INSIDE:• Ottawa commemorates Chornobyl decennial — page 6. • Special section “Chornobyl: The First Decade” — beginning on page 7. • Yara Arts Group prepares new production — page 14.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXIV HE KRAINIANNo. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 EEKLY$1.25/$2 in Ukraine T UFirst lady hosts Chornobyl commemorationW at White House Gorbachev, Kravchuk by Roma Hadzewycz WASHINGTON — Ten years after the recall early days fateful May Day when children in Kyiv marched down the Ukrainian capital’s of Chornobyl disaster main boulevard, the Khreshchatyk, unaware that deadly radioactive fallout by Marta Kolomayets was coming down upon them, the first Kyiv Press Bureau lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham KYIV – A decade after the dev- Clinton, hosted a special commemorative astating explosion at the Chornobyl program whose aim was to focus attention nuclear power plant, former Soviet on the continuing devastating effects of President Mikhail Gorbachev contin- the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. ues to deny that the Soviet leadership Billed as “A Call to Healing and intentionally concealed the scale of Prevention,” the afternoon program at the the accident, reported Interfax- White House brought together activists from both the private and government sec- Ukraine on April 26. tors who had worked to help the victims of Mr. Gorbachev told a news con- the Chornobyl disaster, and the ambas- ference in Moscow on the 10th sadors of the three republics most affected anniversary of the Chornobyl acci- by the accident’s fallout, Belarus, Russia dent that “we failed to do some- and Ukraine. Included among the nearly thing only because we were 200 guests were many Ukrainian unaware of what had happened. I American community members represent- believe we were simply unpre- ing charitable, women’s, fraternal, reli- pared,” he added. gious and other organizations, as well as “In the beginning, when our top individual activists. scientists and a government com- The 10th anniversary commemoration mission arrived there (Chornobyl), (originally scheduled for April 10, but post- Yaro Bihun they all stayed silent because they poned due to funeral services for Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks at the White House event marking the Chornobyl did not know what to report — of Commerce Ron Brown) featured speech- decennial, as Vice-President Al Gore (center) and Alex Kuzma of the Chornobyl because they could not understand es by the first lady and Vice-President Al Challenge ‘96 coalition listen. anything,” he said. Gore, as well as Alexander Kuzma of the “And only gradually we started Chornobyl Challenge ‘96 coalition and 11- explained that the assembled were “rededi- occur, here and around the world, to understand the scale of the event year-old Vova Malofienko, one of the first cating ourselves to the healing and recov- Americans and others respond with concern and the dangers,” added the former “children of Chornobyl” brought to this ery that must continue into the future.” and compassion.” general secretary of the Communist country for medical treatment in the after- “Today’s event,” she continued, “is one “The private voluntary organizations, Party of the Soviet Union, who is math of the world’s worst nuclear accident. both of mourning and also of hope.” including those represented in this room, currently running for president of The program in the East Room of the Mourning because “the people of Ukraine, have supplied well over 1,000 tons of Russia in the June elections. White House was convened by Mrs. Belarus and Russia have suffered so much Former Ukrainian President medicine and medical equipment and sup- Clinton, who acknowledged that “it is a in the 10 years since the explosion and fire plies to people in affected areas. Those Leonid Kravchuk gave the BBC great privilege for me to serve as honorary at Chornobyl’s unit 4 reactor,” and hope (British Broadcasting Corp.) chair of Chornobyl Challenge ‘96” and because, “as we so often see when tragedies (Continued on page 6) Ukrainian service an interview on April 26, recalling the events of April 26-May 1, 1986, in Kyiv. Mr. Kravchuk, then the head of propaganda and agitation division Canada’sby Christopher first Guly Ukrainianwho serves as secretary Catholic to St. Nicholas metropolitanuniversity’s Oriental Institute diesin 1943. of the Central Committee of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Two years later he started to work with Communist Party of Ukraine, OTTAWA — Archbishop Maxim Prayer services for Archbishop people displaced after the conclusion of recalled that he came into work at Hermaniuk, Canada’s first Ukrainian Hermaniuk were held at Ss. Vladimir and the second world war. During that time, 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, April Catholic metropolitan, who served in that Olga Cathedral on the evening of May 9, the Rev. Hermaniuk received the highest 26, and stopped in to see First capacity from 1957 to 1992, died in followed by a funeral mass the next day. post-doctoral award in theology – the Secretary Volodymyr Ivashko, who Winnipeg on May 3. He was 84. The retired metropolitan’s death marks a maitre agrégé – in 1947 from the told him of the Chornobyl accident. A day earlier, Archbishop-Metropolitan significant loss for not only the Winnipeg University of Louvain after successfully But at that point he did not realize Emeritus Maxim Hermaniuk of Winnipeg archeparchy, but the entire Catholic Church. defending his thesis on the metaphorical the scope of the accident, thinking it had mourned the loss of a good friend Born in Nove Selo in western Ukraine significance of the parables of the Gospels. was just a fire at the reactor. when talking with a reporter from The on October 30, 1911, the future He emigrated to Canada in 1948, when In the afternoon, Mr. Kravchuk Winnipeg Free Press. Metropolitan Hermaniuk attended the he was appointed vice-provincial superi- took a car out to his dacha at The Rev. Jaropolk Radkewycz, who Redemptorist Seminary in Louvain, or of the Ukrainian-rite Redemptorist Koncha-Zaspa to the south of Kyiv, died in a car crash outside Winnipeg on Fathers of Canada and the United States. but before he even got out of the car, Belgium, where he studied theology. He April 29 (see obituary on page 3) and who was ordained to the priesthood by fellow Based in Ontario, the Rev. Hermaniuk his wife signaled that he was wanted served as the former metropolitan’s secre- also taught moral theology and sacred back at the Central Committee head- Redemptorist Bishop Nicholas Char- tary, was a “really big loss for our archdio- netsky on September 4, 1938. scripture at the Redemptorist seminary in quarters. cese,” said Archbishop Hermaniuk. Waterford. On January 13, 1951, Pope “Returning to Kyiv, I got into a Following his ordination, he returned The next day, the archbishop was Pius XII named him auxiliary bishop of car with Mr. Ivashko and Andriy to Belgium and obtained his bachelor’s, found dead in his room in the early morn- the then Exarchate of Winnipeg and titu- Serdiuk, who is currently the deputy licentiate and doctoral degrees in sacred ing hours. It is believed he passed away lar bishop of Sinna. minister of health, but at the time theology from the University of Louvain. Four years later, the future metropoli- from natural causes. was a secretary at the CC dealing, Fluent in several languages, including tan was named coadjutor to his predeces- “I think [the Rev. Radkewycz’s death] French – and able to read ancient sor, Basilian Archbishop Basil Ladyka. (Continued on page 2) took a tremendous toll on the metropoli- Babylonian – he received his licentiate in tan,” said longtime friend Jean Sahan, Oriental languages and history from the (Continued on page 3) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

Police arrest mass murder suspect KYIV — A murder spree that resulted the eastern city of Zaporizhzhia. NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS in the deaths of at least 42 victims was Bratkovychi was hit twice, which brought to an apparent end on April 14 shocked local residents and turned the vil- Railroad union threatens deadbeats lessons for Europe as two blocs are again with the arrest of 37-year-old Anatoliy lage into an armed camp, with hundreds of emerging on the continent,” Mr. Mukhin Onupriyenko in Yavoriv, a town in west- national guardsmen, Interior Ministry KYIV — Ukrainian industrial combines was reported as saying by the Hungarian ern Ukraine. A report in the April 20 Los troops and special forces units patrolling and firms consistently delinquent in paying news agency MTI. The chairman of the Angeles Times and numerous accounts the area after the second gruesome attack, freight bills may find themselves without a state security and defense committee made by Ukrainian media indicated that in which seven persons were shot and their means of transport for their goods, the his remarks in a speech to the Hungarian Interior Ministry officials felt they had home set afire. Council of the Railroad Workers and Parliament’s defense committee. “Ukraine got their man. Only after the March 22 killings of a Builders Union said on April 25. Currently does not want to become a buffer zone various customer-debtors owe Ukraine’s The Times article quoted Deputy family of four some 30 miles from between NATO and Russia,” he said. Mr. national railroad over 50 trillion karbo- Interior Minister Leonid Borodych as say- Bratkovychi, did investigators detect a pat- Mukhin, who headed a Ukrainian defense vantsi, a sum equivalent to five months’ pay ing that police attempts to identify and cor- tern, which hinted that the killer was riding delegation on a two-day visit to Hungary, for all railroad workers in the country, ner the killer were complicated by the Ukraine’s railways to the sites of his said NATO’s enlargement in itself did not workers who have not received on-time wide geographical spread of the killings. attacks, said the Los Angeles Times report. alarm Kyiv since each country had the right paychecks in the past several months. The The first slaying took place in December After his arrest, Mr. Onupriyenko, a to decide about membership. “However, railroad’s most prominent deadbeats are the 1995 in the western village of Bratkovychi, former forestry student, confessed to the European security is not possible if Russia Ministry for the Coal Industry, Ministry of when the perpetrator shotgunned an entire murder since 1989 of over 50 people, is left out of the process,” he said. Ukrainian Industry, the Ministry of Energy and other family, including two children. Over the which may put him ahead of Andrei government bodies. The union reserves the leaders told NATO Secretary-General following months, the killer struck in eight Chikatilo, the infamous “Rostov Ripper” right to strike in the future, should the cus- Javier Solana last month they wanted a different locations, ranging from Yavoriv in who claimed a similar number of victims tomers’ debts not be cleared in the near closer relationship with the alliance, but Lviv Oblast to the city of Enerhodar, near in southern Russia over 17 years. future. (Respublika) said Ukraine was not yet ready to join or to abandon its non-aligned status. Russia Solana: no new NATO members in 1996 fiercely opposes any enlargement of convey that everything is calm and nothing NATO, saying such a move would threaten Gorbachev, terrible has happened, said Ivashko,” Mr. PRAGUE — NATO Secretary General its vital security interests. (Reuters) (Continued from page 1) Kravchuk told the BBC last week. Javier Solana arrived here on April 29 and I think, with issues of science, and we Although Mr. Kravchuk stated that he told Czech leaders that NATO will not Udovenko bullish on EU admit new members at its December drove out to Chornobyl,” he recalled. did not get to the television station to KYIV — Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Mr. Kravchuk recalled noticing the con- convey this information, indeed, the sta- Council of Ministers meeting, Mlada Fronta Dnes reported. He said, however, Affairs Hennadiy Udovenko told officials voys of buses moving toward Chornobyl, tion showed exactly what Mr. Ivashko that NATO will devote 1996 to “individu- from the European Union here that but insists that he was still not aware of the had hoped for. alized dialogues with potential members,” Ukraine’s strategic goal is to become a full- full extent of the accident. Even after the “We were all at the reviewing stand, and these dialogues will lead to a decision fledged member of the EU. He said this will decision was made (on the evening of April and we were all armed with dosimeters,” in December on whom to later admit. The be possible only once Ukraine has become 26) to evacuate the residents of Prypiat, and recalled Mr. Kravchuk, adding that he Czech Republic is to start such “an individ- economically strong. Mr. Udovenko called this was done in the afternoon on the 27th, noticed how the needles on the dosime- ualized dialogue” with NATO in May. on the EU to help Ukraine, not only with its Mr. Kravchuk did not think they would ters started moving out of control. It was (OMRI Daily Digest) fiscal and technical planning, but also in leave their town forever. precisely that day, on May 1, that the expanding trade with EU countries. (OMRI “On April 30, I was at the meeting of wind direction shifted toward Kyiv from Tabachnyk nixes rock show Daily Digest) the Secretariat of the Central Committee, Chornobyl, he said. where we were deciding about whether The reasoning of the party bureaucrats KYIV — A “Rock Against Oil spill in Luhanske oblast Communism” concert scheduled for May 1 or not to hold May Day parades on May to go on with the demonstration, said Mr. KYIV — An accident along the 1. Various thoughts were expressed, but Kravchuk, was that mass panic would be at the Druzhba Narodiv monument was cancelled by order of the chief of the presi- Luhanske-Tykhoretske oil pipeline has a decision to hold the celebrations was created, causing havoc among more than resulted in the emission of over 500 tons of reached. If not everybody knew every- 2.5 million city residents. He added that dential administration, Dmytro Tabachnyk. The organizers of the show, the Ministry of oil, Ukrainian Radio reported on May 5. thing on April 26, 27 and 28, on April 29 officials were also worried about another The fuel spilled into the Bilenka River and explosion at Chornobyl at the fourth Education and the Ruthenia youth associa- and 30, everybody knew what had hap- caused a fire in the village of Nyzhnie, pened. And, I think the decision on April reactor, where the temperatures were tion, had obtained permission from the Kyiv city administration on April 29. which destroyed a number of homes and 30 you can call ‘criminal,’” said Mr. continually rising. However, the following day, the adminis- crops. (OMRI Daily Digest) Kravchuk. “I cannot say that in Moscow they knew tration rescinded its permission, after Justice minister comments on referendum “I recall standing on the reviewing stand everything that had occurred on April 26, informing concert organizers and People’s on May 1 and Ivashko turning to me and but I am convinced that they knew a cata- Deputies Oleh Vitovych and Yuriy Tyma. saying that I should let the television station strophe – and not just an ordinary fire – had KYIV — Ukrainian Minister of Justice The deputies were told by city officials that Serhiy Holovaty, who also heads the know that there should be footage of people occurred. You needn’t be a specialist to Mr. Tabachnyk had ordered them to ban frolicking in the park, children singing. understand this. I think that the leadership Constitutional Commission, said that the concert. Among those scheduled to according to the current constitutional ‘This is the directive of the Politburo, to in Moscow and Volodymyr appear at the cancelled show were Komu Shcherbytsky had all the infor- accord, a national referendum on adopting Vnyz, Viy, Aktus and Zarathustra, all pop- the constitution can only take place if both mation,” said Mr. Kravchuk, ular bands in the capital. (Respublika) who is now a deputy in the the president and Parliament agree to it, Ukrainian Parliament. Mukhin wary of new Cold War blocs Ukrainian Radio reported on April 30. The mechanism for adopting the new constitu- However, Mr. Kravchuk BUDAPEST — The chairman of the tion has not yet been decided. It will be dif- added that he did not know Ukrainian Parliament’s defense committee, ficult for any draft constitution to win the the full extent of Chornobyl Volodymyr Mukhin, was quoted as saying necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament, until he became the chairman on May 8 that NATO enlargement could and it has been proposed that the constitu- of the Ukrainian Parliament make Ukraine a buffer zone between two tion be passed by a simple majority vote in 1990. Cold War-style blocs. “It seems that the and then put to a national referendum. “If we had been a normal Cold War period did not provide enough (OMRI Daily Digest) state, with a normal ideology and normal policy, we would have told the world the truth about the accident right away. FOUNDED 1933 And, Ukraine and Belarus HE KRAINIAN EEKLY should have been declared TAn English-languageU newspaperW published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., ecological disaster zones a non-profit association, at 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. Yearly subscription rate: $60; for UNA members — $40. through the United Nations. But back then, we carried the Second-class postage paid at Jersey City, NJ 07302. philosophy of a Soviet state (ISSN — 0273-9348) and the party, which pro- Also published by the UNA: Svoboda, a Ukrainian-language daily newspaper claimed that we were the best, (annual subscription fee: $100; $75 for UNA members). the strongest, the grandest, that our people are the most The Weekly and Svoboda: UNA: patient and ideologically tem- (201) 434-0237, -0807, -3036 (201) 451-2200 pered, that we can conquer all,” he said. Postmaster, send address Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz changes to: Associate editor: Marta Kolomayets (Kyiv) Only on May 14, 1986, did The Ukrainian Weekly Assistant editor: Khristina Lew Soviet leader Gorbachev P.O. Box 346 Staff editors: Roman Woronowycz address the state about the Jersey City, NJ 07303 and Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj (Toronto) “misfortune” of April 26 – and he accused the West of exag- gerating its seriousness and The Ukrainian Weekly, May 12, 1996, No. 19, Vol. LXIV Copyright © 1996 The Ukrainian Weekly Leonid Kravchuk “defaming” the Soviet Union. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 3

