day on historical
Motherland.
[Question] Mr. Ambassador, how do you evaluate development of
Ukrainian-Romanian relations currently?
[Ambassador Malko] Answering your question I would like to note that
development of relations with neighbouring Romania on principles of good
neighborhood, mutual trust and constructive cooperation is one of priorities
of Ukraine's foreign policy.
More active political dialogue after Presidential elections which took place
in the autumn of 2004 both in Ukraine and Romania is a clear evidence of
that. Thus, two official visits and several working meetings of our states'
heads have taken place for a period of only year and a half.
These top level contacts proved mutual disposition of new political leaders
of our states for creation of favourable political, economic, legal and
information climate which would allow building further Ukrainian-Romanian
bilateral relation in European spirit. Unidirectionality of our foreign
policy priorities is completely obvious.
It is necessary to underline that Romania completely supports Ukraine's
course to European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Thus, the atmosphere of relations between Ukraine and Romania has changed
fundamentally recently. Now we have more trust, mutual understanding and
stronger desire to see as much as possible positive in your partner. Hence
we have grounds to think that we are on new stage of development of the
Ukrainian-Romanian relations.
The previous problems gradually find solutions and efforts of new authority
are focused on development of our considerable bilateral potential in
positive dimension. All this may create basis for providing breakthrough in
solving existing controversial problems.
In conclusion I would like to wish your readers strong health and optimism.
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9. 170 DIE IN UKRAINE AS RUSSIAN PLANE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTING
45 children killed in third major accident this year: Crash raises questions
over 'flying cigar' "The big question is: how the hell did the pilot get in
the middle of a thunderstorm?"
Tom Parfitt, Moscow, The Guardian,
London, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
A Russian airliner that crashed in eastern Ukraine yesterday killing all 170
passengers and crew on board was probably struck by lightning as it
encountered heavy turbulence, a preliminary investigation suggested last
night.
The Tu-154 was flying from the Black Sea resort of Anapa to St Petersburg
when it went down in open countryside about 30 miles north of the city of
Donetsk. More than a quarter of the aircraft's passengers were children.
Russia's transport ministry said bad weather had probably caused the crash
on flight 612. "A report about heavy turbulence came at 15.37 Moscow time
from the aircraft, which was at an altitude of 11,000 metres, and then the
plane disappeared from radar screens," a spokesman told Interfax.
St Petersburg-based Pulkovo airlines told reporters that the crew issued a
second distress signal from a lower altitude but air traffic controllers
could not make out the sentence that followed.
Aviation experts said the aircraft could survive a lightning strike, but
flight instruments may have been knocked out, disorienting the pilot. The
crash was the third major aviation tragedy in Russia this year.
Witnesses said the plane plunged into the ground intact, suggesting there
had not been an explosion on board. A large bang was heard in the nearby
village of Sukha Balka followed by a series of smaller bangs.
At least 45 children were among the dead, according to the airline. Most
passengers were thought to be Russian holidaymakers from St Petersburg
returning home, although foreigners including at least one Dutch citizen
were reportedly among the dead.
Andrei Tyutyunikov, a reporter with local newspaper Donetskiye Novosti, who
arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, told the Guardian the aircraft
had been destroyed. He said: "It's just in pieces. I can see one large chunk
with the letters on it. Emergency officials are dragging fragments of bodies
from the wreckage. There's no one left alive."
Television pictures showed firefighters dousing blackened hillside covered
in de bris. Thirty bodies were recovered by late afternoon. Rescuers
prepared to comb the wreckage through the night but they did not expect to
find any survivors.
Irina Andrianova, a spokeswoman for the Russian emergency situations
ministry, said a preliminary investigation indicated a lightning strike had
caused the disaster.
A team of medics and psychologists was dispatched to Pulkovo airport in St
Petersburg to help distraught relatives waiting for the flight. The
Ukrainian president, Viktor Yushchenko, cut short a holiday in Crimea to
monitor the situation.
A 60-strong Russian emergency ministry team also flew from Rostov to help
the rescue and clean-up effort. Relatives of the dead will be flown to the
site today to identify bodies.
In July, a Sibir airlines Airbus A-310 crashed and burst into flames after
veering off the runway in Irkutsk, killing 122 people. That accident was
blamed on a malfunction in a thrust reverser. Two months earlier 113 people
died when an Airbus A-320 belonging to Armenian airline Armavia crashed on
its way from Yerevan to Sochi. The disaster was attributed to the pilot
flying through bad weather.
