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INSIDE: • Scholars comment on Ukraine’s constitutional crisis — page 3. • European soccer championships can unite Ukraine — page 4. • Spanish documentary “La Zona” about Chornobyl— page 9. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXXV No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 $1/$2 in Ukraine

Yushchenko unveils Chornobyl monument Yushchenko re-dismisses Rada, Press Office of Ukraine’s President on Wednesday, April 25, to unveil a mon- schedules elections for June 24 ument to the victims of the Chornobyl BILA TSERKVA, Ukraine – President disaster called The Chornobyl Bell. In a by Zenon Zawada “Undoubtedly, this decree just as the prior Viktor Yushchenko visited Bila Tserkva speech during the ceremony, he said it Kyiv Press Bureau one greatly surprised me, because it violated was incumbent on the government to all our reached agreements in regard to rela- KYIV – Coalition parliamentary tions between branches of government, and “adequately react” to the aftereffects of deputies initiated impeachment proceed- the world’s worst nuclear catastrophe. between men,” Mr. Yanukovych said. “This ings against President Viktor Yushchenko kind of thing isn’t done.” He noted that Ukraine had spent after he issued a second presidential decree more money on the issue in the past Speaking from the chairman’s tribune on April 25 that canceled his first dismissal in a Parliament that continues to ignore three years than in the decade before. decree in order to re-dismiss the Verkhovna “However, this response is not full, for the president’s dismissal decrees, Mr. Rada and re-set elections for June 24. Moroz said the president’s decree is a we need much more,” he said, urging In canceling the first decree, the the Cabinet of Ministers to introduce “strike at constitutional order, interfer- Ukrainian president prevented the ence in Parliament’s activity and an Chornobyl programs. Constitutional Court from ruling on its Mr. Yushchenko said the Chornobyl attempt at usurping power.” legality, enabling him to avoid what was During the April 26 session, national issue affected the whole country and widely expected to be a ruling in his oppo- insisted that the polluted zone should deputies representing various factions nents’ favor that would have placed him at registered the impeachment bill, accusing be developed, calling it “not only an a severe disadvantage in compromise talks. area of tragedy but also of opportuni- the president of flagrantly violating the Though successfully maneuvering Constitution of Ukraine in denying the ties.” He said it could be used to pro- through the latest phase in his fight for duce biological fuel, generate energy, Constitutional Court the chance to rule political survival, Mr. Yushchenko fur- on his first dismissal decree. open wildlife preserves and process ther extended the nation’s political crisis wood. “This territory must not be for- That morning, the Party of the Regions and didn’t improve his prospects for faction met to approve the bill for gotten. We want to see this land alive compromise with his opponents, who and revived,” he said, adding that the impeachment, a procedure that requires a may feel emboldened after what three-quarters vote of Parliament, or 338 Shelter Implementation Project is an appeared to be a desperate move. integral part of Chornobyl’s renewal. national deputies, to convict the president Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych of violating the Constitution. The Ukrainian leader expressed and Verkhovna Rada Chair Oleksander gratitude to those who had sponsored “In accordance with the Constitution, Moroz cut short their respective visits to the initiation of impeachment proceedings the creation of the monument in Bila Uzbekistan and Lithuania after learning Tserkva. of the second dismissal decree. (Continued on page 4) Participants of the unveiling ceremo- ny – including Bila Tserkva Mayor Official Website of the President of Ukraine Vasyl Savchuk and Kyiv Oblast State President Viktor Yushchenko and Kyiv Administration Chair Vira Ulianchenko How do you solve Ukraine’s political crisis? Oblast State Administration Chair – observed one minute of silence to Vira Ulianchenko at Bila Tserkva’s honor the victims of the disaster. They monment to Chornobyl victims. also planted trees around the monument. The key players offer their suggestions by Zenon Zawada Two days would allow enough time Kyiv Press Bureau for Parliament to approve at least 10 nec- essary amendments or new laws to Ukrainian American students hold KYIV – Ukraine’s political crisis resolve the current crisis, the president today remains just as unresolved as the said at an April 20 press conference. conference aimed at reviving SUSTA morning after President Viktor Among them are election reform, an Yushchenko’s April 2 decree to dismiss imperative mandate for national deputies, by Matthew Dubas explained to the students the role of Parliament and hold pre-term elections. a new Cabinet of Ministers law, new SUSTA in the past and the legacy that the The main players offer proposals as part PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Over 50 stu- Verkhovna Rada regimen legislation, a next generation is charged to maintain. A of larger strategies aimed at leveraging their dents from the United States, including parliamentary opposition law, a law major challenge for SUSTA, according to position in negotiations. Both domestic and some from Canada, attended the first organizing pre-term elections and legal- Dr. Procyk, is to maintain the push for international observers make statements conference since 2001 of the revived ization of the Universal of National Unity. Ukrainian studies on the Holodomor – casting themselves above the fray, or sup- Federation of Ukrainian Student “This is the working name, but it has a the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. port the position of those they’re allied with. Organizations in America (Soyuz single essence: the necessity of forming The defining moment of SUSTA was “its An inevitable compromise lies amidst key national priorities so that there aren’t Ukrainskykh Studentskykh Tovaryst investment in the preservation of the the various ideas and proposals. Ameryky, or SUSTA) held on April 21 at any attacks on language, sovereignty, ter- Ukrainian identity in the U.S.,” Dr. Procyk Much of what it will contain will ritorial integrity, a single border and form- Rutgers University. said. SUSTA was the first Ukrainian organi- depend on the Constitutional Court’s rul- Representatives from various organiza- ing the key foundations for foreign and zation to use an endowment fund as income ing, which can arrive by the end of April. domestic policy,” Mr. Yushchenko said. tions in the Ukrainian community spoke to set up the Harvard chair of Ukrainian If the court rules in the president’s at the conference on the role of SUSTA in The president likely presented these studies, the first of its kind. The establish- favor, the Verkhovna Rada is dismissed negotiating points to Mr. Yanukovych dur- the 21st century and presented opportuni- ment of the Harvard chair gave legitimacy and pre-term elections are a surety. ing a two-hour April 23 meeting, the results ties for students to get involved. to the discipline of Ukrainian studies. At Should it deem his dismissal decree of which weren’t disclosed to the public. SUSTA currently recognizes clubs from that time, continued Dr. Procyk, the recog- unconstitutional, Mr. Yushchenko loses Two days later, the Ukrayinska Pravda Rutgers, Villanova, Columbia, Stanford, nition of the Holodomor was equated to the much of his advantage in negotiations, as website reported the president had pro- Cornell, Princeton and Harvard universities, struggle for Ukraine’s independence. coalition leaders have threatened to posed 15 demands of the coalition. These the Ukrainian Seamen of the United States Dr. Procyk advised students to keep demand pre-term presidential elections or include unrealistic points such as Merchant Marines, New York University, informed by reading Ukrainian newspa- impeachment. Parliament recognizing the dismissal SUNY Stonybrook, the University at pers, journals, and other print or web President Viktor Yushchenko decree and canceling its resolutions con- Buffalo, the University of Pennsylvania, materials to remain current on the issues demning it; a proposed law enhancing the Michigan State University, University of facing Ukraine and Ukrainians. As For the first time, Mr. Yushchenko Ukrainian president’s authority, including Illinois and the University of Pittsburgh. (Our Ukraine People’s Union) offered to Keynote speaker Dr. Roman Procyk (Continued on page 11)temporarily cease his dismissal decree. (Continued on page 10) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS

Is compromise possible in Ukraine? Court continues its hearings should adopt a law on the so-called impera- by Pavel Korduban impeachment. tive mandate that would prevent individual KYIV – The Constitutional Court of As Ukraine awaits a Constitutional lawmakers from changing their party affili- Eurasia Daily Monitor Ukraine on April 25 entered what was Court verdict, PACE, an international ations in Parliament. Mr. Yushchenko said April 24 referred to as the “final stage” of hearings moral authority respected by both sides he would like lawmakers to amend the law into whether President Viktor Radicalism is apparently giving way of the conflict, delivered its own, non- on the Cabinet of Ministers in line with his Yushchenko’s decree of April 2 on the to compromise in the Ukrainian political binding verdict on the crisis. On April 19 suggestions and adopt a new law on the dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada is con- crisis. President Viktor Yushchenko, PACE passed Resolution 1549 summing rules of procedure in the Verkhovna Rada. stitutional, UNIAN reported. The aware of the impossibility of holding a up the results of its hearings on the The president also reiterated his proposals Constitutional Court’s session devoted to snap election as early as May 27, as pre- Ukrainian crisis. PACE was cautious to set up a special commission to amend the decree, which officially began on scribed by his April 2 decree dissolving enough not to take sides, but its message the Constitution and hold a referendum on April 17, is taking place in a building cor- Parliament, has signaled his readiness to was clear: both parties should make an constitutional changes. Meanwhile, the doned off by police and picketed by rep- suspend the decree. The bloc of his ally effort to respect the Constitution and seek same day Yulia Tymoshenko, head of the resentatives of the ruling coalition, who Yulia Tymoshenko, who has been the eponymous opposition bloc, called on a compromise. oppose the dissolution of Parliament, as most radical supporter of dissolving President Yushchenko to reappoint the Resolution 1549 laid blame for the cri- well as of the opposition, which supports Parliament, is apparently ready to return Central Election Commission (CEC) and sis both on the imperfect constitutional Mr. Yushchenko’s decree. There have so to the Verkhovna Rada to take part in urged voters to support the president in his reform of 2004-2006 and “the personal far been no serious incidents connected passing laws needed to reach a compro- determination to hold early parliamentary rivalries and short-sighted fights for per- with the pickets. (RFE/RL Newsline) mise. The Parliamentary Assembly of the sonal gain.” It appealed to President elections. “I would like us to appeal to the Council of Europe (PACE) should proba- Yushchenko and the pro-Yanukovych 79.5 percent say they will vote president of Ukraine to demand that the bly be credited for prompting this new Parliament and Cabinet of Ministers to CEC members, who are sabotaging the development. choose one of two ways to settle the cri- KYIV – A survey conducted by the electoral process and pretending they are Emotions were running especially sis: “either by calling legitimate early Kyiv International Institute of Sociology on sick leave today, that this treacherous high early in the crisis, when Prime elections, emanating from the ruling of reveals that 79.5 percent of those polled Central Election Commission be replaced, Minister Viktor Yanukovych’s ministers the Constitutional Court, or by way of a intend to vote in pre-term parliamentary and that the president introduce new decent were making calls for criminal prosecu- negotiated compromise.” elections if they are held. The survey also people there, who will serve Ukraine,” Ms. tion of Mr. Yushchenko, and Ms. The PACE resolution was generally found that 13.9 percent do not intend to Tymoshenko said at an opposition rally on Tymoshenko was ready for an immediate welcomed by both the Yushchenko and vote, while 6.6 could not answer. The European Square, which reportedly gath- election in which only opposition parties Yanukovych teams, although some of its poll, whose margin of error was less than ered some 20,000 supporters of the dissolu- would participate. Early last week, more provisions have been rejected. Notably, 3.5 percent, was conducted on April 14- tion of the Verkhovna Rada. (RFE/RL radical statements came from both sides. Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. Tymoshenko 19; the respondents were 2,039 people Newsline) Ms. Tymoshenko announced on April 16 did not accept the PACE recommenda- age 18 and up. (Ukrayinski Novyny) that her bloc would not recognize a deci- Moroz offers a plan to resolve crisis tion to scrap the ban on parliamentary OUPU to initiate democratic forum sion of the Constitutional Court if it deputies swapping caucuses, as it had declared Mr. Yushchenko’s decree KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman been a migration of deputies from the KYIV – The Our Ukraine People’s Oleksander Moroz told journalists in Kyiv unconstitutional. Mr. Yanukovych, meet- Union is initiating a forum of democratic opposition factions that triggered the cri- on April 23 that he is going to offer ing PACE President Rene van der Linden forces to be held in support of President sis. Mr. Yanukovych’s team did not President Viktor Yushchenko a plan to set- in Strasbourg on April 17, said that if the Viktor Yushchenko’s decree to dissolve the accept the advice that Mr. Yushchenko’s tle the ongoing political crisis in the coun- court’s decision was not in favor of Mr. Verkhovna Rada, it was reported on April try, Ukrainian news agencies reported. Mr. Yushchenko, the president could face (Continued on page 17) 24. The OUPU press service quoted party Moroz proposes to cancel simultaneously leader Viacheslav Kyrylenko as saying that the presidential decree dissolving the the goal of the forum is to consolidate Parliament and the resolutions of the political parties and public organizations Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Our Ukraine and Yushchenko with the aim of defending the constitutional Rada that were passed in response to the right of the Ukrainian people for free and democratic elections. (Ukrayinski Novyny) decree. If the Constitutional Court recog- reverse their fortunes nizes the presidential decree as constitu- by Taras Kuzio Regions. Following the 2004 Orange President ready to suspend decree tional, Mr. Moroz proposes to postpone the date of the early elections to the Eurasia Daily Monitor Revolution, the “liubi druzi” (dear friends KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko or business cronies) wing of Our Ukraine Verkhovna Rada until this coming sum- On April 18 the opposition Yulia told journalists in Kyiv on April 20 that he mer or autumn. If the Constitutional Court had dominated, and then-Prime Minister is ready to suspend his April 2 decree dis- Tymoshenko (YTB) and Our Ukraine Yurii Yekhanurov disastrously led it dur- rules the presidential decree void, Mr. blocs permanently withdrew their banding the Verkhovna Rada in exchange Moroz proposes that the Verkhovna Rada ing the 2006 parliamentary elections. for a number of legislative amendments deputies from Ukraine’s Parliament. The “liubi druzi” supported a grand introduce a number of amendments in Together, the factions account for 202 of and reforms, Interfax-Ukraine reported. In coalition – and opposed Ms. Tymoshenko – particular, Mr. Yushchenko said lawmakers (Continued on page 14) the Verkhovna Rada’s 450 deputies. With while the national-democratic wing backed no constitutional majority, the Parliament an Orange coalition. Both coalition variants – which was disbanded by presidential were negotiated simultaneously from April decree on April 2 – has no legal standing. through June 2006 but neither succeeded, FOUNDED 1933 A minimum of 300 deputies is required and the Anti-Crisis Coalition was estab- THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY for Parliament to constitutionally operate. lished following the defection from the An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., This move is the culmination of eight Orange coalition of the Socialist Party. months of political fighting between a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. In August 2006 all parliamentary forces Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and except the YTB signed the Universal of his government and the disunited and Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. National Unity Agreement that created a (ISSN — 0273-9348) partially discredited opposition. But now still-larger grand coalition, now including the opposition has been transformed into the Communists. Two months later Our The Weekly: UNA: an energized political force. Reflecting Ukraine pulled out and declared itself in Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 this growing confidence, President Viktor opposition to the ruling coalition. Yushchenko, Our Ukraine and Yurii It took another four months before Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Lutsenko’s People’s Self-Defense move- Our Ukraine signed an opposition The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: ment no longer oppose early elections. alliance with the Tymoshenko Bloc. The 2200 Route 10 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) Opposition unity was made possible by alliance reflected the new dominance of P.O. Box 280 Matthew Dubas a shift in the balance of power within Our Our Ukraine’s national-democratic wing. Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ukraine and an effort to reach out to the The “liubi druzi” opposed the opposi- Tymoshenko Bloc. YTB had always been tion alliance and, together with induce- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] in opposition to the Anti-Crisis Coalition ments such as government positions, and had never supported a grand coalition The Ukrainian Weekly, April 29, 2007 No. 17, Vol. LXXV prompted defections to the Anti-Crisis Copyright © 2007 The Ukrainian Weekly with Mr. Yanukovych’s Party of the Coalition the following month, led by Anatolii Kinakh’s Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine (PIEU). Correction A second echelon of defectors came ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA from “liubi druzi” closer to President In the third part of his “One Year After Yushchenko’s inner circle. Petro Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 the Elections” series (April 22), Zenon Poroshenko was offered the position of e-mail: [email protected] Zawada incorrectly reported that Kostiantyn minister of finance and was reportedly Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Zhevago was a newcomer to the Verkhovna considering defecting. Mr. Poroshenko e-mail: [email protected] Rada when he was elected last year. In fact, had been a founding organizer of the Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 Mr. Zhevago was elected twice to the e-mail: [email protected] Verkhovna Rada before last year. (Continued on page 23) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 3 On Ukraine’s constitutional crisis: scholars comment Helsinki Commission The Ukrainian Weekly asked scholars from the United Constitution in order to facilitate that power grab. States, Ukraine and Canada for their comments on the But all of this is part of a much larger problem. In mourns death of Yeltsin current constitutional crisis in Ukraine. The questions what other country – particularly one that routinely were: 1.) Do you see the dissolution of Parliament by refers to itself as “European” – do opposing political WASHINGTON – The Chairman of the Commission President Viktor Yushchenko as constitutional? Why or forces negotiate among themselves about such things as on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki why not? 2.) What is the main problem with Ukraine’s the need for maintaining the sovereignty and territorial Commission), Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) on Monday, Constitution that has brought the country to this point? 3.) integrity of the country, and then sign a piece of paper to April 23, made the following statement on the death of What are some solutions to the current crisis in Ukraine? that effect? I have in mind last year’s so-called Boris Yeltsin, former president of the Russian Universal of National Unity. It’s going to be a long haul. Federation. Roman Solchanyk, Ph.D., is an international “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death * * * affairs analyst for Rand Corp. in Santa Monica, of former President Boris Yeltsin. I am sure I speak for Calif., and author of the forthcoming book “The New Dr. Olexiy Haran is founding director of the all the members of the Helsinki Commission when I say Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.” School for Policy Analysis, National University of that we join with millions of others in Russia and Kyiv Mohyla Academy, Kyiv. throughout the world in mourning the loss of the first 1.) Clearly, I am not a lawyer or judge or legal expert, freely elected president of the Russian Federation and but it seems to me that the Constitution is fairly clear on the 1.) President Viktor Yushchenko did not refer specifi- an honored world leader. Mr. Yeltsin was a man of the conditions under which Parliament can be dismissed (that’s cally to Article 90 on the conditions when the president people who rose up to lead his nation through a time of Article 90 of the Constitution) and those are limited to has the right to dissolve Parliament, although he did have tumult and crisis. The American people will long three instances – and none of those three instances apply. If the possibility to refer formally to Clause 2 of this article: remember him for his courage and determination in you recall, in President Viktor Yushchenko’s “ukaz,” or the Cabinet was not formed in time (60 days). He referred defending Russia against the forces of reaction and for decree, he does not refer to Article 90; for the most part he to violations of Article 83, which in turn is based on his desire to see Russia a free and democratic member talks about what might be termed violations of the “spirit Article 81: deputies elected on party slates cannot change of the international community. We extend our deepest of the Constitution” by the parliamentary majority. their faction and participate on an individual basis in the sympathy to the Yeltsin family and to the Russian peo- Mr. Yushchenko emphasizes his role as the guarantor formation of the coalition, which happened in the ple on their loss.” of the Constitution, the guarantor of the territorial Ukrainian Parliament – in this way, the results of the peo- integrity of Ukraine and various other reasons why he ple’s will, expressed during parliamentary elections, were has dissolved Parliament. So, on the face of it, it appears violated, the system of checks and balances changed, and that the decree is unconstitutional, but we will have to the power in the country could be monopolized. Yushchenko pays wait to see what the Constitutional Court decides, if it The more I think about it, the more I think that decides anything. President Yushchenko was right in dissolving the So the long and short of it, from the layman’s stand- Parliament (although there could be debates how to for- tribute to Yeltsin point, is that there were no grounds for the president to mulate it better in the presidential decree). Now we Ukrinform dismiss Parliament. On the other hand, for those who often hear that the present political crisis in Ukraine is interpret the Constitution in a broad way, the reasons not about democracy, that it is about struggle for power. KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko visited the that Mr. Yushchenko gave for dismissing Parliament are I do not agree with this. Clearly, elites are struggling for Russian Embassy in Kyiv on April 24 to pay tribute to probably eminently reasonable. power and property. The atmosphere is different when former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who had died But from my standpoint this kind of “loose” interpre- compared with the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the the previous day at age 76. tation, invoking the “spirit of the Constitution,” which is electorate is frustrated. “On behalf of the Ukrainian nation, I would like to impossible to precisely define, has the potential for all Nevertheless, we cannot deny that Ukraine faces a express sincere condolences on the passing of Boris kinds of abuses and violations of legal norms, depend- crucial choice. Either Ukraine will keep democratic Yeltsin, the Russian Federation’s eminent statesman and ing on who is doing the defining. freedoms, the main gain of the Orange Revolution, or it first president. The great democrat, builder of the will return to the Kuchma era, or even worse. Kuchma renewed Russia and inspired advocate of freedom * * * was balancing several clans; now only one clan would passed into eternity. Boris Yeltsin will forever remain in 2.) If one looks back over the years in Ukraine, the control the power. After the signing of the Universal of our hearts as Ukraine’s close friend, our reliable partner conflicts between the executive branch and the legisla- National Unity, all the compromises Mr. Yushchenko and a committed supporter of a new strategic partner- tive branch have been a persistent feature of the political made were violated by the other side. ship between Ukraine and Russia,” Mr. Yushchenko wrote in the condolence book. system. The struggle has been predominantly between * * * the president and the parliamentary speaker, for the most The Ukrainian leader later told reporters, “Speaking part Mr. Moroz. Over the years, basically it has been a 2.) Clearly, there are inconsistencies in the present about Boris Nikolayevich, we understand how difficult contest about who gets more power. Constitution regarding the absence of delineation of it was for him to rebuild Russia when he was its first I think what needs to be emphasized is that the com- authorities between the president and the Cabinet of president. We realize that he was a remarkable leader batants or protagonists in this struggle – and it goes back Ministers. Power-sharing is not necessarily bad. and great personality who made a great, qualitative con- to at least 1993, when Mr. Kuchma was the prime minis- Moreover, in the case of Ukraine, it could lead to prag- tribution to the development of bilateral relations ter – have absolutely no problem in changing the matic compromise. So, I would say this is not the basic between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. We Constitution so as to accumulate greater power at the reason for the present crisis. From the formal point of remember and appreciate all these achievements and all expense of the other side and, I might add, at the expense view the Party of the Regions could follow the these good actions.” of the country and its citizens. In other words, there has Constitution, but at the same time it adopted laws and Mr. Yushchenko thanked the Yeltsin family and been, in my view, no respect for the rule of law. provided personnel policy, which changed the balance Russia for having “such a historic figure” and for what Politicians in Ukraine, whether they be the president, of power in favor of the parliamentary majority. So, for Mr. Yeltsin had done to be always remembered in the speaker or anyone else who has tried to amend the me the basic reason for the problem is a political one – Ukraine. Constitution, like Viktor Medvedchuk, who was the head the inability of the Party of the Regions to co-exist with Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych attended the of Mr. Kuchma’s administration, made determined efforts the opposition and its desire to control everything. funeral of Mr. Yeltsin on April 25. In his letter of condo- to change the rules of the game – not for the benefit of the Nevertheless, I would suggest that some important lences Mr. Yanukovych stressed that the groundwork for people, not for the benefit of the state, not for the purpose changes to the Constitution should be made. For example, friendly relations between Ukraine and Russia were laid of improving the legal system, but for their own political the president should have the initiative to suggest the can- during Mr. Yeltsin’s presidency. purposes. And that is a real problem, which, I suppose, didate for prime minister (like in many European coun- has its roots in the “Soviet way of life.” tries). Additionally, Parliament should not have the right to dismiss any minister, at any time, which makes minis- * * * ters hostages to parliamentary lobbyism. Finally, it should Bill Clinton recalls be clearly stated in the Constitution that rules of parlia- 3.) It’s a complex situation that is difficult for any one mentary procedure are to have the status of law (other- person to offer remedies, and it is a process really that wise, the parliamentary majority could make changes Boris Yeltsin’s openness the political elites in Ukraine need to undergo. One whenever it suits its interest right before the vote). would have thought or hoped that after more than 15 At the same time, I am not sure if the necessity of RFE/RL Newsline years since Ukraine’s independence they would have radical and hectic limitation, or even the cancellation of NEW YORK – Speaking in New York on April 23, finally arrived at the understanding that what they need the rights of regional and local administrations (their to do is to respect the fundamental law. It seems clear to Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said that former heads are appointed and dismissed only with the consent Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who died on April 23 me that they have not arrived at that conclusion, neither of the president). Given the regional polarization of the Mr. Yushchenko, nor the people in Parliament. of heart failure, “stood up for freedom and democracy country, failure of the administrative-territorial reform and openness.” One concrete example is the changes that were made and, therefore, a weak financial basis for self-govern- to the Constitution in December 2004 that allowed for “He really believed that Russia couldn’t go back to ment, this could lead not to development of self-govern- communism or back further to extreme nationalism,” the third round of presidential elections and that, in turn, ment but to regional “feudalization” of the country. made it possible for Mr. Yushchenko to become presi- Mr. Clinton said. dent. Those changes went into effect in January 2006, * * * The former U.S. president added that he hopes Russia’s current leaders “will go back to some of and within two weeks of those changes coming into 3.) A lot depends on the decision of the Constitutional Yeltsin’s openness, a little more debate, a little more force Mr. Yushchenko was already talking about the Court. Clearly stated “yes” or “no” would split the dissent, a little more relaxation for people who dis- need to nullify those constitutional amendments. That to country, which distrusts the court. Unfortunately, the agree.” me is a glaring example of disrespect for the court was formed along party lines and it discredited Constitution. itself: no decision has been adopted for eight months Thousands of mourners paid tribute on April 24 and In other words, anytime anyone comes to power or since its formation. At this point, the country is heading 25 to former President Yeltsin as he lay in state in feels that there is a potential for expanding their powers, Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral; the state funeral there is no hesitation whatsoever to change the (Continued on page 21) was held on the afternoon of April 25. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 European soccer championships poised to unite Ukraine by Zenon Zawada and vicious government crisis that re- “Finally together,” declared ICTV border and defended Ukraine abroad. Kyiv Press Bureau ignited Ukraine’s east-west divide. anchorwoman Oksana Sokolova in lead- That’s why if everyone understands that Bombarding viewers with the daily ing off her Sunday weekly news pro- at this moment they are citizens of KYIV – Can soccer save Ukraine? It’s grind of mudslinging, angry denuncia- gram. “A common joy united those who Ukraine above all, they have a unique already helping. tions and street demonstrations, the April stood on Kyiv’s maidan and European chance in 2012 to become a European The selection of Poland and Ukraine 18 announcement gave Ukrainian televi- Square, residents of Donetsk and Lviv, country not through politics, but through to host the European soccer champi- sion newscasts positive national news to and those who work on a village field or sports,” Mr. Tomenko said. onships in 2012 arrived amidst a bleak report for the first time in weeks. a metallurgical giant.” Striving for a goal Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc National Deputy Mykola Tomenko went even As television repeatedly played the further. image of the Polish-Ukrainian delegation “Euro 2012 is a fantastic, and unfortu- wildly celebrating the Union of European nately, single chance in the nearest Football Associations (UEFA) selection, prospect to form a positive image of it gradually began to sink in with the Ukraine in Europe and a real chance to public that more than 1 million implement the nation’s Europeanization,” Europeans will soon get their first Mr. Tomenko said on April 19. impressions of Ukraine. “So it’s worth putting aside all politi- Like relatives arriving to a messy cal or ideological conflicts and prove that home for the holidays, Europeans would Ukraine can become a center for new arrive to a country without adequate European soccer,” he added. plumbing, transportation and tourist Unlikely hero amenities such as hotels and restaurants. Once the euphoria dissipated, leaders The man most responsible for success- rolled up their sleeves and began mulling fully leading the Ukrainian effort in its the necessary preparations. joint bid with Poland is Hryhorii Surkis, “We need to take into account that, chairman of the Football Federation of obviously, we don’t need five-star Ukraine (FFU). hotels,” Mr. Tomenko told the ICTV Prior to his recent achievement, Mr. political talk show “Svoboda Slova” on Surkis wasn’t a popular Ukrainian per- April 20. “Businesses are building them sona, having been among the leaders of anyhow. ... We need student motels, qual- the Social Democratic Party – United, an ity, three-star European hotels and I am organization led by Kyiv oligarchs noto- deeply convinced we feed fantastic rious for their corruption and close ties amounts of money from the state budget, UNIAN/Mykhailo Markiv with former President Leonid Kuchma. because half will be stolen.” Ukrainian Soccer Federation President Hryhorii Surkis and Ukraine National The U.S. government had repeatedly Ukraine’s infrastructure was its Team Coach Oleh Blokhin smile during an April 19 press conference in Kyiv. denied travel visas to Mr. Surkis, who biggest weakness in its bid with Poland acquired large assets in Ukraine’s sugar, to host Euro 2012, and Mr. Surkis said he oil and energy industries. In 2005 Mr. expects the country’s largest cities will dent’s requests to press charges against Surkis was among 16 deputies targeted undergo a wide-scale renovation. Yushchenko re-dismisses... the Cabinet of Ministers for failing to by former Minister of Internal Affairs “It’s the only one chance during the (Continued from page 1) finance the Central Election Commission Yurii Lutsenko for corruption investiga- next five years to establish and build a was recommended against the president in preparation for pre-term elections. tions that never materialized. new country,” Mr. Surkis said. “This will as a person who committed criminal acts, The Party of the Regions refrained Mr. Surkis is most known for his own- be very useful for us because the techni- doesn’t execute the Constitution and from criticizing the appointment of Mr. ership role with brother Ihor in the cal progress of our countries is very low, pushes the Ukrainian state toward disor- Piskun, given he belonged to their party. Dynamo Kyiv soccer club, serving as its and we will be able to develop it, because der, chaos and lawlessness,” Party of the It remained unclear how Mr. Piskun president between 1993 and 1998 before it’s already the 21st century and we are Regions National Deputy Taras Chornovil would direct the Procurator General’s stepping aside to lead the FFU. still in the 20th.” said from the parliamentary rostrum. Office. When he had been left in place fol- For at least five years, the Surkis Renovations cost money, and the gov- In the president’s defense, Yulia lowing the Orange Revolution, Mr. Piskun brothers have engaged in a nasty battle ernment is already expecting to invest Tymoshenko Bloc faction Vice-Chair didn’t pursue any significant prosecutions. with Dynamo Kyiv minority shareholder several billion dollars. Oleksander Turchynov referred to the For the president, anybody is better and Russian citizen Konstantin Last week the Verkhovna Rada (dis- impeachment bill as a cheap and ground- than Mr. Medvedko as Ukraine’s top pros- Grigoryshin, who wants to buy their missed by the president on April 2) less public relations attempt by coalition ecutor, Mr. Lozowy said. It’s quite possi- shares and take over the soccer club. passed a Euro 2012 preparation bill, deputies. ble that Mr. Piskun reached a behind-the- During the conflict, Mr. Surkis was allocating an initial $300 million from Opposition deputies insisted any scenes agreement with Mr. Yushchenko to reported to have conspired with Viktor the state budget, with an additional $4 impeachment attempts were in vain return as procurator general, a lucrative Medvedchuk, former Presidential billion in government money for build- because the president has now twice dis- government post ripe with corruption Administration chair, to plant a gun and ing hotels and improving roads and air- missed the Verkhovna Rada. opportunities, Mr. Lozowy added. drugs on Mr. Grigoryshin in an attempt ports. Following the second dismissal “He’s getting no help from Medvedko, to have him thrown in prison and dis- Beyond unparalleled publicity for decree, Presidential Representative to the so he figures if Piskun is there, it can’t be credited. Ukraine, tourists are expected to boost Constitutional Court Volodymyr any worse,” he said. “I was a politician, but now I’m happy the Ukrainian economy with $7 billion in Shapoval informed the Court it need not Coalition deputies pointed out the sus- that I’m apolitical and that I can help to investment and spending. further review the first decree because picious appearance of Mr. Yushchenko’s build a new country for five years,” a vis- As for stadiums, billionaire business- the president had repealed it. reappointment of Mr. Piskun immediately ibly happy Mr. Surkis told reporters at an men Rynat Akhmetov and Ihor Coalition leaders said they will submit after the ruling by the Shevchenko District April 20 press conference. Kolomoiskyi are already constructing top- the second dismissal decree for the Court, which didn’t hold a hearing. A once tainted reputation received a quality structures in their respective home- Constitutional Court’s review. Mr. Medvedko’s fate is unclear, given quick bleaching thanks to Poland and towns of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk. “Yushchenko’s back is still very much that the Parliament hasn’t dismissed him Ukraine’s success, from which Mr. Mr. Surkis said he hopes the govern- against the wall,” said Ivan Lozowy, presi- or approved Mr. Piskun’s appointment. Surkis emerged as Ukraine’s revered soc- ment will renovate Respublicanskyi dent of the Kyiv-based Institute of Statehood The president has created “a political cer power broker who pulled off an (Olimpiiskyi) Stadium in Kyiv, one of and Democracy, which is funded by and legal theater of the absurd,” said unlikely feat in overcoming Italy’s bid to Europe’s largest with a capacity of Ukrainian business donations. “He’s buying Vadym Kolesnychenko, a Party of the host the Euro Cup. 80,000, and build a second stadium to time in a fight for his own survival, which Regions national deputy. Formerly a strident critic of Mr. host the final match. he is losing. The court will definitely rule The same day, Mr. Yushchenko made Surkis’ corruption, Mr. Tomenko part- Perhaps no city is in more need of against him because it’s a political decision.” another controversial move when agreeing nered with him during the three-year investment than Lviv. Without its own Mr. Yushchenko followed his second to adhere to a March 13 Supreme Court project, serving as the Euro 2012 organi- billionaire businessman, the city will rely dismissal decree by creating more con- order re-installing Yevhen Zhovtiak as zational committee chair in 2005. on government funds to construct a new troversy when he re-appointed Party of Kyiv Oblast State Administration chair, That same year, Mr. Tomenko was stadium. the Regions National Deputy Sviatoslav after ignoring it for several weeks. vice prime minister for humanitarian The bill? Somewhere in the range of Piskun as Ukraine’s procurator general In its order, the court stated that the affairs and threatened to re-privatize $136 million, with a new airport to boot, after the Shevchenko District Court ruled president had improperly fired Mr. Dynamo Kyiv, which the Surkis brothers according Petro Oliinyk, Lviv State to re-instate him the very same morning. Zhovtiak. Mr. Yushchenko subsequently acquired in the early 1990s. Oblast Administration Chair. Mr. Yushchenko issued his re-instate- drew widespread criticism for ignoring it. “When I was told during a chat-con- But it appears Lviv will need more ment decree after repeatedly criticizing the After re-instating Mr. Zhovtiak, the ference, ‘Mr. Mykola, you as a represen- than just a stadium. performance of Procurator General president immediately dismissed him tative of the opposition hugged and “All the hotel rooms are booked Oleksander Medvedko, whom he appoint- again in defiance of the court. kissed representatives of enemy political already,” said Andrian Klisch, the Lviv ed after dismissing Mr. Piskun in the fall Presidential lawyer Ihor Pukshyn parties,’ that pleased me terribly,” Mr. State Oblast Administration’s assistant of 2005. alleged Mr. Zhovtiak had engaged in cor- Tomenko said. director of culture and tourism. Mr. Medvedko, a Donetsk prosecutor rupt land transfers, which legally justi- “I was with representatives of various That was just seven days after UEFA’s for seven years, has declined the presi- fied his dismissal. political parties who crossed Ukraine’s decision. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Young UNA’ers