Canada’s first... (Continued from page 1) The lifeby Christopher and timesGuly of CMaximhurches. Hermaniuk He was appointed Winnipeg’s first “When some of the bishops heard that, Ukrainian Catholic archbishop and OTTAWA – For almost half a century, it was like an atom bomb had dropped,” Canada’s first Ukrainian Catholic metro- he was the mitre on the Prairies for the recalled the metropolitan. But his argu- politan on November 3, 1956, and Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. ment was obviously convincing. enthroned at Ss. Vladimir and Olga In days gone by, his scholasticism On December 7, 1965, a representa- Cathedral on February 12, 1957. would have earned him the label “Doctor tive of Patriarch Athanagoras heard Pope Metropolitan Hermaniuk remained in of the Church.” In these times, Maxim Paul VI publicly revoke the excommuni- that post until his resignation was accepted Hermaniuk’s aplomb at diplomatic ecu- cation of his predecessor. “There was so by the Holy See on December 29, 1992. menism made him the penultimate con- much applause, the longest of the entire However, he continued to live with his ciliator. His loyalties were many. To Synod, that it didn’t seem to end. It was successor and fellow Redemptorist, Ukrainians, his voice against Soviet com- such a joy for me that after nine centuries Archbishop-Metropolitan Michael Bzdel, munism was considered among the most of condemnation and incrimination, there until his death. credible. To Ukrainian Catholics, his loy- was finally an understanding.” One of only two Canadian bishops alty to Rome – especially during the high Twenty-four years later, Archbishop named by Pius XII – the other, Toronto’s points of the patriarchal movement from Hermaniuk — then 78 – experienced a more Isidore Borecky, was consecrated in 1948 the 1960s to 1980s – was second to none. personal reconciliation when he returned to – Archbishop Hermaniuk’s career spanned To Rome, he was, not surprisingly, per- Ukraine after an absence of 51 years. and affected several generations. Andrew Sikorsky haps the best friend in the Eastern Rite. He recalled the moment in a 1990 Few would dispute the indelible mark In the Ukrainian community, his influ- Archbishop-Metropolitan Maxim Her- interview with The Weekly. “I was leav- Canada’s first Ukrainian Catholic metropol- ence stretched from the World Congress maniuk in a 1991 photo. ing [Lviv’s] Dnister Hotel to go out and of Free Ukrainians (he was a member of itan, who died in Winnipeg on May 3, left saw a group of people. I was approached its Presidium) to working with student proposed the notion of collegiality, where on the Church’s, if not Canada’s, history. by a lady who greeted me with flowers. I groups in post-war Belgium. He was also there is representation among bishops, so When he attended Vatican II – as said to her, ‘Would I know you, dear a full member of the Shevchenko as a group the Church still speaks as one.” chairman of the 15-member Ukrainian lady?’ She said, ‘I’m your younger sister, Scientific Society. Twenty years later, Metropolitan Her- Catholic bishops’ delegation – Natalka.’ When I left home, she was 12. In the Catholic Church, his influence maniuk convinced his brother bishops to Archbishop Hermaniuk was instrumental Now, she [was] 62 with children and was legendary. Although the cardinal’s adopt a universal Charter of Family Rights. in securing the release of Cardinal Josyf grandchildren. Of course, she started to hat never reached him, Metropolitan “He was a fatherly, caring, under- Slipyj from the Soviet’s grasp. Taking cry and so did I. Beside her was another Hermaniuk held clout at the Vatican. standing man,” recalled Saskatoon advantage of 2,500 bishops present in woman crying as well...’I’m your older Thirty-one years ago, he stood before Bishop Cornelius Pasichny, who served Rome, he took an ad out in Il Journale sister, Maria,’ she said. She [was] 80.” 2,500 of his fellow bishops attending under Archbishop Hermaniuk’s leader- D’Italia on November 22, 1962, calling But beneath his diminutive 5-foot-4- Vatican II in St. Peter’s Basilica and con- ship as a pastor in Winnipeg prior to the for support in bringing Archbishop- inch exterior lay a Napoleonesque, vinced them to reverse the historic metropolitan’s resignation. Major Slipyj to the Vatican. steely-willed determination. Rules, for excommunication of the patriarch of Nine years ago, when asked how he “It was a day that the whole Church Metropolitan Hermaniuk, were rules. Constantinople, Michael Cerularius, would like to be remembered, Archbishop listened to our voice,” recalled When asked about the intransigence to which was imposed by Rome during the Hermaniuk said, “I always tried to do Metropolitan Hermaniuk in The Weekly resign by his old friend and similar aged Great Schism of 1054. what my conscience told me was useful to in 1987. Pope John XXIII heard, and sent colleague, Toronto’s Bishop Isidore But it was in democratizing the Vatican do for the people. If I succeeded, it was the a delegation to Moscow. On February 10, Borecky, the archbishop told The where Metropolitan Hermaniuk’s star good Lord who helped me. If I failed, I 1963, Metropolitan Slipyj of Lviv arrived Weekly in a 1993 interview, “I know his shone brightest during that historic would say to the good Lord, ‘It was meant in Rome. situation, but this is the law of the Vatican meeting. He remembered the to be.’ I tried my best to serve Canada and “I remember the feeling I had when Church. Bishops and archbishops have to exact day he broached the subject in a the Ukrainian Catholic Church. It is up to we all walked into the Second Session comply. But he prefers to say no.” 1987 interview with The Weekly. history to make the final judgement.” [of Vatican II] with [Cardinal Slipyj] on Two years earlier, Metropolitan “On November 6, 1963, I addressed On the night before his death, October 11, 1963,” said Metropolitan Hermaniuk chaired a Ukrainian Catholic Vatican II on the issue of collegiality. On Metropolitan Hermaniuk had attended a Hermaniuk. “You could hear a fly, a pin commission that created a unique canon the one hand, we agreed that when the youth prayer rally in Winnipeg. Though drop. All eyes were directed toward him law code for the Eastern Church. Among pope speaks on fundamental doctrine he slower in gait as a result of suffering a bro- – they considered him a witness to the its provisions: a mandatory retirement speaks with infallibility, but the whole ken hip last year, he managed many smiles persecution of the Church.” age of 75 for Ukrainian Catholic bishops. Church must also speak as one. Thus, I for the young people in attendance. Metropolitan Hermaniuk, meanwhile, Yet the gravelly voiced prelate would became known as the “father of collegiali- omit such details in conversation. A schol- ty” for promoting equality among the hier- ars’ scholar, it was left up to reporters and archy through a permanent synod of bish- interrogators to fill in the blanks. Artist Arcadia Olenska-Petryshyn ops, and as an ecumenical peacemaker. Named an officer of the Order of Canada “We are a minority within the Roman in 1982 and a member of Manitoba’s Order found dead; husband is charged Catholic Church, and I think Archbishop of the Buffalo Hunt 12 years later, Hermaniuk’s good public relations skills Metropolitan Hermaniuk will probably be JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Arcadia ensured that our voice was heard,” the late remembered as embracing the attitude of Olenska-Petryshyn, 61, noted painter and Bishop Jerome Chimy of New his episcopal motto, “Thy Kingdom critic, was found dead in her bedroom in the Westminster, British Columbia, said in a Come.” early morning hours of May 6. She had 1991 interview. Certainly, he saw his own life as the been beaten over the head with a claw ham- In December 1965, during the last result of divine providence. “During my mer, said New Brunswick police officials. Vatican II session, Metropolitan Hermaniuk darkest moments, I would always say, Police have arrested her husband, argued that the 11th century excommunica- “Lord, it’s absolutely up to you what I Walter Petryshyn, a pioneering tion of the patriarch of Constantinople was will do,” he said. “Relief came in know- researcher and renowned mathematician, not the result of any doctrinal differences ing that I was trying to do what I thought and charged him with killing his wife between the Orthodox and Catholic was His will.” after the two had apparently argued. At least one long-time close acquain- tance of Prof. Petryshyn suggested that the academician was suffering from deep depression and was on the “brink of insani- Winnipeg Archeparchy’s vicar-general ty,” reported the Newark Star-Ledger on May 7. Bohdan Boychuk said that Mr. killed in automobile accident on April 29 Petryshyn had become increasingly despon- by Christopher Guly General Hospital. dent and remote after he discovered an error Born in Ukraine, the Rev. Radkewycz in a 1995 math textbook he had published. OTTAWA – The vicar-general of the had served as pastor in Winnipeg and Ms. Petryshyn, who was born in Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg was Portage la Prairie, as well as secretary to Zbarazh, Halychyna, emigrated with her Arcadia Olenska-Petryshyn in a 1982 killed in a highway crash in southwestern Metropolitan emeritus Maxim Hermaniuk parents to the United States in 1950. She photo. Manitoba on April 29. of Winnipeg. completed her studies at Hunter College in The Rev. Jaropolk Radkewycz, 52, In June, Winnipeg Auxiliary Bishop- New York and the University of Chicago. development of “A-proper mapping,” a died instantly when the car he was dri- designate Stephen Soroka was scheduled She worked mostly with lithographs, theory in the field of non-linear function- ving collided head on with a tractor-trail- to assume the duties of vicar-general. graphics and oils, most recently doing al analysis. He was born in 1929 in er near Neepawa. paintings of cacti and prints of plants and Liashky Murovani in Lviv Oblast and The Ukrainian priest was rector of Ss. “He was a man who knew how to han- trees. She exhibited at numerous art emigrated to the United States in 1950. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral in Winnipeg. dle every situation in the diocese,” Msgr. shows, including ones in New York, Ms. Olenska-Petryshyn was to be The Rev. Radkewycz was travelling with Michael Buyachok of Dauphin told the Toronto, Brussels, Shenyang, China, Kyiv interred on May 11 at St. Andrew the First- his assistant, the Rev. Nestor Baraniuk, 57. Winnipeg Free Press. “There wasn’t any- and Lviv. She also served as art editor for Called Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetary in The two were headed to a Ukrainian one in Canada who didn’t know him.” the Ukrainian publication Suchasnist. South Bound Brook, N.J., following liturgi- priests’ meeting in Dauphin, Manitoba. A prayer service was scheduled for May Mr. Petryshyn, who is a professor at cal services at St. George Ukrainian The Rev. Baraniuk remains in critical 6 and a funeral for May 7 at Ss. Vladimir Rutgers University, is known for his Catholic Church in New York. condition in the Portage la Prairie and Olga Cathedral in Winnipeg. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

