The Ukrainian Weekly 2001, No.30
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www.ukrweekly.com INSIDE:• Paris Declaration seeks more transparency in OSCE — page 3. • Heorhii Gongadze awarded international journalism prize — page 4. • Lviv scholar notes continuing Russification in Ukraine — page 12. Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXIX HE KRAINIANNo. 30 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2001 EEKLY$1/$2 in Ukraine President of China enlists Ukraine’s support during visit to Kyiv U.S. Tnational securityU adviser W by Maryna Makhnonos presses reform in Ukraine Special to The Ukrainian Weekly by Maryna Makhnonos KYIV – President Jiang Zemin of China enlisted Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Ukraine’s support for his country’s opposition to U.S. missile defense plans and preservation of the ABM KYIV – Ukraine’s integration into European society treaty, signing a joint Chinese-Ukrainian declaration of depends upon political and economic reforms, as well as friendship and comprehensive cooperation on July 21. transparent investigations of journalists’ killings, U.S. “This treaty is the foundation of the structure of inter- National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said on July 25 during her visit to Ukraine’s capital. national agreements on limiting and reducing strategic “A very strong message is sent about political reform, offensive weapons,” the declaration said. about free press, judiciary reform and transparency in the “Ukraine and China believe that global strategic sta- [murder] cases that are of worldwide attention here,” Dr. bility and international safety depend upon the 1972 Rice said during a meeting with representatives of leading Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty,” it said. Ukrainian media outlets and non-governmental organiza- Mr. Jiang arrived in Kyiv on July 20 after visiting tions. Russia, Belarus and Moldova. He succeeded in winning “We hope to have good relations with Ukraine ... but it the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, can only be on the basis of forward movement on these expressed in a joint statement signed on July 16 which very important issues,” she added. said the 1972 ABM treaty is a “cornerstone of strategic Dr. Rice arrived in Kyiv late on July 24, but began her stability” that must be preserved. official agenda on July 25, meeting with President Leonid China and Russia oppose U.S. plans to develop a Kuchma, Prime Minister Anatolii Kinakh and other offi- missile shield and scrap the ABM treaty, arguing that cials. such moves could prompt a new arms race. However, Her trip came a day after a visit by the Chinese President just days after signing a friendship treaty with his Jiang Zemin, who enlisted Ukraine’s support for China’s Chinese counterpart, Mr. Putin said that Moscow would stance regarding the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and not coordinate its response with China. opposition to U.S. defense plans. Ukraine proclaimed itself a neutral state in 1991 and Some political analysts and media have speculated that surrendered its nuclear arsenal, the world’s third largest President Jiang’s visit and the recent improvement of at the time. Ukraine’s relations with Russia, its neighbor and biggest Some local reports said it was no accident that AP/Viktor Pobedinsky trade partner, had prompted the U.S. national security President Jiang made a tour of four former Soviet adviser to visit Kyiv after she accompanied President republics while there was a tense dialogue between Presidents Jiang Zemin of China and Leonid Kuchma George W. Bush to Kosovo. of Ukraine after signing bilateral agreements in Kyiv During talks with Ukrainian authorities, Dr. Rice praised (Continued on page 8) on July 21. Ukraine’s recent economic achievements and said a part- nership with Ukraine is “highly desirable for [American] strategic interests.” “I know that you had a very difficult task of shepherding Myroslava Gongadze stresses social ramifications of authorities’ conduct through the economic reforms that you are undertaking by Andrew Nynka acknowledges her personal dedication to finding the truth here in Ukraine,” Dr. Rice said during meeting with Prime behind her husband’s murder, she declares that the issue is WASHINGTON – The lies and corruption of high-rank- Minister Kinakh. now one of national importance and, due to the pre-election ing government officials have continually hampered any “I’m here to encourage you on behalf of President Bush activity, marks a critical time for the people of Ukraine to legitimate effort to investigate and uncover the truth in the to continue to push forward all these reforms,” she said, at realize they do hold power. the same time urging improvement of the investment cli- cases of murdered Ukrainian journalists and will most like- “Ukraine has lived under a Communist regime for over mate. ly have the same effect on the investigation of the brutal 70 years. The people don’t understand personal initiative, Mr. Kinakh stated that Ukraine’s