Zoryana Areta Kuropas, daughter of Odessa Sophia Howera, daughter of Roman M. and Tania Kuropas of Mark and Raissa Howera of Columbia, Hinsdale, Ill., is a new member of Md., is a new member of UNA Branch 5. UNA Branch 20. She was enrolled by She was enrolled by her grandparents her grandparents Tamara and Roman Ihor and Natalie Gawdiak. I. Kuropas.

UNA SENIORS’ CONFERENCE at Soyuzivka

Sunday, June 10-15, 2007, during UNA Seniors’ Week Ladies and Gentlemen: 2007 is here! We wish you good health, good spirits and invite you to visit SOYUZIVKA!

Make your reservations now for the UNA Seniors’ Conference, which will be held at our mountain resort SOYUZIVKA, from Sunday, June 10 (starting with a wine and cheese reception) through Friday, June 15 (including brunch). The package is all-inclusive: five nights of accommodations, all meals, including banquet, (taxes and gratuites included).

Aleksa Kate Bazylevsky, daughter of Blaise Alexander Kane, son of Sean Kane Bohdan and Christine Bazylevsky of and Ramona Pakula Kane of Dearborn, Purchase, N.Y., is a new member of Mich., is a new member of UNA Branch UNA Branch 171. She was enrolled by 82. He was enrolled by his grandparents her grandparents the Rev. George and Benjamin and Lida Pakula. Oksana Bazylevsky.

Mission Statement The UNA exists:

• to promote the principles of fraternalism; UNA members’ package for five days: $425 single occupancy; • to preserve the Ukrainian, $355 pp double occupancy Ukrainian American and or per night: $100 single; $82 pp double Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and Non-members’ package for five days: $475 single occupancy; • to provide quality financial $373 pp double occupancy services and products to its or per night: $110 single; $90 pp double members. BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT only: $35 pp As a fraternal insurance society, the Natalia Elizabeth McMeekin, daugh- Ukrainian National Association Call SOYUZIVKA at 845-626-5641 and register early – space is limited! ter of Ross and Christina McMeekin Organize a bus from your area and contact your local senior clubs! of Whitestone, N.Y., is a new member reinvests its earnings for the bene- fit of its members and the For further information please call Oksana Trytjak at 973-292-9800 ext. 3071 of UNA Branch 171. She was enrolled Seniors’ Week is FUN, AFFORDABLE AND INTERESTING Ukrainian community. by her grandparents the Rev. George WE WELCOME GUESTS – COME ONE COME ALL! and Oksana Bazylevsky.

THE UNA: 113 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY “Purpose: To finally solve the Ukrainian problem in Poland towards the fol- lowing end: a) … to evacuate from the southern and eastern border region all Akcja Wisla: the event, individuals of Ukrainian nationality and resettle them on the northwestern lands ... b) The evacuation must include all elements of the Ukrainian nationality, its origins and context including Lemkos and those of mixed Ukrainian-Polish marriages. …” by Tarik Cyril Amar other bureaucracies of the postwar Polish – secret document dated April 16, 1947, on details of Akcja Wisla. PART I state. On the whole, Akcja Wisla was brutal Over the post-Communist period, our and repressive – with deportations Akcja Wisla knowledge of Akcja Wisla has increased imposed at short notice, transport crowded very substantially. Research and scholar- and under harsh conditions, with long This month marks the 60th anniversary of Akcja Wisla, or Operation Vistula, the ship have developed very well, acknowl- delays for some – but mostly not lethal. military operation that forcibly resettled nearly 150,000 Ukrainians living in Poland edging painful, as well as shameful Yet considerable numbers of its victims – an act whose goal was the final solution of “the Ukrainian problem in Poland.” issues, while at the same time striving were killed. A minimum of 27 deportees The operation began on April 28, 1947, and was carried out by a special mili- for objectivity and precision. died from the severe transport conditions. tary task forced called Operation Group Wisla, with support from Polish police Yet, while we now know more about and other official entities, as well as Soviet and Czechoslovak units. Akcja Wisla, we are also reaching a point Its aim was twofold: to disperse the Ukrainians among the Polish population at which the evidence, even when accessi- Akcja Wisla was the and to conduct ethnic cleansing of Ukrainian territories in eastern and southeast- ble, turns out genuinely incomplete – as, ern Poland. Its intent: to destroy the Ukrainian community in Poland. Akcja for instance, in matters of precise numbers final solution to “the Wisla’s ethnic cleansing followed an earlier “exchange” of populations that in or some important questions of decision- 1944 expelled Ukrainians from ethnically Ukrainian lands that became part of making. Thus, it is unlikely that we will Ukrainian problem” eastern Polish territory to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. ever know the exact number of Akcja The Ukrainians resettled in 1947 were taken to the so-called Ziemie Wisla’s victims. In fact, it is unlikely that in Poland. Odzyskane, or “Recovered Lands,” in the north and northwest, which Poland anybody ever has. Nevertheless, most acquired from Germany after World War II. For decades, what was left of the basic statistics are good enough for a fairly Ukrainian community in Poland was deeply scarred. precise picture of what happened and to Of the at least 3,873 people – again esti- For many years Poland argued that the Akcja Wisla was necessary as it was how many, while, regarding how decisions mates range higher – who were subjected part of a campaign against the nationalist resistance (read Ukrainian Insurgent were made, we can at least discard some to the abuses of the filtration camp of Army and Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists) and that it was a reprisal set older explanations as clearly insufficient. Jaworzno, a former branch camp of off by the killing on March 28, 1947, of Polish Deputy Defense Minister General Akcja Wisla was the name given by the Auschwitz designated for Akcja Wisla by Karol Swierczewski. However, evidence was unearthed to prove that discussions postwar Communist-dominated Polish the Politburo in April 1947, between 150 of the deportations were under way since the fall of 1946. Thus, Akcja Wisla was authorities to the forced, rapid and often and 161 died as a consequence of, accord- a meticulously planned operation conceived well in advance. brutal removal of more than 140,660 peo- ing to Igor Halagida, “hunger, torture, A 2002 statement by the Ukrainian World Congress underscored that: “The ple – with estimates reaching as high as beatings and exhausting physical work.” deportations were carried out without regard for the rights of the deported popu- 150,000 – or 33,154 families, categorized According to official statistics, the offen- lation as citizens of Poland, whose Constitution guaranteed their right of proper- as ethnically Ukrainian, although they sive in the counter-insurgency war against ty and choice of place of residence. Many Ukrainians, particularly leading mem- also included substantial numbers of those the UPA produced at least another 543 UPA bers of the community, priests of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic and Orthodox self-identifying as Lemkos, or living in fighters killed in action and 173 under- Churches, and even women and children, were imprisoned in the Jaworzno con- mixed families with the latter, from areas ground fighters and purported sympathizers centration camp (formerly a Nazi concentration camp of the Auschwitz com- in postwar southeastern Poland to areas in sentenced to death and mostly executed plex). Many died there as a result of intolerable conditions and ill treatment.” northern and western Poland, where they after military court proceedings that were That same year, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland expressed were deliberately dispersed. deeply flawed by any standards. In general, regret over the 1947 operation, penning a letter to the National Remembrance This operation, under close control of 1947 was the single postwar year with by Institute and a conference on Akcja Wisla. “On behalf of the Polish Republic, I the Polish Politburo, also included the far the largest number of Ukrainians sen- would like to express regret to all those who were wronged by [this operation]. ... screening and labeling of the deportees tenced to death by the Polish authorities for The infamous Operation Vistula is a symbol of the abominable deeds perpetrated by by criteria of purported political reliabili- alleged resistance activities. Of the 573 the Communist authorities against Polish citizens of Ukrainian origin,” he wrote. ty and internal security, as well as an such sentences found by Eugeniusz Misilo As we mark the 60th anniversary of the heinous Akcja Wisla, with many memorial offensive in the counter-insurgency cam- by 1992, 372 were passed in 1947. events slated to take place this weekend around the globe, we bow our heads and pray paign against the Ukrainian nationalist When did Akcja Wisla end? Soldiers for the victims of Akcja Wisla and their progeny. They will forever be remembered. resistance, organized in the closely were decorated for their participation on linked OUN, the Organization of July 28, 1947, the staff of Operation Ukrainian Nationalists, and UPA, the Group Wisla was dissolved on the fol- Ukrainian Insurgent Army. lowing day, and the Polish official statis- On the ground, Akcja Wisla’s imple- tics registering the number of Wisla May mentation began on April 28, 1947. It deportees as above 140,000 (cited above) Turning the pages back... was carried out mainly by a specially cover the period to mid-August 1947. assembled task force of about 17,500 Yet, some of Wisla’s immediate vic- 5 members under the command of Gen. tims reached their new settlement areas as late as January 1948 or even April 1950. Eleven years ago, on April 17, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada Stefan Mossor, called Operation Group 1996 Wisla, and additional forces uniting mili- Small-scale deportations – and not only of began to debate the draft of the Constitution of Ukraine that those Wisla victims who tried to return to had been approved by the Constitutional Committee. tary, police and political police elements with indirect support from Soviet and their homes – did continue at least for The debate, according to Markian Bilynskyj of the Pylyp Orlyk several years. They also continued to be Institute for Democracy, was compable to “the futile military campaigns of World War I.” Czechoslovak units. At the same time, Akcja Wisla was supported by various managed under the code word “Wisla.” At the end of the week, Parliament voted to create a committee that would attempt The troops, which had formed the to resolve the differences when the session resumed. Operation Group, did not simply leave When the debate resumed, the Communists refused to register and delayed the pro- Tarik Cyril Amar, Ph.D., who is a either. Some of them remained under the ceedings by preventing a plenary quorum. This tactic, originally known as “construc- Eugene and Daymel Shklar Research new name of Military District Operation tive destruction,” was used by the center-right after the Parliament was elected in Fellow at the Harvard Ukrainian Group Nr. V, still charged with removing 1994 to block the monolithic left. But the potential crisis was averted after Rada Research Institute (HURI), wrote his dis- Ukrainians and fighting the UPA. A key Chairman Oleksander Moroz proposed a letter to President Leonid Kuchma, asking sertation at Princeton University on the decree, sealing the expropriation of the him to explain his position on the Constitution by May 20, 1996. history of the city of Lviv between 1939 deportees and the prohibition to return to Parliament treated the draft Constitution as an ordinary piece of legislation, and and the 1960s. (He lived in Lviv for two their former homes, was passed in the therefore, procedure dictated that the four alternative drafts, including one by the years.) He is currently preparing the dis- summer of 1949. Communists, the 1993 draft by a Social-Democratic deputy and the official draft by sertation for publication with the support On the whole, however, the term the president, be considered. of fellowships at the Harriman Institute “Akcja Wisla” generally refers to the Major points of contention were: the form and function of the Parliament, whether Ukrainian Studies Program (last fall), at deportations of spring and summer 1947. it should be a uni- or bicameral body; the role of the presidency; the correct legal defi- HURI (currently) and the United States Regarding Akcja Wisla’s causes, recent nition for the population of Ukraine; the status of the Russian language; and whether Holocaust Memorial Museum in evidence has principally weakened a tradi- the Constitution should contain references to rights versus guarantees of health, edu- Washington (this summer). tional apologetic explanation, focusing on cation and employment. The paper above is the basis for a the resistance of the UPA and especially its The stalemate in the Parliament created the sentiment among the left that the ideal presentation by Dr. Amar at the confer- killing of Polish deputy Defense Minister option would be for the constitutional process to become bogged down to the point ence on Akcja Wisla organized by the Gen. Karol Swierczewski on March 28, that the president would be provoked into dismissing the Parliament – allowing time Ukrainian Studies Program of the 1947. While the latter may have accelerat- for the left to make considerable political gains in the interim. Harriman Institute at Columbia ed official plans of comprehensive depor- However, Mr. Bilynskyj did not see this as likely due to the maneuvering that University on April 26. The conference tation as a response to the so-called forced the passage of the Constitutional Agreement in the first place: cajoling enough theme was “Post-World War II Polish- “Ukrainian question” – with Swierczewski deputies individually into putting their signatures on the draft Constitution for the Ukrainian Relations: Remembering the quickly receiving propagandistic martyr- 1947 Forced Relocation Campaign (Continued on page 21) ‘Akcja Wisla.’ ” (Continued on page 20) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 7