CHORNOBYL ANNIVERSARY STATEMENTS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Our mothers, our protectresses PresidentBelow is the statement Leonid issued by KuchmaFacing severe economic problems as a God could not be everywhere, therefore he made mothers. — Proverb. President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine on result of the process of creating an indepen- April 26, 1986. dent state and drastic reform of the under- It was in 1907 that Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia proposed that one day be set lying aspects of our life, we have to deny aside each year to honor mothers. Seven years after Ms. Jarvis’s original idea, Dear Compatriots! Dear citizens of the ourselves basic things and spend 12 percent the U.S. Congress acted and President Woodrow Wilson signed the countries of the world! of our state budget to “cure” the Chornobyl Congressional resolution into law, recognizing the second Sunday in May as a Chornobyl is an intolerably painful and “disease” and its consequences. national holiday. Ms. Jarvis’s original idea was that the special day was to unhealed wound of the Ukrainian people, a During the last four years alone, more include a church service, a letter, a visit and a carnation for mom. Since then, symbol of the global disaster that knows no than $3 billion have been spent for this pur- of course, our celebrations have become more and more elaborate and, yes, borders. On the tragic day in April 1986, pose, which is five times more than the total somewhat institutionalized. But behind them there still is true sentiment. For, when the most widespread and horrifying allocations for education, health and culture. where would be without our mothers? Mom is always there for her children — technical and ecological catastrophe in This burden is beyond Ukraine’s capabili- no matter what happens and no matter how old those children are. the history of mankind took place, we, in ties. Besides, it is unknown for how long The idea of a special holiday for moms spread around the world quickly. But fact, began a new count of time. our people will have to carry this heavy it was only recently, however, that the idea has become accepted and the day Chornobyl cannot be referred to in the cross. celebrated on former Soviet territory. Previously, in Soviet bloc countries the past tense. It is a long-standing and uni- The global character of the disaster closest thing to Mother’s Day was International Women’s Day (March 8) — a versal tragedy! requires adequate attention and specific day marking the solidarity of women worldwide in the struggle for economic, For 10 years we have lived under the assistance in mitigating its consequences social and political equality. International Women’s Day was first adopted as a bitter Chornobyl star, suffering – some of on the part of the international communi- holiday by the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in us suffering more, some of us less. And ty as a whole. What is at stake is not only Copenhagen in 1910; since 1965 it had been a day off from work in the USSR. all this time the alarming sound of our destiny, but the future of mankind. (That tradition continues even today in independent Ukraine.) Chornobyl’s bells have been resounding This position of Ukraine was brought Our Kyiv bureau reports that in Ukraine today Mother’s Day observances in our ears, warning about the danger of by its president to the attention of leaders are more and more widespread. This celebration’s popularity has grown. Now the uncontrolled atom to all of us. of the G-7 on April 20 in Moscow. there are special Mother’s Day events, like concerts, and mothers enjoy special This is the reason why today, on the In- More than $3 billion will be ear- attention on this day. The popularity of Mother’s Day in Ukraine seems to have ternational Day in Memory of Chornobyl, marked to implement the political deci- increased as the role of women in Ukrainian society has become more visible. in deep sorrow we bow down and pay sion to shut down the Chornobyl nuclear Today there are strong independent women’s groups like Soldatski Materi respect to the pure souls of those who, power plant, and to solve a whole com- (Mothers of Soldiers), as well as the reborn Soyuz Ukrainok (Ukrainian Women’s without hesitation, stepped into the nuclear plex of related problems. Association) pressing agendas that include protecting their children and safeguard- hell, protecting us with their bodies from Moreover, a decision will be adopted ing the Ukrainian culture. And, of course, where there are children of Chornobyl, the unpredictable, saving the Earth. as to financing the construction of a new there are mothers of Chornobyl, like the vocal Mama ‘86 organization. The world must not and has no right to sarcophagus by members of G-7 and the Thus, Ukraine’s contemporary mothers are beginning to reclaim their rightful forget their sacrifice, their great heroic European community. place in society. They are the backbone of Ukrainian society and they are assum- deed for the sake of mankind. This is now possible, in the first place, ing roles and positions that are beginning to demonstrate their influence in all Our gratitude to those people who, risk- because the political course taken by aspects of life. They are once again more than just equal. They are seen as the pro- ing their health, entered the unknown in Ukraine allows it to reduce substantially the tectresses of the nation, the bearers of traditions — especially those that were long order to tame the merciless element capable nuclear pressure on our planet, to strengthen forgotten under the Soviet regime and are now being reborn. Their role, if we dare of destroying in a matter of hours our life on international security through practical mea- say so, is becoming more similar to the role of Ukrainian women in the diaspora. Earth, in order to eliminate the conse- sures. For it is the mothers of the diaspora who ensured that the Ukrainian heritage was quences of the nuclear disaster, is immea- Secondly, though it is hard to admit it, it kept alive, even though it was physically torn asunder from the native land, who surable. In Ukraine alone there are 350,000 was the Chornobyl disaster that made the saw to it that this heritage was treated as a national heirloom and passed on from of them. And the same was done by numer- world more sensitive and susceptible to the generation to generation. Consider this: would there even be a Ukrainian diaspora ous representatives of other peoples! Many troubles of individual nations and countries, if the mothers living outside of Ukraine did not raise their children with the knowl- of them are no longer with us today. and made us realize how we depend on edge of and an appreciation for what it means to be Ukrainian? And remember, Today, we also remember those of our each other, being a single whole. they did so while taking care of all those mundane things that every mother does — compatriots who, within no time, found Now we enter the stage at which mutual the cooking, the cleaning, helping kids with homework... (the list goes on and on). themselves smothered by the heavy dusk of support and mutual assistance, joint efforts But perhaps the main point to be noted here is that every mother does all the ominous Chornobyl shadow that and the collective wisdom of peoples will these things out of love — the kind of love only a mother could give. As we cel- uprooted and drove them from the land of become a reliable guarantee that present ebrate Mother’s Day this year, let us take time to think about all the priceless their ancestors, making them face all the and future generations of people will not gifts our mothers have given us, and let us thank God for making mothers. May bitterness of moving and settling in new have to face a similar tragedy. God bless and keep watch over our mothers for many, many years to come. locations. Dear Compatriots! As has always been Mnohaya Lita, Mamo! We express our sincere gratitude to the the case at times of hard trial, our people states, international organizations and the responded to the Chornobyl disaster with tens of thousands of foreign citizens who courage and self-sacrifice, endurance and rendered their support to Ukraine at this immeasurable patience. time of trial and are assisting us today. Thanks to you and all people of good May We extend our gratitude to all those who will, life on our planet has been saved. TTurningurning the pagespages back... back... right from the start were aware of what Much has been done, and much more has had really happened on April 26, 1986. to be done to make sure that the “shining” 13 This is also especially important because sarcophagus, the dead zone and radiation- the unprecedented disaster from the very fertilized soil are not the only symbols of 1865 beginning was aggravated by lies and dis- Ukraine that we will leave as our legacy. The Richelieu Lyceum was a private school for children of torted information about its causes, scale I believe in our people, in its wisdom, Odessa’s aristocracy and wealthy merchant class, named after and consequences. in its inexhaustible life potential. the French governor of the city of the early 19th century. In the In fact, Ukraine has become a zone of I am confident that we will overcome 1850s, under the influence of district education superintendent, Dr. Nikolai Pirogov, it environmental emergency – a situation it everything on our way to creating a pros- gradually gained the status of an institution of higher learning. had to face all alone after the disintegra- perous and thriving Ukraine. Tsarist officials initially opposed the founding of a university in Odessa, since they tion of the Soviet Union. I bow before you, my Dear Compatriots, considered the city a hotbed of unrest, and proposed Mykolayiv as an alternate site. It would not be an overstatement to for staying undaunted in the face of the dis- However, pressure from the local nobility and wealthier merchants prompted say that the Chornobyl disaster has aster, for your will to live and for your con- Alexander II to grant the lyceum university status in June 1862. turned into an allegedly “sovereign,” pri- fidence in the bright future of our Ukraine’s third university was officially opened as the New Russia University on vate affair of the Ukrainian people. Motherland! May 13, 1865, with three faculties — history and philology, physics and mathematics, and law — and an initial enrollment of 175 students. A faculty of medicine was added in 1900. Most of its students came from southern Ukraine, the Don region or the Caucasus, although the school also attracted students from the Slavic Balkan countries. All PrimeFollowing is Minister the message of Prime Jeanbetween Chretien our countries. It is fitting that we instruction was in Russian, although in 1906 there was an attempt to initiate a Minister Jean Chretien of Canada should join with the people of Ukraine Ukrainian history course to be offered in Ukrainian by Oleksander Hrushevsky, the released in Ottawa. and, indeed, with the citizens of the global more famous historian’s brother. community in remembering the victims of During the 1917 Ukrainian revolution, attempts were made to Ukrainianize the uni- I am pleased to extend my greetings to the Chornobyl accident and their families versity. Upon the Bolshevik seizure of power, the New Russian University was dis- the members of the Ukrainian Canadian on this solemn occasion. solved and broken up into research institutes. community who are marking the 10th I would like to offer my congratulations In 1933, these were merged again to form what is now known as Odessa anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress on University, and in 1945 it was named in honor of the Nobel Prize-winning immunolo- power plant accident in Ukraine. having organized these important com- gist Illia Menchikov. Canada and Ukraine have a special rela- memorative events across Canada. Please Source: “Odessa University,” Encyclopedia of Ukraine, Vol. 3 (Toronto: University of tionship born of the many Canadians of accept my best wishes, now and in the Toronto Press, 1993). Ukrainian descent and the growing ties future. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Faces and Places time underscores the point that this important subject is taken rather serious- by Myron B. Kuropas Ukrainian settlers ly. in Brazil noted The president of the country and the Dear Editor: current administration are solving inter- nal problems without bombs, assault I have just returned from a spiritual helicopters or artillery fire, unlike in tour of Brazil, and while it was an exhil- Chechnya. Ukrainian Insurgent Army The ghosts of communism arating experience for me, there was one (UPA) veterans march under the yellow- Can there be any more contemptible car, an apartment, a cottage,” Scarlett episode that truly inspired me, which I and-blue flag and the sign of the trident news from Ukraine than the disclosure Reslova, a Prague biologist, told Ms. would like to share with the readers. in Kyiv and Lviv, while Communists that Ukraine’s left-wing parliamentary Rosenberg. In contrast to Poland, where After our group of 27, mainly from demonstrate under the red banner of faction has proposed an alternative to the three-hour lines for foodstuffs were quite California, toured the sights of interest in union with Russia. Neither group is draft constitution developed by Ukraine’s common, Czecho-Slovak citizens rarely the cities of Salvador, Brasilia, Rio de being attacked by the “special forces” as Constitutional Committee? suffered shortages of meat, bread, milk, Janeiro, our second to the last flight before recently was the case in Miensk. In short, Signed by 125 parliamentarians – repre- eggs, beer and other basics. As Vaclav departure for home was to Foz do Iguassu, when comparing the current political cli- sentatives of the Communist, Socialist and Havel, the Czech Republic’s play- site of the magnificent Iguassu Falls. On the mate in Ukraine to the other former Agrarian factions – this second document wright/president explained, the average way to the Cataratas hotel adjacent to the Soviet republics, there is no comparison. is nothing less than the “Constitution of the Czecho-Slovak citizen was willing to Falls, I was pleasantly surprised to hear our And while it might be true that indepen- Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.” forego living in truth in exchange for a bus tour guide, while describing the main dent Ukraine did not live up to all of our While other former Communist states life of relative security and basic com- points of interest in the vicinity of rich farm expectations, not all of our expectations are exorcising their Bolshevik brigands, forts. “We are all guilty,” he said. lands, turn her talk to European immigrants. have been realistic. One can not change a Ukraine appears to be moving towards a And yet, in contrast to Ukraine and On top of her list was the mention of the mind-set formed by 70 years of reconciliation with the very people who other former Soviet-bloc countries, practi- Ukrainian settlers. What a joy it was for me Communist oppression in a few months. plundered and pillaged the nation for 70 cally no one in the Czech Republic is to hear that familiar, beautiful-sounding The act of proclamation of indepen- years. yearning for a return to communism. On name “Ukrainian” in a country so distant dence in Ukraine was not the miraculous In a book titled “The Haunted Land: the contrary, prior to its break-up, Czecho- and foreign in culture and language. end-point of a centuries-long struggle, Facing Europe’s Ghosts After Slovakia initiated the most stringent de- Later, while touring the hotel and but rather a beginning of a long process Communism,” Tina Rosenberg reviewed Sovietization process in the region. In while in Sao Paulo where we changed to regain our national dignity through the endeavors of Polish, Czech and 1991, the first freely elected Czecho- planes for home, I saw on display our statehood. The diaspora was steadfast in German national democrats to rid them- Slovak legislature passed the so-called traditional Easter eggs. support of the country of our origin dur- selves of their Communist apparitions. “lustrace” (purification) law designed to ing the darkest hours of Communist In February, Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski purge former Communist officials and Mary E. Pressey oppression, when all hope seemed to be went on trial for treason before the Polish their collaborators from public positions Forest Hills, N.Y. lost. It is not the time to turn our backs Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional in the country’s fledgling democracy. Few on our brethren now when there is hope. Responsibility. He was the man, who, on high-level Communists have been “puri- December 13, 1981, instituted martial law fied” as yet and there has been much dis- Ihor Lysyj and gave his army orders to crush the content with the way the process has Now is not the time West Hills, Calif. Solidarity labor movement. He argues that worked. Due to expire this year, lustrace martial law saved the Polish people from a has been extended to the year 2000. to turn our backs Soviet invasion. And what about Ukraine? No lustrace. Dear Editor: How do you spell That such a trial should take place in No indictments. No trials. No effort to In his March 31 column, Dr. Myron Poland is not surprising. No other country rid the nation of the stench of commu- Kuropas paints a rather dark picture of “Zahorodniuk”? under Soviet control resisted Sovietization nism. Ukraine’s defilement continues contemporary Ukraine and its prospects Dear Editor: more vigorously. Poland was never col- and the entrenched left grows more auda- for the future. To quote: “Corruption, an lectivized, the Catholic Church was quite cious by the day. irradicable Soviet mindset, parliamentary The article by Andrij Wynnyckyj open and active, and Solidarity was a When will Ukraine rid itself of the intransigence, naivete regarding the dias- “Ukraine’s skaters in top 10 at World labor union that openly defied the authori- ghosts of communism? As I wrote in an pora, other shortcomings have con- Championships in Canada” (March 31) ties and eventually led the final struggle to earlier column, The Civil Liberties tributed to a growing sense of pessimism has the correct transliteration of the bring down the Soviet empire. Commission of the Ukrainian Canadian about Ukraine’s future.” Dr. Kuropas is names of Ukraine’s skaters. In Germany, a group of aging former Congress published a monograph titled not alone with such a dark assessment. A But on TV programs covering the East German generals were recently assem- “War Crimes: A Submission to the large segment of the diaspora feels very World Championship in Edmonton the bled in Berlin’s Moabit Court to face Government of Ukraine on Crimes much the same. Unfortunately, this view names of Ukraine’s skaters were given as charges of being accessories to manslaugh- Against Humanity and War Crimes” in is overly pessimistic and not at all help- they sound in Russian e.g. “Zagorodniuk,” ter. They were the authors of the infamous 1992. Written in English, Ukrainian, ful to Ukraine’s future. “Belousovskaya.” There is no doubt that Order 101, which mandated shooting and Russian and French, the monograph was Not that Dr. Kuropas and others are TV uses names from the official champi- killing those who attempted to escape over presented to every member of the wrong, they are simply overly pes- onship directory to which input on the Berlin Wall. Their defense is reminis- Ukrainian Parliament as well as high- simistic. Indeed, there is widespread cor- Ukraine’s skaters is provided by officials cent of the Nuremberg trials. They main- ranking government officials. Among ruption, parliamentary intransigence, as of Ukraine. tain they were merely following orders other recommendations, the submission well as other innumerable shortcomings Does Ukraine’s government still have from the Communist Party Politburo. Their suggested that “the Ukrainian govern- in present-day Ukraine. Many of the old- an inferiority complex and therefore pre- trials follow the trials of some 13 border ment form a commission of inquiry into guard Soviet apparatchiks who are still fer to use Russian-sounding names rather guards who employed a similar defense. crimes against humanity and war crimes” in charge try to run the country in the old than Ukrainian in foreign countries? Is That such trials should be taking place in committed on Ukrainian soil and that the way. But they have lost much of their the Ukrainian language still treated as a Germany is surprising. In the words of Ms. commission be patterned after the royal former power (derived in the past mainly provincial one suited only for peasants? Rosenberg, “Communism was imposed commission in Canada. Following the from Moscow muscle), and their days Are such views of Ukrainophobe from outside everywhere in Eastern Europe, establishment of such a commission, are numbered anyhow. On a positive Russian literary critic Vissarion Belinsky but it was less resented in Germany...” Ukraine was urged to approach other note, there was peaceful and democratic expressed when reviewing Taras There was little dissent in East Germany governments – Canadian, Australian, transfer of political power in the country, Shevchenko’s Ukrainian poetry in 1842 because there was little to complain about, British, Swedish, German and American and the new administration remains pro- still alive in Ukraine after 150 years? according to one German cited by Ms. – for assistance in the form of materials Western in its orientation. I just wonder what versions of names Rosenberg. “There were 45,000-mark inter- from their archives. Crimes by Nazis as The Ukrainian Parliament is indeed of Ukraine’s athletes will be provided by est-free loans to build your house. People well as Bolsheviks were to be reviewed. intransigent. But which parliament is Ukraine for the Olympic Games in had good jobs in factories and agricultural To date, Ukraine has done nothing more not? Aren’t all parliaments designed in Atlanta. Will they be Russian or cooperatives.” Hundreds of thousands of than join forces with the Wiesenthal the first place to be intransigent? The Ukrainian? East Germans were involved in one capaci- Center in Israel in demanding the extra- intent of such a design is to solve dis- Russian-sounding names of Ukraine’s ty or another with the Stasi, “the most dition of Bohdan Koziy from Costa Rica. putes by means of verbal arguments, athletes only emphasize that Ukrainians meticulously totalitarian spy organization to What about all of the Soviet criminals rather then by spilling blood in the use the Russian language and may cause have graced the annals of history.” Along in Ukraine? When will their turn in the streets. And it seems to work in Ukraine. many non-Ukrainians to think: why do with Bulgaria, East Germany was prosecution box come? Can Ukraine There are democratic as well as Ukrainians want to be separated from Moscow’s most obedient servant. afford to forgive and forget its Soviet Communist blocs in the Parliament, and Russia when they really are Russians? Aside from a handful of dissidents past and those who devastated it so horri- each represents its constituency in a way Andrij D. Solczanyk associated with Charter 77, the Czechs, bly? When will the perpetrators of the democratic institutions are designed to Media, Pa. too, offered little resistance to the Soviets Chornobyl disaster be brought to justice? represent different interests groups. following the Dubcek era. Their model “Whoever controls the past controls the future,” George Orwell said. “Nations, like Furthermore, the Ukrainian Parliament The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters seemed to be the fictional hero of is able to argue the pros and cons of a to the editor. Letters should be typed (dou- Jaroslav Hacek’s book “The Good individuals, need to face up and understand new constitution in a parliamentary set- ble-spaced) and signed; they must be origi- Soldier Svejk,” a man who survives by traumatic past events before they can put ting, and is not being blasted by the tanks nals, not photocopies. going along, keeping his mouth shut and them aside and move on to normal life,” of its own army, as was the case in The daytime phone number and nibbling away at the system. writes Tina Rosenberg. “A nation’s deci- Moscow. The fact that the design of a address of the letter-writer must be given Life in Czecho-Slovakia was far easier sion about how to face its past are central to new constitution is taking rather a long for verification purposes. than in Poland. “Nearly everyone had a the challenge of building real democracy.” 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

in freedom can people insist on public First lady hosts... health systems that work and on natural 500 gather on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill (Continued from page 1) resources that are safeguarded and clean. donations alone are worth more than $100 Only in freedom can people hold bureau- for Chornobyl decennial commemoration million,” the first lady observed. “Today, cracies accountable for how they manage by Christopher Guly Commemoration.” these efforts convey a message of compas- potentially dangerous technologies.” The mayor’s proclamation read, in sion and healing that tells the victims of Mr. Kuzma, coordinator of Chornobyl OTTAWA – Close to 500 people gath- part: “Whereas many Canadians and par- Chornobyl that the world will not forget Challenge ‘96, expressed thanks to the first lady for hosting the day’s event and for her ered in front of Parliament Hill on April ticularly many citizens of Ottawa are them or the tragedy they have endured.” interest in the issue, as exemplified by her 29 to mark the 10th anniversary of the involved in efforts to assist the victims of Speaking of her own visits to hospitals personal visits to children’s hospitals in Chornobyl nuclear disaster. Chornobyl...I call on all right-thinking in Kyiv, Miensk and Moscow, Mrs. Belarus and Ukraine; to the vice-president On the eve of the event, Prime Minister citizens to take time from their day to Clinton hailed the “extraordinary work “for helping restore America’s global envi- Jean Chretien had issued a statement remember that event and, if they are able, being done by health care professionals ronmental leadership”; and to President acknowledging “the many Canadians to participate in the effort to assist the under extremely trying circumstances.” [who] reached out to the victims of the Clinton and his administration “for keeping victims of the subsequent disaster.” She added that, “Thanks to the contribu- Chornobyl disaster in a spirit of common Chornobyl on the international agenda.” Ottawa Deputy Mayor Joan Wing tions of our government and many orga- humanity.” He also noted that “Canada is He then commented on the composi- attended the Parliament Hill ceremony on nizations — and to the partnerships that working with the countries of the region tion of “the Chornobyl relief communi- behalf of the city. our hospitals have established with hos- to help ensure that such a disaster will ty,” describing it as “a remarkable micro- In the past decade, the Canadian gov- pitals in these three republics — lives are never occur again.” cosm of America, including medical pro- ernment has provided bilateral technical, literally being saved every day.” Hosted by local radio personality, fessionals and environmentalists, corpo- financial and humanitarian assistance “We are very grateful for all of you in John Lacharity, the supper-hour com- rate sponsors and student volunteers, eth- worth $38 million (about $28 million memoration included a moleben-prayer this room, and for the many, many others nic communities and religious congrega- U.S.) to deal with the aftermath of the service and a vocal presentation by a you represent, who through your work, tions, women’s and veterans’ groups.” accident and to improve the safety of choir composed of children from three your prayers and your continued commit- “None of us could have taken on this local Ukrainian schools. Several guest nuclear power plants in Ukraine. ment to this important effort have already mission — this monstrous challenge — speakers addressed the crowd, including According to Canadian International made a difference and will continue to do without the help and guidance of others. Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymr Development Agency (CIDA) officials, so,” she continued. We have made some hard-won progress Furkalo, Ukrainian Canadian Congress that amount represents over 20 percent of The first lady made special mention of only by pooling our talents and resources, President Oleh Romaniw, Independent Canada’s total $178 million (about $132 Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak of Ukraine, and by working together.” He added, “Just Sen. Marcel Prud’homme and Joanna million U.S.) in assistance to Ukraine. who was present along with his wife, as the disaster of Chornobyl defied borders, Survilla, president of the Canadian Relief “We will work to help Ukraine over- Maria, Ambassador Serguei Martynov of so too has our response to it broken down Fund for Chornobyl Victims in Belarus. come the lingering impact of Chornobyl Belarus and his wife, Marguerita, and barriers and stretched our capabilities Referring to what remains the world’s and to improve the equality of life of its Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov of Russia. beyond what we thought was possible.” worst nuclear accident, Mr. Romaniw population,” said Prime Minister Chretien’s Turning to Dr. Shcherbak, Mrs. Clinton In conclusion he enjoined those said the effects of Chornobyl have likely statement. “That is the best way to help the said: “Ambassador Shcherbak, we are par- involved in Chornobyl relief to continue changed the lives of an entire generation. victims and to honor thew memory of those ticularly indebted to you. You were one of their work. “We wish that we could say “This was a disaster of human technol- who lost their lives.” the first medical doctors to respond to the the worst is over. Unfortunately, many of ogy tinkering irresponsibly with forces it On April 26, CIDA announced an agree- tragedy at Chornobyl. And in the years the health effects and genetic damage could not fully control,” he said. “This ment with SaskPower Commercial to help since, few have done as much as you, Mr. will only become evident in the years to was a disaster of communist ideology modernize a thermal power plant in Ambassador, to educate people around the come. Chornobyl cannot be overcome by taking short-cuts and reckless chances. Ukraine. Under the $3.5 million (about world about the medical and scientific real- half-hearted or fleeting measures. It This was a disaster of contempt for the $2.6-million U.S.) five-year CIDA contract, ities of the Chornobyl disaster and what requires a long-term, passionate commit- lives and rights of innocent men, women SaskPower Commercial, the commercial they portend for humanity’s future.” ment. It will be a true test of our maturity and children. This was a disaster which arm of the Saskatchewan Power Corp., will Vice-President Gore, introduced by Mrs. as a nation if we can sustain our commit- need not have happened.” participate in a $400 million (about $296 Clinton as “a man whose attention to ment during the next decade.” The Canadian Friends of Ukraine pre- million U.S.) World Bank program to reha- Chornobyl and its aftermath has never Mr. Malofienko, whose leukemia is now sented an incubator, valued at $15,000 bilitate the coal-fired plant at Kryvyi Rih. wavered, who in many respects tried to in full remission (his health continues to be (about $11,000 U.S.), to Ambassador The plan includes increasing the plant’s warn all of us about some of the issues we supervised), occupied a place of honor next Furkalo, which will be used in the neona- power output, reducing operating costs, are now dealing with because of his com- to the first lady. With his parents, Olya and tal ward of the Zhytomyr Regional improving its load-carrying capacity and mitment to the environment,” spoke about Alexander, in the audience, the poised 11- Children’s Hospital. reducing nitrous oxide emissions. the lingering effects of the 1986 accident. year-old confidently walked up to the podi- Under mostly sunny skies, everyone in The SaskPower project is just one of sev- Those effects, he said, “are measured in um, taking a step up onto the platform that attendance placed a candle in an outline eral Canadian initiatives in post-Chornobyl the anxiety of young Ukrainian and had been placed there for him. of a cross in the middle of the quadrangle Ukraine. The Toronto-based Help Us Help Belarusian and Russian parents who hope He focused his remarks on those less for- of Parliament Hill. the Children fund has shipped 300 metric and pray that their newborns will grow tunate than he. “In the city of Chernihiv, The event was sponsored by the tons of medical supplies, infant food and healthy and whole. The effects are mea- where I come from, everyone does not have Ottawa branch of the UCC, the Embassy clothing to 167 orphanages in Ukraine in sured by the degraded natural resources that the medical care they need. I wish that all of of Ukraine and the Canadian Relief Fund the last three years. In May, 5,000 pairs of trace a poisoned arc across Ukraine, them could have the kind of medical care for Chornobyl Victims in Belarus. The shoes and artificial limbs are heading for through Belarus, into Russia, and reaching that I received. ... My treatment was very trio also organized a photo and art exhib- Ukrainian orphanages. as far as Scandinavia. They are measured hard, but [my doctors in the U.S.] had the it at the Art Gallery of the Regional The four-year-old OSVITA project has by the uncertainty that we all share as we right training and all the medicine and all Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. received almost $3.5 million (about $2.6 wonder whether one day another Chornobyl the equipment they needed to make me bet- The exhibit, from the 4th Block Museum million U.S.) in CIDA aid to introduce might once again unleash its fury.” ter. In Ukraine, there are many wonderful in Kharkiv, contained photographs of the modern techniques for the care of mothers But, he noted, “out of this mire of doctors and nurses, too, but they don’t have clean-up effort in the aftermath of the and children in Ukrainian pediatric hospi- tragedy also have emerged great stores of the materials they need to treat their patients Chornobyl explosion, sketches of individu- tals, as well as train lab technicians to hope, and deep reservoirs of resolve. properly.” als on the disaster crew by a team member upgrade quality controls for the accuracy Selfless men and women – thousands He went on to thank Mrs. Clinton, and a collection of children’s drawings of such medical tests as blood analysis. upon thousands of them – risked their “because you and the president did not for- made by art school students in Belarus. The At the April 26 Ottawa commemora- lives to protect those of others. And coura- get the children of Ukraine and Belarus. exhibit ran from April 20 to 27. tion ceremony, Mr. Romaniw called for geous leaders like so many of you here You have reminded us that many children Ottawa Mayor Jacquelin Holzman also more assistance. “It is the right thing to today are working tirelessly still to relieve here in the United States and many children declared April 26 “The Chornobyl do,” he said. “It is the sane response to an suffering. Leaders like young Vova around the world are in danger.” Nuclear Reactor Accident Day of insane event.” Malofienko who have taught the world so “I know you have written a book that much about courage and constancy.” says ‘It Takes A Village’ to raise a child. The vice-president went on to speak of It also takes a village to heal a child,” House of Commons marks President Clinton’s determination “to do Vova added. whatever our nation can to overcome this He also thanked the people gathered in tragedy, and to help ensure that all reac- the East Room and those who could not disaster’s 10th anniversary tors everywhere are safer, cleaner and for- be present. “I know that you have ever free from the sort of catastrophe we worked hard. You may be tired and you by Christopher Guly mined and effective action to contend with remember on this important anniversary.” may want to work on other problems, but the costs and impact of the accident often at He referred as well to the recent please do not stop now. Let us make sure that an accident like Chornobyl never OTTAWA – Canada’s 295-member the risk of their own lives. Many, of course, anniversary airlift sent by the United happens again, and let us do all we can to House of Commons also marked the 10th have since perished,” he said. States to Belarus and Ukraine, bringing make this world a safer, healthier place.” anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster Mr. Axworthy noted Canada’s role in nearly $12 million in aid and medical After the conclusion of the official with an address by Foreign Affairs the G-7 to help Ukraine meet its energy relief to those two countries. part of the commemorative program, the Minister Lloyd Axworthy on April 26. needs while closing the Chornobyl Vice-President Gore also hailed audience was invited into the State The Liberal member of Parliament from nuclear station and “discontinuing its lin- Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma’s Dining Room for a reception and into Winnipeg expressed condolences to the sur- gering dangers.” “courageous decision” to close down the the Blue Room, where the first lady per- vivors on behalf of the Canadian govern- He said Canada intends to continue its Chornobyl plant by the year 2000. sonally greeted each guest in a receiving ment. “We want to pay particular tribute to “political and economic cooperation with Finally, Mr. Gore reflected on “the most line. the courage, commitment and competence Ukraine in nuclear safety and energy sec- enduring lesson of Chornobyl”: “that only of the many Ukrainians, Russians, tor development and other vital fields – in freedom can people claim their rightful For full texts of remarks by the first lady Belarusians and others who took deter- both bilaterally and multilaterally.” destiny to live in safety and security. Only and the vice-president, see page11. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 7