The Tu-154 is known as the "flying cigar" because of its long fuselage and
cramped cabin space. It is still one of the most commonly used planes in
Russia.
"So far this crash is a mystery because the Tupolev is robust and every
aircraft has a weather radar," said David Learmount of Flight International
magazine. "The big question is: how the hell did the pilot get in the middle
of a thunderstorm?" (www.guardian.co.uk/russia)
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[return to index] [Action Ukraine Report (AUR) Monitoring Service]
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10. THOUSAND AND ONE JOURNALISTS' WARNINGS
The statement of journalists and mass-media employees on assaults
of the freedom of speech in Ukraine.
STATEMENT: By Journalists and Mass-media Employees on
Assaults of the Freedom of Speech in Ukraine
Original statement in Ukrainian, translated by Irena Yakovina
Ukrayinska Pravda online, Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, August 11, 2006
KYIV - On August 9, 10 and 11, 2006 Ukraine experienced a row of alarming
and annoying events which constituted a threat to the freedom of speech in
Ukraine.
[1] First, on August 9 in the centre of Kyiv correspondents of Nashe Radio
(Our Radio) station were kidnapped in broad daylight. They were taken out
to the forest, assaulted and intimidated. Ukrainian capital has gone through
such an overt banditry long ago.
[2] On August 10 Denis Ivanesko, the newly-appointed press-secretary of
Primer Viktor Yanukovych, forbade Channel 5 to telecast premier's press-
conference, thus violating the Laws "On information" and "On television
and radio broadcasting." The Cabinet of Ministers' press-service gave no
official explanations on the matter.
[3] At August 10 night the director of the Crimean broadcasting Foros
Company Fedor Saliy was assaulted too. A stranger attacked him without
any obvious reason, stroke him in the hand and run away as a TV company
employee appeared.
[4] On August 11 the press-secretary of Kyiv City State Administration
notified mass-media that its officials had limited journalists' access to
receiving information.
Besides, MP Oleh Kalashnikov who assaulted the film crew of STB TV
channel remains unpunished. De facto he is a member of Party of Regions,
although the faction leaders urge that their party has expelled him.
The case on assault of Chief Editor of Stolychni Novyny (Capital's news)
periodical Volodymyr Katsman is unprobed too. Investigation of Georgiy
Gongadze's case stays inexplicit.
We, journalists and mass-media employees, are deeply concerned about all
these events happened for such a short interval. Hoping that it is just a
coincidence, we still will do utmost to bar the return of censorship and
pressure on mass-media.
THEREFORE:
[1] We ask Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko to take investigations of cases
on assaults of mass-media workers under his personal control.
[2] We offer to found a civil council for the Public Relations Center for
the Interior Ministry aimed at ensuring an operative response on the crimes
against journalists and mass-media employees, coordinating actions with
Interior Ministry and giving a competent and quick assistance to assaulted
colleagues.
[3] We address Prime-minister Viktor Yanukovych to take measures to bar
restriction for mass-media to receive an open official information.
[4] We demand from the premier to punish his press-secretary Denis Ivanesko,
to issue the government's position on ban against live broadcasting of the
press-conference and to promise to prevent the similar situations further.
[5] We demand from the regional administrations and local authorities to
withdraw any limitations to mass-media access to an open information,
including accreditation in these regulatory bodies.
[6] We demand from the Prosecutor General's Office to issue the
investigation
course of Oleh Kalashnikov's assault of STB film crew and to give
information on other resonant crimes against journalists.
[7] We demand from the Party of Regions faction to give an official
information on MP Oleh Kalashnikov's membership, as the official papers
of the Verkhovna Rada read that he was not expelled from the faction.
In our turn we confirm our intentions to stand up for the freedom of speech
and our colleagues' safety by all possible means.
We warn that we are ready to trigger active protests in case the freedom of
speech is jeopardized.
You may support this statement by sending your signatures here:
info@telekritika.kiev.ua -30-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://www2.pravda.com.ua/en/news/2006/8/16/6107.htm
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[return to index] [Action Ukraine Report (AUR) Monitoring Service]
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11. "'TURNKEY' CABINET"
People from Donbass dominate new Ukrainian deputy minister appointments
ANALYSIS: By Nataliya Romashova
Kiyevskiye Vedomosti, Kiev, in Russian 22 Aug 06; p 4
BBC Monitoring Service,United Kingdom, Wed, Aug 23, 2006
Almost 40 of the 54 deputy minister portfolios have gone to people from the
Donbass in the new Ukrainian cabinet, a daily has reported.