Notes on Ukraine Taras Kuzio’s blog Faces and Places by Myron B. Kuropas Tymoshenko wants It is indeed surprising that the presi- to contain Russia dent has never learned English when he is married to an American. The major April 23 contrast between Ukrainians and Russia’s American apologists Georgians at international events is that the Georgians all know English (such as Anyone familiar with Russia’s history deep historical and cultural ties between This week proved once again that realizes that, in the words of George much of Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainians Washington is the center of policy-making Parliamentary Speaker Nina Burjanedze and President Mikheil Saakashvilli), Will, “Expansionism is in the Russian’s are well aware of how economically to Ukraine. On Monday the U.S. State DNA.” dependent their country is on Russia and Department held a meeting with outside which greatly assists them in networking and lobbying Georgia’s national interests. People who have followed the career how little by comparison the West has experts on Ukraine to discuss the and actions of Russian President done to help them.” Ukrainian crisis. On Wednesday both In Tymoshenko’s case we can thank her growing knowledge of English on my Vladimir Putin can only agree with Peter The results of opinion polls depend on Houses of the U.S. Congress adopted a Rodman’s 1994 statement that “The only how the question is framed and when it resolution on the Ukrainian crisis. On home region of Yorkshire, which pro- duced her rock ’n’roll son-in-law. potential great-power security problem in is asked. Polls I have read suggest that Thursday the Center for Strategic and Central Europe is the lengthening shad- Ukrainians are not averse to NATO International Studies (CSIS) held a joint Ms. Tymoshenko’s article is not for the faint-hearted. The published version ow of Russian strength, and NATO has membership in principle. Historical and session of its four working groups on poli- the job of counter-balancing it.” cultural ties to Russia, moreover, are the tics, energy, trans-Atlantic relations and was supposed to have appeared when she visited the United States (that is, in the Although President Putin enjoys an result of genocidal domination and relations with Russia to discuss proposals approval rate of around 70 percent, there oppression. The longer Ukraine remains to be submitted by Dr. Zbigniew March-April edition) but space consider- ations prevented this from happening. Its is concern that authoritarian rule is independent, the weaker these ties will Brzezinski and European VIPs in Berlin returning to Russia. Increasing state con- become. next month. On Friday the CSIS held a publication now coincides with the Ukrainian crisis and likely election cam- trol of the economy, the muzzling of seri- Reflecting on why “the general U.S. panel on the Ukrainian crisis with former ous political opposition, the shutdown or mood toward Russia is so bad,” Mr. Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer, paign. The draft I read two months ago was toned down for publication. takeover of newspapers and television Lieven concludes that it has to do with Dmitri Trenin (Carnegie, Moscow) and stations, and the emasculation of the the Cold War when “the Soviet Union ... this writer (see www.voanews.com/ukrain- Before the article appeared online, the Russian Foreign Ministry denounced it in Russian Duma are all part of Mr. Putin’s was the principal enemy. Out of the Cold ian/2007-04-20-voa4.cfm). goal of total state control. Are we sur- War came the particular influence in And, the piece de resistance of the unusually strong language (http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/0/0C641A prised? As Yulia Tymoshenko points out Washington of Polish, Baltic and West week was the publication of Yulia in a recent Foreign Affairs article titled Ukrainian lobbies, with ethnic hatreds of Tymoshenko’s “Containing Russia” in the 2EB01FF23FC32572BF00537789). In the conspiratorial culture that dominates “Containing Russia,” research by Russia that long predate their countries’ journal Foreign Affairs (http://www.for- Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the article is Moscow’s Center for the Study of Elites subjection to Soviet Communism.” eignaffairs.org/previews/8220/20070501f defined as an “anti-Russian manifesto” “suggests that 78 percent of the top peo- Right. As if all these “ethnic hatreds” aessay86307-p0/yuliya-tymoshenko/con- and an attempt at rekindling the Cold ple in Putin’s regime can be considered were totally unreasonable, not based on taining-russia.html). She is the first War. The Russian Foreign Ministry is ex-KGB.” pre-Soviet Russian genocidal policies Ukrainian politician to have published convinced that “somebody” is standing The West has criticized Russia’s return against their neighbors. here. (It’s surprising that President Viktor behind Ms. Tymoshenko and this person to its former authoritarian habits but “a In another article titled “Why are we Yushchenko has never sought to publish is allegedly Vice-President Dick Cheney. far more important factor than reform,” trying to reheat the Cold War?” appear- in this prestigious and influential journal.) Why? Because he gave a speech very writes Ms. Tymoshenko, “is Russia’s ing in the Los Angeles Times in March, Until now articles on Ukraine have large- critical of Russia at a meeting in Vilnius attempt to restore its pre-eminence in the Mr. Lieven excoriated Vice-President ly been written by Western scholars. It is in May 2006, was known to be a strong territories it once controlled ... The West Dick Cheney for “arguing for a new worth noting that it is not easy to get pub- advocate of an Orange coalition that has done little to enable the Soviet tough line against Moscow along the lished in Foreign Affairs and usually the could pave the way for U.S. support for Union’s successor states – with the lines of a scaled-down Cold War.” In Mr. journal requests articles. Lieven’s mind, such criticism of Russian Ukraine’s NATO membership and most exception of the Baltic nations of Russia was very unhappy at the title behavior only “angers ordinary Russians importantly, Moscow is convinced that, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – to “Containing Russia.” The title was not the and risks driving them further toward because Mr. Cheney met Ms. achieve viable international standing ... first choice of Tymoshenko’s American chauvinistic nationalism.” Mr. Lieven Tymoshenko during her U.S. visit, they Russia’s reform will be impeded, not consultants and a better title could have reminds me of American apologists dur- therefore coordinated the article. The helped, if the West turns a blind eye to its been that used in the excerpts published in ing the Cold War who cautioned against U.S. vice-president does not usually meet imperial pretensions,” she writes. “The the International Herald Tribune on April too much criticism of Soviet behavior opposition leaders. independence of the republics that broke 16 as “Demand a level playing field” because it only strengthened Soviet The Russian Foreign Ministry lumps away from the Soviet Union, including (http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/16/o “hard-liners.” Mr. Cheney and Ms. Tymoshenko togeth- Ukraine, must not be tacitly downgraded pinion/edtymoshenko.php). Mr. Lieven has an interesting history. er as Cold War warriors while trying to by the West’s acquiescence to Russia’s According to Washington sources the He is currently a research fellow at the convince us that President Putin’s desire for hegemony.” article was written by Ms. Tymoshenko, New America Foundation, which Munich speech was a “serious and frank And yet, that is exactly what Anatol whose knowledge of English is better describes itself as “a non-profit, post-par- dialogue” that was made in a “direct and Lieven suggests the United States and than that of either President Yushchenko tisan, public policy institute that was open fashion.” After Mr. Putin’s Munich the West do in dealing with Putin’s or Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, established through the collaborative speech it was the West that concluded Russia. In an article titled “To Russia with the assistance of her foreign policy work of a diverse and intergenerational Russia had rekindled a new Cold War. with Realism” which appeared in the advisers and her U.S.-based public affairs group of public intellectuals, civic lead- Russian apologists in the West have March 26 issue of The American consultant. The Russian conspiracy ers and business executives,” all of always rushed to defend Russian poli- Conservative of all places, Mr. Lieven mindset that believes Vice-President which is very politically correct but tells cies. And, so I am eagerly awaiting the suggests that if a new Cold War emerges, Dick Cheney’s office wrote the Foreign us nothing. Far more interesting is the response of Anatol Lieven of the New it will be the fault of the Bush adminis- Affairs article is off base. The involve- fact that Mr. Lieven speaks Russian, America Foundation. He had already tration which, he argues, has infuriated ment of an American consultant is not Russia by its support of NATO member- lived for a time in Russia, and was once lambasted U.S. policy to Russia and con- associated with the U.S. Institute of unusual in assisting in the publication of demned U.S. support for Ukrainian mem- ship for Ukraine. articles in the U.S. media as this is part of “The case of Ukraine and NATO is Peace which published his monograph bership in NATO in the March edition of titled “Ukraine and Russia: A Fraternal the mandate of public affairs consultants. The American Conservative worth considering as a prime example of Opinion editorials by Messrs. the deep irrationality affecting U.S. poli- Rivalry” in 1999. Interesting title. (http://www.amconmag.com/2007/2007_ If the U.S. and Russia are entering a Yanukovych and Yushchenko in the 03_26/cover.html). As an analyst in a cy in the former Soviet Union,” writes Financial Times and The Washington Mr. Lieven. “After all, the Russians have new Cold War, it is a war that Mr. Putin conservative Washington think-tank said himself declared. Can Ukraine ignore Post are written by Western public affairs to me last year after an earlier Russophile lost far more men fighting in Ukraine in companies working for them. various wars than have died in all of Russia? Of course not. In the words of article, “Lieven! Someone who hates Ms. Tymoshenko, “self-determination The American who assisted in prepar- everything American and loves every- America’s wars put together ...” The ing the article is not in the U.S. govern- argument seems to be that since Russians does not mean isolation. New nations can thing Russian.” Why British scholars like build with their former occupiers the ment, but the company of which he is a Lieven are so Russophile would require died as they invaded and forcibly incor- partner (TDI International) officially rep- porated Ukraine into Russia or the Soviet same kind of fruitful relationship that another lengthy blog. France now has with Germany – a rela- resents Ms. Tymoshenko in the U.S. The In reality, Ms. Tymoshenko is not Union, Ukraine belongs to Russia. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Americans died in Germany by the thou- tionship founded on equality and mutual “anti-Russian.” Her Foreign Affairs arti- interests.” Russia’s leaders deserve requires American companies represent- cle is an in-depth critique of Russian sands in two world wars. Does that mean ing foreign governments to register at Germany should belong to the United understanding as they struggle to free neo-imperial policies, particularly in the themselves of Soviet misrule, she FARA but, as a major exposé in the April field of energy that she knows and States? 17 Wall Street Journal on American PR “Even more important,” continues Mr. believes. “They are not, however, enti- understands. If the article is really a tled to being handed the sphere of influ- companies working for Russia and “Cold War manifesto” it would have Lieven, “are two more facts almost never Ukraine revealed, thus far the only law- mentioned in the American debate on ence that tsars and commissars coveted included a discussion of NATO’s role, for 300 years.” abiding Ukrainian is Ms. Tymoshenko. but NATO is never once mentioned in this subject ... The first is that according American companies working for the article. Ms. Tymoshenko is cautious to every reliable opinion poll, the great Messrs. Yanukovych or Yushchenko are majority of Ukrainians do not even want Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is not registered at FARA. (Continued on page 16) NATO membership ... Leaving aside the [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 On the road to Chornobyl: a journey to the exclusion zone by Irene Zabytko Conclusion times too.” successful trip. In a few short days in Twenty years of neglect had devoured Ukraine, we accomplished everything we Before we left Opachychi, I insisted In February 2007 I traveled with film- the building. Half of the ceiling was set out to do and we were rewarded with maker Peter Mychalcewycz to the we go through the town center. I remem- caved in and we hopped from one tremendous shots that we have compiled Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, to visit the bered the photos that accompanied The orphaned floorboard to another to avoid into a promotional DVD for fund-raising. people living in an abandoned village for Ukrainian Weekly article of the boarded- the ominous spaces. It would have been The next step is to collect enough a pre-production research trip. The fol- up buildings, which were the inspiration so easy to fall into a dark pit of radiated funds for us to return to Opachychi this lowing is a chronicle of our adventures. for the town in my novel, and I wanted earth and pieces of flooring that people summer and hire a film crew to begin to see if anything once danced on. production of “Life in the Dead Zone.” was still standing This will be a two-to three-week stay; we after 20 years. “Chysti” check-out will follow the women we met and also “We just passed We still had to make one last stop to visit the Chornobyl power plant. it,” Valerii said. Chornobyl to alert the border guard that We are also planning on traveling to the “It’s all gone now.” we were leaving the zone. The check- Ukrainian Heritage Museum near I insisted we point soldier asked if we wanted to see if Edmonton, Alberta, an outdoor living muse- return. Serhii knew we were “chysti” or “clean.” In other um of a Ukrainian Canadian settlement. exactly where the words, not contaminated by radiation. This will be the setting for filming the town was and Curiously, we weren’t required to get a excerpts taken from “The Sky Unwashed” because of the radiation-level reading. “Only if you want that will segue with the real-life scenes of incredibly deep to,” Valerii said. He waited in the car, but Opachychi in the documentary. snow, we had to Meanwhile, we are constructing a Peter, Serhii and I went into a building with tramp on foot to website that will chronicle all of our a giant steel gate-like structure attached to a find what was left accomplishments and plans. meter. I wasn’t sure what to do. of a few dilapidated But we can’t do it without your help. “Press your hand up there,” a soldier buildings hidden Please continue to support us through behind defiant trees pointed to a hand imprint on a steel beam. your generous contributions (guaranteed and bushes. We I was relieved to see that the reading reg- to see your name on the film credits!). found a yellow istered me as clean. If I wasn’t clean, I Help us continue to make this important brick building and would have had to discard my clothes, film. We are a non-profit 501 (c) 3 tax- went through the and suffer being hosed by water – an exempt organization, and your donations open wall that led awful prospect considering it was so cold. will be tax-deductible for the year with us into a large room Back in the warmth of Valerii’s com- the added benefit that our thanks to you with a stage. fortable car, we returned to Kyiv, smack will be eternal and you will receive good “This was the into the frustrating grip of rush hour. karma, blessings and the knowledge that ‘klub,’” Serhii said. Toyotas and Hondas gridlocked and you are participating in a landmark film “I was a boy when honked at each other on the icy streets project that will reform the world’s atten- I used to come here just as they would in any cosmopolitan tion on Chornobyl and its continuous for lectures and city anywhere in the world. It was a star- menacing presence. dances. The tling jolt back into civilization after the Please send checks to: The Ukrainian Communists held tragic, strange solitude of Opachychi. Artistic Center, 2657 W. Iowa St., First their meetings, and Footing the footage Floor, Chicago, IL 60622-4755; please we would have to earmark it as “Chornobyl Film.” come to hear After our return to the States, Peter For more information readers may speakers,” he said. and I sifted through several hours of film contact this writer directly at: irenez- A soldier measures his radiation dosage. “But we had good footage that was shot during our very [email protected]. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 9 Documentary “La Zona” tells the story of Chornobyl through children’s eyes by Christina Kotlar happening in this day and age. expressed in “La Zona” solely through Information and technological detection the children’s opinions, drawings, poetry, NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Film in the West announced the disaster to the songs and wishes. The filmmakers do not Club of Columbia University on world over 20 years ago, yet during the speak or understand the Ukrainian lan- Wednesday, April 18, hosted the New three-day evacuation of over 350,000 guage, yet this film speaks so eloquently York and U.S. premiere of “La Zona” people, no one was told anything. The about the Ukrainian people, their lives (The Unnamed Zone), a documentary pattern of obfuscation continues even and their future as these are intertwined feature film about three children and today. Radiation falls and settles in with consequences that are far more ter- their families affected by the worst patches and, in spite of constant monitor- rible and complex than the purely med- nuclear disaster in human history which ing, officials say everything is fine. But it ical. Chornobyl’s consequences will per- took place at the Chornobyl nuclear isn’t. vade every single aspect of life for gen- power plant in Ukraine on April 26, The official number of deaths remains erations to come. 1986. an unconvincing 54 (47 at the time of the The film’s director, Mr. Rodriguez Filmmaker Carlos Rodriguez from San disaster plus nine as a result of thyroid began his documentary filmmaking Sebastian, Spain, was introduced by film cancer), whereas the environmental career at Canal+ SPAIN. After six years, club director Yuri Shevchuk and stayed organization Greenpeace estimates he and producer Asun Lasarte established long after the film’s conclusion, answer- 100,000 extra cancer deaths with 8,000 their film production company Morgan ing many thought-provoking questions. deaths attributed to the disaster. The Creativos, specializing in documentaries After 21 years, the zone surrounding Ukrainian National Council on Radiation and other cinematographic contents for Chornobyl is comparable to J.R.R. Protection claims to have documentation television. Many of their documentaries Tolkien’s description of the land of for 34,499 deaths. The World Health achieved international recognition in film Mordor in “The Lord of the Rings.” Even Organization (WHO) estimates the num- festivals around the world, such as the reactor No. 4 eerily resembles Mount ber of deaths to be closer to 50,0000 and San Sebastian International Film Festival, Doom, rising above the dangerous and after years of data analysis no one really DocsBarcelona, Documenta Madrid, desolate countryside, its invisible knows for sure what Chornobyl’s ramifi- Filmmaker Carlos Rodriguez Seattle and Chicago International Film radioactive fingers stretching across an cations actually are or will be. festivals, Docaviv, Sydney Opera House otherwise stunningly beautiful landscape. The WHO recommended that children sound person. They were well aware of and others. These areas are vividly captured in living within a certain distance of the and concerned with the dangers of con- A much shorter version of “La Zona” this film, which conveys the story zone go abroad for 40 days out of the tamination as they collected visuals and was also screened on Friday, April 20, as through three young voices – Lida, year to recuperate from stresses on their then conducted interviews to construct part of the “Legacy of Chornobyl” ses- Nastia and Andrii – and their families, immune systems. Countries such as the story. sion at the 16th International Conference who live just beyond “the zone,” an arbi- Australia, Italy and Spain invite these The father of one of the children on Health and Environment: Global trarily drawn 30-kilometer area surround- children to spend this convalescence worked as a firefighter near the site and Partners for Global Solutions at the ing the power plant. When Chornobyl within their borders. It is during one of spoke candidly about his concerns for his United Nations Headquarters in New reactor No. 4 exploded, it released 200 these visits that the filmmakers became children and for his own health. If there York City. times more radiation than the atomic intrigued with the situation. were too much radiation indicated on his * * * bombs dropped on Hiroshima and A vigorous question and answer ses- person, he would be fired from his job – Nagasaki combined. The zone is the site sion followed the film screening, with a job necessary to support his young and Since its establishment in 2004, the of the ancestral homes of many myriad questions from the audience, growing family. He and others note that Ukrainian Film Club has become a Ukrainians, who will not be able to especially regarding health issues. Mr. the guarded sarcophagus is breaking unique international initiative whose mis- return there for a thousand years. Rodriquez listened intently and through down, with three of its four walls already sion is to provide a forum promoting the The film is structured like a fairytale, his interpreter, Iban Ubarretxena, cracked and deemed unsafe. The workers best of Ukrainian cinema and connecting told in the first person by the three chil- responded with information he learned speculate that radiation is escaping from Ukrainian filmmakers with the rest of the dren who define their situation as some- while on a daring venture into the con- this decaying structure. But life goes on. world. For more information go to the thing unreal that could not possibly be taminated zone with just a camera and a Views on the environment are website at www.columbia.edu/cu/ufc. NEWS ANALYSIS: Belarusian opposition activist travels to Chornobyl zone by David Marples reducing funds directed to Chornobyl and courts have resulted in failure anniversary date on April 26 and the pro- Eurasia Daily Monitor reworking lands contaminated by long- (Belorusskie Novosti, February 26). posed “Chornobyl Path” march that will living radionuclides, such as cesium-137 Funds to deal with Chornobyl prob- start at Yakub Kolas Square, close to the As the 21st anniversary of the nuclear and strontium-90, as well as plutonium lems currently are channeled through two city center. disaster at Chornobyl approaches, it is hotspots. The second issue is the reduc- sources: the republican budget and the Mr. Nikitchenka and others link the becoming a focal point of both govern- tion or curtailment of activities of NGOs budget of the Russia-Belarus Union. The current demographic crisis in Belarus ment and opposition activity in Belarus. devoted to Chornobyl issues, which in amounts are pitifully small. Thus for the directly to the authorities' failure to deal It remains a potentially divisive issue the past bore much of the costs through period 2006-2010 from the Union budg- adequately with Chornobyl and their because of cutbacks in aid to former li- international assistance. et, 172 million Russian rubles ($6.1 mil- decision to cut back non-government aid quidators and affected young people, as For example, a two-year program put lion U.S.) is allocated for “overcoming to victims, particularly those funds that well as government programs to re-culti- together by the International Atomic the consequences of the Chornobyl catas- were responsible for sending children vate contaminated regions. Alyaksandr Energy Agency (IAEA) and the trophe.” Among the projects to be dealt abroad for recuperation. Such decisions, Milinkevich, leader of the United Belarusian Institute of Radiology is under with in 2007 are the creation of a single they believe, are political and they Democratic Forces (UDF), requested way in the Homiel Oblast, using what is Chornobyl register of dosimetric data, as account in part for the loss of 500,000 time on national television to express his termed new “ecological technology” in well as formulating plans for the use of individuals in the republic since 1993. At viewpoint on these issues on April 25, products and drinking water to cultivate agricultural and forest areas, and an the present rate of population decline, but his request was rejected (Belorusy i lands in contaminated zones (Belapan, information center in Minsk (Belorusskie this figure will double by 2020, with a Rynok, April 16-23). January 17). Meanwhile, serious viola- novosti, March 15). Of the figure of 172 further 28 percent reduction by 2050 On April 21 Mr. Milinkevich began a tions of existing rules for living in such million RR, 16.2 million RR are to be (Belorusy i Rynok, April 16-23). tour of the regions of Belarus affected by areas have occurred recently in the Vetka spent in 2007, and will additionally fund Therefore, the organizers of the the accident. On April 22 he took part in district (Homiel region), particularly with the recuperation of 1,100 children in spe- Chornobyl Path have issued an appeal to a conference dedicated to the problems of regard to fishing in local rivers and the cial sanatoria (BELTA, January 1). the authorities, requesting an increase in the consequences of the Chornobyl acci- selling and consumption of local fish Republican expenditure for 2007, the social protection of the population, dent in Mazyr. The following day he was products (Belorusskie Novosti, which embraces the recuperation of more financial compensation for Chornobyl scheduled to visit three towns in the most December 26, 2006). than 144,000 children, is 82 billion victims, a change of attitude toward contaminated zone of the republic, In late February, several Belarusian Belarusian rubles ($38 million U.S.). humanitarian organizations working on Brahin, Khoyniki and Homiel. liquidators wrote an appeal to Ukrainian Over 258,000 children reportedly have these issues that are not linked to the His goal, according to an interview he President Viktor Yushchenko, who was the right to services for rest and recupera- government, better provision of medical provided to Belapan, is to draw the atten- about to meet with his Belarusian coun- tion (Belapan, April 20), though the goods for the affected population, and a tion of Belarusians and the international terpart, Alyaksandr Lukashenka. One of Ministry of Foreign Affairs cites a figure system of “full” radiation control over community to the problems of ensuring the signatories, Ivan Nikitchenka, a cor- of 494,000 on its web page. Likewise, the the contaminated lands. the safety of the population and produc- responding member of the National portion of the budget allocated to All these demands appear to contradict tion in zones that do not conform to radi- Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Chornobyl was 19.9 percent in 1992, the current policies of the Lukashenka ological norms. He expressed in particu- explained that the letter outlined how 13.5 percent in 1995, and around 6 per- regime, which regards Chornobyl-related lar his anxiety about providing real aid Belarusian liquidators had been deprived cent in 2005 (DHA News, September- problems as a potential burden on its for people who have lived in a radioac- of benefits that they had received since October 1995, Louisa Vinton, United alleged story of economic successes over tive zone for more than two decades and 1991, as a result of a law guaranteeing Nations Development Program, the past decade. ensuring that children are permitted to their social protection. Sicknesses among September 6, 2005). travel abroad for periods of recuperation their members are no longer recognized Mr. Milinkevich, as well as the demo- The article above is reprinted from (Belorusskie Novosti, April 21 and 22). as being related to their exposure to high cratic forces generally in Belarus, intend Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Two issues are of immediate concern. levels of radiation, and all attempts to to draw attention to Chornobyl-related from its publisher, the Jamestown The first is the government policy of rectify this situation through Belarusian problems as the time draws closer to the Foundation, www.jamestown.org. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