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE Chornobyl’s impact on health, the environment and the economy by David R. Marples The following was delivered as the 31st annual Shevchenko Lecture on April 2, at the University of Alberta. David R. Marples is professor of history and director of the Stasiuk Program on Contemporary Ukraine (CIUS), University of Alberta, Canada. The Shevchenko Lecture was organized by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies and sponsored by the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Edmonton.

CONCLUSION Thyroid gland cancer Thyroid gland cancer had begun to develop at a rapid rate among children by 1990. Prior to Chornobyl, this was a rare disease among children. The number of cases annually in both Ukraine and Belarus was one to three per year. The sudden and dramatic rise that has occurred was predicted by no one – this has been a fea- ture of the Chornobyl disaster: it brought about the unexpected, whereas anticipated problems, such as leukemia, appear to have longer periods of induction, in contrast to the only really comparable instances of nuclear fallout, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Moreover, the rise in incidence of this disease has occurred precisely in the most contaminated areas. In the north-central areas of Ukraine, for example, the rate Marta Kolomayets of incidence in children has risen by 700 to 900 percent. Such zones of Ukraine and especially Belarus, its north- Chornobyl’s most susceptible victims: the children. This group of kids from Ukraine was brought to the United ern neighbor, are seeing about 100 new cases of thyroid States in 1990 by the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund for a stay at actor Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall cancer each year, with no sign of a slowdown. Gang camp. Second from right in the foreground is Vova Malofienko, then 5, who on May 1 of this year spoke at This disease is a highly aggressive one, which can the White House ceremony marking Chornobyl’s 10th anniversary. metastasize rapidly to other parts of the body if not operated on promptly. In about 40 percent of cases, One also has to take into account the demographic Today Ukraine maintains that it requires $4.4 billion repeat surgery is necessary. Virtually all cases involve and general health situation in the country. In Ukraine, to close the plant and to build a new energy station in children born or conceived prior to the Chornobyl acci- infant mortality has continued to rise – it is currently the vicinity, preferably close to the newly built town of dent, and the majority are children who were under age around 15 per 1,000 births – while life expectancy has Salvutych, 45 miles northeast of Chornobyl, constructed 5 in April 1986. Thus, today an older group of children declined, especially among men. The death rate exceeds after the accident to replace Prypriat and which contains is the most affected, especially those in the 10-15 age the birth rate at 13.4 per 1,000 population (the world 28,000 plant employees and their families today. range. Initially, the cause of their illness was thought to average is 9.2). Ukraine has seen also a significant Economic factors led to lifting of the moratorium in be radioactive cesium, but last November in Geneva at increase in infectious diseases – especially tuberculosis, 1993. Nuclear power remains a fundamental part of the World Health Organization (WHO) conference, sci- cholera, and diphtheria – which can be associated partly Ukraine’s domestic energy production, accounting in entists acknowledged what specialists in Ukraine and with industrial pollution, partly with the drop in the liv- the winter of 1995 for as much as 45 percent of all ener- Belarus had long claimed: i.e., that the cause was ing standards of the population, and partly with poor gy produced. In addition, nuclear power has enabled Chornobyl-generated radioactive iodine. nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles. Only the latter could Ukraine to at least keep some options open in its deal- The area around Chornobyl has an iodine-deficient soil, be linked to Chornobyl, as it has occurred mainly ings with Russia, because the latter country has used and thyroid-related diseases have long been common. through the fear of eating contaminated food. energy exports as a political weapon against Ukraine on Thus after the accident, children’s thyroids were especial- That there is a health crisis in Ukraine today is not in several occasions. ly susceptible to radioactive iodine in the atmosphere. doubt. Its root causes, however, are uncertain. However, the situation in the Ukrainian nuclear Today over 1,000 children have contracted thyroid It is inaccurate to say, as some scientists have done, that power industry appears ominous. The nuclear industry gland cancer (thyroid cancer) in the contaminated zones none of the diseases cited are relatsed to Chornobyl. The has seen over 8,000 specialists leave for Russia since of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. The numbers have also most that can be said is that the precise link is unknown. If 1992, where wages and pensions are higher. Safety reg- risen appreciably among adults. Among children, the fore- Chornobyl has proved anything it is the unpredictability of ulators work for little and frequently for no wages. cast by one WHO expert is that their total numbers could the medical results of radioactive fallout. Ukraine’s other stations, VVERs (water/water-pressur- ultimately reach 10,000, or 1 in every 10 children living in Further, independent Ukraine is in no position to deal ized reactors), are unreliable. Accidents are frequent, the contaminated zones. This means that these children with Chornobyl unassisted. In 1992, for example, the especially at the giant Zaporizhzhia nuclear power sta- will have to be monitored for the rest of their lives. country could afford to devote 15.7 percent of the state tion, which has 6 VVER reactors, each of 1,000 Though the survival rate from thyroid cancer is quite budget to Chornobyl-related questions; in 1993, the per- megawatts (MW) capacity. Three accidents occurred in high at 90 percent, this would still mean that eventually centage dropped to 7.3 and in 1995, the figure was 3.4 the space of four months last year, one of which was 1,000 deaths could be anticipated. As we will discuss in percent or about $430 million (U.S.). The annual costs, potentially very serious. The Chornobyl-1 reactor had a a moment, moreover, the conditions of the laboratories, however, have not decreased. radiation leakage last November which ranked 3 on the clinics, and hospitals in which sick children are being The Chornobyl nuclear power station international scale. Several of Ukraine’s reactors, treated are deplorable by Western standards. including Chornobyl and Rivne-1, are considered obso- There is also a general consensus that thyroid cancer Ukraine inherited the problem of the Chornobyl lete and dangerous by the IAEA and other bodies. cannot appear alone, and that other types of cancer will nuclear accident from the former Soviet Union, but has Finally what of the destroyed fourth reactor at follow. The incidence of leukemia to date is well within been forced to carry this burden at a time of great finan- Chornobyl? About 200 tons of nuclear fuel are con- the general European range, though the numbers have cial strain. Much of today’s expenditure pertains also to tained within the unit, about 10 tons of which are in the risen since the accident. Bone cancer – which might be the station itself. form of dust that could be released into the atmosphere anticipated because of the fallout of strontium – has Various questions related to the Chornobyl nuclear in the event of an accident. About 700 people work cur- risen notably in contaminated zones. The least that can plant continue to occupy international attention. In rently at this unit, and Ukraine spends several million be said in this medical sphere is that the future will see December 1995, under some duress, Ukraine signed an dollars annually on monitoring the reactor. an appreciable rise in the incidence of various types of agreement with the G-7 countries in Ottawa to shut The sarcophagus constructed over the destroyed reac- cancers, and not merely those of the thyroid gland. down the station by the year 2000. tor in 1986 is collapsing. At most, it can only last for a Other diseases Simultaneously, an intensive propaganda campaign further 10 to 15 years, according to official estimates. In was initiated within Ukraine to keep the plant in opera- 1992-1993 an international discussion took place to The Chornobyl disaster has been linked to a general tion well beyond that date, inspired by its past and pre- devise a plan to cover the reactor with a second cover or rise in morbidity that has acquired alarming proportions sent directors, Mykhailo Umanets and Serhiy Parashyn. sarcophagus. Almost 400 plans were submitted, and an in the zones of significant radioactive fallout. There is The latter has declared it one of the safest plants in the international consortium called Alliance has produced a no consensus, however, between the rise in oncological former USSR because of improvements made since workable scheme. However, estimates of the cost of a diseases and enhanced irradiation of the population. 1986. new cover average around $300 million (U.S.) for a These include a remarkable increase, for example, in That Ukraine should plead for the continuance of the five-year project, in addition to $2.5 billion over a 15- early childhood diabetes, anemia and illnesses associat- Chornobyl station is one of the great paradoxes of mod- year period to render safe the destroyed fourth unit. ed with general fatigue. Local doctors attribute such ern history. In 1988-1990 there was a massive campaign Such costs have not to date been included in G-7 discus- developments to a sort of Chornobyl AIDS – a weaken- to stop the further operation of the plant led by the eco- sions or in loans and subsidies provided to Ukraine to ing of the body’s resistance to various diseases. Some logical association Green World and later by the Green stop operations at the first and third Chornobyl reactors. Western specialists maintain, conversely, that the phe- Party, which resulted in a 1990 moratorium on the com- nomenon is related to increased anxiety and tension. missioning or construction of any new nuclear reactors. (Continued on page 19) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE INTERVIEW: Alla Yaroshinska, revealer of Chornobyl’s “Forbidden Truths” Alla Yaroshinska, a journalist by training, is a member Russians, they brought them in from all over, this was than press from the West? of Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s Council of Advisors (to an international operation, many got lethal doses. This might not sound very modest, but I believe I which she was appointed in 1993) and the president of the When I became a deputy, I led a group of activists seek- have more information on Chornobyl than any journal- Association of Russian Journalists. She also heads a ing to end the practice of stationing units in the zone. Until ist from the West. That’s no reflection on them in par- Moscow-based charitable foundation, the Ecological 1991 there were people performing their military duties ticular, I’m sure I have more material than any journal- Private Fund, which provides assistance to children affect- there. ist in Russia, I have a large archive on the subject. ed by the Chornobyl disaster in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and issues publications concerning the environment. Reservists? Have Western journalists been putting it to use? Her book, “Chernobyl: Sovershenno Sekretno” No. Not reservists, those who did their compulsory My archive? No. It’s mine. I got it by shedding my (Chornobyl: Top Secret; Moscow: Drugie Berega, 1992) two years of military service in the army. This was a own sweat and blood. I’m a journalist, I use the fruits of was published in Russian, based on her early reporting and crime. my investigation, and I can’t give it to anyone else. I’m her work as a member of the USSR Supreme Soviet’s com- Lie No. 5 concerned Slavutych, the city built to keeping nothing back, I’m publishing it all. mission on the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. It includes a staggering 225 pages of documents drawn from replace the abandoned Chornobyl plant workers’ Are journalists from Ukraine at an advantage or the archives of the Soviet Politburo, and various levels of town of Prypiat — built in a contaminated zone. disadvantage because of their proximity to the story? government of the USSR and the Ukrainian SSR. Yes. This is quite an interesting case. There was a I can’t really comment on what kind of problems “Chernobyl: The Forbidden Truth,” is an abridged decision made to build a new “energy city” of they face in getting materials from official channels English translation (by Michele Kahn and Julia Sallabank) Slavutych in a contaminated area, a conscious decision. because I haven’t worked as a journalist in Ukraine for of this book, minus the appended documentation. In the Politburo minutes, there is a letter from an some time. I haven’t lived there for five years. The conclusion of the interview conducted by Andrij advisor to Gorbachev named Akhromeyev, who has I visit, I come to see my relatives in the Zhytomyr Wynnyckyj of The Weekly’s Toronto Press Bureau follows. since died, saying that it is impossible to build this city region, but I can’t say. I can only surmise that they also In your Izvestia article of April 25, 1992, you in that spot because of the high level of radiation. Quite have no problems with censorship in the newspapers exposed a series of official lies told by the Soviet gov- a normal position of a normal human being. themselves. ernment to its citizens. Lie No. 1 concerned the Soviet But after a few days, after a period during which, in Whether they have difficulty in extracting informa- government’s statements about the number of people my opinion, the Politburo applied some pressure, tion from, Academician [physicist Viktor] Bariakhtar, hospitalized in Chornobyl’s immediate aftermath. Will there’s another letter in which [Akhromeyev] contra- for instance, that’s an entirely different matter. we ever know the truth, or have euphemistic diagnoses dicts himself and states that it’s actually quite possible to clean up the area and build there. In your book you champion Prof. Elena Burlakova, such as “vascular vegetative dystonia,” arbitrary rais- former chair of the USSR’s Council for Radiological ing of “permissible levels of radiation” and government But clearly, this is a town that should also be evacu- ated. Problems at the Academy of Sciences. Where is she obfuscation forever clouding the issue? now? Isn’t it too late? Theoretically, it’s possible, but this would take an She’s still in Russia, at the Russian Academy of untold amount of money, an incredible amount of Well, for those who have lived there for 10 years, Sciences’ Institute of Chemistry, I believe. Her work is research to calculate retrospectively the dosages sus- who have absorbed radiation every day, it’s probably very important and continues to be very relevant to the tained by the 8 million people living in the affected too late in terms of their health. But there are children study of the impact of the Chornobyl disaster. area, in Ukraine, Belarus, Russia. being born there, growing up, succeeding generations Prof. Burlakova consistently focused on the effect of Theoretically, it’s possible. Even practically speak- beginning a life there — they should be resettled. long-term low-level radiation on humans in the after- ing, you could begin scanning the effects in the entire math of the Chornobyl accident, has maintained that it population in order to see what the effects are now that Lie No. 3 concerned information fed to the press inside the former USSR and to the outside world. is just as harmful as high doses, and has spared no effort 10 years have passed. in publishing her results. But the governments lack the money they supposedly Have journalists in Ukraine and Russia been able to allotted to feed and otherwise assist those living the crack the “levels of deception” since 1991? Whom did you find most helpful in your investi- zone, and those they now recognize as affected by the Yes, absolutely. There is an entirely different situation gations? disaster, so where could they get the money to conduct now. If you find any additional facts about Chornobyl and Generally speaking, I didn’t get much help. Hardly research on such a massive scale? ... you want to publish them, you can, as much as you want. anyone offered any support. During the days of the This alone underscores the simple fact that There’s absolute freedom of speech now. Basically, if Soviet Union, most people put obstacles in my way or Chornobyl is not simply a Ukrainian or Belarusian you’re a good journalist and you want to publish some- threatened me, saying that the KGB would take an issue. It’s an issue that confronts the entire world. The thing, you can. There is no more censorship. active interest in what I was doing and so forth. global ecological situation will never again be the same The only problems that everyone continues to face is Once I became a deputy, it became somewhat easier as it was prior to April 26, 1986. the problem faced by journalists around the world — to get at information. Once, only once, there was a Lie No. 2 concerned the policy of mixing contami- how to get information from officials. member of the Ukrainian apparat, whom I don’t want to nated foodstuffs with the uncontaminated in 1986, But nobody has any problems getting published any name, I don’t even want to say what branch of govern- and the subsequent contention that “clean” food- more. ment he worked in, telephoned me in Moscow when I stuffs could be produced in contaminated zones. Did Have they been more or less successful in doing so was a deputy, to arrange a meeting so he could pass on anyone follow up on this story, and were any of these some sensitive material about Chornobyl to me. meats and foodstuffs eventually traced and appro- In Russia, of course, there was Ivan Laptev, the edi- priately disposed of, or were all of them untraceable tor of Izvestia who was great, always very supportive. and thus eaten throughout the former Soviet Union? He is now the head of the Russian state committee on the press. To keep track of the contaminated meat, there was a system of epidemiological sanitary service, just like there Please describe your contacts with Japanese agen- is in every country. The problem is that the mendacity of cies and individuals. the ideological system, which constantly deceived the peo- Since I received the alternative Nobel, I set up a publish- ple, meant that all government agencies were being decep- ing house whose principal project is a “Nuclear tive because they took their orders from the Politburo. Encyclopedia.” Both Japanese and U.S. scientists have been They are also heavily responsible. They were the agen- very helpful and supportive, in writing entries on radiobiol- cies who carried out the Politburo’s will... So you had ogy, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and so forth. instructions to mix contaminated meat with the clean, and I’ve been working very closely with Japanese scien- then distribute it throughout the former Soviet Union with tists and various organizations because they’re very the exception of two cities — Moscow and Leningrad. interested in these matters. Do you have any evidence that local authorities or Could you give an account of the publishing histo- individuals disobeyed the order and simply ry of your “Chernobyl: Forbidden Truth,” which destroyed the contaminated meat? first appeared as “Chernobyl: Sovershenno No. On the contrary, we mostly have evidence that Sekretno” in Russian in 1992? Did you have any dif- people, not officials, brought in meat they knew was ficulties publishing it in Russia? contaminated, they simply brought it in according to the There were no obstacles at all in Russia. orders they were given. I’ve never come across an I wanted to publish something in Ukraine first. A jour- instance in which somebody defied the order. nalist in Zhytomyr, Yakiv Zayko, very much wanted to Lie No. 4 concerned the participation of the Soviet have a book on Chornobyl appear in Zhytomyr, but the Red Army in the clean-up. What exactly was at local printing house was scared to touch it. And so I was issue? forced to publish it in Russia, and it came out as a slim vol- ume, titled “Chernobyl s Nami” (Chornobyl is With Us, The Ministry of Defense issued a secret order that no 1991) in Russia. indication of dosage sustained was to be made on the People in Ukraine were simply too frightened to pub- duty cards for all soldiers, regular servicemen or offi- lish it. Although I must say that Mr. Zayko is a coura- cers, employed in the Chornobyl clean-up. Ivan Jaciw’s 1986 editorial cartoon depicts a cloud of geous journalist, a former parliamentary deputy. A minimum of 200,000 soldiers were used in these lies emanating from Moscow covering up Chornobyl’s operations. These kids, young soldiers — Ukrainians, radioactive cloud over Ukraine. (Continued on page 17) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 9