The following is the text of the article by Nataliya Romashova entitled "
'Turnkey' cabinet" published in the Ukrainian daily Kiyevskiye Vedomosti on
22 August:
The staffing formation of executive structures in the government is being
completed. The lion's share of the newly appointed high-ranking cabinet
officials will represent the east of the country.
First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola Azarov paid particular attention to the
change of staff in the structure of the ministries and departments that form
the economic sector of the government.
The cabinet's official website reports that the first deputy chairman of the
State Tax Administration [STA] in Donetsk Region, Vadym Kayzerman, who
became the first deputy chairman of the STAU [State Tax Administration of
Ukraine] and the deputy head of the tax police directorate of the STA in
Donetsk Region, Valeriy Koryachkin, who swapped this job for the seat of
first deputy chairman of the STAU and head of the tax police, came here from
the Donbass [Donetsk Basin].
The head of a directorate of the State Customs Service in Donetsk Region,
Ruslan Cherkasskyy, became the first deputy chairman of the State Customs
Service of Ukraine.
What is more, just as tried and tested staff were appointed to the other key
posts. All of Mykola Azarov's deputies in his post of finance minister,
apart from Anatoliy Markovskyy, were either already working in post, or were
actively collaborating with Mr Azarov in other jobs in the Viktor Yanukovych
government of 2002.
They also include the new-old head of the STAU, Anatoliy Brezvin, who
occupied that post until March last year.
The deputy prime minister for regional policy and minister for housing
utilities, construction and architecture, Volodymyr Rybak, took for his
deputies the director-general of the Novohrodivka Machine-building Plant
(Donetsk Region), Hryhoriy Makhov.
The "heating" deputy prime minister, Andriy Klyuyev, got a job for his
adviser, member of the supervisory council of the Energy Company of Ukraine,
Oleksandr Rohozin.
The director of the Rovenkiantrasyt coal association (Luhansk Region), Yuriy
Zyukov, has become the first deputy to the coal industry minister, Serhiy
Tulub.
The first deputy mayor of Kryvyy Rih, Dmytro Kolesnykov, and the mayor of
Melitopol, Anatoliy Manhul, became respectively the first deputy and deputy
to the industrial policy minister, Anatoliy Holovko.
The latter, by the way, already under "orange power" managed to be the first
deputy chairman of the Zaporizhzhya Regional State Administration.
The former governor of Donetsk Region, Vadym Chuprun, also found himself a
place in the cabinet sun: now he will work as deputy fuel and energy
minister.
People's deputy from the Party of Regions Volodymyr Kozak will henceforth be
in the leadership of one of the biggest state monopolies, Ukrainian
Railways. The former vice-president of Astelit company (Donetsk), Leonid
Netudykhata, has become deputy transport and communications minister.
The former head of the education and science directorate of the Donetsk
Regional State Administration, Valentyn Teslenko, will be helping the
Socialist [Education Minister] Stanislav Nikolayenko manage domestic
education.
Altogether, of the 54 vacant deputy minister portfolios people originally
from the Donbass got 39. True, changes have not yet affected a number of
departments. However, according to some forecasts, in the near future all
five deputy economics ministers will be replaced.
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12. UKRAINE LEADER PROMISES NOT TO SIPHON RUSSIAN GAS
By Andrew E. Kramer, The New York Times
New York, New York, Wednesday, August 23, 2006
MOSCOW - Ukraine's new prime minister, Viktor F. Yanukovich, has
promised that his government will refrain from siphoning natural gas from
Russia's export pipelines to meet his own country's shortfall this winter, a
practice that incensed Russian officials who characterized it as stealing.
The assurance was the latest step by Mr. Yanukovich, a pro-Russian
politician, to unwind some of the conflicts between Ukraine and Russia in
the three weeks since Parliament elected him prime minister on Aug. 5.
The move was a concession, of sorts, to Russia - Ukrainian officials had
never publicly admitted to taking the gas without payment - but one also
likely to ease worries in Western Europe over the security of energy
supplies this winter. Some 80 percent of Russia's gas exports to Western
Europe pass through Ukraine.
Mr. Yanukovich, who lost the election that came to be known as the Orange
Revolution in 2004 but staged an improbable political comeback this summer,
has brought a more conciliatory stance to the energy talks with Russia, as
expected. Talks are underway now for a contract for gas supplies in 2007.