president to cancel his decree, either for a “Political reforms, which would and other relations of foreign governments How do you solve...? month or prior to the Constitutional enforce the ‘rules of the game’ and create with Ukraine,” the resolution stated. (Continued from page 1) Court’s decision. In exchange, the parlia- pre-conditions to guarantee democratic Four days later, State Duma Chairman shifting the right to nominate the prime mentary and Cabinet of Ministers resolu- rights and freedoms through lawful insti- Boris Grizlov accused the Ukrainian minister from Parliament to the presiden- tions condemning the decree would be tutions, and would have supported politi- president of ignoring democracy and cy; and dismissal of Procurator General canceled. cal competition, haven’t been achieved introducing an emergency situation, Oleksander Medvedko, who was appoint- In the event the Constitutional Court ed by Mr. Yushchenko himself in 2005. rules the decree was illegal, the memo- In addition to the proposals stated on randum calls for approving legislation in April 20, the president also suggested an May to include a new election law, revis- “To place hope in the courts is a waste. open list electoral system and passing a ing the Parliament’s regimen, changing Any court ruling by any court won’t be new version of the law ratifying the the Cabinet of Ministers law and passing European Charter on regional languages a parliamentary opposition law. perceived by society as politically legiti- and ethnic minorities. Mr. Moroz excludes the possibility of While many of his proposals are sub- pre-term elections in this event, largely mate in the moral dimension.” ject to compromise, the president made because the Socialist Party of Ukraine isn’t clear that pre-term parliamentary elec- expected to attain the necessary 3 percent tions are non-negotiable. On April 25 he of votes to enter the Verkhovna Rada. – former Verkhovna Rada Chair postponed the elections originally If the court upholds the dismissal Volodymyr Lytvyn announced for May 27 until June 24. decree, then elections should be held in Another requirement is a revised and the summer-autumn, the memorandum amended Ukrainian Constitution that would states, based on open party lists. be put before a national referendum – an The Socialist Party is unlikely to qual- thus far,” the resolution stated. which was unacceptable. idea popular among Ukraine’s Western-ori- ify for Parliament based on the closed Battling politicians must resolve the cri- Mr. Grizlov met with Mr. Moroz to ented, reform-minded politicians. list system. sis either through pre-term elections rooted express his support for the Verkhovna in the Constitutional Court’s decision, or Rada, and they agreed to cooperate, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych Parliamentary Opposition Leader Yulia Tymoshenko through a political compromise, according particularly in making public state- Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych to PACE. Pre-term elections are a legiti- ments. (Party of the Regions) hasn’t given the Yulia Tymoshenko (Yulia Tymoshenko mate, democratic means of resolving the As for resolving the crisis, Russian president many options to resolve the Bloc) supports the president’s position crisis, commonly practiced in Europe, the deputies offered few concrete sugges- crisis, largely because he believes the that pre-term parliamentary elections are resolution stated. The coalition govern- tions, except for pointing out that the Constitutional Court will declare the dis- unavoidable. ment is wrong to deny financing. court’s decision will help. As part of negotiations, he shouldn’t The resolution cited the urgent need missal decree unconstitutional and there- Former President Leonid Kravchuk by give him enormous political leverage. cancel his decree, she said. Instead, he for Ukraine’s leaders to work toward The president’s proposal to temporarily should consider postponing elections reforming the Ukrainian Constitution so In attempting to form a 300-vote con- halt the decree isn’t enough to satisfy the beyond the announced May 27 date. that a system of checks and balances in stitutional majority, the Verkhovna Rada prime minister, whose strategy is clear: As usual, Ms. Tymoshenko proposed far government is in place. forced Mr. Yushchenko into a position in either pressure the president to cancel the more radical ways in dealing with the coali- “Constitutional reform should be a which he was forced to act, said former decree altogether, or wait for a ruling. tion than the president has, namely, dis- part of discussions oriented toward President Leonid Kravchuk (Social “After the Constitutional Court issues missing Procurator General Oleksander resolving the current crisis,” the resolu- Democratic Party – United). its verdict, of course, he will submit to its Medvedko, Minister of Internal Affairs tion stated. Complex judicial reform is “I absolutely support the president in decision and his status will be unenviable, Vasyl Tsushko and the “sold-out and traitor- needed to ensure the objectivity and the sense that he couldn’t not react to to put it mildly,” Mr. Yanukovych said. ous” Central Election Commission (CEC). legitimacy of court rulings. this,” he said. “But his reaction was inad- Therefore, the Party of the Regions is CEC commissioners “are sabotaging PACE rejected the imperative mandate equate, because it doesn’t conform to the in no rush to reach a compromise prior to the elections, hiding behind medical proposal, instead recommending that Constitution or the situation.” Ukraine’s political parties adopt consis- If a compromise is to arise, both sides tent political platforms and recruit com- have to offer concessions, Mr. Kravchuk mitted politicians. The Cabinet of said. Then all decrees and resolutions “I absolutely support the president in Ministers law passed in January that lim- issued by the conflicting parties that violate ited the president’s authority must be the Constitution should be recalled, he said. the sense that he couldn’t not react to amended to conform to Ukraine’s “It’s not possible to sit at the table Constitution, the resolution stated. when unlawful acts are active,” Mr. this. But his reaction was inadequate, Kravchuk said. because it doesn’t conform to the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Parliament must pass an imperative William Taylor mandate law to prevent national deputies Constitution or the situation.” The American ambassador has not from leaping between factions and par- publicly commented on the crisis since it ties, that caused the current crisis, he erupted, aside from brief remarks made said. Agreements such as the Universal – former President Leonid Kravchuk to the American Chamber of Commerce of National Unity have proven to lack in Kyiv on April 5. any legal basis to prevent the deputies Mr. Taylor said he expects the conflict from abandoning factions again, Mr. will be resolved by a Constitutional Kravchuk said. the court’s ruling. leaves – someone’s leg in plaster, some- Court decision, pre-term parliamentary Former President Leonid Kuchma Should it rule against the president, one’s hand thrust into a socket, someone elections, or a political compromise that the prime minister said he would consid- taken away with dizziness,” Ms. could involve either. Former President Leonid Kuchma, er pursuing impeachment or pre-term Tymoshenko said, calling on the presi- “The United States government’s sense author of “After Maidan, ” said he knew presidential elections. dent to assign “new and honest people.” is that none of those are ruled out,” he the maidan revolt of 2004 wouldn’t be After the president postponed elec- The Tymoshenko Bloc won’t recog- said. “We don’t express a preference Ukraine’s last, except he didn’t expect tions until June 24, a proposal by Party nize any decision reached by the among those three.” The U.S. government events would unravel so quickly. of the Regions National Deputy Taras Constitutional Court, she said, because doesn’t favor any political party and is “In 2006 there was a large temptation Chornovil to begin impeachment pro- its judges are suspected of corruption, willing to work with everyone involved, to return to the scenario of 2004, when ceedings received widespread support particularly after the Security Service of the ambassador has repeatedly stated the precedent of resolving political prob- among party members during an April 26 Ukraine announced it has evidence that throughout the last several months. lems on the streets in violation of legisla- faction meeting. Judge Suzanna Stanik received $12 mil- Since the crisis’ outbreak, Mr. Taylor tive norms was set,” the former president “It was recommended and widely sup- lion in bribes. has attended several negotiations told the Vremia Novostei newspaper in ported to cease negotiations with the Ms. Tymoshenko has long supported between the president and the prime an interview published on April 23. president until he returns to the constitu- the need for constitutional reform, elec- minister, Ukrayinska Pravda reported. The current politicians are fighting tional field,” Mr. Chornovil said. tions reform, a law giving the parliamen- Mr. Taylor has not made a statement each other with ultimatums, which won’t tary opposition a voice and an imperative as to whether the U.S. government views lead to any progress, Mr. Kuchma said. Verkhovna Rada Chair The president’s call for pre-term elec- mandate to prevent deputies from Mr. Yushchenko’s dismissal decree as tions was illogical, he said, though it’s Oleksander Moroz switching factions. constitutional or not. difficult to act logically when politicians Oleksander Moroz (Socialist Party of Russian Federation Duma back each other against walls. Elections Ukraine) on April 23 announced his own Parliamentary Assembly won’t change the Parliament’s composi- An institution that felt qualified to plan to lead Ukraine out of its political of the Council of Europe tion significantly, Mr. Kuchma said. crisis, revealing that he agrees with the determine the constitutionality of the Mr. Yushchenko ought to find a compro- president on numerous legislative reform Ukraine’s political crisis is a result of cer- president’s decree was the Russian mise between what he deemed the “eastern initiatives. tain political forces taking advantage of a Federation State Duma, which accused and western elites.” As his most concrete Critics of Mr. Moroz believe he is the constitutional vacuum that resulted from the Mr. Yushchenko of usurping power in its proposal, Mr. Kuchma offered that Our main contributor to the crisis by continu- rushed and incomplete constitutional and April 6 resolution. Ukraine unite with the Party of the Regions. ing to lead daily Verkhovna Rada sessions, political reforms approved during the “Passing this anti-constitutional decision, As for foreign intervention, the former ignoring the president’s dismissal decree. Orange Revolution, according to an April 19 which at its root diverges not only from a president said it’s time that Ukrainians In his “Memorandum on Reconciliation resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of political but also a healthy mind, extraordi- and Cooperation,” Mr. Moroz calls for the the Council of Europe (PACE). narily complicates the political, economic (Continued on page 18) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 11

clubs that promoted Ukrainian studies and Ukrainian Ukrainian American students... activities. Dr. Savyckyj urged the students to find good (Continued from page 1) advisors for their clubs in order to maintain momentum SUSTA is, by its very nature, an interim organization in their efforts. between schooling and careers, Dr. Procyk urged the Concerning the future of business in Ukraine, students to translate their involvement in SUSTA to Vsevolod Onyshkevych, executive vice-president of another organization in the Ukrainian community. Raritan Computer Inc., said that for career-minded stu- In the conference’s first panel discussion, Askold dents interested in business Ukraine offers a great Lozynskyj, president of the Ukrainian World Congress, opportunity to help in its economic development. commended the students on their initiative to hold this Outsourcing in Ukraine, according to Mr. Onyshkevych, conference and recalled how in the past SUSTA was the has doubled every year for the last four years. Students conscience of the Ukrainian community and a spokesman with strong Ukrainian backgrounds are better prepared for its hopes. During the dissident movement of the 1970s to address the cultural risks and associated challenges and 1980s, SUSTA played a major role in the release of that Western companies face in Ukraine. many political prisoners under the Soviet regime. Peter Woloschuk, faculty advisor to the Boston Mr. Lozynskyj also reminded the students of the initia- College Ukrainian Society, added that students should tives and opportunities that are important today. This, not only advocate for Ukrainian studies at American according to Mr. Lozynskyj, includes participation in the universities, but in Ukraine as well. democratic transition in Ukraine and working toward Marta Matselioukh, project coordinator for the U.S.- Poland’s recognition of and restitution for the forced relo- Ukraine Foundation, provided the students with a list of cation of Ukrainians as a result of Akcja Wisla. 51 ways that each student could make a difference in As an example of student activity Mr. Lozyskyj cited the Ukraine’s development. Some of the ways outlined by efforts by students in Ukraine to secure the renaming of Ms. Matselioukh included applying for a Fulbright Andrij Harasewych streets there from names from the Soviet era to Ukrainian Scholarship in Ukraine, hosting a “Ukraine Week” that During a break in the proceedings (from left) are: historical figures. Finally, Mr. Lozynskyj reminded the stu- would include art exhibits, holding conferences related Adriana Kuzyszyn, Lida Doll and Taisa Hewka. dents to keep in mind the global Ukrainian student commu- to Ukrainian issues via video, web or on campus, and nity and to work toward global goals. even going to Ukraine on spring break. previous SUSTA members to guide these clubs, that Michael Sawkiw, president of the Ukrainian Asking the students what they thought of the SUSTA turnover will make less of an impact.” Congress Committee of America, underscored the need conference, Roman Tabatchouk, president of the After a break for lunch, the conference resumed with to look for common elements with Ukrainians around Rutgers Ukrainian Students Club, said, “I hope that this several smaller sessions on topics such as Ukrainian the world. “Renewing SUSTA is a major step to bring conference serves as a springboard for a larger, more ethnic identity, being a Ukrainian professional, and a something of yourselves to the Ukrainian community,” pan-American organization to reach out to all Ukrainian film screening and discussion on the making of Damian Kolodiy’s documentary “The Orange Chronicles.” Andrij Wowk, president of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, provided the students with an out- line of what UESA is and does, and how joining a pro- fessional organization, even while in school, can give students an edge in the job market. Organizations such as UESA, Mr. Wowk said, provide members with a net- work, an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences, and professional and social events, which will play a key role in their job-hunting success. For a list of other Ukrainian professional organizations, he suggested that students can log onto www.brama.com. The sessions continued with a lecture by attorney Tatiana Durbak on Ukrainian immigration and integration. Artem Luhovy, president of the Ukrainian students club at McGill University in Montreal, and a member of SUSK, the parallel organization to SUSTA in Canada, commented: “The conference is a great first step. It is very well organized and I’m pleased to see many other clubs here from all over, despite [it] being exam time for many of these students.” On cooperation between SUSTA and SUSK (Soyuz Ukrayinskoho Studentstva Kanady), Mr. Luhovy said