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE On the medical front: Kyiv pediatric hospital helps Chornobyl’s children by Marta Kolomayets Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – The debate is ongoing as to how many peo- ple were affected by the nuclear explosion at the Chornobyl power plant and what the consequences – both physical and psychological – are of the accident, that 10 years ago spewed radioactive particles over more than 82,000 square kilometers of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Some doctors say the official number of victims of Chornobyl is 31 – the people who died immediately after the accident, including the firefighters who rushed to the scene on April 26, 1986. Other scientists, who attended the recent conference on the radiological con- sequences of the Chornobyl accident, jointly sponsored by the European Commission and the Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian governments, report that only 45 deaths are attributable to the 1986 accident. Even the Ukrainian government has offered three different fig- ures for deaths in Ukraine, including 125,000, 148,000 and 167,653, over the last year. Ukrainian authorities say that more than 3.5 million people were exposed to the accident’s radioactive release, which they estimate was 500 times that of Hiroshima. Among those millions were 700,000 children, who were exposed to vaying degrees of radiation and face certain health risks. Marta Kolomayets No one has conclusively proven that a weakened One of the luckier babies in Pediatric Hospital No. 14 in Kyiv (Okhmadyt Hospital), the baby girl born to the immune system and various forms of cancer (such as Sushkos had an esophagal defect that was corrected by surgery. liver and rectal cancer in children), as well as variety of birth defects among newborns, can be directly linked to 1995, a total of 800 cases was reported in children who the 1986 Chornobyl accident. But there have been no were under the age of 15 at the time of the diagnosis. To Warren Christopher disputes among doctors that childhood thyroid cancers – date, three children have died of thyroid cancer. which have increased markedly in the contaminated If children from the zone, or children of those from zone in the last 10 years – are related to the explosion. the zone are monitored closely throughout their lives, at Okhmadyt Hospital “We are seeing a weakening of the immune system in doctors are optimistic that they can be cured, since Secretary of State Warren Christopher visited the children,” said Dr. Oleksander Urin, the director of the treatment of cases caught early is generally successful. Okhmadyt Hospital on March 19, during his six-hour Okhmadyt Hospital (Okhorony Materi iy Dytyny — “We had less than 10 documented cases a year prior visit to the Ukrainian capital. Following are excerpts of to 1986, and now that has increased sixfold,” added Ms. Health Protection of the Mother and Child), the main his remarks. children’s hospital in Kyiv. Savelyeva. “Children are getting sick not only more often, but At his hospital, Dr. Urin has noticed that the occur- ... I’ve just had a tremendously moving time having also for a longer time,” he said, adding that he also rence of thyroid cancer has increased 3.6 percent in the a tour of this hospital. It brought home to me the terri- believes the consequences of the accident will be even last decade. ble harm that the Chornobyl tragedy continues to do more pronounced in the generations to follow. A study on “Thyroid Cancer in Children and to the people of Ukraine. I particularly want to salute “The rate of birth defects among newborns in my Adolescents in Ukraine after the Chornobyl Accident and thank the doctors and the nurses, all the staff of hospital has more than doubled,” he noted. In the last (1986-1995)”, presented by a team of researchers from this hospital for the dedicated and heroic work that two weeks, he observed, two babies were born at the the Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the they do. As we all know, the Chornobyl tragedy has hospital to Chornobyl zone evacuees, who were chil- Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, whose find- caused thousands of deaths and severely taxed dren at the time of the accident. “And both have birth ings were presented at the Miensk conference, confirms Ukrainian natural resources. It continues to reach into defects,” he said. what doctors have found. the future to claim new victims, and indeed the He explained that, fortunately, both could be surgi- Comparing their study to a British study that moni- specter of another Chornobyl continues to hang over cally corrected. The Sushko baby girl’s esophagus was tored British adolescents, they found that cases of thy- this region. roid carcinoma in Ukrainian children were seven times not connected at one end, making it impossible for her In my brief remarks today I want to speak about what more common in the last decade. It also showed that to receive nourishment orally. The baby had surgery the United States is doing to help Ukraine to overcome Ukrainian tumors differ from thyroid cancer in children and was reported to be doing well. this terrible tragedy. I want to touch more broadly on in the United Kingdom in that they are more common in But the Shramuk baby girl, the couple’s second child, the environmental crises in all the newly independent was not as lucky. Born on March 15 with tracheo- younger children and in boys. states, and I want to explain why these issues are so crit- esophagal problems also, she had other birth defects, The nine-year study by the Ukrainian researchers ical to our diplomatic engagement in this region. including six fingers on her left hand and deformed ear also concluded that the increase in thyroid cancer is In the last two years the United States has delivered lobes. (Their first born in 1995 was two months prema- probably due to radiation, since more than 60 percent of over 900 tons of medical supplies to the hospitals of ture, weighed less than 3 pounds at birth and lived only all cases have been registered in the five regions that Ukraine. We have helped Ukraine to improve the safety a few days.) The baby’s father was 14 and lived in had the most fallout after the accident out of a total of Chornobyl at the time of the accident. Nurses at the hos- 25 regions. of its nuclear power plants, and we have also helped it pital said that the family had begun talking about giving Recently, Margaret Shapiro of The Washington Post to strengthen its regulation of nuclear power. On April up their second baby. reported that the increase in thyroid cancer among chil- 26, the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy, we Dr. Urin added that although the rate of childhood dren in Belarus was so high that international experts, will deliver another 10 million dollars in aid, medical leukemia has not increased, children now seem to suffer initially skeptical about post-Chornobyl health claims in relief, and we will also provide a mobile laboratory that from liver and rectal cancer, malignancies not common- Ukraine and Belarus, now acknowledge that it can be will enable the Ukrainian government to monitor radia- ly seem in the very young. explained only by the radiation from the Chornobyl tion and environmental contamination throughout the “These are isolated cases so far, but they are warning accident. country. We are working with our G-7 partners to help signals about what may follow,” said Dr. Urin, who has And, at the international conference held in Vienna Ukraine meet its commitments to close the Chornobyl seen 8,401 children who are considered “Chornobyl in April on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the reactor by the year 2000, a project that still requires a children” – meaning that they were evacuated from con- Chornobyl accident, Dr. Angela Merkel, Germany’s great deal of work and funding. taminated regions, or they are children of evacuatees minister for the environment, nature conservation and It is necessary that we remind ourselves that from the zone. nuclear safety, stated the following: Chornobyl was not a natural disaster. It was the product “And only 24 percent of these children can be given a “With respect to the more long-term effects on of a closed, authoritarian government. It was one of the clean bill of health,” he added. “The rest have various health, we must look into the question as to whether the most cruel legacies of communism, a system that man- kinds of ailments, some more serious than others.” number of cases of thyroid cancer in children which has aged to produce virtually all the evils of industrializa- Thyroid cancer is one of the diseases that affects been constantly increasing since 1990 – to date more tion with very few of its benefits. One of the surest safe- these children,” added Natalia Savelyeva, the deputy than 600 cases have been identified – is, in addition to guards against another Chornobyl is a skeptical, open, head of the Chornobyl division at the Ministry of the immediate consequences, the only effect which can democratic, questioning society. ... Health, showing tables of statistics pointing to the be proven to be directly attributed to radiation exposure. ... it should not take a tragedy like Chornobyl to teach increases in thyroid cancer. We are horrified to see that it is children above all who us this obvious truth, that we have a responsibility to A substantial increase in reported cases of thyroid must suffer. Even more, the type of thyroid cancer is protect public health and to safeguard the resources cancer, especially in young children, has been generally very aggressive, and we must ask ourselves whether the upon which our prosperity as well as our health are attributed to exposure to radioactive iodine during the otherwise excellent chances of cure for thyroid cancer based. We must meet that responsibility, for the sake of early phases of the accident in 1986. Up to the end of also apply here.” our people, our security and our future. ... 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE IN CONGRESS: Statements in support of Chornobyl resolution Following are the texts of statements made by Sens. States joined with the Ukrainian people to defeat com- organizations have assiduously worked to ameliorate the Robert Dole and Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Christopher munism, we must work in partnership to overcome the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. Americans for Smith upon introduction on April 24 of a concurrent res- tragic consequences of Chornobyl. I was pleased to sup- Human Rights in Ukraine and the Children of Chornobyl olution marking the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl port the Republican initiative in Congress to provide Relief Fund, from my state of New Jersey, have lent con- disaster. The Senate resolution (S. Con. Res. 56) was Ukraine with $225 million in assistance this year, siderable support to that effort along with many others in passed the next day. The House version (H. Con. Res. including specific assistance for nuclear safety, the the Ukrainian American community. These and millions of 167) was marked up by the International Relations development of alternatives to nuclear power and to other Americans in New Jersey and elsewhere continue to Committee on May 8; it is anticipated that the resolution address the ongoing health problems due to the provide valuable assistance to the victims of the Chornobyl will come up before the full House as early as next week. Chornobyl disaster. I am certain that working together disaster. All private organizations who have been at the we can bring peace, prosperity and a better quality of life forefront to help Ukraine deserve commendation for their to the people of Ukraine. I urge my colleagues to support tireless efforts to assist Chornobyl’s victims. Sen. Robert Dole our resolution. Unfortunately, more work needs to be done. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Sen. Lautenberg in Chornobyl’s two working reactors continue to churn out offering this legislation to remember the 10th anniversary Sen. Frank Lautenberg electricity. The protective concrete covering over the oblit- of the terrible nuclear accident at Chornobyl. While 10 erated reactor No. 4, the sarcophagus, has developed cracks years have passed since that tragic day, the health and Mr. President, I rise to submit a resolution to commemo- which dangerously weaken its structure. Corrosion of this economic consequences of Chornobyl continue to be rate the 10th anniversary of one of the most tragic, devastat- structure threatens to release even more radioactivity into borne by the Ukrainian people. ing events in the history of nuclear power – the Chornobyl the region. Experts warn that another accident is imminent. I recall quite well how the Chornobyl accident on nuclear disaster. The resolution also expresses Congress’ Just yesterday, a fire started within 10 kilometers of April 26, 1986, signaled the inhumanity of the totalitari- unequivocal support for the closing of the Chornobyl Chornobyl. While initial assessments by specialists con- an system of government. At first the Soviet government nuclear power plant. I am pleased that Sens. Dole, Helms, clude that the abundant smoke produced by the fire may feebly attempted to deny the incident – with the effect of Pell and Levin are joining me in submitting this resolution. not pose further contamination dangers, all bets are off causing further harm to those who lived in its vicinity. Friday, April 26, 1996, marks the 10th anniversary of in the future. The region’s inhabitants cannot be assured Ultimately the full scale of the disaster became known, the world’s worst nuclear accident. Ten years ago, that radioactive particles which settled in the areas sur- but only after millions in Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and nuclear reactor No. 4 at Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear rounding Chornobyl after the accident will not be car- Poland had been exposed to radioactive fallout. power plant malfunctioned. The ensuing explosion and ried into their villages or water supplies. They cannot be That a government could be so brutal to its people is no fire spewed a cloud of radiation across Europe, releas- assured that future fires or even floods will not release surprise to those of us who worked for many years to con- ing 200 times more radioactivity than the atomic bomb- dangerous levels of contamination. front and defeat the totalitarian system. That the Soviet ings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. This event underscores the ongoing threat Chornobyl government could be so brutal to the people of Ukraine The results were devastating. Millions of people were poses to safety and the urgent need to close Chornobyl was no surprise to a people who endured the forced star- exposed to dangerous high levels of radiation. forever. vation, massacres and genocidal policies of Joseph Stalin Chornobyl’s legacy is much more than the worst On December 20, 1995, the Ukrainian government, the in the 1930s. The radioactive wasteland around Chornobyl technological disaster in the history of nuclear power. It governments of the G-7 countries and the Commission of will, unfortunately, serve as a lasting and hideous monu- is a continuing humanitarian tragedy that will always be the European Communities signed a Memorandum of ment to refute those who would defend such a system, or remembered the world over. The inhabitants of Ukraine, Understanding supporting Ukraine’s decision to close whose historical memory has faded sufficiently to allow Belarus and Russia continue to be heavily burdened by Chornobyl by the year 2000, and the international com- them to forget its evil. the social, economic and health effects of the accident, munity has pledged financial support to facilitate the clo- Within the catastrophe at Chornobyl were sown the and the entire international community continues to be sure. Last week, President Clinton met in Moscow with seeds of the downfall of the Soviet system. A fiercely threatened by the specter of another Chornobyl. Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and leaders of other independent people such as the Ukrainians cannot be sub- Ten years ago, millions of Ukrainians, Belarusians G-7 nations, and Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to jected forever to such abuse. I am proud of the role that I and Russians, including over 1 million children and close Chornobyl. was able fulfill in the Congress, in full support of thousands of people who cleaned up after the explosion, Support from the international community is vital to Presidents Reagan and Bush, as the United States pre- were exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation. A help Ukraine move forward and close Chornobyl. Ukraine vailed, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Ukraine again 30-kilometer radius around Chornobyl was rendered is working hard to implement open economic and social became an independent state in the momentous year of uninhabitable. Families were forced from their homes. reforms, and its economy is strapped. At this very delicate 1991. I was proud to sponsor legislation which called for Most have never returned. time in Ukraine’s history, the United States should sup- direct U.S. aid to the republics, rather than through The tragic effects of this disaster have devastated mil- port Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and to Moscow in 1990. The goal of defeating communism and lions. A 200-fold increase in thyroid cancer among chil- secure the alternative energy sources it needs to close achieving independence for Ukraine was not easily dren has ensued. Immune deficiency disorders, respiratory Chornobyl in a safe and expeditions manner. achieved, it was one that required the combined efforts of problems and birth defects have increased at alarming Mr. President, the devastating health effects, social dis- many nations and many people, including the Ukrainian rates since the disaster. The region’s soil and water sup- tress, and economic hardship remain in the hearts and American community, who simply refused to accept that plies have remained contaminated. Ukraine’s economy minds of the people of Ukraine who lived through the communism would prevail over the spirit of Ukrainians. has been overwhelmed by the costs of rebuilding. Chornobyl explosion. They cannot forget the radioactive Democracy is prevailing in Ukraine today, but the Mr. President, the people of Chornobyl and Ukraine blanket of despair that covered their homes and forced Ukrainian people and government continue to shoulder have not been alone in their efforts to overcome the them from their villages. They cannot forget that their the burden of the Chornobyl disaster. Just as the United tremendous loss. Numerous charitable and humanitarian livelihoods have been destroyed. For their sake and for the sake of future generations, we should commemorate this event on April 26, 1996, and redouble our efforts to ensure that the devastation of 10 years ago will not be repeated. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Rep. Christopher Smith Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution which recognizes the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, the worst in recorded history, and supports the closing of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Yesterday, I chaired a Helsinki Commission hearing that examined the devastating consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. That hearing, Mr. Speaker, featured the ambassadors of Ukraine and Belarus, the two countries most gravely affected by the disaster. Prof. Murray Feshbach of Georgetown University and Alexander Kuzma of the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund also provided sound scientific and medical details about the public health crisis that exists. A decade ago, in the early morning hours of April 26, 1986, reactor No. 4 at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant exploded, releasing into the atmosphere massive quantities of radioactive substances. The highest amount of radioac- tive fallout was registered in the vicinity immediately sur- rounding Chornobyl, some 60 miles north of Ukraine’s Orest Deychakiwsky capital, Kyiv. At that time, the prevailing winds were directed north to northwest, so that Belarus received some Testimony about the effects of the Chornobyl nuclear accident was AT THE HELSINKI COMMISSION: 70 percent of the total radioactive fallout. Subsequent delivered on April 23 before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe chaired by Rep. Christopher shifts of the wind, and rainfall, affected northern Ukraine, Smith (center) by (from left) Georgetown University professor of demography Murray Feshbach, Belarusian southwest Russia and beyond, with excessive levels of Ambassador Serguei Martynov, Ukrainian Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak and Alexander Kuzma, director of develop- ment at the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund . (Continued on page 18) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 11