strategic goals are killing of journalist Ihor Aleksandrov, according to that you can take your personal future in your own hands, development of a modern market economy and integration Myroslava Gongadze, wife of slain Internet journalist that you can vote. And the people still don’t understand that into European society. Heorhii Gongadze. Her husband’s murder and the subse- this vote determines their future,” Ms. Gongadze stressed. Dr. Rice responded that the U.S. sees partnership with quent tape conspiracy seem to implicate Ukrainian “If these democratic principles could be implemented in those countries that seek integration into Europe as a “part- President Leonid Kuchma in the killing. Ukrainian society, then perhaps the people could begin to nership, based on the common values, the values of politi- With its leaders running Ukraine as an authoritarian state think on their own, to become more active. This is exactly cal openness, of political freedom for people, transparency and shunning the opinions of the populace, Ms. Gongadze what Heorhii knew and exactly why he pushed as hard as and the rule of law, ... economic liberalization and free said there is a larger problem: the Ukrainian citizens’ will- he did,” she said, adding “The system of Ukrainian authori- trade.” ingness to accept this state of affairs. For this reason she has ty is not interested in politically active people. The During her meeting with President Kuchma, Dr. Rice decided to continue to push for a proper investigation and Ukrainian leadership is completely against this, they want also discussed the necessity of bringing investigations into not allow the Gongadze case to go unsolved. one single voice.” the killings of two journalists to a close. Not one of several recent murders has seen a clear, inde- Ms. Gongadze admitted that she’s well informed but The killing of Internet journalist Heorhii Gongadze last pendent and conclusive investigation, Ms. Gongadze noted, stresses that her job is not to find a guilty party or lay blame fall sparked opposition protests with demands for the presi- and this has left the Ukrainian people with little or no confi- for her husband’s murder. “This investigation has to go dent’s ouster emanating from allegations that he was dence in Ukraine’s authorities. through legal channels. This is something that the Ministry involved. Mr. Kuchma has denied the accusations, but the “It’s sad, but unfortunately our president says he is of Internal Affairs and the Procurator General’s Office take case has alarmed international human rights groups. Ukraine and, instead of creating a system that truly works – responsibility for, and it is they who should do their jobs.” The murder of a regional TV station director, Ihor that works democratically – he usurps his authority. He will She stated: “I’ve been involved in this from the very begin- Alexandrov, in early July fueled the international concern not allow the separation of power between different institu- ning, and I can tell you that what’s come out of the Ministry about media freedom in Ukraine. tions. He simply wants to consolidate and usurp all of it.” of Internal Affairs and the Procurator General’s office has A transparent investigation and free and just parliamen- With the recent formation of Viktor Yuschenko’s Nasha been nothing but lies.” tary elections next year, Dr. Rice underscored, “will make a Ukraina (Our Ukraine) bloc, Yulia Tymoshenko’s Forum According to Ms. Gongadze, Ukraine does not have a tremendous difference to Ukraine’s standing in the world for National Salvation and Oleksander Moroz’s alliance sufficient oversight mechanism that can look after such and ... to the investment climate here and toward building with the All-Ukrainian Party of Working People, the Social investigations in order to ensure a proper transparent that European vision that we all have for Ukraine.” Democratic Party, the Party for the Protection of Farmers’ process. The current ad hoc body assembled in the In reference to the current debate in Congress on cutting Interests and the Greens of the 21st Century Party – Parliament is chaired by National Deputy Oleksander Ukraine’s political activity has gathered momentum as the (Continued on page 8) parliamentary elections approach. Although Ms. Gongadze (Continued on page 4) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2001 No. 30 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS Yuschenko’s bloc and others Judge who freed Tymoshenko is fired celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the by Jan Maksymiuk order to build a force that would be able independence of Ukraine. (RFE/RL RFE/RL Poland, Belarus and Ukraine Report to control the future Parliament. As of KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma on Newsline) now, he may be sure of voters’ support in July 24 dismissed Judge Mykola On July 15, from atop Mount Hoverla western Ukraine, where both Rukhs have Zamkovenko, who gained attention this Ukraine to dig channel to Danube in the Carpathian Mountains, former most of their adherents.