Andrij Harasewych that the Internet offers students from the U.S. and Canada such an easy way to develop ideas, projects and Students listen to a lecture by Dr. Iwan Z. Holowinsky, professor of psychology at Rutgers University, on initiatives. There should be less distinction between Ukrainian ethnic identity. national groups like SUSTA and SUSK, but these organizations should work toward one group for all of he said. The proposed upcoming parliamentary elec- students in every university across America.” North America, Mr. Luhovy added. tions offer students an opportunity to actively partici- The problem the student federation will have to Recognizing the importance of history, Mr. Luhovy pate in the democratic initiatives there and to build ties address, according to Mr. Tabatchouk, is “the quick said that he would like to see the preservation of these with Ukraine, Mr. Sawkiw added. turnover of students in university clubs. But, with a After the first panel discussion, the UCCA president larger network of students and a solid advisory board of (Continued on page 18) presented SUSTA with a check for $250 for its efforts. Roma Lisovich, treasurer of the Ukrainian National Association, recalled her personal experiences at a SUSTA conference held at Soyuzivka, the UNA estate, which inspired her participation in the Ukrainian com- munity. Ms. Lisovich urged the students to utilize UNA resources, such as its two newspapers, and its database to unite efforts and accomplish great things and look to the UNA for opportunities to get involved. Viktor Voloshyn, representing the Embassy of Ukraine, said the Embassy looks forward to collabora- tive efforts with SUSTA. Pointing to relaxed visa rules, he invited Ukrainian American students to visit Ukraine to take advantage of opportunities there. Yuriy Symczyk, national board member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association, and Bohdan Pechenyak, national representative of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, informed the assembly of the efforts of their respective organizations. Both represen- tatives said their organizations are eager to work with SUSTA in organizing events and on joint projects. Opening the second panel discussion, Dr. Jurij Savyckyj, a SUSTA member in the 1960s, and a repre- sentative of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) spoke on the job networking Matthew Dubas opportunities for graduating students. During the SUSTA conference (from left) are: Zenon Tech-Czarny, Rutgers University; Andrij Harasewych, In answering a question about why SUSTA disinte- Villanova University; Taisa Hewka, University of Tornoto; Johanna Paquin, McGill University; Victor grated, Dr. Savyckyj attributed this to a simultaneous Podpirka, New York University; Stephan Shepel, Cornell University; Dmytro Karabash, Columbia lag in leadership at several key university Ukrainian University; and Katrusia Miecyjak, University of Buffalo. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 $100,000 raised in Philadelphia for Ukrainian Catholic University by Irene Jarosewich auditorium, from the rector of the UCU, Gudziak. At the invitation of Father not just discussed. It is the daily expres- the Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak, who was in Gudziak, Prof. Wills planned to spend sion of faith among people of good that Special for the Ukrainian Catholic Rome at the time of the luncheon. just a few months visiting Ukraine in the is at the core of the philosophy that Education Foundation Father Gudziak explained that the mid-1990s. Instead, energized and guides the work of the institute. PHILADELPHIA – “At the Ukrainian afternoon’s program would be filled with impressed with what he felt could be From his childhood, he explained, the Catholic University, we do not provide the testimonies of non-Ukrainians, indi- accomplished at what was then the Lviv reality of Ukrainian identity was well simply an education,” explained Prof. viduals inspired by the potential of Theological Academy, Prof. Wills stayed understood and accepted. In fact, he Jeffrey Wills, vice-rector of the Ukrainian Ukraine, who would speak about their for many years. Among his new efforts, noted, he strongly believes that it is only Catholic University (UCU), “we develop dedication to the betterment of Ukraine Prof. Wills will be directing the UCU’s through the acceptance of a vibrant and leaders and encourage students to democratic Ukraine that Russia become distinctive individuals. The will be able to move away from the future of Ukraine is with the youth many burdens of its imperial and of Ukraine and many of her leaders Soviet legacies. are among our students today. UCU He spoke of recent projects at guides them, gives them full aca- the institute: conferences, films and demic and spiritual formation.” publications such as the This full formation is the essence “Revolution of the Spirit,” about of the UCU’s mission, one that dis- the Orange Revolution, the recent tinguishes the UCU from other uni- release of “Church, Culture and versities in Ukraine, he empha- Identity,” as well as a translation sized, speaking on March 25 during into English of his book a benefit luncheon at the Ukrainian “Conversations with Lubomyr Educational and Cultural Center Cardinal Husar.” Prof. Arjakovsky near Philadelphia. also announced that a new degree, Addressing an audience of more the Master of Ecumenical Studies, than 230 guests, Prof. Wills was had been introduced at the institute. joined by Prof. Antoine Echoing Archbishop Antony’s Arjakovsky, director of the earlier remarks warning against the Institute of Ecumenical Studies at demise of human dignity with the UCU, and John Kurey, presi- ever-increasing secularization in dent of the Ukrainian Catholic our world, Prof. Arjakovsky Education Foundation (UCEF). explained that graduates with this Archbishop Antony of the degree would be qualified to teach Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Philadelphia Friends of the Ukrainian Catholic University (top row, from left) Taras Lewycky, ethics in Ukraine, a new discipline U.S.A. offered the invocation and Oksana Woroch, Thomas Kurey III, Roman Fedorak, Ulana Mazurkevich, Prof. Antoine that the government agreed should briefly addressed the guests. Arjakovski, Orysia Hewka, Dan Szymanski Jr., Prof. Jeffery Wills, (bottom row) Chrystia be included in school curricula. Metropolitan Stefan Soroka of the Senyk, Vera Andryczyk, Ihor Shust, Nell Andrzejewski, Ihor Chyzowych and Tessa Kocan. Reflecting their commitment to Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of the UCU and support of its numer- Philadelphia, honorary chairman of the and of their dedicated efforts on behalf capital campaign. ous accomplishments, the guests at the Philadelphia Friends of the Ukrainian of the Ukrainian Catholic University. “In many ways, UCU’s strength,” benefit luncheon raised more than Catholic University, was unable to attend As he introduced the first guest speak- Prof. Wills explained, “comes from the $100,000 for the UCU, and event chairman the afternoon event and the Rev. Deacon er, Mr. Shust pointed out that Prof. Wills tragedy of the diaspora ... the wide sow- Mr. Shust gratefully acknowledged numer- Ivan Demkiv read Metropolitan Soroka’s was a dear and familiar figure to many ing of seeds of the diaspora, ... through- ous donations. (A full list of contributions message. supporters of the UCU. Prof. Wills has out the years Ukrainians scattered over will be published shortly in the press.) Ihor Shust, chairman of the been invaluable in UCU’s development; the world. Now Ukrainians from all Established in 1997, the UCEF works Philadelphia Friends of the Ukrainian his work has included overseeing the countries are returning to UCU, working to raise funds from corporate donors, Catholic University, which hosted the management of university finances, for UCU. Now is the time for harvest.” large institutions and private individuals event along with the UCEF, warmly building projects, fund-raising and library “You are also alumni of UCU,” he within, as well as outside, the Ukrainian greeted the guests and adeptly steered acquisitions, and the implementation of added, “you grew up with [Josyf] Slipyj community exclusively for the UCU. the program through a variety of speak- state-of-the-art academic technology. and [Andrey] Sheptytskyj, you’ve During his presentation, the foundation’s ers and presentations. Among the first Educated at Harvard University and worked for this, you’ve prayed for this president, John Kurey, thanked the presentations was a video greeting, dis- the University of Oxford, Prof. Wills is a for many years. Now, hopefully, you will guests in Philadelphia for their support played on large screens at the front of the former Harvard classmate of the Rev. enjoy some of the fruits of UCU’s and introduced some members of the labors.” UCEF. With the help of sophisticated video Present at the luncheon were UCEF displays presented by Yaroslav associates Tessa Kocan, formerly of the Viacheslav Briukhovetsky to resign as president Terletskyy and Ostap Lewyckyj, Prof. law firm of Baker and McKenzie; Dan Wills highlighted key accomplishments, Szymanski, formerly with Motorola including the UCU’s library. Research is Corp.; Mr. Terletskyy, the technological of National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy essential to all academic disciplines, he whiz behind the large-screen media pre- KYIV – Dr. Viacheslav Briukhovetsky, any way related to or connected to the underscored, therefore strong emphasis sentations shown to the guests; and Nell longtime president of the National current political situation in Ukraine, as was always placed on developing a solid Andrzejewski, who worked closely with University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, has the university always maintained and will library at the UCU, one which now con- the Philadelphia Friends committee to announced his intention to leave that continue to maintain its independence tains over 100,000 volumes and uses the organize the day’s event. position on August 31. from political influence. “Kyiv Mohyla U.S. Library of Congress classification The professional caliber of individuals “After 17 years the time has come for Academy was and remains an institution system. This system makes the UCU’s who choose to work with the UCEF, change, and the university now needs a based on democratic principles where holdings internationally accessible, noted Mr. Kurey, who is also an attorney, younger president with new ideas for the above all, there is respect for freedom of unlike the holdings of most of Ukraine’s is a testament to the compelling story of university’s future development and top speech and political opinion,” he said. other university libraries. the UCU, one of which the Ukrainian management skills. But I have no intention Dr. Briukhovetsky’s departure from Prof. Arjakovsky, a professor of theol- community should be quite proud. of leaving Kyiv Mohyla Academy, where I the university’s presidency had been ogy at the UCU and the director of the Along with the efforts of a dedicated can still play an important role of significant expected for several months; he told col- university’s Institute for Ecumenical staff, the UCEF receives support from responsibility,” Dr. Briukhovetsky said. leagues and friends that, after 17 years of Studies, was the second guest speaker. volunteers such as Roman Kowalchuk, Dr. Briukhovetsky said his decision to demanding work and travel, he was look- Recognized internationally as a leading who served on the UCEF board of step aside is linked with the university’s ing to enhance the university’s endow- Christian theologian, Prof. Arjakovsky, a investment advisors from 2000 through ambitious mission and plans for the ment fund and to establish a more strate- French national, is the son of Russian 2006. Mr. Kurey recognized Mr. future, including admission to the list of gic role for the University’s future. Orthodox émigrés who fled Soviet com- Kowalchuk and thanked him for his the world’s top 500 universities. Dr. Briukhovetsky is widely respected munism. He received degrees from the many years of service on behalf of In resigning the university’s presiden- for singlehandedly orchestrating and Sorbonne and the School for the UCEF and the university. cy, Dr. Briukhovetsky is not leaving the bringing about the university’s rebirth, Advanced Study of Social Sciences in UCEF also relies on local committees university’s campus, however. “My new accreditation and recognition as one of Paris, and served as a diplomat at the and in Philadelphia, besides Mr. Shust, role at the Mohyla Academy,” Dr. Ukraine’s leading educational and cultur- Embassies of France in Moscow and in committee members include Vera Briukhovetsky said, “will be directing al institutions. Kyiv. Andryczyk and Chrystia Charyna Senyk, the International Charitable Renaissance The title of honorary president of the Introduced affectionately by Mr. Shust co-chairs; Ihor Bilynsky, secretary; Ihor Fund of NaUKMA, which is committed National University of Kyiv Mohyla as “Prof. Antoine,” Prof. Arjakovsky Chyzowych, treasurer; Jaroslav to establishing the financial conditions Academy has been bestowed on Dr. spoke eloquently about ecumenism Zalipskyj, press; Roman Fedorak, Orysia that will sustain the university in the Briukhovetsky. among Christians and his understanding Hewka, Thomas Kurey III, Taras future and guarantee its independence.” that, of all the countries in Europe, Lewycky, Ulana Mazurkevich, Stefan In announcing his plans to the Kyiv – Press Center of the National Ukraine could best serve as a model for Patrylak, Nadia Petryk, Prof. Leonid Mohyla faculty and staff, Dr. University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and Christian unity. Prof. Arjakovsky said he Rudnytzky, Andrij Steckiw, Oksana Briukhovetsky said his decision is not in the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation. believes that ecumenism must be lived, Woroch and Borys Zacharczuk. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 13 Ukrainian Institute of America unveils calendar of diverse events by Helen Smindak NEW YORK – In its resolve to offer the public exciting cultural events featuring distinguished Ukrainian artists and performers, the Ukrainian Institute of America has embarked on a program of out- standing events this year, including a host of art exhibits, conversations with prominent Ukrainians and a special tribute to the late Oscar-winning film star Jack Palance. The popular Music at the Institute (MATI) concert series, now in its 18th year, will continue to bring acclaimed performing artists to the institute’s concert hall, while a series of literary café evenings will spot- light Ukrainian authors reading excerpts from their books and poems. An institute fund-raiser held on Saturday, April 21, offered a delightful “night in Montenegro,” including great entertainment with live music provided by Slavko Halatyn, epicurean delights by Chef Andrey Sonevytsky, as well as wine, caviar and martinis a la James Bond. Called “Casino Royal, An Evening in Montenegro,” the event featured a casino room with roulette, black jack and other traditional casino tables. Spearheaded by a committee co-chaired by Darka Temnycky and Melaniya Temnycky, the evening’s goal was to raise funds earmarked for the redesign and installation of an updated electrical system at the Trail boss Jack Palance gives instructions to urban cowpokes Jon Lovitz, Billy Crystal and Daniel Stern in Ukrainian institute’s historic mansion, located diagonal- the comedy adventure “City Slickers.” ly across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Recently, both the U.S. Department of the Interior (Save on their writing, Ukrainian literature and questions of Sonevytsky will speak about her uncle, a native of America’s Treasure Fund) and New York state awarded Ukrainian identity. Hadynkivtsi in western Ukraine, who graduated from matching grants to the landmark building that houses Rounding out the series on October 12, Prof. Motyl the Hochschule fur Musik in Munich and received a the UIA on the corner of East 79th Street and Fifth will talk with Rostyslav Chomiak, a journalist for Voice doctoral degree in musicology from the Munich-based Avenue. of America, and Marta Bohachevsky Chomiak, a scholar Ukrainian Free University in 1961. Built in 1898 for financier Isaac Fletcher, the man- and specialist on Ukrainian feminism, about their life in During his long and illustrious career, Prof. sion was also the home of oil tycoon Harry F. Sinclair Kyiv. The conversation will focus on their experiences Sonevytsky taught at the Ukrainian Catholic University and of Augustus Van Horne Stuyvesant Jr., a lineal and adventures in pre-independence and post-independ- in Rome and conducted the Dumka Chorus of New descendant of Gov. Peter Stuyvesant, before it was pur- ence Ukraine. York, the Trembita Chorus of Newark and the Taras chased by Ukrainian American industrialist William An evening of book presentations, focusing on the Shevchenko Chorus of Cleveland. He was one of the Dzus to become “a window on Ukraine” that would work of authors Susan Gold, Rajan Menon, Prof. Motyl founders, directors and lecturers of the Ukrainian Music make Ukrainian cultural achievements known to the and Dr. Tarnawsky, will be held on September 14. In her Institute of America, and for several years the artistic public at large. book “The Eyes are the Same,” Ms. Gold tells about her director of the Music and Art Center in Greene County, Program director Walter Hoydysh says: “The institute life as a child in Volodymyr Volynskyi and Zolochiv, which holds yearly music festivals featuring internation- has put into action a rich and diversified program this season – you could call it a grand prelude to all the fab- Ukraine, and of her survival of the Holocaust in a ally acclaimed artists. Prof. Sonevytsky’s legacy ulous events we’re planning for 2008, when the institute Ukrainian peasant’s barn. Dr. Menon’s “The End of includes works in various genres: opera, music for stage celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding. We Alliances,” is an in-depth analysis of how post-Cold productions, symphonic and vocal-symphonic works, expect to complete major renovations to our building War geopolitics is making traditional alliances such as chamber and instrumental works, piano compositions, early next year, thanks to the support of federal and NATO increasingly obsolete. Prof. Motyl’s absurdist vocal works, art songs and church music. New York state grants, so we’ll have a beautifully refur- tragicomedy “Who Killed Andrei Warhol,” revolves Institute events planned for the autumn season bished home ready for our special events.” around a Soviet Ukrainian journalist’s fictitious include a two-day Open House (October 6-7), part of a encounter with pop artist Andy Warhol in 1968. Dr. citywide event run by Open House New York, in which Art at the UIA Tarnawsky’s contribution, “Like Blood in Water,” is a UIA has participated for the past four years. Tours, talks Following an exhibit earlier this year that featured collection of five surrealist collages in which waking and specific exhibits will be presented at the institute the work of seven contemporary artists from Ukraine, life gives way to dreams. during the weekend. The innovative Literary Café evenings, which began the institute is currently presenting a rare U.S. showing Jack Palance tribute of art by Lviv resident Vasyl Bazhaj, one of Ukraine’s last month with readings by Vasyl Makhno (from his most celebrated abstractionists. Described as a “pure play “Coney Island”) and Prof. Motyl (from his novel Honoring Jack Palance as a Hollywood actor, artist, abstractionist” who is submerged in the controlled riot “Who Killed Andrei Warhol”) will feature the writing of poet, family man and active community supporter, the of color and form, Mr. Bazhaj developed his artistic a variety of Ukrainian and American writers in 2008. institute plans a film retrospective, art show/poetry read- ing and a formal reception for the actor’s family and style in the late 1980s, when government censorship The MATI season loosened and he was able to unleash his creative genius. friends and the Ukrainian community. The events will The show of 26 oils, including the large canvases for The institute’s MATI season of 2007, initiated in be held from October 27 to November 4. which Mr. Bazhaj is particularly known, will run February by the Mozart Piano Quartet, featured the Known to movie-goers as a plague-carrying killer, a through May 6. Maia String Quartet in March with a program that swaggering black-clad gunfighter, a doom-haunted film Upcoming art exhibits will feature oils on canvas by included the first performance of Virko Baley’s star and a vengeful army lieutenant, Mr. Palance was Michael Murphenko-Hilism of Kyiv, Alexander Motyl “Dreamtime Suite No. 5.” The Maia quartet has estab- nominated for two Academy awards for his performanc- of New York and Sergei Belik of Odesa and New York. lished itself nationally as an ensemble of innovation and es in the films “Shane” and “Sudden Fear,” and was The exhibits will also include the work of Mykola versatility. awarded an Emmy for his performance in “Requiem for Storozhenko and students from Kyiv, as well as students Prize-winning violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, a native of a Heavyweight” on the CBS Network. He won an Oscar from the United States, France, Canada, Egypt and Lviv, made her New York debut in a MATI program last as best supporting actor for his role as the cowboy Curly North Vietnam. weekend, interpreting works by Mozart, Schumann, in the 1991 comedy “City Slickers.” Inaugurating a series of conversations with promi- Ravel and Borys Liatoshynsky, one of the initiators and A community event celebrating the 100th anniversary nent Ukrainians in February, Prof. Motyl, professor of representatives of the modern school in Ukrainian of Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet will take place political science at Rutgers University – Newark and a music. at the institute on November 9-25. Co-sponsored by the painter and novelist, conducted an interview with The season’s closing MATI concert, scheduled for New York Chapter of the U.S. Navy League in associa- Chrystia Freeland, the U.S. managing editor of the May 16, has been designated for the final concert of the tion with the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute Financial Times. Ms. Freeland, a Rhodes Scholar and a yearlong Mannes Festival, a series of 20 concerts featur- and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, this event is graduate of Harvard University, is one of the world’s ing young artists, faculty and renowned guests of the expected to draw hundreds of visitors, potential admir- leading foreign correspondents. Author of “Sale of the Mannes School of Music. Held in prestigious concert ers of the Ukrainian institute and its purpose. Century,” about Russia’s journey from communism to venues and cultural institutions, this year’s festival has Dr. Hoydysh said the Ukrainian Institute of America capitalism, she worked for a time as a stringer in concentrated on Beethoven’s influence and immortality. aims to provide the Ukrainian community with a focal Ukraine, writing for the Financial Times, The A memorial concert honoring composer/musicologist point for maintaining its pride, as well as affording Economist and The Washington Post. Ihor Sonevytsky (1926-2006), will bring together a Americans an opportunity to familiarize themselves Prof. Motyl will continue the conversation series on number of renowned performers on June 9: basso Paul with Ukraine and its culture. May 4, when he meets with three Ukrainian writers – Plishka of the Metropolitan Opera, soprano Anna “The Ukrainian institute’s board of directors, headed Irene Zabytko, author of “The Sky Unwashed” and Bachynsky, pianists Thomas Hrynkiw and Volodymyr by Yaroslav Kryshtalsky, extends a warm welcome to all “When Luba Leaves Home,” Marko Robert Stech, Vynnytsky, and the Leontovych String Quartet, com- visitors; we’re open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to author of “Holos,” and Dr. Yuriy Tarnawsky, one of the posed of violinists Yuri Mazurkevych and Michael 6 p.m.,” he added. founding members of the New York Group of avant- Lakerovich, violist Borys Deviatov and cellist Information on all events can be obtained at garde Ukrainian writers. The conversation will center Volodymyr Panteleyev. Ethnomusicologist Maria www.ukrainianinstitute.org or by calling 212-288-8660. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 NEWSBRIEFS CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) electoral legislation, the rules of proce- TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 dure in the Verkhovna Rada, the or e-mail: [email protected] Constitution and the law on the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as introduce a number SERVICES HELP WANTED of other bills. On April 24 Mr. Moroz called on deputies from the opposition Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) and Our 10 % off calling cards for life. HELP WANTED – Ukraine to return to work in the legisla- 5 cents per minute to Ukraine. MARKETING DIRECTOR ture. 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Mr. Yanukovych said OBLAST Cargo Area A, Building 151 the two sides’ plan “to sign an amicable MEMORIALS Serious personal injury, real estate Second floor, Room 300 agreement” following which they will find for personal and business use, rep- (Behind Port Authority Building 14) political and legal answers to all disputes. P.O. BOX 746 At the same time the prime minister resentation of small and mid-size Jamaica, NY 11430 Chester, NY 10918 stressed that the ruling coalition will wait Phone: (718) 233-9505 845-469-4247 businesses, securities arbitration, for a decision of the Constitutional Court on BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS divorce, wills and probate. the presidential decree. (Ukrinform) Driver’s license, High School diploma (By Appointment Only) or GED and a drug test required. EOE. Opposition lawmakers give up seats Ukrainian Book Store KYIV – Andrii Shevchenko, a national Largest selection of Ukrainian books, dance 157 SECOND AVENUE deputy from the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, supplies, Easter egg supplies, music, icons, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 Looking for a live-in Ukrainian or greeting cards, giftwear and much more. said on April 18 that deputies of his fac- (212) 477-3002 Russian speaking female for care for tion have signed statements giving up 10215-97st a handicapped male in Rochester, their Verkhovna Rada seats, Interfax Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 NY. Some assisted lifting needed. reported. Mr. Shevchenko did not dis- Toll free: 1-866-422-4255 Nadiya Gerjan Call 585-334-9665 for more info. close how many of the caucus members www.ukrainianbookstore.com Licensed Real Estate Consultant Office 845-928-8000 ext 374 have signed such statements, but said that Fax 845-928-9774 the move is a signal of readiness to give Mobile 845-551-4142 the Ukrainian president an additional E-mail: [email protected] OPPORTUNITY Web: www.KWHV.com argument to dissolve the Verkhovna THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Rada. The presidium of the opposition 229 Route 32 Central Valley, NY 10917 The Ukrainian Weekly Our Ukraine People’s Union also adopted ATTENTION, MEMBERS OF THE UNA! Fluent in Ukrainian & Polish is looking for advertising a decision ordering caucus members to ORDER A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION Each office is Independently Owned and Operated give up their seats. According to TO THE WEEKLY sales agents. Ukrainian law, the work of the Verkhovna at the member’s rate of $45 per year. For additional information GEORGE B. KORDUBA Rada becomes illegitimate when 150 To subscribe, write to The Ukrainian contact Maria Oscislawski, deputies vacate their seats. The Yulia Counsellor at Law Tymoshenko Bloc and Our Ukraine cau- Weekly, Subscription Department, Advertising Manager 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Emphasis on Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Elder Law cuses have 125 and 77 deputies, respec- Ward Witty Drive, P.O. Box 249 973-292-9800 ext 3040 Parsippany, NJ 07054; tively. (RFE/RL Newsline) MONTVILLE, NJ 07045 or call (973) 292-9800. or e-mail [email protected] Hours by Appointment Tel.: (973) 335-4555 (Continued on page 15) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 15

that the political crisis should be resolved were placed at a cross erected in memory Russian language and literature in Ivano- NEWSBRIEFS through political means. Mr. Yushchenko of the Armenian victims. The deputy chief Frankivsk, it was reported on April 18. The (Continued from page 14) said he sees a possible solution to the crisis of the Armenian Community, Rafik Olympiad will run for three days with the Court to hold closed sessions in proposals he submitted earlier to Prime Chamian, noted that contrary to the geno- participation of students from 15 Ukrainian Minister Yanukovych. According to Mr. cide of the Ukrainian nation, the Famine cities. The Education and Science Ministry’s KYIV – Olena Lukash, a justice of the Yushchenko, the crisis has raised questions of 1932-1933, the genocide of the decision to hold the competition in Ivano- Constitutional Court who serves on behalf about amendments to the Constitution of Armenian nation has not yet gained inter- Frankivsk was deliberate, and intended to of the Ukrainian government, told Ukraine, the law forbidding deputies from national recognition. (Ukrinform) demonstrate that Ivano-Frankivsk citizens reporters on April 19 that the court would leaving their caucuses and the law on the are not against the Russian language. Russian language competition held soon enter into closed-door proceedings Cabinet of Ministers. Mr. Yushchenko said According to the State Committee on into the constitutionality of the presiden- he believes that the crisis has forced KYIV – As many as 50 students from 23 Statistics, 8,334,100 Russians are registered tial decree dissolving the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian politicians “to make decisions, higher educational institutions are participat- as residing in Ukraine, 24,900 of them in Interfax reported. “The closed stage will which we would never make in other cir- ing in a pan-Ukrainian Olympiad on the Ivano-Frankivsk. (Ukrinform) begin in one or two days, when justices cumstances.” (RFE/RL Newsline) will withdraw to discuss all positions and make a decision,” Ms. Lukash said. Opposition says it will continue rally Former Verkhovna Rada Chairman KYIV – The opposition’s rally on Volodymyr Lytvyn said the same day that European Square will continue until ful- Ukrainians will question any court deci- fillment of the president’s decree on dis- sion on the presidential decree. “I think solution of the Verkhovna Rada and pre- we all acknowledge that the Constitutional term elections, said the leader of the Our Court does not exist in Ukraine,” Mr. Ukraine faction, Viacheslav Kyrylenko, Lytvyn said. “People are frankly saying as he addressed participants during an [about the Constitutional Court]: ‘You are April 11 rally on European Square. “We all scoundrels.’ ” (RFE/RL Newsline) will resume protesting until the relevant ілимося сумною вісткою, що у вівторок, 17-го квітня, Judge announces intention to resign order is fulfilled by Rada Chairman Oleksander Moroz, Communist Party по довгій недузі, відійшов у вічність наш найдорожчий KYIV – Volodymyr Shapoval, who leader Petro Symonenko and the govern- У , !А#Ь%О і ІО serves as a Constitutional Court justice on ment, headed by Prime Minister Viktor behalf of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych,” he said. (Ukrinform) Yushchenko, has announced that he will submit his resignation after the court rules Yanukovych threatens to disband court on the constitutionality of the presidential KYIV – Prime Minister Viktor decree dissolving the Verkhovna Rada, Yanukovych said on April 14 that the Ukrayinska Pravda reported on April 20. Constitutional Court of Ukraine should Mr. Shapoval explained his move by citing be disbanded if it fails to assess the con- the lack of “society’s unquestionable con- stitutionality of the presidential decree fidence” in the Constitutional Court. Mr. dissolving the Ukrainian Parliament, Shapoval said he will remain on the Interfax reported. “When will there be a Yushchenko team and is ready to work for decision by the Constitutional Court? the president in any capacity. He described Some say the court will be considering “the existence of the professional and inde- the case for six months. Must we wait for pendent Constitutional Court” as a corner- six months? A year? If we see clearly that stone of democracy and the law. “It is hard the Constitutional Court is incapable of for me to imagine a situation,” Mr. passing a decision and it is under the Shapoval said, “in which the justice of the influence of some political forces, we highest court suspected of corruption does св. п. should endorse a decision to disband this not put forward a resignation in order to Constitutional Court,” Mr. Yanukovych prevent any doubts as to his or her objec- said. If the Constitutional Court is dis- д-р (І)Ь *. %)Ю/А0 tivity.” (RFE/RL Newsline) banded, Mr. Yanukovych added, a deci- нар. у )ежахові в родині о. крилошанина Івана Moroz dismisses talk of resignations sion on early elections will be endorsed and the Procurator General’s Office will і арії (з #унів) %люфас. KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman investigate why the Constitutional Court Oleksander Moroz said on April 20 that he was unable to assess the presidential 8А9А0#А0 відправлено в п’ятницю, 20-го квітня 2007 р. о год. 7-ій believes talk by members of the Yulia decree. (RFE/RL Newsline) веч. в похоронному заведенні Costigan O’Neil Funeral Home. Tymoshenko Bloc and Our Ukraine is 0=Я#А ?АУ8О%І*@А )І#У9AІЯ відбулася в суботу, 21-го квітня, о empty words. He underscored that Article Secretariat considers election funding 81 of the Constitution of Ukraine requires год. 10-ій ранку в церкві св. ихаїла у Woonsocket, RI а відтак на цвин- KYIV – The Presidential Secretariat is that deputies submit individual letters of тарі св. уха у Hamptonburgh, NY. considering the possibility of incremental resignation to the Verkhovna Rada, not to Aорем прибиті the president. Mr. Moroz further stated that funding of early elections to the 226 votes are needed to approve decision Verkhovna Rada if the government does дружина – І9(@А (з /)D0І=) by the Verkhovna Rada and that each day not allocate budgetary resources in the сини – О)(%0А@(9 з дружиною 9ООЮ і дітьми 8А=)О, some 250 to 260 deputies attend sessions. near future, the Ukrayinska Pravda web- А#(*%О, ()Я0(Ю й #О%О He also pointed out that, despite their site reported, quoting a source in the Presidential Secretariat. The plan pro- – А9ІЯ@ з дружиною AА@(Ю та синами DEА*)О, alleged resignations, most opposition 0#(/А@О, А@D)О і #D%О deputies had collected their pay for the vides for financing early elections, month of April, among them 84 including payment for the printing of bal- – DEА*)О Tymoshenko Bloc deputies and 51 from lot sheets and payment for local election – 9ОА@ з дружиною )ІІЄЮ та дітьми А@9І*%О, Our Ukraine. (Ukrayinski Novyny) commissions’ members, after the elec- )(0(Ю і )Я9D0ОЮ tions are held. Central Election донька – )ІА з мужем І=А@О #%АJ( і сином А9%О Cabmin calls for suspension of decree Commission Chairman Yaroslav Davydovych estimated that the elections сестра – А9#А О!(9JА% з дітьми і внуками KYIV – Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers will cost 340 million hrv ($67 million). братові – AА)D@А %)Ю/А0 з дітьми і внуками (Cabmin) has called on President Viktor The Ukrainian government on April 11 – А9ІЯ %)Ю/А0 з дітьми і внуками Yushchenko to suspend his decree dissolv- adopted a resolution banning the funding ing the Verkhovna Rada until the – =І%#О9ІЯ %)Ю/А0 з дітьми і внуками of early elections. President Viktor племінники – Ю9І* %)Ю/А0, %О@0#А@#D@ %)Ю/А0, Constitutional Court rules on its compliance Yushchenko has contested this resolution with the Constitution, Interfax reported on in the Constitutional Court, Interfax з родинами !ОAА@ %)Ю/А0, April 12. “We believe that this is the only reported on April 13. (RFE/RL Newsline) – %0(@Я 9АҐА@, AА@?Я DLА%, Ю9І* 0А=DLЬ%D*, right way at this stage,” Prime Minister І0Я %)Ю/А0, E9D0#D@А %)Ю/А0 Viktor Yanukovych said. He added that the Internet users increase in number свати – D%О)А і А9ІЯ %А0ІЯ@D, (=A(@ІЯ !А!І*, AА)D@А current political crisis will not influence Ukraine’s foreign policy and economic sta- KYIV – During March the number of #%АJ, #А#Я@А й Ю9І* 9ІM%D bility. “The situation in Ukraine will develop Internet users in Ukraine increased to та дальша рідня %люфасів і %архутів у 0MА, %анаді та Україні. within democratic guidelines and will not 4,792,000, as compared to 2,913,000 reg- affect the country’s foreign-economic or for- istered in Ukraine in 2006. (Ukrinform) =ічна *ому пам’ять! eign policy priorities. We firmly guarantee Lviv commemorates Armenian genocide ------foreign investors’ rights,” Mr. Yanukovych ?амість квітів родина просить складати пожертви на said. Mr. Yushchenko, however, said on KYIV – Lviv has joined the cities of Український %атолицький Університет у )ьвові: April 12 that he will not suspend his decree other countries in commemorating victims „Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation – UCEF“, dissolving the Rada, Interfax reported. of the Armenian genocide, initiated by the “Presidential decrees must be implemented. Ottoman Empire in 1915, it was reported In Memory of Dr. Emil J. Klufas, Those who fail to obey them will be brought on April 24. Clergy of various confessions 2247 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622. to account,” Mr. Yushchenko said, adding conducted divine liturgies and flowers 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