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE AT THE WHITE HOUSE: Remarks by the first lady and the vice-president Hillary Rodham Clinton Below are the full texts of remarks by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore during the White House ceremony held May 1 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident. Thank you and please be seated. And please know how welcome you are here at the White House for this special commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear tragedy. I want to thank all of you for taking part. But there are a few people I would like to acknowledge who are here in the audience: Sen. Claiborne Pell, Brian Atwood, Ambassador Jim Collins, John Holem, Richard Morningstar, others who have worked on behalf of the United States government to assist those who have dealt on the front lines with the tragedy. I also want to extend a special welcome to the ambassadors who were just introduced to all of you – ambassadors of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. They have joined us today to recognize the many individuals and organizations who have helped with relief efforts in the aftermath of Chornobyl – and they are here also to join with us in rededicating ourselves to the healing and recovery that must continue into the future. Ambassador Shcherbak, we are particularly indebted to you. You were one of the first medical doctors to respond to the tragedy at Chornobyl. And in the years since, few have done as much as you, Mr. Ambassador, to educate people around the world about the medical and scientific realities of the Chornobyl disaster, and what they portend for humanity’s future. I would like to ask Ambassador Yaro Bihun Shcherbak to stand, so that we may thank him. Before the vice-president and I came into this room, we A view of the ceremony marking the Chornobyl anniversary held in the East Room of the White House. were in the Blue Room with the ambassadors and the wives who are here, and the other dignitaries that I just ters. This evening, at St. John’s Church, there will be a have answered the worst of man-made catastrophes with acknowledged, and Ambassador Shcherbak reminded the prayer service for the victims of Chornobyl. Each of the best of human nature. vice-president and me that it was on May 1, 10 years ago, these gatherings gives us an opportunity to reflect on Even before the gravity of Chornobyl was fully that children were encouraged and even required to partici- what we all need to do as citizens of the world to help revealed, offers of humanitarian assistance began pour- pate in May Day activities, despite the dangers of fallout those still coping with this unfolding tragedy. ing in. And they have continued year after year. and continuing damages from Chornobyl. And those who Today’s event is one both of mourning, but also of The private voluntary organizations, including those are in this room, who have worked on behalf of all of the hope. Mourning because the people of Ukraine, Belarus represented in this room, have supplied well over 1,000 people affected by Chornobyl, know what a terrible after- and Russia have suffered so much in the years since the tons of medicine and medical equipment and supplies to math that has caused in the lives of so many children. explosion and fire at Chornobyl’s unit 4 reactor. Today, people in affected areas. Those donations alone are That is why it is a great privilege for me to serve as let us pray for those who lost their lives, and those who worth more than $100 million. honorary chair of Chornobyl Challenge ‘96, which has live each day with uncertainty about their own health Private voluntary organizations have also established convened experts, advocates and laypeople from across and well-being. special hospitals for those people – many of whom are the spectrum to devise new strategies for coping with the But we are also here for a celebration of hope. As we children – afflicted with thyroid cancers, leukemia, and aftermath of Chornobyl. Already there have been sym- so often see when tragedies occur, here and around the other disorders stemming from exposure to radioactive posia of scientists, journalists, academics, church leaders, world, Americans and others respond with concern and businesspeople and others who are working on these mat- compassion. They, and you, the entire human family, (Continued on page 12)

be the same. But especially for those who lived in prox- that all reactors everywhere are safer, cleaner and forev- Al Gore imity to the reactor. er free from the sort of catastrophe we remember on this Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, and let me Chornobyl caused the complete social disintegration important anniversary. The president has been working begin by thanking you, Mrs. Clinton, for that very nice of whole communities. It caused dangerous radiation very hard, most recently in the summit meeting in introduction and very generous introduction, and even exposure for over half a million courageous men and Moscow, to address these issues in a constructive way. more for your moving words about Chornobyl. All of us women involved in the clean-up and medical care of That is also why the United Sates has delivered 100 are in your debt for the hard work that you do to ease survivors. In all, well over 50 million curies of radioac- tons of medical supplies to hospitals in Ukraine and the pain and lift the lives of so many people around the tivity were released during the accident. Scientists Belarus. In cooperation with several visionary private world. Your deep concern for the future of the peoples remind us that this is dozens of times the radiation emit- voluntary organizations, we have launched Operation of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and other nations who were ted by the atomic explosions over Hiroshima and Provide Hope to send critical supplies to hospitals and affected by the tragedy of Chornobyl has touched the Nagasaki combined – about 1 million times as much cancer wards throughout the region. We have also hearts of all of us here today. And thank you so much radiation as was released during the Three Mile Island launched through USAID, under Brian Atwood’s lead- for the honor of inviting me to participate with you in accident of 1979, here in this country. ership, several innovative partnerships between this event. I know of how moved you were in visiting And the effects of the catastrophe still linger. They American and Ukrainian and Belarusian health the families that included victims of the Chornobyl acci- are measured in the anxiety of young Ukrainian, providers to improve the efficiency and quality of health dent. I also wish to acknowledge Sen. Pell and the oth- Belarusian and Russian parents who hope and pray that care. Our National Cancer Institute, together with the ers among the distinguished guests who are here: Alex their newborns will grow healthy and whole. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Kuzma, and Vova Malofienko, who will speak in a effects are measured by the degraded natural resources Energy, are hard at work examining the health effects of moment, Ambassador Sergei Martinov and his wife that trace a poisoned arc across Ukraine, through the accident on children and clean-up workers so that Marguerita, Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov, Ambassador Belarus, into Russia, and reaching as far as Scandinavia. treatment and care might be improved. And just a few Yuri Shcherbak and Mrs. Shcherbak, Maria. They are measured by the uncertainty that we all share days ago, we delivered over $12 million in additional Ambassador Shcherbak and I met with a small group of as we wonder whether one day another Chornobyl aid and medical relief to Ukraine and Belarus, including environmentalists many years ago in Moscow, before might once again unleash its fury. a mobile laboratory enabling Ukraine to test its air, the break-up of the old Soviet Union, and he contributed But as the first lady so eloquently reminds us, out of water and soil for contamination more effectively. much to my education about these matters. You are this mire of tragedy also has emerged great stores of That is also the principal reason why the president rightly honored here with the words of the first lady, hope, and deep reservoirs of resolve. Selfless men and just recently joined the leaders of the G-7 and Russia today. women – thousands upon thousands of them – risked and Ukraine at the summit I mentioned a moment ago, To the other distinguished guests who are here, their lives to protect those of others. And courageous called the Summit on Nuclear Safety and Security, to including my colleagues who work along with me, leaders like so many of you here today are working tire- work towards the day when another Chornobyl cannot under the president’s leadership, on these issues, this is lessly still to relieve suffering. Leaders like young Vova happen again. The president and his counterparts reaf- an extremely important occasion, because 10 springs Malofienko who have taught the world so much about firmed their commitment to a landmark agreement with ago, when reactor No. 4 of the Chornobyl nuclear courage and constancy. We salute you, and we honor Ukraine to mobilize over $3 billion, with more forth- power plant disintegrated in a blast of steam, flaming you for your heroic efforts. You’re a young hero. coming, to support Ukraine’s decision to close graphite and deadly radionuclides, the promise of a new And we say today to all those who have worked and Chornobyl by the year 2000. And we congratulate your season of renewal and hope gave way to a long, sad who have helped: all Americans stand with you. government, Mr. Ambassador, on that courageous and winter of suffering that remains with us to this day. President Clinton is determined to do whatever our From that moment on, life for all of us would never nation can to overcome this tragedy, and to help ensure (Continued on page 12) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE

Of course, this was just a fraction of the American Hillary Rodham Clinton relief work going on. And a fraction of the work that Al Gore (Continued from page 11) remains to be done by all of us. (Continued from page 11) elements. As part of the recovery effort, American doc- As we celebrate today the many good and important decision. And President Kuchma – to his great credit – tors have gone to the former Soviet Union and patients deeds that were born of this tragedy, let’s not forget that announced his commitment to close one of Chornobyl’s have come to the United State for care. humanitarian assistance is not a short-term investment. two operating reactors by the end of this year. the people and nations of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia Other organizations here today have focused on the This agreement represents a historic opportunity to are struggling to build the infrastructure and institu- disaster’s environmental consequences. Some are help- eradicate one of the world’s gravest environmental tions needed to sustain democracy and repair the human ing address the overwhelming public health challenges threats. Safety is indeed a hallmark of this agreement. spirit after harsh decades of totalitarianism. It is our faced in the region. And still others are helping to study But so are energy efficiency and economic prosperity. duty, it is our moral responsibility, as believers in free- and evaluate the long-term effects of the disaster. For in working to close Chornobyl, Ukraine and the G-7 dom and democracy – to help them. Through these and other activities the private volunteer have developed a plan to create a valuable and competi- Chornobyl is rare in the litany of global tragedies. community continues to focus the world’s attention on tive energy sector that treats energy as the scarce and Unlike bombings, wars, earthquakes, other natural and the consequences and lessons of Chornobyl. precious commodity that it is. And in so doing, Ukraine man-made disasters, we may never fully know the But these organizations cannot – and should not – do will emerge a stronger economic competitor with the extent of damage done by the explosion and fire at this work alone. I am pleased that the generosity of pri- means to sustain the courageous course of economic Chornobyl 10 years ago. vate volunteers has augmented humanitarian relief reform on which it has embarked. efforts by the United States government, particularly the Some of the more obvious aftereffects are well-docu- mented. But what about the ultimate impact on the environ- Can we meet these goals? President Clinton believes delivery of medicines and treatment. that we can, but only though the concerted efforts of Today, these efforts convey a message of compassion ment? On the food chain? On human genetics? And what about our own capacity to recognize that a tragedy like Ukraine and its international partners. We recognize and healing that tells the victims of Chornobyl that the that much work needs to be done, and that many chal- world will not forget them or the tragedy they have Chornobyl affects not just the people of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, but people in every nation of the world? lenges – such as stabilizing the so-called “sarcophagus” endured. which sits over the wreckage of unit 4 – many chal- Two years ago, and again last year, I was in the former The history of the people in the region of Chornobyl is a history of endurance. The nuclear disaster was a horrible lenges like this one, still lie before us. But it is our Soviet Union, and I had the opportunity to visit hospitals strong belief that the people of Ukraine, Russia and in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. I met with patients, many chapter in that history. But from that crucible has emerged an opportunity to create something far better in its place. Belarus have the resilience, the will, and the fortitude to of them children, suffering from Chornobyl’s aftermath. I overcome Chornobyl’s physical and psychological lega- talked with doctors and nurses who told me they were see- An opportunity to add another chapter that speaks to the resilience of the people of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, and cies once and for all time. As President Yeltsin said ing increases in respiratory illness, heart disease, birth recently about his own country, Russia “must and will” defects, male infertility and other reproductive problems. to the caring and compassion of our entire global family. We are very grateful for all of you in this room, and make sure another Chornobyl does not recur. And let They told me about abnormally high rates of thyroid can- me be clear: this appeal to common sense is not simply cer and thyroid diseases in children – diseases that before for the many, many others you represent, who through your work, your prayers and your continued commit- for one nation — but for all nations. It is a call for all the catastrophe rarely appeared in people so young. people everywhere who have a stake in the well-being In Kyiv, I talked to pregnant women who worried ment to this important effort have already made a differ- ence, and will continue to do so. of their families and their environment, and who nurse a about what Chornobyl would mean for their children – passion for freedom and reform. and their children’s children. There is certainly much more that we need to be doing, Indeed, the future look brightest for those with the And at each hospital I visited, I saw extraordinary and Chornobyl Challenge ‘96 I hope will identify those will for reform, with the will to take their futures into work being done by health care professionals under efforts. But we have three people here today, who have their own hands. extremely trying circumstances. Doctors and nurses been deeply involved in assessing and evaluating, under- face chronic shortages of medicine and supplies – standing and working to ameliorate the consequences of Chornobyl, after all, was not an act of God. It was everything from syringes and simple antibiotics to Chornobyl. First we will hear from our vice-president, he caused by man. It was a product of a closed authoritar- chemotherapy medications and MRI machines. will talk to us about the efforts and commitment of the ian system that had little concern for the welfare of its Thanks to the contributions of our government and administration and the United States government. Next, people. In retrospect, I think it was no surprise that many organizations – and to the partnerships that our we will hear from Alex Kuzma, who as the coordinator of just like the faulty nuclear reactor it created, the hospitals have established with hospitals in these three Chornobyl Challenge ‘96 will talk to us about the com- Communist Soviet system itself would soon implode countries – lives are literally being saved every day. mitment of the American relief community. And finally into ash and dust. Chornobyl – perhaps more than any Just in the brief time I was in Miensk, I saw American we will hear from Vova Malofienko, a courageous 11- other symbol of the Communist era – exposed the doctors from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh sharing new year-old who will tell of his personal story about the treat- weakness and corruption of the Soviet system. The treatment techniques with their counterparts in Belarus. ment he has been receiving in this country for Chornobyl- people of Russia spoke out, with the people of Ukraine I watched soldiers deliver large boxes of blankets, related illnesses. and Belarus and the other former republics, and said syringes, bandages and medicine provided through And now, I have the honor of introducing a man “enough.” As Secretary of State Christopher rightly Operation Provide Hope, a program run by the United whose attention to Chornobyl and its aftermath has said just a few weeks ago, and I quote, “Governments States military that sends surplus medical supplies and never wavered, who in many respects tried to warn all that abuse their citizens too often have a similar con- equipment to the former Soviet Union. I was able to of us about some of the issues we are now dealing with, tempt for their environment.” To put it another way, pass out crayons and coloring books donated by because of his commitment to the environment and to men and women who are deprived of the right to chart American companies, and even Boston Celtics caps that the future that we all share together in this world – the their own destiny and defend themselves, their fami- the team had sent. vice-president of the United States. lies and communities against abuse, are more often than not the victims of abuse, because they are unable to resist it. This, perhaps, is the most enduring lesson of Chornobyl – a lesson that we’d do well to remember on this solemn anniversary: that only in freedom can peo- ple claim their rightful destiny to live in safety and security. Only in freedom can people insist on public health systems that work and on natural resources that are safeguarded and clean. Only in freedom can people hold bureaucracies accountable for how they manage potentially dangerous technologies. Today, at long last, the people of Ukraine and Belarus and Russia have enormous opportunities before them. The promise of democracy and reform burns brightly, and the dream of a Europe no longer at risk of nuclear disaster slowly is becoming a reality. But the future of reform cannot be taken for granted. A more prosperous – and democratic – future will only take hold with the active commitment of all those who truly believe in freedom and the right of all people to have a voice in their own political and economic destinies. President Clinton and all of us who work with him are not natural bystanders. We know which forces we want to prevail, and they are the forces of reform. We have a stake in their prevailing, and we have the capacity through economic assistance, through generous private and voluntary efforts, and through rigorous diplomacy, to help them do so. I know, with God’s help, that we will not fail. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Before introducing the next speaker, I want to add to those that I have acknowledged previously Yaro Bihun Congressman David Bonior, who has arrived. We Eleven-year-old Vova Malofienko speaks at the White House ceremony. appreciate your leadership Congressman Bonior. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 13