Mr. Yanukovich said Ukraine's national energy company, Naftogaz, was
preparing for the winter heating season by pumping gas into underground
storage.
"I am saying this so Europe can hear and they can feel at ease," Mr.
Yanukovich said at a news conference in Ukraine on Tuesday, according to
a transcript provided by his office. "We won't take European gas from the
pipes this winter."
So far, Mr. Yanukovich has been feted by Russia more than the victor in the
Orange Revolution, President Viktor A. Yushchenko, ever was.
Just last week, in a break with protocol, President Vladimir V. Putin of
Russia invited him to join heads of state from the Eurasian Economic
Community for informal meetings in the resort town of Sochi though Mr.
Yanukovich is not Ukraine's leader.
In turn, he has vowed a more pragmatic approach to the energy dispute that
last winter briefly reduced the flow of natural gas to Western Europe, and
striven to reassure European governments they will not be faced with
shivering citizens in northern Europe this winter.
At the Aug. 16 meeting he secured a promise by Russia's natural gas
monopoly, Gazprom, not to revise the current gas price of $95 per 1,000
cubic meters until the end of the year.
Also, Mr. Yushchenko has signaled that Ukraine will likely continue next
year to import natural gas through a Swiss-registered intermediary,
RosUkrEnergo, that is controlled by Gazprom, though the United States
had opposed the arrangement as prone to corruption.
"God help us prolong it for several more years," Mr. Yushchenko said of
the deal on Saturday, according to the Interfax news agency.
Still, in the tangled energy trade between the countries, Ukraine's practice
of withdrawing gas intended for Western Europe from Russian pipelines has
long been a thorn in the side of Gazprom. It has also been a source of
leverage for Ukraine in the pricing talks, now apparently off the table for
Kiev. -30-
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http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/23/world/europe/23cnd-ukraine.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin
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========================================================
Send in a letter-to-the-editor today. Let us hear from you.
========================================================
13. UKRAINE: "SOCHI TRIP. HE MADE HIMSELF RESPECTED AND
COULD NOT INVENT ANYTHING BETTER"
Ukrainian premier stands up to Russians in Sochi
ANALYSIS & COMMENTARY: By Iryna Havrylova
Source: Kiyevskiy Telegraf, Kiev, in Russian 18 Aug 06; p 2
BBC Monitoring Service, United Kingdom, Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych will not be Russia's puppet, a Ukrainian
weekly has said in summing up Yanukovych's visit to Sochi on 15-16 August.
Yanukovych acted as an independent politician during the visit and gave no
firm guarantees to Russia on any sensitive issue in bilateral relations.
However, the price of Russian gas for Ukraine will depend on the Yanukovych
cabinet's willingness to meet Russia's demands, the weekly said.
The following is the text of the article by Iryna Havrylova entitled "Sochi
trip. He made himself respected and could not invent anything better"
published in the Ukrainian newspaper Kiyevskiy Telegraf on 18 August;
subheadings have been inserted editorially:
Viktor Yanukovych of course made his first visit as prime minister to
Russia. Frankly speaking, nobody doubted that this would be his first
geopolitical step.
To be sure, the friendly handshake between the Ukrainian prime minister and
the Russian president took place not in Moscow: Mr Yanukovych met with Mr
Putin in Sochi at the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union, where Ukraine
is an observer.
Only presidents take part in summits at such a level, and by inviting the
Ukrainian prime minister to attend, Russia clearly wanted to show that it
considered him to be really the leader of Ukraine.
But it was also obvious that Russia was counting on seeing a different
Yanukovych at the meeting: a politician depressed by a lengthy period in
opposition and ready for anything. Including for conditions that Russia
would raise.
Moscow had got used to working with [former President] Leonid Kuchma
according to that sort of scheme, and in the Kremlin they were probably
counting on finding in Yanukovych his "successor" in the foreign policy
area: you are a cheap energy source for us, and we'll do anything you ask.
But Mr Yanukovych immediately "broke" this construct, making the
representatives of the authorities take him and his position into account.
As a result, the Russians had to reorganize the programme of the visit on
the hoof and change the schedule of meetings. It is hard to believe that the
Russian political elite had to make itself amenable to the Ukrainian prime
minister and not the reverse.
This is also confirmed by the absence of the planned "thank you" interview
of the Ukrainian prime minister to Russian TV, a number of informal meetings
between Mr Yanukovych and Mr Putin and the independent behaviour of
Yanukovych at protocol functions with [Russian Prime Minister] Mikhail
Fradkov.