Orange camp supported this serious step. weapons to incriminate them as “terror- coffee in Washington. Maybe it takes a Taras Kuzio’s... Why then did the Ukrainian president ists” also had echoes of police activity crisis to bring old allies back together. (Continued from page 7) change his mind? After all, Mr. against Pora in October 2004. On top of Now our main area of disagreement was regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership Yushchenko was never a revolutionary this, the “Toloka” television program was on the question of whether businessmen because she, unlike President and issuing such a decree (which Leonid closed on State Channel 1. … inside the Party of the Regions were like- Yushchenko, has seriously worked Kuchma only threatened to do but never ly to evolve toward a more democratic did) is a sign that his patience ran out. profile. I have a negative view of the toward obtaining voter support in east- The unfinished revolution The cause is Viktor Yanukovych. likelihood of this evolution, while ern and southern Ukraine. In the 2006 Unlike Ms. Tymoshenko, who never saw April 17 Adrian, forever the optimist, is more pos- elections the Tymoshenko bloc came anything positive in Mr. Yanukovych, itive. second in these two regions outside the President Yushchenko gave Mr. It seems impossible – even two years The latest crisis in Ukraine is a prod- Donbas and Crimea (support for Mr. Yanukovych a chance in 2006 and the after the Orange Revolution – to com- uct of at least five strategic mistakes Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine was confined prime minister blew the opportunity. Mr. pletely close the book on this important made by Mr. Yushchenko in the first two to Halychyna and Zakarpattia). Yanukovych could have peacefully historical event. The current (or should I years of his presidency. I won’t go into Ms. Tymoshenko’s pragmatic state cohabitated for the next four years with say latest) crisis in Ukraine is merely the them here, as I have already written nationalism is therefore different from a president at times more interested in unfinished Orange Revolution. In the last much on this topic. Mr. Yushchenko’s ethno-cultural national- historical injustice (the 1933 Famine) month the Orange Revolution has seemed One person, however, proved himself ism. Ms. Tymoshenko is second to none and agriculture (beekeeping) than cur- to dominate my activities. At the annual to be intellectually challenged, and that at rallying state nationalism against out- rent affairs – especially since constitu- conference of the British Association for was Viktor Yanukovych. He could have side threats, such as Russia, as seen when tional reforms had transferred many Slavic and East European Studies in stayed as prime minister with a stable she recently successfully encouraged 420 powers from the president to the prime Cambridge at the end of March, I attend- coalition for four more years, but his parliamentary deputies to vote against pri- minister. ed two panels on the Orange Revolution desire for revenge and insatiable quest vatization of the gas pipelines to prevent But these powers were insufficient for organized by Prof. Stephen White of for power was his undoing. … Russia’s joint control over them. Mr. Yanukovych. And a combination of Glasgow University. … The problem Mr. Yushchenko has is Does this vote mean that the Party of Donetsk political culture that seeks to Last week the Association for the that he is wrong to assume that he has the Regions, which voted in favor of this monopolize economic and political Study of Nationalities held its annual full Western support. This is why a com- Tymoshenko motion, is also “anti- power and a desire for revenge for his convention at New York’s Columbia parison between Ukraine’s 2007 crisis Russian”? It would seem that, in Russian “betrayal” and “defeat” (in Mr. University. The latest crisis was the sub- and Russia in 1993 is wrong. In the latter, eyes, Mr. Cheney, Ms. Tymoshenko, Mr. Yanukovych’s eyes) in 2004 led to the ject of a special panel organized by the the West supported President Boris Yanukovych, Belarusian President Anti-Crisis Coalition constantly poking American Association for Ukrainian Yeltsin against the red-brown Russian Alyaksandr Lukashenka and this writer, Mr. Yushchenko in the eye. For Ms. Studies (www.ukrainianstudies.org/). Parliament. The U.S. and the West are are all “anti-Russians.” Tymoshenko just one poke is sufficient Adrian Karatnycky and I were two of disillusioned with Mr. Yushchenko to warrant a serious response; for Mr. the speakers. Adrian, whom I have because of two years of wasted opportu- Has Yushchenko made Yushchenko it takes a lot more pokes to known since the early 1980s when he nities, strategic mistakes and infighting; distract him from history and agricul- worked at the AFL-CIO trade union therefore they are more cautious about the right decision? ture. … organization and then at Freedom fully backing him. The U.S. is supporting April 7 For Mr. Yushchenko there was also a House, on this occasion had only some “Orange values,” but not necessarily Mr. sense of déjà vu that broke his patience. views that differed from mine. As presi- Yushchenko. Nobody expected the decree, either The defection of Anatolii Kinakh to the dent of the Orange Circle, which was The U.S. is still unsure if a new elec- within the so-called Anti-Crisis Coalition parliamentary coalition reminded Mr. established with Mr. Yushchenko’s sup- tion is the right answer. After all, Orange or among Western governments. Right up Yushchenko of 2002 when Federation of port in 2005, Adrian is in an uncomfort- Revolution allies won last year but failed until only a few weeks ago, President Trade Unions leader Oleksander Stoyan able position to criticize the many mis- to create a coalition. (The U.S. pushed Viktor Yushchenko was against disband- and the liberals were bribed by the pro- takes made by Mr. Yushchenko in the hard for an Orange coalition.) … ing Parliament and holding new elec- Kuchma parliamentary majority to defect run up to this crisis. If an early election is held (perhaps in tions. Yulia Tymoshenko traveled around from Our Ukraine. The police raid on After a bitter exchange of letters in June), maybe this time an Orange coali- Western Europe and Washington in Yurii Lutsenko’s apartment, the question- The Ukrainian Weekly last year Adrian tion will be put in place. The unfinished February-March and alone within the ing of his activists and the planting of and I now had a beer in New York and a revolution might then be completed. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 17 Minneapolis community pays tribute to Taras Shevchenko by Dr. Michael J. Kozak school students. The children performing, MINNEAPOLIS – Few nations in the ranging in age from 5 to 14, world possess a poet who was able to were: Sophia Hutsal, Taras capture the souls of the people as Taras Hutsal, Julianna Pawluk, Tauras Shevchenko, the 19th century poet of Pawluk, Mika Pedro, Aleksa Ukraine, an enemy of oppression who by Tataryn, Taras Tataryn, Lesya virtue of his pen gained the title of free- Uniat, Nazar Voronchak, Halia dom fighter. Each year in March, people in his Voronchak and Olha Voronchak. homeland and Ukrainian communities in Michael Phillipi proved him- the United States and around the world self a talented pianist by perform- pay their respect to this champion for the ing a selection of melodies com- right of his people as well as of all peo- posed to the words of ple everywhere. Shevchenko’s poetry. At the end Parishioners of St. Constantine of the program a surprising addi- Church in Minneapolis, where the Rev. tion was made by Mr. Rafa, a Canon Michael Stelmach is pastor, paid school teacher and university stu- their tribute to this distinguished son of dent, who recited a poem and the Ukrainian people on Sunday, March sang a song accompanied by gui- 18. tar to honor Shevchenko. Thanks to the efforts of the principal The tribute to Ukraine’s bard of the Saturday Ukrainian School, was concluded with the singing of Dmytro Tataryn, and his wife, Helen, the Shevchenko’s “Testament” by the school students and their parents, an audience and performers. Participants of the Minneapolis program staged in honor of Taras Shevchenko. impressive program was prepared by the school teachers Lesia Hutsal, Taras Rafa, Yuri Ivan, Volodymyra Kramarchuk and Olha Navylana. Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus remembers the bard The program was held in the school auditorium after the divine liturgy with many adults and children in attendance. Daria Silvan, a university student, gave introductory remarks in English about Shevchenko’s significance in the life of the Ukrainian people and their long struggle for freedom. After this introduction, the program was conducted in Ukrainian, starting with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem by the church choir, conducted by Mr. Ivan with musical accompaniment by Saturday School stu- dents Olha Voronchak, violin, Taras Tataryn, clarinet, and Halia Voronchak, cello. Next came the traditionally per- formed song, “The Mighty Dnipro Roars and Moans.” The remainder of the program was skillfully directed by high school stu- dent Maria Voronchak, who under- scored that Shevchenko was not only a towering literary figure of Ukraine, but above all, a symbol of the national spirit and longing for freedom of the Ukrainian people. Intermingled with her comments were recitations of SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Before their concert on Saturday, March 31, members of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus gathered Shevchenko’s verses and singing by the at Syracuse’s monument to Taras Shevchenko to pay tribute to the bard of Ukraine.

Another proposal made by Mr. clear that no snap election will be held on toral commissions have been missed. Is compromise...? Yushchenko on April 20 showed that he May 27, as President Yushchenko had (Continued from page 2) is ready to recognize the legitimacy of planned. The secretary of the Central Sources: UNIAN, April 16, 20, 22; decree should be obeyed until – and if – the current Parliament – a body that he Election Commission, Maryna Interfax-Ukraine, April 17; Channel 5, the court outlaws it. had been ostentatiously ignoring since Stavniychuk, announced on April 23 that www.coe.int, April 19; Channel 5, The main message of the resolution – ruling to disband it on April 2. He sug- the deadlines for the compilation of party Ukrainski Novyny, April 21; Ukrayinska gested that all the factions should return the need for a compromise based on the lists and the formation of the local elec- Pravda, April 23. to Parliament, albeit temporarily, in order rule of law – was nevertheless accepted by to pass “10-12 amendments to the laws both sides. After a series of meetings with regarding the opposition, parliamentary Prime Minister Yanukovych, President rules of procedure and guarantees that DO YOU ENJOY SINGING? Yushchenko told a press conference in the political results of elections cannot be Kyiv on April 20 that he was ready to sus- revised” in order to prepare legal grounds THEN SING WITH US! pend the decree on dissolving Parliament for a snap election. Although Mr. “if a package of compromises” is agreed Yushchenko has been constrained to rec- upon. Mr. Yushchenko said that he and ognize Parliament – as it would be THE DUMKA CHORUS Mr. Yanukovych would form an expert’s impossible to amend laws without a law- group to improve the Constitution. In making body – this is a step forward, as MEETS EVERY FRIDAY 7-10 PM order to reach a compromise, he said, a the opposition has refused to return to legal mechanism should, first of all, be Parliament since March. AT ST. GEORGE CHURCH developed to prevent deputies from The most radical proponents of a snap (7th St. bet. 2nd and 3rd Aves.) changing parliamentary factions. election – the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc – Mr. Yushchenko also insists on a have also signaled readiness for compro- NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! nationwide referendum to accept amend- mise. Addressing a rally in Kyiv on April ments to the Constitution or a new ver- 20, Ms. Tymoshenko admitted that an COME SING GREAT MUSIC sion of it. Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. early election might be postponed. On (No experience necessary) Tymoshenko do not conceal that they April 21 the deputy head of the bloc, want to use the referendum as a tool to Oleksander Turchynov, told Channel 5 reverse the constitutional reform, which that his team was ready to come back to For more info call has strengthened Parliament and weak- Parliament to work on the bills necessary 201-792-9805 ened the president, and reinstate a strong for a snap election. presidency in Ukraine. Meanwhile, it has become perfectly 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

To succeed, Ukraine needs politicians Ukraine Party Chair Viktor Musiyaka. draft laws to reform the Constitution and How do you solve...? who will be able to lead both the In its “Plan to Settle the Political complete local self-governance reforms, (Continued from page 10) Russian-allied and pro-Western forces to Crisis” released on April 10, The the plan stated. A constitutional commis- learned to live on their own and find compromise so that conflicts don’t Ukrainian Forum proposed both short- sion consisting of the president, the prime mutual understanding among each other. become zero-sum games, in the view of term and long-term recommendations. minister and the Verkhovna Rada chair the former Verkhovna Rada chair. Pre-term elections should be postponed should emerge to propose amendments Communist Party Chairman “I always say that compromise is pos- until the autumn, while all decrees and through dialogue. Petro Symonenko sible only in the event that all partici- resolutions passed on April 2 and 3 by the A high-ranking U.S. official told The pants are dissatisfied,” Mr. Lytvyn said. president and the Parliament should be Ukrainian Weekly that Messrs. No one is more eager than the “When one side is satisfied, it means Communists to see the Constitutional Court repealed because they contradict the Yushchenko and Yanukovych are dis- there was no compromise, and the Constitution and only escalate the conflict. cussing the creation of such a commission. rule the president’s decree unconstitutional. stronger one gained the advantage.” Parliament should amend the 2007 “Only in the event of consistent realiza- In such an event, “Yushchenko should The crisis can only be resolved politi- budget to accommodate full financing of tion of short-term and long-term plans to quickly resign, as a person who violated cally, not by legal means, he said. the Constitution, infringed upon the law Mr. Lytvyn gave the president and prime pre-term elections, the plan stated, as settle the crisis situation will pre-condi- and defied the will of the people,” said minister a list of 14 conditions for resolving well as pass a new election law to estab- tions form in Ukraine, not only for durable Petro Symonenko, leader of the the crisis, among them the immediate need lish the procedure for pre-term elections political compromise and reconciliation, Communist Party of Ukraine, addressing to end street demonstrations and cancel all and create a new proportional system of but also for the emergence of a new quali- tens of thousands of supporters from the unconstitutional decrees and resolutions. majority districts with open-list balloting. ty of inter-institutional cooperation,” the maidan stage on April 20. “To place hope in the courts is a In the long term, Ukraine’s leaders just Ukrainian Forum’s plan stated. The Communists have long been call- waste,” Mr. Lytvyn said. “Any court rul- ing for President Yushchenko’s impeach- ing by any court won’t be perceived by ment, the prospect of which is highly society as politically legitimate in the The conference concluded with a forum unlikely as a three-quarters vote is neces- moral dimension.” Ukrainian American students... in which the executive board of SUSTA sary in Parliament. Pre-term parliamentary elections (Continued from page 11) opened the discussion on increasing mem- They have offered no compromise should be held, but at an agreed upon organizations and document their begin- bership, global initiatives and localized other than the suggestion that “the presi- later date, he said. Parliament should also nings from first-hand sources, while the actions, the development of the organiza- dent should resign, buy himself an apiary pass a new election law and an impera- opportunity is there. tion’s website (www.ukrainianstudents.net), near his mother-in-law in Chicago and tive mandate law, and eliminate the When asked why there has been a ren- building a web presence on social network- stop mocking the country,” said closed party list electoral system. aissance of student organizations like ing sites at www.facebook.com and Oleksander Golub, a national deputy. The Constitutional Court needs to be SUSTA and SUSK, Mr. Luhovy said: “I www.susta.multiply.com, and its blog at Mr. Symonenko said his party would renewed with objective judges without believe that the Orange Revolution played www.ukrainianstudents.blogspot.com. It enter pre-term elections if necessary, political allegiances, Mr. Lytvyn added. a huge role in the rebirth of these student was proposed that these ideas would be fur- with the goal of achieving a constitution- ther discussed on their online forums. Ukrainian Forum organizations. Many of the students here al majority in Parliament to change were election observers and have built Scheduled elections were postponed Ukrainian law and eliminate the An organization of powerful players connections with Ukrainian students from due to the absence of key members Ukrainian presidency altogether. that tracks and analyzes politics, the all over the world. Also, now that things in because of exams and were proposed to He has also echoed the prime minister’s Ukrainian Forum, offered to host an Ukraine haven’t worked out as expected, it be held after an initial online dialogue call for pre-term presidential elections. informal roundtable discussion between will be organizations like SUSTA that was developed. There was talk of another the battling leaders during the crisis’ first coordinate the efforts of the diaspora.” SUSTA conference, possibly to be held in Former Verkhovna Rada Chair the fall, that did not conflict with exams. Volodymyr Lytvyn days, Mr. Kravchuk said. Only Mr. The vice-president of the Rutgers Moroz appeared, he said. (Many negotia- Ukrainian Students Club, Zenon Tech- Adrian Podpirka, a first-year graduate The latest conflict demonstrates that tions have occurred since then.) Czarny, said that organizing the confer- student in applied physics at NYU and Ukraine has emerged as a frontier in the Among the leaders of the Ukrainian ence was challenging, but that it was a current president of SUSTA, informed Cold War between the U.S. and the Forum are billionaire industrial magnate learning experience as well, which will The Weekly about the rebirth of SUSTA. Russian Federation, said Volodymr Serhii Taruta, former National Deputy be useful in organizing the next confer- This included the first organizing meet- Lytvyn (People’s Party of Ukraine). Volodymyr Semynozhenko and Onward ences. ing held on April 1, 2006, whose goal “It’s about Ukrainian heritage, respon- was to determine what SUSTA will be sibility and as it was mentioned by the and to distribute leadership positions to speakers, if we don’t do it, who will? Our get things off the ground. The idea of Bridges Ukraine Tours history will be forgotten and we will cease restarting this organization, he added, to exist,” commented Mr. Tech-Czarny on came approximately two years ago. On the reasons behind the rebirth of Cultural, agricultural, agribusiness and customized tours. the significance of the conference. Andrij Harasewych of Villanova SUSTA, Mr. Podpirka said, is that students 7 day all inclusive tours. University said that he looks forward to look for an identity and, prior to this rebirth, having SUSTA executive meetings at students in SUSTA did not have the com- $3000 includes airfare, meals, lodging, transportation and least once every six months and hopes munication systems like the Internet. The that those who attended this conference interest was always there, he added, from full-time interpreter/guide. are inspired to apply the ideas presented pysanky displays to other cultural events – here in their own clubs. “The Orange it just needed somebody to act on it. Please visit www.bridgesukrainetours.com or call Revolution reminded everyone that Regarding the potential lag in student Ukraine is still over there, we’re not out involvement, Mr. Podpirka commented 970-361-5789 for information and reservations. of it yet. Democracy doesn’t come easily that “many students look for guidance on or quickly,” Mr. Harasewych added. how to start or restart their clubs, how to host events and what events to host. Often, students look to faculty at those universities, and the goal of SUSTA would be to branch that knowledge and help each other.” Speaking from his personal experi- ence at Columbia, Mr. Podpirka recalled that the students did not have a faculty advisor and ran the group themselves. Students from other schools contacted him to request help in finding a faculty advisor, but Mr. Podpirka said they did- n’t really need one. However, he added that any advisor would do, not necessari- ly a Ukrainian, but just someone to sign off on events. SUSTA, according to Mr. Podpirka, will serve student clubs as an advisor to exchange ideas, as well as provide sug- gestions for events, motivation to hold events and help in coordinating projects with other universities. Appealing to future SUSTA members, Mr. Podpirka said: “Any student at any university can start a Ukrainian students’ club. Don’t limit yourselves to diaspora Ukrainians that you grew up with. There are many more Ukrainians at your uni- versity that you probably never met before. Promote your club, advertise, and things will happen.” No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 19