COMMUNITY COMMEMORATIONS OF THE CHORNOBYL ANNIVERSARY

[sic] Ukraine due to its continued endan- New Jersey germent to the health and life of people of by Walter Bodnar the Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, and its destruction of the natural resources of the NEWARK, N.J. – New Jersey State lands through radioactive poisoning.” Sens. Ronald L. Rice, Raymond J. Another Chornobyl commemoration Lesniak and James E. McGreevey, was held during a busy legislative ses- Democrats representing state and local sion in the New Jersey State Senate in governments, remembered the 10th Trenton on March 21 at 3 p.m. The spon- anniversary of the worst nuclear accident sor of this commemorative resolution in the history of mankind at Chornobyl also was Mr. Rice, a state senator from and admonished their local communities the 28th District of New Jersey, which as well as the world community to be has the largest Ukrainian American con- wary of the “peaceful atom” going awry. stituency in the state. The Newark City Council on April 17 The New Jersey Senate Resolution issued a resolution commemorating the stated, among other things, that “the peo- 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear ple of Chornobyl, still heavily burdened disaster. The main sponsor and promoter of with the aftereffects of the nuclear explo- this resolution was Mr. Rice, also a Newark sion, continue to...suffer from diseases councilman. Witnessing the ceremony and maladies caused by radiation” and were several community members, includ- noted that the Senate of the State of New Walter Bodnar ing Bozhena Olshaniwsky, president of Jersey “joins the citizenry of New Jersey During presentation of the Chornobyl resolution in the New Jersey State Senate Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine in observing the 10th anniversary of the from left are: William Bahrey, the Very Rev. Bohdan Zelechiwsky, State Sen. (AHRU), who accepted a framed resolu- tragedy at Chornobyl on April 26, 1996.” Raymond Lesniak, State Sen. Ronald Rice, Bozhena Olshaniwsky, the Rev. John tion on behalf of the Ukrainian community. Prior to the official presentation, the text Fatenko and State Sen. James McGreevey. She reminded the audience in attendance of of the resolution was read by the Senate the importance for each citizen to be aware clerk. Mr. Rice then gave a speech on the gers of radiation poisoning. mized by Chornobyl. of Ukraine’s 10-year-long ordeal due to floor extolling the qualities of non-govern- He was followed by his colleague, In addition, State Sen. McGreevey (D- Chornobyls aftereffects. mental organizations such as Americans State Sen. Lesniak (D-20th District, 19th District, Woodbridge, N.J.) greeted The resolution from the City of for Human Rights in Ukraine, who work Elizabeth, N.J.), former majority leader the attending Ukrainians and thanked the Newark, N.J. stated: “The Newark for the betterment of the community and of the State Senate, who stated that delegation for their concerns to make the Municipal Council hereby issues this reso- make up the civil society of our country. Ukraine had suffered for many years world a better place to live in. He invited lution commemorating the 10th anniver- He also cited Zelenyi Svit (Green World) under Soviet domination and, even after them to attend a commemorative sary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster... and the Greenpeace organization in attaining her independence, continues to Chornobyl ceremony on April 26 in the and duly recommends the closing of the Ukraine for their efforts to bring to the suffer from the consequences of the town of Woodbridge, where he also Chornobyl nuclear power station in the attention of the world community the dan- Soviet disregard for humanity as epito- serves as mayor.

ed, “Truth was the first casualty of Chornobyl.” Bostonby Andrea Kulish Sergei Skokov followed with a talk about nuclear power and energy prob- BOSTON – “I have been in Boston for lems. Mr. Skokov is managing director five days now, and my readings indicate of “Logos 92 Ltd.,” a Ukrainian compa- that the radiation levels are the same in ny that focuses on environmental conser- Boston as they are in Kyiv.” vation. He reminded his audience that This statement by Ukrainian indepen- there still is no international agency with dent filmmaker Volodymyr Kuznetsov appropriate responsibilities for nuclear initially shocked some of the attendees of safety. the Harvard University symposium Jane Dawson, assistant professor of “Chornobyl: Ten Years Later.” political science at Wellesley College, Fears were soon dispelled, however, reported what she learned during her with the explanation that these levels, extensive research in Eastern Europe, although twice what they were before the during which she interviewed hundreds accident, are very small, and nothing to of anti-nuclear and nationalist activists. worry about. She explained the evolution of popular The Harvard symposium was one attitudes in regard to the Chornobyl cri- event of the Boston commemoration of sis, and their complete turnaround from the Chornobyl nuclear disaster’s 10 year anti-nuclear movements until 1991, to anniversary. The events spanned academ- nuclear power’s emergence as a symbol Andrea Kulish ic, religious and fund-raising pursuits. of the new nations’ autonomy after the Natalia Chechel, a theater historian from Ukraine who was present at the infa- The symposium began on April 24 with collapse of the Soviet Union. Ms. mous May Day parade in 1986, reads a poem during the candlelight vigil on the personal recollections of the Chornobyl Dawson concluded that foreign aid is Boston Common. catastrophe by Lt. Gen. Volodymyr now the key to the anti-nuclear move- Korniichuk of the Ukrainian Militia, who ment, with money coming predominantly ing physical health take procedence over a closing prayer was given by the Rev. was in charge of internal affairs of the from groups such as the foreign-funded the previous priority of intellectualism. Yaroslav Nalysnyk of Christ the King Kyiv Oblast at the time of the accident. Greenpeace International branch located Later that evening, at the symposium’s Ukrainian Catholic Church of Boston. Mr. Korniichuk stressed the confusion in Ukraine. third session, Mallinckrodt Professor of The final event of the week’s remem- and lack of communication, which added The economic consequences of Physics at Harvard University Richard brances was a joint moleben of Boston’s to the problems after the explosion at the Chornobyl were described by Anna Wilson gave information about his stud- Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic parish- Chornobyl nuclear power plant. For Klimina, research associate at the ies at Chornobyl shortly after the acci- es. St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox example, he mentioned that because of Institute of Economics at the Academy of dent. Church was packed to capacity with red tape it took 24 hours for the news of Sciences in Ukraine. Ms. Klimina under- On Friday, April 26, a candlelight approximately 400 people praying the accident just to get to Soviet leader scored the complex dilemma of whether vigil was held on the Boston Common together for all who have suffered as a Mikhail Gorbachev. or not to shut down Chornobyl, the pros near the Chornobyl commemoration tree. result of the Chornobyl disaster. The ser- Another eyewitness account was given and cons of each decision, and the dire A welcome was given by Alexander vice was followed by a traditional “spilne that evening by Mr. Kuznetsov, who has need for foreign aid to Ukraine. Paduchak, chairman of the commemora- sviachene,” the sharing of a blessed won 10 international awards for his films. Natalia Lakiza-Sachuk, project direc- tion committee, followed with prayer meal, with proceeds benefiting the “While We Still Live,” which won the tor at the Department of Economic offered by the Rt. Rev. Andrij Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund. Europe prize for European Community Strategy at the National Security Council Partykevich of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Mr. Sorokowski said in his remarks at Documentation, was shown, as was “The in Ukraine, outlined the socio-demo- Orthodox Church of Boston. An address the vigil, “the poems we will hear Chornobyl Accident: A Chronicle of the graphic results of Chornobyl. was then given by Andrew Sorokowski, express the anxiety and desolation expe- Sarcophagus Construction.” These very Ms. Lakiza-Sachuk focused on the associate of the Harvard Ukrainian rienced by the people of Ukraine. ... The sobering films included rare and previous- changes in Ukraine’s population over the Research Institute. Orest Szczudluk read commemorative tree we see before us ly classified footage. past 10 years, including the current nega- proclamations of Chornobyl remem- reminds us to tend nature, not exploit it. The next day of the symposium fea- tive population growth rate, fertility brance days by Massachusetts Gov. The candles we will light commemorate tured a wide range of expertise from vari- problems in half of a men age 13-29 and William Weld and Boston Mayor the victims of Chornobyl; they also sym- ous fields. in one of every five to six women, Thomas Menino. bolize hope, and the sanctity of life – John Dillon, a member of the increases of thyroid tumors, especially in As candles were lit despite the some- spiritual as well as biological. And the Ukrainian Environmental Journalism children, greater incidences of leukemia, what harsh winds that evening, a moment children we see among us represent the Association, spoke about the environ- augmented mortality of young children. of silence was observed. Poignant poems future generations, to whom we owe a mental problems of Chornobyl. He stat- All of the foregoing has resulted in mak- were read in Ukrainian and English, and new way of life.” 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

FOCUS ON THE ARTS: Yara Arts Group to present “Wayward Wind” The Yara Arts Group, a resident compa- When did you first encounter them? Will you be following the same steps ny at the La Mama Experimental Theater with your new production? A friend of mine had some of the music in New York City, has been creating the- on tape, plus I had heard some recordings Yes. The first step in the performance ater pieces based on Ukrainian material of Mongolian music on various compact will be a workshop production next since 1990. Currently the group is working discs. Yara is presently working with month at the First Street Workshop on “Wayward Wind,” which is being pre- Vladilen Pantaev, the foremost composer Space La Mama in New York City from sented in workshop productions Thursday- of Buryat music. He’ll be collaborating May 9 through May 19. During the sum- Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. on May 9-19. with our resident composer Genji Ito to mer we’ll incorporate the new ideas from (For tickets call the La Mama Box Office, create the music for “Wayward Wind.” I abroad and present a full production of 74 E. Fourth St., between Second and also read a large number of Buryat and “Wayward Wind” here in New York in Third avenues, 212-475-7710.) Mongolian folk tales. I was very interested late January 1997. The interview below with Virlana in the bird imagery. Our last piece ended Tkacz, artistic director of the Yara Arts Can you speak a bit about your with women flying off as birds, so this Group, was conducted on April 9 by work translating Ukrainian material? continuation intrigued me. Roman Baratiak, manager of films and The Buryat swan myth forms a natural The challenge is how to take the wealth lectures at the University of California at frame for Lysheha’s poem, “Swan.” It’s of wonderful Ukrainian material and make Santa Barbara. interesting to me that the core of our new it accessible to my American friends and Can you please tell us about the gene- piece is a contemporary Ukrainian poem, other people who can’t read Ukrainian. I’ve sis of Yara’s newest project “Wayward but the folkloric material which supports noticed that Ukrainian-speaking people my Wind?” it is from Asia. Vladilen Pantaev recently age or younger can also benefit from an told me that in Buryat the word for English translation of a Ukrainian poem. We wanted to do something with “swan” literally means “person bird.” They then have a better understanding of “wind,” and I was also interested in the subtleties of the original work. We’ve working on a poem called “Swan,” writ- How do you go about researching put a lot of energy into our poetry events to ten in 1994 by Oleh Lysheha in Kyiv. your projects? reach the younger Ukrainian American Wanda Phipps and I translated the poem I spend many hours at the major community because we feel they should be from the Ukrainian, and I worked on it research libraries in New York City. For aware of the very vibrant contemporary last year at our theater workshops at Virlana Tkacz this project a great deal of the informa- Ukrainian culture to which they, because of Harvard Summer School. I became very tion we found on the Internet and that’s language problems, have very little access. interested in swan imagery. understood something essential about that why the Internet is included in our new Translation is the key to all our pieces. In many ways this project is an exten- era and that it spoke to me very clearly. project. It’s interesting finding out about I’m very interested in translating poetry that sion of our last project “Waterfall “Yara’s Forest Song,” the Lesia Ukrainka the oldest things via the latest technology can speak to a modern audience. It’s the /Reflections.” In “Waterfall/Reflections” I piece we did was also from near that gener- and to think about how the past and the voice I heard. I imagine the poem – be it was interested in the Neolithic era of al era – the early part of this century. But present interconnect. I had posted a Oleh Lysheha’s, Pavlo Tychyna’s or Ukraine – an agricultural culture that was what I found particularly interesting in notice to a news group on the Internet Oksana Zabuzhko’s – spoken by my actors very water-based and female-oriented in its Ukrainka’s drama were the mythic ele- asking for information on Mongolian who are contemporary young Americans. imagery. After that project was completed ments. music and dance and received a number I started thinking about what was before Spoken poetry has a powerful tradition in In my last pieces I’ve attempted to com- of responses, including one from Beverly then – the Paleolithic, which was a hunting Ukraine. Our poetic literature is mostly oral. bine modern elements such as poetry with Seavey who had a six-hour videotape of culture that moved from place to place. In There’s thousands of years of this work. mythic sources. “Yara’s Forest Song” com- some Mongolian and Buryat dances. Mezin, Ukraine, this culture left us small How is your company received bined modern American poetry by Mary carvings of birds and swans that are over Did you receive any responses from when it performs in Ukraine? Oliver, Van Morrison and David Wagoner 15,000 years old. Similar carvings from people overseas? with American Indian poetry and Ukrainian We’re received very well in the press that period were found near Lake Baikal. folklore. We did this, not to create contrast, Oh yes. In fact one of the people, and are usually presented as an American But how do you make a theater piece but to find the connections between them. Carole Pegg, an expert on Mongolian theater group working with Ukrainian about ancient history? About the The point of my productions is to find a music who lives in England, is coming to material. However, it’s interesting that this Paleolithic? What is it that we still have connection between us today and a past. the United States in about two weeks to past year we were reviewed as part of the in common with this past? What have we My life has been very much about trying to lecture at Harvard University and then will theater season in Kyiv. In one of the big forgotten that we shouldn’t have because understand my own connection to a past – come to New York City to meet with me. write-ups, theater critic Nelli Kornienko we’ve been so sedentary for so long? It’s to my Ukrainian background. Currently, I’ve had a great deal of corre- wrote about “Waterfall/Reflections” as one those questions that interest me. spondence with colleagues in Ukraine on Are there difficulties inherent in of three interesting new shows engaged in Have you always been interested in the topic of swans and Paleolithic and combining sources from the past and a unique search for utopia. The other ancient history? Neolithic archaeological finds in Ukraine. the present? shows were directed by Valery Bilchenko I recently received an e-mail from Mary No. It’s only recently that I’ve become and Andriy Zholdak. Good company! So I It’s not difficult to combine them but Mycio, an American journalist working in fascinated by this period of history. When guess we’re considered an integral part of Kyiv, about her interviews with Marija Yara was first formed in 1990 I was very it is difficult to make some people under- the culture there now. Gimbutas, the author of “The Goddesses interested in the 1920s and our first pieces stand why they should be combined. and Gods of Old Europe,” whose ideas What is the role of multiculturalism reflected this. “A Light from the East,” was Is it obvious to your actors? inspired our last piece. The Internet pro- in your work? about Les Kurbas, a director from the Sometimes it is – and that’s when it’s 1920s; “Explosions,” our piece on vides access to ideas and resources which Our concept of a world theater really good. Chornobyl, used a 1920s German drama; would otherwise be unavailable to me. comes from Ellen Stewart, the founder of and “Blind Sight,” about Vasyl I understand the new piece How do you develop your pieces? La Mama. She believes that you need to Yeroshenko, the blind poet who traveled to “Wayward Wind” will include Buryat communicate with the whole world and Most of our pieces are first developed in Japan, was also from that time. I felt I and Mongolian folklore and music? not to just your own little in-group. The a workshop at La Mama and then we trav- people who initially formed Yara – el abroad to Ukraine and include actors Wanda Phipps, Watoku Ueno and I – who speak Ukrainian. We incorporate embraced this idea. them, their world view and their opinions What has been the impact on Yara into the piece. The piece then becomes the from the fiscal cutbacks at federal and dialogue of the two cultures looking at one state agencies such as the New York thing, and is enhanced by the fact that the State Council on the Arts? American actors are already such a multi- cultural group. The two groups of actors Smaller groups such as ours are being working together create a naturally bilin- pushed to the edge and unless there is sup- gual piece. Although the actors don’t port coming from the community it will be speak the same language, a shared under- difficult for these organizations to survive. standing and trust is created at a higher We have to spend a great deal of our time conceptual level. trying to obtain funding. The funding cuts The actors work together for several are extremely devastating to Ukrainian weeks and then we present the piece American organizations, and I don’t think abroad. For example, “Blind Sight” was people in our community realize that. rehearsed in Kharkiv and first performed I think Ukrainian American culture is at the Berezil International Theater in crisis today. We don’t notice because Festival; “Yara’s Forest Song” was devel- there has been an influx of performing oped in Lviv; and “Waterfall/Reflections” groups from Ukraine, who tour here. At was developed in Kyiv. When we return to the same time the whole local structure is the U.S. we refine the piece to compensate disappearing. Who’s going to teach the for the cultural differences in the audience. Ukrainian dance groups? Who’s going to For example, Ukrainian audiences like the work with the young kids on theater ideas to be more elaborated, whereas shows? Who’s doing art in the schools American audiences are looking for a now? Can Ukrainian American culture quicker and sharper pace. survive into the future? No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 15