In the final analysis, even if the reception of the Ukrainian prime minister
"by the back door" (Sochi) rather than at the front entrance (Moscow, the
Kremlin) was calculated to show Ukraine "its place", it did not have the
desired effect.
It was also not possible to feed Ukraine with some sweet "carrots" with
which former leaders were treated: promises to reconsider the question of
the possibility of transit of Russian oil and oil products via Ukraine to
Europe and reviving the Antonov [joint plane development] project, which the
Russians virtually abandoned last year. Moscow wants once again "to tame"
Ukraine by forcing it to make a choice in its favour.
Russia today is worried by three aspects.
[1] The first is that Ukraine can no longer be a buffer between East and
West and has to make a choice, and right now is standing again at a
crossroads.
[2] The second is that the declaration [of national unity] signed by all
Ukraine's political forces [on 3 August] only postpones the country's
joining a NATO action plan, but does not remove the question from the
agenda.
[3] The third is the possibility for strengthening the power of the regions
(the east and the south) in Ukrainian domestic politics in order for the
pro-Russian part of Ukraine to have the decisive voice.
THE PRICE OF GAS
Naturally, the gas question was key at the present talks in Sochi. The
agreed pricing parameters for gas up to the end of the present year - 95
dollars - were an advance on Russian friendship. Certainty appeared: the
price for gas will not rise for now, we will not freeze this winter and
Ukraine will not turn into a "country of a thousand Alchevsks"
[Alchevsk is a town in Luhansk Region where the central heating system broke
down for several weeks in January-February this year]. This is already good
and will probably bring additional points to the government team of Viktor
Yanukovych.
Well, what will happen later, in four months? Later Russia "will see"...
[ellipsis as published] It has become different with regard to its
neighbours: cautious, pragmatic and untrusting. Meanwhile, thanks to that
same Kuchma, who, while positioning himself as a pro-Russian leader,
conducted a policy that was not in the interests of the Kremlin.
Therefore, Moscow in a very hard-line way will put questions to Yanukovych
that are vital for it (coordination of WTO entry and a clear-cut position on
the SES [Single Economic Space - economic cooperation agreement between
Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan]), or else Mr Yanukovych's
occupation of the prime ministerial seat will have only an illusory success.
And Russia does not like illusions and tries to "punish with the rouble"
those who present it with them.
Therefore, the cost of gas for Ukraine next year will become known in
November-December and will depend officially on the state of world markets
and unofficially - on what position Ukraine adopts with regard to Russia.
Whether Viktor Yanukovych will manage to justify the trust of the Russian
political elite is the whole secret of the non-rise in gas prices. It seems
that Yanukovych was not prepared immediately to give up the multi-vector
policy and "surrender" to Moscow.
Hence the fall-back statements by the deputy prime minister for the fuel and
energy complex, Andriy Klyuyev: "At the talks in Sochi the Ukrainian prime
minister did not reach agreement regarding the definitive price for Russian
gas for Ukraine. Experts at the level of working groups are doing additional
work on technical aspects."
So it cannot be said that the gas question has been definitively and
irreversibly solved with advantage to Ukraine: Russia is biding its time.
And if Ukraine's foreign policy is not reviewed by the end of the year,
postponed, "mothballed", fuel prices for Ukraine may become "European" -
from 120 to 250 dollars.
YANUKOVYCH NO PUSHOVER FOR RUSSIA
But! However much Russia might have wanted to use the lever of gas pressure
on Ukraine, it had to behave fairly cautiously. The Yanukovych visit showed
that you have to take account of the neighbours. And not pressurize, but
help in the economic sphere in order to get political dividends later.
That is why Mr Yanukovych conducted himself with the Russian as an equal
partner and did not throw around promises for the sake of maintaining the
present gas agreements.
For example, in response to the proposal to Ukraine to take part in the
Eurasian Economic Union (an analogue of the SES controlled by Russia), he
said that first it was necessary to study whether the Eurasian Economic
Union corresponded to the national interests of Ukraine. Moscow did not
receive any firm guarantees on the "language" problem either.
Yanukovych merely promised to initiate a consideration of the question of
granting Russian the status of a state language as soon as it proved
possible to broaden the parliamentary coalition to a constitutional majority
(300 deputies), and for now to be satisfied with the charter of regional
languages that operates successfully in Ukraine.
It is understood why the prime minister will not be in a hurry to "oblige"
the Russian Federation:
[1] first, the coalition is expanding basically at the expense of
[propresidential] Our Ukraine members.