of games in the American Hockey Parise said of Zajac in his interview with League at the end of the 2005-2006 sea- Rosen. “He’s an easy guy to play with, and Ukrainian pro hockey update son as conditioning for the big show. maybe it does have something to do with While GM Lamoriello agreed the new coming from the same place and playing by Ihor Stelmach collective bargaining agreement and its the same style of hockey.” salary cap is a major reason why Zajac’s “When you come from the same spot entry to the NHL was expedited, he still you have the same things to talk about, and has never seemed out of place. since we’re just two young guys, it makes A promising start for Devil prototype “We had a need for a center iceman it easy to become good friends,” he added. Perhaps it’s Travis Zajac’s “aw- in the Western Hockey League’s annual with size, strength and particularly a right In New Jersey, Zajac missed making shucks” attitude or maybe it’s the genuine bantam draft. At age 16 he was left off shot,” Lamoriello added. “Did we know history with Parise by just one game. Parise “you’ll-never-slow-me-down” approach Team Western and the World Under-17 he’d be playing regularly? No. He earned scored in his first NHL game, while Zajac the 21-year-old has been taking to the ice Championship team. A year later, he wasn’t that. We found him doing things that we scored in his second. “You can’t argue with for the better part of the last decade. selected for the Under-18 team. He perse- weren’t sure he could do at this level.” that,” Parise told Palmar. “Whether it’s one Whatever the explanation, being asked to vered, never losing his determination, his “He’s the same player, he’s just doing game or two games, it’s impressive to get take a hike from several elite teams as a drive or his ultimate dream and, after tally- it at a higher level,” added coach one that early. It just shows you that he’s teenager served to teach this New Jersey ing 59 goals and 164 points in two seasons Hakstol, who admitted he watches about going to be pretty good for us.” Devils’ rookie center just how much he with Salmon Arm of the British Columbia half of the Devils games with the NHL “It’s very exciting,” Zajac said. “It’s would have to overcome in order to skate Junior League, Zajac was tabbed by the Center Ice package. “I don’t believe he’s definitely nice to get that first one out of on a fresh-cut sheet of NHL ice. New Jersey Devils in the first round, 20th changed his game at all. He’s just taken the way and off my back. Zach got the “Being left off a team is never a good overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft. That very another step as a player.” puck for me, and I’ll hold onto that one feeling, and it makes you want to work fall he enrolled at North Dakota and began Second-year Devil Parise, another former for sure.” It didn’t take Zajac long to reg- harder,” Zajac said in a conversation with impressing the coaching staff by transform- North Dakota star, knows first-hand how ister another tally, as he notched a third Dan Rosen of The Record. “That’s what ing himself into a two-way center. help from veteran players can play a vital period goal in New York against the did it for me. It made me want to prove to “Had he wanted to be, he probably role in the development of younger players. Rangers on October 16, 2006. And more everyone that you don’t have to be on those could have been one of the top offensive “Patty’s helped me out a lot,” Parise told than a dozen more since. teams in order to make it to the next level.” producers in the country,” said North Palmer. “He is playing with two good play- It’s obvious to all that Zajac fits in just The Ukrainian Zajac is already amaz- Dakota coach David Hakstol, who now ers and they can help you out a lot. He’s fine in New Jersey’s veteran-laden locker ingly into the playing portion of his NHL coaches Zajac’s little brother, Darcy, a been fortunate to have that. It seems like he’s room. “He’s fitting in,” Devils’ coach career. And, has it ever been a phenomenal freshman forward. “He chose to have as learned a lot in the short time he’s been here Claude Julien said. “He’s quiet, modest start for this youngster from Winnipeg! much pride in the defensive side of the because he’s gotten better.” and I think that’s just his personality. I Zajac has scored 16 goals and added 25 game, killing penalties and winning “Guys have been really good to me and don’t think you’re going to see him change assists for 41 points with a plus-4 after 75 every face-off in his own zone,” Hakstol help me out on and off the ice,” Zajac told much. He has some great assets, which is games. This ranked him fifth on the team told Rosen of The Record. Palmer. “I feel like I fit in well. That what makes him a pretty good player.” in goals and one of only two New Jersey Zajac scored 38 goals and assisted on makes me a little more comfortable around “I think he’s a good addition to our forwards in the “plus” column. 48 others in two seasons with the Fighting here. I know Parise from North Dakota a team,” Parise said. “He’s a great player. After two seasons at the University of Sioux, but it wasn’t good enough to make little. I’m good friends with him. I look up He’s very well-rounded. He’s good in the North Dakota and only two games in the Team Canada for the 2005 World Junior to him and hang around him a lot.” defensive zone. He’s good at draws, and minors, the Devils’ former No. 1 pick is Championship. North Dakota advanced to Parise has served as mentor of sorts to he can make plays in the offensive zone. currently centering the Devils’ second the NCAA championship game in Zajac’s Zajac. Although these two linemates missed I think from the first couple of games forward line, dishing the puck to wingers freshman season and Frozen Four as a each other by one season in college at North you can see how much he’s gotten better. Zack Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner. sophomore. He was named to the NCAA Dakota, each admits playing in the same He looks more comfortable out there.” It didn’t take rookie Zajac long to Championship All-Tournament Team and system, thus experiencing the same lifestyle Zajac admitted the jump from the col- make an impression on his teammates WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2005. All of that eventually brought them together. lege game to the pro game was quite a and Devils’ fans alike. A long longshot to which adds up to a perfectly good reason “It seems that we play real well togeth- make New Jersey’s roster coming into nobody was too surprised to see him cen- er, find each other and support each other,” (Continued on page 21) training camp, Zajac was so impressive tering that second line with wingers Patrik he not only earned a spot on the roster, Elias and Langenbrunner on opening night but found himself as the No. 2 centerman of 2006-2007. on opening night as well. Then it took “I think I fit in pretty well,” Zajac con- The Ukrainian Institute of America him only two games into his inaugural tinued in his chat with sports writer campaign to notch his first NHL goal. Palmer. “I think Patty (Elias) and Langer is pleased to announce a “I just try to be a complete player and were two good linemates. They made me play both ends of the ice,” Zajac told Ken feel really comfortable out there. Each Palmer, a sports journalist from the New game was getting a little better and I felt Conversation York/New Jersey area who’s covered the more patient with the puck and made Devils and football Giants. “I want to be more plays. That was obviously a plus.” between three Ukrainian writers a versatile player who can play on the Getting back to the defensive end, power play and penalty-killing unit. I being a two-way player fits perfectly into want to do all the little things that need to the Devils’ team-first system. Zajac had Marko Robert Stech, be done to win hockey games as well as no troubles making the Devils after a contribute offensively. That’s another superior training camp. Yuriy Tarnawsky main part of my game.” “In our organization it is essential and “You always want to have a chip on he made that transition,” said Lou and Irene Zabytko your shoulder, an edge to your game, Lamoriello, the Devils CEO/general because it’s always tough to knock a manager/president, referring to Zajac in a player who is always motivated, always conversation with Rosen. “Give tremen- and battling and always wants to be there,” dous credit to North Dakota for his Zajac told The Record. “That’s how I development and growth, and he’s com- approach the game, try not to let anyone mitted to that. Stats don’t mean anything Alexander J. Motyl, take my spot out there. Knowing I belong here. It’s what his contribution is toward is big. I’ve played more than 70 games so winning. He’s a prototype Devil.” far, so I’m definitely doing something So too are most of the players on this on right. Now it’s just about improving year’s 100+ points Devils team – now in every game to make sure I stay here.” the second rebound of the Stanley Cup Friday, May 4, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Zajac suffered his first hockey disap- playoffs but none snuck into the NHL as pointment at age 14 when he wasn’t picked quickly as Zajac, who needed just a pair A reception will follow the Conversation. ORTHODONTIST The authors’ books will be on sale. Dr. Daniel A. Kuncio Offices in Queens and Manhattan: Ñ. чÌËÎÓ é. äÛ̈¸Ó Z.D. Kuncio DDS Admission: $10 general; $5 students. General Dentistry Specialist in Child and Adult 26-03 203 St. Orthodontics Bayside, NY 11360 Certified and Published in (718) 352-1361 Ukrainian Institute of America Invisalign® Topal Orthodontics 2 East 79th Street, New York City Complimentary Consultation 2109 Broadway (73rd St.) 212-288-8660 (Bayside office only) Suite 201 New York, NY 10023 www.ukrainianinstitute.org Most Insurances Accepted (212) 874-0030 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

Akcja Wisla was indeed combined with a ance, eastwards and called this operation Poland, and of having too much contact Akcja Wisla... fresh offensive against the OUN and UPA, “Zakhid” or “Zapad,” i.e., West – which, in with the Germans during the war, all of (Continued from page 6) by 1947 the latter were so weakened that it turn, was only the postwar peak of Soviet which he kept denying. He died in dom in works with titles such as “The is hard to believe that they drove the Polish deportations from western Ukraine. While September 1957, shortly after his release Man Who Didn’t Bow Before a Bullet” – party-state to extreme measures. By that the possibility of a direct coordination of from prison and appointment as planning specific deportation discussions were well time, Ukrainian underground fighters still Akcja Wisla and “Zakhid” is obvious, chief for the Ministry of Defense. under way before his death at high deci- in the field in Poland numbered between there is no evidence yet to confirm it. The second world war itself, which sion-making levels from the fall of 1946. 2,000 and 3,000, and they were exhausted At any rate, the context of turned Central and Eastern Europe into the The Polish military was charged with and far less active than in 1945. Moreover, Sovietization, on both sides of the new site of unprecedentedly brutal, if still dif- drawing up lists of all Ukrainians still in as Grzegorz Motyka has pointed out, if the Polish-Soviet Ukrainian border was ferent, occupations by Nazi Germany and Poland. In February 1947, Gen. Stefan deportations’ main aim had really been to important, as were Soviet officers direct- the Soviet Union – which prominently Mossor, deputy head of the Polish General deprive these fighters of popular support, ly supervising tactical and larger forma- included deportations and did not simply Staff, suggested complete deportation to then far fewer people would have had to be tions of the Polish army. end in 1945, as well as some vicious ethnic Poland’s new western territories – predict- deported from a more limited area. There However, if we can reconstruct how the conflicts among the occupied – furthered ing that, once dispersed, the deported is, in addition, archival evidence showing planners and perpetrators of Akcja Wisla this trend decisively. A first, largely unsuc- would “quickly assimilate” – and present- that the Polish military understood how thought, we also need to ask how it was cessful resettlement attempt in the area, ed a plan for what was to become Akcja exhausted the enemy was, and an impor- possible to think in this manner. The affected so massively again between 1944 Wisla on March 27, 1947, i.e., exactly one tant plan for Akcja Wisla was absolutely answer to this question leads back at least and 1947, was made by the German and day before the killing of Swierczewski. clear about the fact that its purpose was to to the interwar period. Soviet allies in 1940. In general, the terri- At any rate, the key Polish Communist “finally solve the Ukrainian problem in The end of the second world war wit- ble example of the Holocaust, carried out Party Politburo decision to “resettle speed- Poland” and listed counter-insurgency nessed a new combination of Communism amidst gentile populations, some of whose ily Ukrainians and mixed families to the merely as an additional advantage. and nationalism, with Polish Communist members also participated in it to different regained territories [i.e. northern and west- Thus, explaining Akcja Wisla obviously leaders Jakub Berman and Wladyslaw degrees, indicated extreme and unprece- ern postwar Polish territories acquired demands a wider context. Its first element Gomulka – one representing the most dented limits as to what was possible. from Germany] within the context of a is the Polish-Soviet population exchange, Moscow-oriented and the other a more local In particular, between Poles and repressive operation against the Ukrainian again de facto compelled, initiated by variant of Polish Communism – agreeing Ukrainians, World War II led to the mass population” followed Swierczewski’s agreements between Moscow’s Polish that Poland needed a national-ethnic state killing and expulsion of Poles by the UPA in killing within less than 24 hours, indicat- Lublin clients and Soviet Ukraine in [panstwo narodowe]. The Communists’ vital Volyn as well as Polish killings of ing that prior planning had advanced far. September 1944. The most important out- dependence on Soviet support to impose Ukrainians on a substantially smaller scale Thus, Tadeusz Olszanski’s hypothesis, come of these expulsions with respect to their Soviet dominance on a deeply reluctant and fighting and mutual expulsions in other made public 20 years ago, that Akcja Wisla the later Akcja Wisla was that, even at society helped in this adoption of parts of the areas, especially eastern Galicia. In fact, as was motivated by some drive for the forced their end between late 1946 and early ethos of Polish interwar nationalism as rep- Paul Best has pointed out, one can see the Polonization of Ukrainians and not by 1947, postwar Poland still had a substan- resented by the integrally nationalist area of postwar southeastern Poland, affect- however much misunderstood or exagger- tial and locally concentrated minority of National Democrat party, aiming at an ethni- ed by the fighting and resettlement of 1944 ated military necessity, has been confirmed Ukrainians as well as Lemkos. Thus, cally homogeneously Polish Poland. and 1947, as the southern edge of a Polish- by recent evidence. The Swierczewski Poland’s westward shift, the combined This convergence of Sovietization, com- Ukrainian conflict zone stretching to 3Volyn killing has to be regarded as a pretext. result of Soviet, Nazi and Allied decisions, munism and ethnic nationalism was reflect- in the east. Not only temporally but spatial- We should, however, also rule out the had reduced the number of Ukrainians and ed in the history of the Polish State Security ly, too, Akcja Wisla marked a limit of these hypothesis that it concealed merely the Lemkos on Polish territory from about 5.5 Commission, Panstwowa Komisja conflicts. larger counter-insurgency plan. While million before the war to about 650,000 to Bezpieczenstwa. It played an important By the time of the Polish-Soviet popula- 700,000 in 1944. The Polish-Soviet popu- role in the preparation of the rigged 1946 tion exchange and on the territory of post- lation exchange then added the expulsion referendum, constituting a milestone in war Poland, Ukrainians and Lemkos were of nearly half a million, still leaving more Poland’s subjection to Communist rule and the main – though, again, not the only – vic- SCOPE TRAVEL than 140,000 in postwar Poland. Soviet influence, as well as in Akcja Wisla. tims, with several thousand of them dying 2007 Ukraine TOURS Even while Polish authorities initially It was before the commission that Mossor in spring 1945 alone and several massacres underestimated the remaining numbers presented his plans one day before and destructions of villages only restricted DNIPRO RIVER CRUISE + and had to revise them upwards, once Swierczewski’s killing. when Polish and Ukrainian underground LVIV MUSIC FESTIVAL Akcja Wisla had already begun, this result Thus, there were no simple continuities. fighters called a local truce in summer 1945. May 10-29 disappointed them since they had assumed Yet, it remains true that Akcja Wisla can At the same time, Polish government forces that virtually all non-Poles would be gone. also be plausibly understood as an out- kept increasing their pressure on the MINI UKRAINE I This and the Soviet side’s refusal to pro- come of a steady Polish shift away from, Ukrainian underground and population. Kyiv + Lviv long the population exchange were the for want of better terms, civic or state The case of the village of Pawlokoma May 17 -26 immediate triggers of plans to uproot and nationalism to ethnic nationalism, which was perhaps the most drastic illustration of BEST OF UKRAINE I disperse the remaining Ukrainians inside had already marked the 1930s. With this sequence and convergence of Polish Odesa, Crimea, Lviv, Kyiv Poland. Even after Swierczewski’s killing respect to Akcja Wisla, this turn was most underground and Polish state pressure to May 23 - June 06 and the decision to deport Ukrainians publicly advertised at a conference called expel Ukrainians: while a Home Army unit westward, the Polish authorities were still by the Polish government in July 1945 to massacred hundreds of its inhabitants in W. UKRAINE + PRAGUE asking Moscow for an added option for make representatives of Poland’s March 1945, six months later regular troops Kyiv, Lviv, Karpaty, Prague June 27 – July 11 them to leave for Soviet Ukraine, which Ukrainians express support for leaving for finally drove the survivors from Poland. was, however, refused. Soviet Ukraine. While the Ukrainian repre- Put differently, there was no real let-up MINI UKRAINE II Thus, Akcja Wisla was the opportunisti- sentatives instead declared their wish to between the multiple brutalizations of Kyiv + Lviv cally adapted end of an inter-state popula- remain in Poland and become its loyal citi- World War II, the continuity of inter-eth- July 12-21 tion exchange turning, as it were, inwards. zens, such an option was not considered. nic fighting beyond it and Akcja Wisla. BEST OF UKRAINE II The precondition for this was, of course, Gen. Mossor, a major planner and organ- The latter, although also a prolongation Odesa, Crimea, Lviv, Kyiv also a result of Poland’s westward shift, izer of Akcja Wisla, epitomized this conti- of a major ethnicizing trend in interwar July 18 - August 01 which deprived it of territories in the east nuity, marked by odd twists of loyalties and Poland, would have been impossible but added the so-called Regained Territories fate. Born in 1896 in a Krakow intelli- without the massive escalation of ethnic HUTSUL FESTIVAL TOUR in the west. The latter were largely emptied gentsia family, he was a fighter for Polish conflict during a war brought by Nazi Lviv, Yaremche, Kyiv of their German population and became a independence in the first world war as well Germany and the Soviet Union. July 21 - August 07 kind of internal settlement frontier for post- as against Ukrainians and Bolsheviks, a Finally, Akcja Wisla also belongs within MINI UKRAINE III war Sovietized Poland, producing material very successful career officer and respected a larger context of modern international Kyiv + Lviv and propaganda opportunities, as well as a military theoretician in the interwar period. practices of population exchanges, deporta- August 16 – 25 politically mobilizable fear of a return of the Mossor also led punitive expeditions against tions and resettlements, which were not (Independence Day Tour) Germans. They also provided the space for Volynian Ukrainians in the late 1930s. In employed exclusively by totalitarian W. UKRAINE + PRAGUE dispersing Akcja Wisla’s victims. German captivity between September 1939 regimes. Thus, the expulsions of the Kyiv, Lviv, Karpaty, Prague Poland’s and Ukraine’s Sovietization, and January 1945, he at first made propos- German minorities in Central Europe at the August 22 – September 05 respectively re-Sovietization, certainly als to the Germans about how to create a end of the second world war combined a (Independence Day Tour) played a role. The Polish army played an more positive attitude toward them among beginning not yet sanctioned by the important role but the key decisions were Poles in exchange for ending repressions Western Allies with a continuation, which KARPATY ARTS-CRAFTS FAIR Ivano Frankivsk + Lviv made or controlled by the Politburo, i.e., but refused later German offers to set up was. Flight and expulsions together September 05 – 15 the same leaders whose single most Polish units to fight against the Soviets. removed above 10 million Germans from important aim at the time was the Joining the Communist-dominated side in postwar Poland alone, with a combined BEST OF UKRAINE II Sovietization of Poland. It is, moreover, postwar Poland, Mossor’s main task was casualty rate of about 1 million. Odesa, Crimea, Lviv, Kyiv not conceivable that Akcja Wisla could the fight against the Polish underground. Expulsions, more strictly defined, removed September 12 – 26 have been carried out without at least His general war plan, at the same time, was about 3.5 million Germans. MINI UKRAINE IV Moscow’s tacit or explicit consent. not made official doctrine because it put too One set of figures as well as the other Kyiv + Lviv The hypothesis that it was planned there much emphasis on independent Polish oper- indicate a major international, not merely September 20-29 in detail, advanced by Polish historian ations against western forces. Soviet, immediate and virtually simulta- Ryszard Torzecki in 1997, has not yet been After Wisla his career began to fray in neous context of Akcja Wisla. In addi- 101 S. Centre St. So.Orange, NJ 07079 confirmed. An early code word for Akcja 1949, and from 1950 to 1955 he was sub- tion, the Polish-Soviet population 973 378-8998 Wisla was “Wschód,” i.e., East. In October jected to persecution and imprisonment exchange of 1944 to 1946-1947 would, Toll free 877 357-0436 1947, i.e., just after Akcja Wisla’s peak, the under allegations of “right-wing nationalist of course, also have made no sense with- www.scopetravel.com Soviet authorities deported 76,000 deviation,” supporting the London Polish out the westward shift of Poland, sanc- Scope@scopetravel. com Ukrainians, accused of nationalist resist- government, “fascistizing” interwar tioned by the western Allies. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 21