[2] Second, expansion at the expense of the Our Ukraine People's Union [the
basic party in the Our Ukraine bloc] is fraught with danger for the prime
minister himself too, since under such a disposition the Communists and
possibly the Socialists will be eliminated from the coalition. (True, there
is always the Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc in reserve.)
As a result, the Regionals [Party of Regions, headed by Yanukovych] will
find themselves "hostages" of the propresidential party and will be unable
to take decisions without its participation.
To sum up, the visit to Russia was not a victory for Yanukovych "in the
Russian direction", but showed that his government would not be a puppet...
[ellipsis as published] -30-
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[return to index] [Action Ukraine Report (AUR) Monitoring Service]
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14. PRES & MRS YUSHCHENKO VISITS HOLODOMOR EXHIBITION
Holodomor Commemoration Exhibition presented by Morgan Williams
Press office of President Victor Yushchenko
Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
KYIV - Victor Yushchenko has visited an exhibition "Holodomor" on the
1932-33 genocide famine in Ukraine [held in the Ukrainian House in Kyiv.]
The exhibits - among them paintings by Ukrainian artists, photographs and
documents from the 1930s - were presented by Morgan Williams, a famine
researcher from the United States. -30-
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LINK with photo: http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/data/1_10020.html
LINK with photo: http://www.president.gov.ua/news/data/1_10018.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The Holodomor exhibition was set up by Morgan Williams
for the IV World Forum of Ukrainians Holodomor Roundtable, at
the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Morgan Williams is Director, Government Affairs, Washington
Office SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Group and the publisher
and editor of the Action Ukraine Report (AUR), Washington, D.C..
He serves as a member of the Organizational Committee for the 75th
Anniversary of the Famine in Ukraine appointed by the Cabinet of
Ministers; Curator & Trustee, Holodomor Education and Exhibition
Collection; Chairman, Dr. James Mace Holodomor Memorial Fund
of the Ukrainian Federation of America, Philadelphia. morganw@patriot.net.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[return to index] [Action Ukraine Report (AUR) Monitoring Service]
========================================================
15. UKRAINE: PRESIDENT YUSHCHENKO EXPECTS PARLIAMENT
TO DECLARE 1932-1933 GREAT FAMINE ACT OF GENOCIDE
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, August 24, 2006
KYIV - President Viktor Yuschenko expects the Verkhovna Rada to declare
the Great Famine of 1932-1933 an act of genocide against the Ukrainian
people. He made this statement in his Independence Day address.
"I believe that in the next few months the Verkhovna Rada will fulfill its
duty to the Ukrainian people and legislate to acknowledge that the Great
Famine in Ukraine was an act of genocide against our nation.
And hence, the government has a clear task to ensure the erection of a
Memorial to the Great Famine Victims in Kyiv toward the 75th anniversary
of the tragedy," Yuschenko said. He said he is sure that the Cabinet of
Ministers will help build the memorial.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, the Security Service of Ukraine has
declassified the documents of the State Political Department also known as
GPU of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic concerning the Great
Famine of 1932 and 1933 that were deposited in the state archives of the
SBU.
The Polish Senate (the upper house of parliament) called on the
international community in March to recognize the 1932-1933 famine in
Ukraine as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
Ukraine is intending to draft a document on recognition of the 1932-1933
famine as an act of genocide by 2007 so that the United Nations
Organization could adopt it.
President Viktor Yuschenko recently called on the heads of state to
recognize the 1932-1933 famine in Ukraine as an act of genocide against
Ukrainians. The parliaments of several countries have recognized the
famine as an act of genocide.
In November 2003, 25 member-countries of the United Nations Organization
drafted a joint statement that described the famine in Ukraine as the result
of the policies of a totalitarian regime. Other states later aligned
themselves with this statement.
In 2003, the Verkhovna Rada passed an address to the Ukrainian people in
which it promised to declare the famine an act of genocide. According to
various estimates, between 3 million and 7 million people died in the
1932-1933 famine in Ukraine. -30-
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PUBLISHER AND EDITOR - AUR
Mr. E. Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs
Washington Office, SigmaBleyzer
Emerging Markets Private Equity Investment Group
P.O. Box 2607, Washington, D.C. 20013, Tel: 202 437 4707
Mobile in Kyiv: 8 050 689 2874
mwilliams@SigmaBleyzer.com; www.SigmaBleyzer.com
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Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
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