party slates by introducing regional and Some analysts suggest that there President Kuchma, of the purported win- On Ukraine’s constitutional... open (preferential) party slates. should be an agreement on the basic con- ner at that point, Viktor Yanukovych and (Continued from page 3) Also, it is important to agree that early stitutional changes in advance, changes of President Yushchenko and the various toward early parliamentary elections, elections are not a zero-sum game. The regarding local self-government, etc. forces around him means that it is hard to thus the presidential crisis was not pre- Party of the Regions would remain a While agreeing that it is important, I am say what at the moment really constitutes legitimate player. After the election, there afraid that if the circle of laws were to be the Ukrainian Constitution. And that’s vented. is a real possibility to form a government too broad, elections would be postponed what will make the problem of the From a political point of view, the of national unity (a grand coalition), but to the end of the year, which would be Constitutional Court so difficult. solution is in early parliamentary elec- under different conditions. In case the politically unacceptable as it would favor The added factor is that no really inde- tions (but not early presidential elections, Orange coalition were to be restored, it is only one side. pendent judiciary exists in Ukraine at the as the coalition suggests). A compromise also important to include influential moment, which puts into question any of * * * could be made about the proposed date of deputies from the eastern and southern the decisions by the Constitutional Court. the elections, the laws and sub-laws, regions of Ukraine. It is high time for Frank E. Sysyn is director of the * * * which regulate procedures of the election politicians to understand that no part of Peter Jacyk Center, Canadian Institute to make it free and transparent. It could Ukraine can impose its will on the other of Ukrainian Studies, University of 3.) This is very difficult because of the include adjusting the electoral system of side. Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. failure or the lack of willingness of the current majority in Parliament to really 1.) I think the issue of legal or illegal, share power in any way with the opposi- Turning the pages... sanctions against violations in the shape of or constitutional is a hard one to resolve tion, and by the attempts to restore ele- a truly independent, respected judiciary. at the moment, partially because of the ments of the pre-Orange Revolution sys- (Continued from page 6) He added that the character and commit- defective nature of the Ukrainian tem. In practice I think there will have to vote to become a formality. ment of the presidency – the most power- Constitution. On the other hand, I see be new parliamentary elections. Whether The adoption of the Constitution would ful political entity in Ukraine at the time – that the taking of delegates in factions or these new elections will really change the be an important landmark in Ukraine’s was a crucial factor in determining the blocs by the current majority in balance of power is hard to say, because search for a post-Soviet identity, but success of the reforms. Parliament wasn’t an infraction against what will be needed is really a new atti- according to Mr. Bilynskyj, the The absence of mature political parties the general constitutional norms, and in tude or political change and, at the Constitution could exacerbate certain and the lack of an underlying consensus that sense I would assume it is legal. moment, the Ukrainian elite does not problems within the system, rather than about where Ukraine should be going, Mr. Although, it is hard to say how the seem willing to conduct such change. resolve them. A Constitution, noted Mr. Bilynskyj wrote, had reduced the debate Constitutional Court will resolve this One might would hope that the former Bilynskyj, is a covenant whose effective- over the Constitution to what kind of insti- matter. Orange camp would at least see that the ness is dependent upon the broader politi- tutional arrangements best serve the inter- mistakes that led it to losing power have * * * cal culture’s contemporary characteristics. ests of the elites. to be corrected and that those mistakes An element of that culture is the lack of 2.) The problem with the Ukrainian including abandonment really of the core respect for the rule of law. The major flaw Source: “Constitutional debate begins Constitution is that, at present, the initial of the democratic reform – the reason in the Constitutional Agreement, accord- in Ukraine’s Parliament,” by Markian document that was adopted in 1996 was why so many people went out on the ing to Mr. Bilynskyj, was that it lacked a Bilynskyj, director of the Pylyp Orlyk changed considerably in the various deal- maidan (Independence Square). But it is mechanism for imposing and enforcing Institute for Democracy, May 5, 1996. ings at the end of the Orange Revolution very hard to tell at the moment what the of 2004, and it is unclear whether those perceptions of the Ukrainian elite are. constitutional changes are in essence In addition, President Yushchenko, up an than a first-year player just by the deci- legal. until now, has been a rather weak presi- Pro hockey... sions that he’s made. He has good skills, That is, what we can call the proper dent, who has not even been a good tacti- (Continued from page 19) good size and is always well-positioned. I Ukrainian Constitution is hard to resolve cian or strategist and did not really try to leap. “It’s a lot faster game,” he said. foresee this guy just getting better and bet- and so, in that sense, the fact that the bring about major reforms. Whether this “Guys are much bigger and faster, and ter. That’s my prediction as a coach.” political system was changed in the course in the dissolution of Parliament they know how to play the game. With While Zajac has quickly proven his course of the election falsification, radi- shows some changes in him, is very hard that said, it does take some getting used ability to make sweet music on the ice, cal or political maneuvering of former to say. to. But once you get the hang of it, it gets he’d like to think that he has some poten- a little easier to play. You have more time tial off the ice as well. “I play guitar in than you think with the puck. One thing my spare time,” said the Ukrainian rook- coming in was that I was rushing things ie, who added that “Wonder-wall” by with the puck and now I’m seeing that I Oasis was the first song he mastered. “I have more time, which allows me to be just started a year ago, it’s just something more patient and make more plays.” I took up in college. I’m sure I’ll have This wise-beyond-his-years rookie time to get into that again. I play a couple knows he must continue making plays in of songs. I’m getting there.” Of course, order to earn his ice time and place on on the ice, he’s well on his way. the roster. “Coming into camp, my main Though he presents a calm and cool concern was coming in here and trying to demeanor about his adjustment to the win a spot,” he said. “Nothing’s ever professional hockey world, Zajac con- guaranteed here, so I still have to take it fesses his first tour of the NHL has been day-by-day. I’m just trying to elevate my a somewhat “surreal” experience. game and contribute as much as possible. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself “It’s definitely a big accomplishment for because during games I’m taking face-offs me. I know that I want to be here as long against Joe Thornton or Joe Sakic, and it’s as possible so I just have to try to get bet- just unbelievable,” Zajac said. “I feel a lot ter and learn every day. I just have to more mature. There are a lot of people keep competing.” watching and I have to be grown up about Coach Julien has high expectations for it. This is a job. You’re getting paid to play No. 19. “He’s a pretty smart individual,” hockey, and it’s the one thing I wanted to he said. “He makes some pretty good deci- do. It’s a dream come true. It’s supposed sions. To me, he’s acting more like a veter- to be fun playing in the NHL.” FIT students’ fashions in show NEW YORK – Olga Baird and Natallia are deep blue, burnt red and gold. Pilipenka, natives of Ukraine who are Ms. Pilipenka was born in Kyiv in graduating from the Fashion Institute of l978, but grew up in Molodechno, Technology on May 22 with Bachelor of Miensk Oblast of Belarus. Her garments Fine Arts degrees in fashion design, will are in tones of grey and slate. The first is participate in a show at FIT on Monday, a corduroy jacket ensemble; the second is Saturday, May 5 – 7:00 pm Saturday, June 2 – 6:30 pm TROY, NEW YORK CHICAGO, ILLINOIS April 30, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. an asymmetrical jersey cardigan topped Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Chopin Elementary School Auditorium They were selected from more than with a hand-knitted cotton wrap vest, 2450 W. Rice Street, Chicago 150 students to show garments in the paired with skinny corduroy pants. Tickets and more information: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Box Office Tickets and more information: annual runway fashion show at the Attended by a crowd of top designers and 518.273.0038 Ukrainian Cultural Center Fashion Institute of Technology, held at industry executives, the annual show at FIT 2247 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL Sunday, May 6 – 2:00 pm 773.384.6400 the John E. Reeves Great Hall, Seventh is viewed as a preview of some of the most NEW YORK CITY Avenue at 28th Street. exciting young up-and-coming designers in The Great Hall at Cooper Union Ms. Baird was born in Lviv in 1971 New York City. Professional models add to 7 East 7th Street at Third Avenue and reared in that western Ukrainian city. the dazzle and glamour of the event. Tickets and more information: She will present an ensemble consisting For further information readers may Surma Book & Music Co. of an oversized sweater and long skirt, call the FIT Office of College Relations, 11 East 7th Street, New York City 212.477.0729, or call 917.559.8629 with an ethnic look. The outfit’s colors 212-217-7642. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17 Ukrainian National Foundation in support of Soyuzivka presents the

Ukrainian Film & Cultural Festival! Sum-July 11-15, 2007 mer Camps at 2004

FEATURE ACTS: ‘Natalia Buchynska’– Singer from Ternopil, Ukraine Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky’s Ukrainian Dance Workshop ‘Oleh Kulchytsky Ensemble’ from Lviv, Ukraine & featuring Soloist ‘Filip Zmacher’ from Kyiv, Ukraine ‘Levko Durko’ Comedy Show from Lviv, Ukraine ‘Bandura Rozmova’– Bandurist Duo Taras Lazurkevych & Oleh Sozansky, Lviv Ukraine Violinists- Innessa Tymochko-Dekajlo & Marian Pidvirnyj, from Lviv, Ukraine ‘Roman Tsymbala’- Ukrainian Opera Singer ‘Marina Skliarova’– Singer from Kyiv, Ukraine ‘Vidlunia’ Ukrainian Band featuring band leader Stepan Ben MC– Folk Singer Erko Palydowycz ‘Ukrainian Cinema’ presented by the Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University, Film Program Director– Dr. Yuri Shevchuk & Film Festival Director– Christina Kotlar Ukrainian Art & Craft Vendors, Ukrainian & American Cuisine & more! ADMISSION: Wednesday, July 11 Friday, July 13 Saturday, July 14 ADMISSION: Opening Ceremony- 5 pm Ukrainian Craft Demonstrations Ukrainian Craft Demonstrations Wednesday only & ‘HUTSUL’ Dinner w/show- 6 pm Ukrainian Arts & Craft Vendor Ukrainian Arts & Craft Vendor Thursday only: $5.00 Film Festival Opening- 8 pm Plaza 12 pm Plaza 10 am (8 years old & under free) Film Festival 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm Food Court/BBQ/Pig Roast 11 am Thursday, July 12 Food Court BBQ 4 pm Stage Shows 1-2:30 pm AND 7 pm Friday: $10.00 Dinner in Dining Room 5-8 pm Film Festival 2-6 pm Ukrainian Craft Demonstrations Evening Stage Show 8-9:30 pm Children’s Show featuring ‘Levko Ages 9-20: $5.00 Film Festival 2-4 pm & 6:30 pm ‘Zabava’ (Ukrainian Dance) Durko’ 3 pm Saturday: $20.00 Dinner in Dining Room 5-7 pm Featuring Ukrainian Bands Dinner in Dining Room 5-8 pm Musical Concert 9 pm “Burya” & “Luna” 9:30 pm ‘Zabava’ Featuring Ukrainian Bands Ages 9-20: $10.00 “Burya” & “Luna” 9:30 pm *all times subject to change 4 DAYS: $25.00 For more information CALL: Bus Groups Discounted! (845) 626-5641 Free Parking!

Or visit our Web Site at: Hotel amenities Include– Olympic size Swimming Pool, Kiddie Pool, Tennis Courts, Hiking Trails, Sand Volleyball Court, Daily Breakfast & Dinner in www.Soyuzivka.com Dining Room, Snack Bar, Outside Tiki Bar, Trembita Lounge & Gift Shop.

UNA Estate Soyuzivka P.O.Box 529, 216 Foordmore Road Kerhonkson, NY 12446  (845) 626-5641 www.Soyuzivka.com No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 23 OUT AND ABOUT

May 2 Book reading by Irene Zabytko, “The Sky Unwashed,” May 6 Concert, “Bandura – The Soul of Ukraine,” Ukrainian Wethersfield, CT with preview of film-in-progress “Life in the Dead New York Bandurist Chorus, The Great Hall at Cooper Union, Zone,” Ukrainian National Home, 203-248-2116, x276 212-477-0729 or 917-559-8629

May 4 “Conversations at the Institute,” featuring Marko May 6 Book reading and discussion by Irene Zabytko on New York Robert Stech, Yuriy Tarnawsky, Irene Zabytko Philadelphia film-in-progress “Life in the Dead Zone,” Big Blue and Alexander Motyl, Ukrainian Institute of America, Mountain Bookstore, 215-844-1870 or 215-844-1066 212-288-8660 May 6 Heritage Day, Ukrainian Cultural Institute, May 5 Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church centennial Dickinson, ND 701-483-1486 Troy, NY concert featuring the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, May 7 Vasyl and Maria Petryshyn Memorial Lecture, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 518-273-0038 Cambridge, MA featuring Tatiana Tairova-Iakovleva, Harvard University, 617-495-4053 May 5 Lecture by Mark Stech, “Mykola Khvyliovy as a Mystic: New York In the Light of New Research,” Shevchenko Scientific May 11 Bowling Party, sponsored by the Buryverkhy Sorority Society, 212-254-5130 Seven Hills, OH of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Seven Hills Bowling Lanes, 216-447-1868 May 5 “Ukrainian Night,” featuring readings and film New York screenings, Cornelia Street Café, 212-989-9319 May 11 Klooch CD release party, Ukrainian American Youth Parma, OH Association hall, 216-870-8955 or 440-655-6230 May 5 Concert and Fun Fair for Families: “Kotiache Vesilia,” Toronto Svitlychka Ukrainian Cooperative Nursery School, May 12 Debutante Ball, “Bal’ Buryverkh,” featuring music by [email protected] Independence, OH Zahrava, DoubleTree Hotel, 440-237-2631

May 12 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, sponsored by Whippany the disparate center-right into such a bloc. Whippany, NJ and Irvington branches of UAYA, Ukrainian American Our Ukraine... Currently the center-right is divided Cultural Center of New Jersey, 908-370-2210 or (Continued from page 2) among Our Ukraine, the Ukrainian Right 908-377-7797 Party of the Regions in 2000-2001 until Wing (Rukh, the Ukrainian People’s Party, moving to Our Ukraine in 2002. and the Republican Party Sobor) and Mr. May 12 Book presentation, “Poetry Translations” by Ostap Mr. Yushchenko had called for Our Lutsenko’s bloc (People’s Self-Defense, New York Tarnawsky, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Ukraine to be “radically overhauled.” The Christian-Democratic Union, European 212-254-5130 withdrawal of Mr. Kinakh’s PIEU has been Platform and Forward Ukraine). Center- followed by the marginalization of “liubi right unity would facilitate a two-pronged druzi” such as Mr. Poroshenko, and the right-left opposition with YTB represent- Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to culling of other unpopular parties and dis- ing the center-left wing. events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome credited members. Two of Our Ukraine’s The opposition more closely resembles submissions from all our readers; please send e-mail to remaining four parties have joined the that found in the 2002 and 2004, rather [email protected]. Items will be published at the discretion of the Rukh-Ukrainian Right Wing bloc, while than the 2006 elections. However, in the editors and as space allows; photos will be considered. Please note: items another has joined the People’s Self- 2002 and 2004 elections the opposition will be printed a maximum of two times each. Defense. The fourth party, the Congress of still had moderate (Our Ukraine) and radi- Ukrainian Nationalists, was not invited to cal (Tymoshenko Bloc and Socialist Party) join any bloc because its leader, former wings. Now, Our Ukraine has moved from Naftohaz CEO Oleksii Ivchenko, was dis- a moderate to a YTB radical stance for the î ß ã ü Ñ Ö ã ú î ß ü credited two years ago when it was revealed first time in its six-year history. that he had purchased a $225,000 Mercedes These developments explain both car with Naftohaz Ukrainy state funds. President Yushchenko’s radicalized stance President Yushchenko’s decision to dis- and the unity of the opposition. The Party of solve Parliament served as a pre-emptive the Regions has been taken aback by this strike against further defections that threat- new opposition energy and unity and ened to lead to a constitutional majority. remains in a state of denial that Our Ukraine " ( Mr. Yushchenko, Our Ukraine and the and Yushchenko have the same stance as % & % & People’s Self-Defense embraced the YTB. “Inside Our Ukraine and YTB there * '! )'! Tymosheko Bloc’s call for early elections are principled differences on tactics that its after Mr. Kinakh’s defections and the leaders are proposing,” Party of the Regions police raids on Mr. Lutsenko’s apartment faction leader Raisa Bohatiorova believes. and offices. The People’s Self-Defense was The Anti-Crisis Coalition has sought established by Our Ukraine businessmen, to appease Mr. Yushchenko by dealing such as Davyd Zhvania, who had become with many of the issues that provoked discontented with the “liubi druzi.” him to act and support the YTB’s call for On March 31, the Our Ukraine con- early elections, hoping to again divide gress elected Viacheslav Kyrylenko as its Our Ukraine and the YTB. After head. This confirmed a national-democrat- Parliament was disbanded the ruling ic takeover, as Mr. Kyrylenko is a former coalition voted to eject national deputies member of Yurii Kostenko’s Ukrainian who had defected to it, and it has agreed People’s Party, one of three offshoots of to support the imperative mandate and the pre-1999 Rukh movement. transforming the provisions of the 2006 This development was matched by the Universal of National Unity into law. change in leadership at the Presidential Mr. Yushchenko’s handling of the cri- Secretariat. Viktor Baloha is the third head sis, the revamped Our Ukraine and oppo- of the Secretariat since President sition unity have ramifications for the Yushchenko’s election and the first with 2009 elections, which is far enough in managerial skills. Mr. Baloha, like Mr. the future to rebuild Mr. Yushchenko’s Kyrylenko, is a national democrat and is popularity. In the last month, the presi- closer to the YTB. The two ousted dent’s ratings have increased nearly Secretariat heads (Oleksander Zinchenko twofold from 11 percent to 18 percent. and Oleh Rybachuk) and former Our Although President Yushchenko’s ratings Ukraine head (Mr. Yekhanurov) are remain half those of Prime Minister Yanukovych (35 percent) he now has pulled aligned with the “liubi druzi.” " # even with Ms. Tymoshenko, and together Mr. Kyrylenko has ruled out any grand ! " $ coalition after the elections. “We are the two Orange candidates have 35 percent. !! strong members of the united opposition With the same ratings as Ms. Tymoshenko, and are going into elections practically as Mr. Yushchenko can now argue that he one front, and, I think, that democracy should be the Orange candidate, something will again flourish,” he said. he could not plausibly do before the crisis. Mr. Yushchenko has called for the cre- ation of a mega center-right “pro-presiden- Sources: Ukrayinska Pravda, April 7- tial bloc.” Mr. Baloha is seeking to unite 18, Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, April 14-20. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 No. 17

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Soyuzivka’s Datebook Sunday, April 29 plex ideological views and esthetic tastes envision new interpretations of his contri- MONDAYS, June 25-August 27, 2007 PHILADELPHIA: The Ukrainian butions to studies of Ukrainian literature. Steak Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Veselka Patio League of Philadelphia will host its Spring The program will take place at the soci- 2007 Art Show, showcasing artists of ety’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ukrainian ancestry. The league is partici- Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addi- WEDNESDAYS, June 27-August 29, 2007 pating in the Fairmount Arts Crawl at 2-6 tional information call 212-254-5130. Hutsul Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Vorochta Lawn p.m. The Arts Crawl is a community open house during which the entire Philadelphia TORONTO: “Kotiache Vesillia – A Cat’s FRIDAYS, June 29-August 31, 2007 Art Museum area becomes a showplace Wedding,” a Ukrainian-themed Concert and Odesa Seafood Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Veselka Patio for local art and music. See Fun-Fair for Families presented by the http://www.fairmountartscrawl.org/ for Svitlychka Cooperative Nursery School will SATURDAYS, June 30-September 1, 2007 details. For information on the Ukainian take place at 3:30-7 p.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian zabavas (dances) featuring a live Ukrainian band League and its programs call Ihor Church Hall, 4 Bellwoods Ave. Singer Olya Bilynsky, 215-656-8521. The Ukrainian Fryz will perform hits from her newest CD League of Philadelphia this year celebrates “Scho za Hamir.” Advance tickets only are May 4-6, 2007 June 25-29, 2007 90 years in the community; visit available for $15 (children under age 2 free) Ukrainian Language Immersion Exploration Day Camp, Session #1, http://www.ukiebar.com/ for more info. at Buduchnist credit union. The event will Weekend offered at SUNY ages 7-10 also feature a designated drop-off area, raf- New Paltz Saturday, May 5 fle, silent auction, “Pershi Kroky” toddler July 1-8, 2007 area, games, loonie table, pizza dinner, bake May 13, 2007 Plast Camp – Tabir Ptashat, Session #2 TROY, N.Y.: Ss. Peter and Paul sale and more. The event is a fund-raiser for Ukrainian Catholic Church of Cohoes, the Svitlychka Cooperative Nursery School. Mother’s Day Luncheon 11:30 a.m.- July 1-15, 2007 N.Y., and its Centennial Jubilee For more information e-mail 2 p.m., $15++ Committee are sponsoring a performance [email protected] or call 416-763- Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian by the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian 2922 (evenings). May 19, 2007 Dance Workshop, Ages 16 and up Bandurist Chorus and the Syzokryli Tri Valley High School Prom Dancers to be held at the world-famous Monday, May 7 July 2-6, 2007 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall,beginning May 25-27, 2007 Exploration Day Camp, Session #2, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Memorial Day Weekend BBQ, ages 7-10 518-273-0038 or on the web at www.troy- Ukrainian Research Institute is pleased to Orchidia Patrons’ Reunion, musichall.org. announce that this year’s Vasyl and Maria Summer kick-off and zabava July 6-8, 2007 Petryshyn Memorial Lecture will be given Fourth of July Festivities: Tiki Bar NEW YORK: The second annual by Tatiana Tairova-Iakovleva, professor of June 1-3, 2007 Entertainment, Concerts, Zabavas Ukrainian Night at the Cornelia Street Ukrainian history and director of the Center Ukrainian Language Immersion Café will feature readings by Irene for Ukrainian Studies, St. Petersburg State Zabytko, Dzvinia Orlowsky and University. Her lecture will be held at 4-6 Weekend offered at SUNY July 8-10, 2007 Discount Days, 25% off all room rates Alexander Motyl, as well as films by p.m. in Room S-020 (Belfer Case Study New Paltz Andrij Parekh and Roxy Toporowych at 6- Room) of the South Building of the Center July 11-15, 2007 8 p.m.; and readings by Vasyl Makhno, for Government and International Studies June 4-8, 2007 Ms. Zabytko, Ms. Orlowsky and Dr. (CGIS), located at 1730 Cambridge St., Stamford Clergy Days – Ukrainian Film & Cultural Festival – Motyl, along with recent short films from Cambridge, MA 02138. For more informa- Spring Seminar featuring Roma Pryma Ukraine at 9-11 p.m. The Cornelia Street tion contact HURI at 617-495-4053 or Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Café is located in New York’s Greenwich [email protected]. June 9, 2007 Workshop, Ukrainian films Village, at 29 Cornelia St., between Wedding coordinated by Yuri Shevchuk, Bleecker Street and Sixth Avenue. Sunday, May 20 founding director of UFCCU, Admission is $10 per set, one drink mini- June 10-15, 2007 Ukrainian arts and crafts, and more mum. For information call 212 989-9319 JENKINTOWN, Pa.: The School of the UNA Seniors Week or log on to www.corneliastreetcafe.com. Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is host- July 13-15, 2007 ing its annual Spring Festival at St. Michael June 15, 2007 Ukrainian Language Immersion NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Ukrainian Church, 1013 Fox Chase Road. Weekend offered at SUNY Society invites all to a lecture by Dr. Mark The festival begins at 1 p.m. with a perform- Wallkill High School Retirement Party Robert Stech (Canadian Institute of ance by the Voloshky School at 2:30 p.m. New Paltz Ukrainian Studies, Toronto) titled “Mykola Admission: adults, $5; children between the June 15-17, 2007 Khvyliovy as a Mystic: in the Light of ages of 3 and 12, $3. Come join us for an 4th Annual Adoptive Parents July 15-20, 2007 New Research.” Khvyliovy was one of the entertaining day on the beautiful grounds of Weekend Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp, leaders of the “Executed Renaissance” in St. Michael’s. For additional information Session #1, ages 4-7 Ukraine in the 1920s and ‘30s. His com- contact Andreja Kulyk, 856-755-9280. June 16, 2007 Party July 15-21, 2007 Discovery Camp, ages 8-15 PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES: June 17, 2007 Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. Father’s Day Luncheon and program July 22-27, 2007 Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per submission) by The Ukrainian featuring Syzokryli Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Dance Ensemble, tenor Roman Session #2, ages 4-7 Tsymbala and band Vidlunnia with July 22-28, 2007 To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, Marian Pidvirnyj, 1 p.m., $20++ Sitch Sports Camp, Session #1, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, ages 6-18 type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations June 21-24, 2007 involved, and a phone number to be published for readers who may require addi- UMANA Convention July 27-29, 2007 tional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long; longer submis- Ukrainian Language Immersion sions are subject to editing. Items not written in Preview format or submitted with- June 24-July 6, 2007 Weekend offered at SUNY out all required information will not be published. Tennis Camp New Paltz Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of June 24-July 1, 2007 July 29-August 4, 2007 publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be published Plast Camp – Tabir Ptashat, Sitch Sports Camp, Session #2, only once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, Session #1 ages 6-18 senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address.

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