Ukrainian pavilion idea advances Planning a trip to YEVSHANDistributor of fine Ukrainian products - Cassettes, Compact discs - Videos - Language tapes & Dictionaries - Computer fonts for PC & MAC - Imported Icons - Ukrainian Stationery UKRAINE? at Disney World’s EPCOT Center - Cookbooks - Food parcels to Ukraine by Natalia Warren The early morning meeting was arranged by Greg Emmer, former execu- Call for a free catalog Personalized LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Jason tive vice-president of EPCOT and current Travel Service at Harper, president of the Ukrainian Project executive vice-president of The Magic 1-800-265-9858VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ACCEPTED Fund recently met with George Kalogridis, Kingdom. 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Although Mr. Harper was not at liber- In an earlier agreement, the Canadian ty to discuss details of the March 4 meet- dance ensemble had agreed to perform ing, he did say that EPCOT will definite- twice a year to raise funds for the UPF ly have a new pavilion in the not too dis- Ukrainian Pavilion project and to appear Family History – Western Ukraine FLOWERS tant future. live for future corporate proposal events. Ukrainian Genealogical Research Service P.O. Box 4914, Station E Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5J1 — Our 1996 expedition now underway in Ukraine — Philly supports Ukraine’s Olympians Delivered in Ukraine PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia To date, the Philadelphia Regional 1-800-832-1789 Regional Olympic Committee on Olympic Committee has collected over Landmark, Ltd. Sunday, March 24, hosted a fund-raising $50,000 for the support of Ukrainian event for Ukrainian athletes who will be Olympic athletes. Donations may be sent competing in the Summer Olympic to the Regional Ukrainian Olympic Games in Atlanta. Committee of Philadelphia in care of UKRAINIAN SINGLES Held at the Ukrainian Sports Center Tryzub , P.O. Box 346, Lower State and NEWSLETTER (Tryzubivka) in Horsham, Pa., the pro- County Line Roads, Horsham, PA ìÍð‡ªÌҸ͇ Ù¥ðχ ◊äÄêèÄíà” Serving Ukrainian singles of all ages throughout the United States and Canada. gram was opened by Committee 19044. The committee plans to publish a Complete Building Renovations Chairman Ihor Chyzowych and featured list of all contributors after the Olympic Painting Brick, Pointing, Painting Decoration, Tiles, For information send a self-addressed videotapes highlighting competitions in Games in Atlanta. Roofing, Plumbing, Bathrooms, Electric and Welding stamped envelope to: which Ukrainian athletes have participat- Fully insured. Tel. (718) 738-9413 Single Ukrainians ed in the last two years. Mr. Chyzowych Need a back issue? Beeper (917) 644-5174 P.O. Box 24733, Phila., Pa. 19111 also gave the latest updates on competi- If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, tion results of Ukrainian athletes appear- send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: ing in various international qualification Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, ìÇÄÉÄ! ìÇÄÉÄ! tournaments and championships. 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. åÓÊÎË‚¥ÒÚ¸ Á‡ðÓ·ËÚË: åÓÚÂθ 20 Í¥ÏÌ‡Ú 2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 Ivan Skira, secretary and treasurer of ÜËÚÎÓ‚Ëı ÔÓÏ¥˘Â̸ 8 WEST ARKA the Olympic Committee, presented a 2,5 ÄêÄ ÁÂÏÎ¥ financial report on the funds raised and íÂÍÒ‡Ò 90 West Gifts íÂÎ.: (718) 738-9413 disbursed from the time the committee Business for sale ______Ukrainian Handicrafts Art, Ceramics, Jewellery A. CHORNY was formed in the fall of 1993 to the pre- in Lviv, Ukraine sent. Guests enjoyed a buffet luncheon, Books, Newspapers American-owned prepared by a group of ladies headed by SECLUDED MOUNTAIN-TOP CHALET Cassettes, CDs, Videos Full Service Computer Company. Embroidery Supplies Vera Andryczyk, the committee’s social For sale by owner 1,179 Sq. Ft. coordinator. Main activities include computer Kerhonkson, New York Packages and Services to Ukraine training, sales and rental With generous contributions from vari- Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 ous organizations and individuals, more of hardware, general consulting. than $8,000 was raised during the event. Fully equipped and staffed Some of the larger contributions came with trained personnel. FIRST QUALITY from the Ukrainian National Association’s Priced for quick sale. Philadelphia District ($5,000), the United UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE For information call/fax: Ukrainian American Relief Committee ($1,000) and the Providence Association of (718) 891-1034 MONUMENTS Ukrainian Catholics ($500). SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES This fully furnished home is on over 1 acre and located on OBLAST top of the mountain next to Soyuzivka. Only 3 years old, it is a builder’s home, custom built with 3 bdrms, 24’ living- MEMORIALS P.O. BOX 746 dining room with cathedral ceiling, fully insulated, wall to Chester, NY 10918 wall carpeting, 3 wood decks. Bank appraisal is over $115,000. Call for more info or to see. 914-469-4247 BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS $98,000 1-419-666-5627 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

New York offers Ukrainian exam HIGHLAND, N.Y. – As in past years, Room 761 EBA, New York State the Education Department of the State of Education Department, Albany, N.Y. New York will accord high school stu- 12234; (518) 474-0360. Students will be dents the opportunity to take an accredit- notified by their school office about the ed examination in the Ukrainian lan- date and time of the exam. guage. It corresponds fully in its format Those who wish to take this exam, but to the Regents exams in foreign lan- do not attend a school on the above list, Soyuzivka Springfest ‘96 guages. Upon passing it, students receive also have the opportunity to do so. They three credits toward their high school for- must apply to the principal of their Memorial Day Weekend eign language requirement. school, who will make arrangements for May 24-27 Ukrainian is not among the foreign lan- them with the authorities of one of the guages usually taught at high schools in above-mentioned schools. We invite everyone to join us for a fun-filled celebration of spring! the U.S. However, exams in such lan- The exam reflects the contemporary guages as Japanese, Chinese, Polish, approach to foreign language study. Standard Rooms Deluxe Rooms Ukrainian, Greek and Russian are set up Emphasis is placed on speaking skills Friday 5/24/96 $30 per person double occupancy $35 p.p. double occupancy by special committees of teachers, and are and realistic contexts for learning. $40 single occupancy $45 single occupancy submitted to the State Education Grammatical structures, development of Department, which makes them available, vocabulary and the ability to express Saturday 5/25/96 $80 p.p. double occupancy $85 p.p. double occupancy on request, to students of various ethnic oneself in writing, are effectively imple- $90 single occupancy $95 single occupancy groups. These exams are placed under the mented in real-life situations. Students Sunday 5/26/96 $75 p.p. double occupancy $80 p.p. double occupancy heading “Sample Comprehensive Exam- who have completed the intermediate- $85 single occupancy $90 single occupancy ination.” advanced level of their community WOW!!! 3 Nights $170 p.p. double occupancy $185 p.p. double occupancy The exam will be given in June, at the Saturday school, and those whose knowl- $200 single occupancy $215 single occupancy following schools: Guilderland Central edge of basic Ukrainian (in speaking, H.S., Albany; Shaker H.S., Latham; Troy reading and writing skills) is satisfactory, The above prices include the following: Tax and Gratuities PLUS... H.S., Troy; Frontier S.H.S., Hamburg; should pass this exam. Friday: Welcome party in the Trembita Lounge from 9 till ?? Free hors d’oeuvres Chittenango H.S., Chittenango; George Part 1 of the exam, the oral test (24 Springfest Happy Hour 11 p.m. - Midnight Hewlett H.S., Hewlett; St. George points), is conducted in a separate ses- *all drinks half price, FREE tap beer, wine and soda * Academy, New York; Benjamin Cardozo sion, several weeks prior to the exam. Party continues all evening ... yippee!!! H.S., Bayside; Great Neck South S.H.S., The written parts 2, 3 and 4, are given in Enjoy breakfast Saturday morning served from 8-10 a.m. Great Neck; Sacred Heart H.S., Yonkers; June. Part 2 tests aural comprehension Saturday: Check in early to relax before starting out on the planned activities New Rochelle S.H.S., New Rochelle; (30 points); part 3 is reading comprehen- First ever Verandah Ball Tourney, volleyball, tennis, swimming etc. Enjoy the BBQ at the Veselka patio between 11:30-3 p.m. (not included in price) Ossining S.H.S., Ossining; Ward sion (30 points); part 4 is writing on a Then get ready for... Melville S.H.S., East Setauket; Rondout selected topic, and also according to 60’s Theme Dress – buffet dinner and dance Valley H.S., Accord; Monroe Woodbury instructions (16 points). 6 p.m. – Cocktails followed by dinner H.S., Monroe; Penfield S.H.S., Penfield; High school teachers of Ukrainian 9 p.m. – Dance featuring Burlaky from Montreal Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse; background who have conducted this Make sure to dress up for the evening – prizes to be awarded Riverside H.S., Buffalo. Ukrainian language test at their school On Sunday morning enjoy coffee and danish in the Mainhouse lobby from 8-10 a.m. Students should file their request to have at their disposal copies of previous Brunch in the Mainhouse Dining Room from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. take this exam now with the principal of tests, as well as a video cassette of a sam- Sunday: Beach Party at the pool 3-7 p.m. their school, whereupon the principal ple of part 1, the oral test. They may use Karoke and DJ – Krazy Kontests – all-over FUN day Clambake-BBQ 5-7 p.m. – soft shell crabs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, etc. should contact Kenneth D. Ormiston, these materials for preparation purposes 9 p.m. – Dance to the tunes of FATA MORGANA Office of Curriculum and Assessment, with interested students. On Monday morning enjoy coffee and danish in the Mainhouse lobby from 8-10 a.m. Brunch in the Mainhouse Dining Room from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For families...we plan to have children’s supervised activities and baby-sitters available upon request. Don’t wait, don’t delay, make your reservation TODAY – call (914) 626-5641 ext. 141 IS YOUR CURRENT COMPANY LOSING INTEREST IN YOU? ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED AGENT WHO NEEDS A CHANGE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

If so the Ukrainian National Association is your answer. We have been offering quality life products to our clients for over 100 years. We are currently seeking new representa- tives for our Jersey City office, as well as for Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and New York, to market our new product line. We offer a strong compensation package based on prior sales performance. Please fax your resume to (201) 451-2093, Attn: J. Binczak, sales manager.

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The New York-based Natural Alla Yaroshinska... Resources Defense Center has suggest- (Continued from page 8) ed that a recent edict of Russian At any rate, I arranged to have a spe- President Yeltsin could result in a cial printing of “Chornobyl Is With Us,” choking off of information about past — 50,000 copies shipped directly to the high-echelon meetings and decisions in Zhytomyr region, for distribution to the general and on nuclear policy in par- people in the region. ticular. Is this accurate? Now, as far as “Chernobyl: Sovershenno I’m not sure which edict you’re referring First Annual Soyuzivka Spring Golf Tournament June 8, 1996 Sekretno” is concerned, this was published to. I know that he recently issued one about in Moscow, with many of the documents I the construction of an RD-2 nuclear plant had gathered. All proceeds from this book at Krasnoyarsk, a plant that would use pre- have gone to fund the treatment of children processed nuclear material, I believe. in the Zhytomyr hospital, a pediatric hospi- I’m not aware of any order curtailing tal in the Briansk region in Russia that was access to information, but this might also affected by fallout. have been issued recently. I’ve been out How was it that “Chornobyl: The of Russia for just under a month. Forbidden Truth,” appeared in the Do you think that an accident simi- West? lar to the 1986 catastrophe could hap- pen again? A great degree of credit goes to the European Parliament, particularly a Given that there are 16 reactors built woman from France, Jacqueline Treloun, using the same design [as the Chornobyl Stay at Soyuzivka a deputy of the Green Party. She made a plant] running in the countries of the for- $67.50 single-standard, $87.50 single deluxe presentation to the Parliament about the mer Soviet Union, another one could $105.00 double standard, $125.00 double deluxe importance of my book, and the body happen any day. children to 7 free, 8-12 $25.00, 13-16 $30.00 (meal surcharge) apportioned the necessary funds to have Then there’s the question of the this includes room, post-tournament cocktail party and banquet, plus breakfast the next day. Additional costs: it published in French. This was the first Chornobyl sarcophagus, which is crum- tournament fee of $85.00 per golfer, lunch (if applicable), taxes and gratuities. time it appeared in the West. bling. Something needs to be done about that as soon as possible. GOLF AT THE NEVELE — 18 HOLE PAR 70 COURSE When was this? INCLUDED IN THE TOURNAMENT FEE: GREENS AND CART FEES, All of these reactors should be brought PRE-TOURNAMENT BBQ STARTING AT 11:30 AM, I can’t remember exactly, in 1992 I off line. I understand that this isn’t as simple FOLLOWED BY TEE OFF AT 1:00 PM think. as switching off a light bulb, or turning off a TROPHIES AND PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED DURING THE BANQUET AT SOYUZIVKA So it appeared almost simultaneous- television set. But the Chornobyl-type reac- WOMEN — (or MEN) if you’re not participating in the tournament, we have made ly with the Russian edition. tor [RBMK] is extremely dangerous. arrangements for you to ENJOY the Mountain Fitness & Spa at the Granit Hotel. If you would like to arrange for a massage or baby sitter Right, that’s right. As soon as it came Do you think that its effects could be covered-up again, or do you think this services, please contact us ahead of time. off the press in Russia I sent a copy off to Preference is given to guests of Soyuzivka. the European Parliament as a gift. After would be impossible, given the present atmosphere? All others will be on waiting list, maximum for tournament is 52 golfers they published it in French, I was invited PLEASE call A.S.A.P. to make your reservations and sign up. to appear before the Parliament, which I I believe that it would be virtually did and then traveled around Europe with impossible. However, old habits die hard. PREPAYMENT OF TOURNAMENT FEES IS REQUIRED BY JUNE 1, 1996 that body’s financial support, speaking Take the incident in Tomsk, in Russia, If not staying at Soyuzivka the following fees apply about Chornobyl. about a year ago, official circles provided $100.00 per person for tournament, cocktail and banquet $30.00 per person. When I received the Right Livelihood information, let’s say, not very objectively. Award in Stockholm together with the But nowadays journalists have the U.S. Academic Prof. [John] Gofman, this right to get at information, inquire where attracted the attention of European jour- they will, and in the end we found out nalists, and so I gave interviews about what happened, and we wrote and pub- my book. lished what really happened. So, it came out first in France, then No, I think that today a cover-up England, then Japan, then Germany, and would be impossible. If they work with then in the U.S., just last year at the the necessary dedication and desire, jour- University of Nebraska Press. nalists will always dig out the truth.

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The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus announces Summer Bandura Camps Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp “Ukraina” August 4th-18th July 21st-August 3rd All Saints Ukr. “Ukraina” Coutry Club Orthodox Camp London, Ontario, Canada Emlenton, PA Musical Director Musical Director Julian Kytasty Victor Mishalow

For more information contact: Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp “Ukraina” c/o Anatoli Murha c/o Nick Schidowka 15356 Ellen Dr. #1 Dundee Drive Livonia, MI 48154 North York, ON M3J 1H5 USA (313) 953-0305 Canada (416) 633-4196 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 No. 19

president “to support continued and UKRAINIAN Statements... enhanced U.S. assistance to provide med- (Continued from page 10) ical relief, humanitarian assistance, social radiation recorded in northern Scandinavia, impact planning and hospital development NATIONAL various parts of continental Europe, and for Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and other even as far away as coastal Alaska. nations most heavily afflicted.” SSOCIATION Estimated total radioactivity from the blast Because this disaster is the only one of A was 200 times more radioactivity than was its magnitude, there is much about its long- released from the atomic bombs dropped at term health consequences we do not yet Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. know. Among the most affected were the FOR PURCHASE Ten years ago, Mr. Speaker, Chornobyl so-called “liquidators,” the hundreds of HOME left its indelible mark on the world’s con- thousands of people who worked to clean OR REFINANCE sciousness. Given the monumental conse- up after the accident. Many received sub- quences of Chornobyl and its devastating stantial doses of radiation. Estimates vary LOAN on how many of them have died or become SPECIAL FEATURES: toll on the environment and on the health of PROGRAM* the surrounding population, this disaster seriously ill. However, we must learn more • Available Nationwide must neither be forgotten nor repeated. about the health of those most affected by Call now for immediate service • Single-Family Residence or Condominium Indeed, Chornobyl can never be forgotten the disaster, especially the children who were exposed to substantial doses of radia- and complete program details... • Conventional and Jumbo Loans by those most directly affected. The tragedy is ongoing. And with each passing anniver- tion. The resolution encourages national • Fixed or Adjustable Rates and international health organizations to sary, we uncover more and more about its expand the scope of research of the public • Fast, Efficient Service devastating impact and serious radiological, health consequences of Chornobyl. Such • Free Pre-Qualification health and socioeconomic consequences, (800) 253-9862 research could help not only those directly especially on the populations of Ukraine, affected, but can also ensure that the entire Belarus and western Russia. world can benefit from the findings. Millions of people – including about 1 By supporting assistance and research million children – in Ukraine, Belarus and efforts, we will be doing our part to help DRUGS & MEDICAL SUPPLIES western Russia were exposed to danger- overcome the devastating legacy of ously high levels of radiation. Millions Chornobyl. Unfortunately, there are still 15 FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN UKRAINE continue to live in areas contaminated to RBMK, Chornobyl-type reactors still being one degree or another. Children, in particu- utilized in the former Soviet Union, most AVAILABLE THROUGH: lar, have experienced alarming increases in of them in Russia. The international com- thyroid cancer and other conditions. These munity can help Ukraine and Russia HERITAGE VILLAGE PHARMACY trends have accelerated since the disaster improve the safety of their nuclear reactors, and are expected to increase well into the Bazaar Building especially since Ukraine relies substantially future. In Belarus’ Homiel region, for on nuclear power for its energy needs. instance, which was one of the hardest hit Southbury, Ct. 06488 Mr. Speaker, one very important com- areas, thyroid cancer among children is at • GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO THEIR DOORSTEP ponent of this resolution is that it urges least 200 times that of pre-accident. Ukraine to continue its negotiations with • FAST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE AND AVAILABILITY Scientists differ over the extent of the G-7 to implement the December 20, Chornobyl-related diseases, but few deny • UKRAINIAN-SPEAKING PHARMACIST-CONSULTANT 1995, memorandum of understanding that children have been hardest hit by the (MOU) which calls for all nuclear reac- radiological aftermath. Given the devastat- tors at Chornobyl to be shut down in safe Place your free telephone call to: ing humanitarian, ecological and economic consequences, the resolution calls upon the (Continued on page 19) 1-800-RX-UKRAINA (1-800-798-5724) FAX 203-264-6150

JAROSLAW AND LESIA PALYLYK, PROP. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1996 19

The 10th anniversary marks an epoch, Chornobyl’s impact... perhaps, but to perceive 1996 as marking (Continued from page 7) an end to Chornobyl problems is as From all perspectives, Ukraine is in a mythical as to define radiation fallout perilous situation. Chornobyl has result- according to a 30-kilometer zone, or to ed in costs that would be beyond any say that because not every illness can be government’s ability to cover. The health linked clearly to radiation, then no such consequences are mounting and are more link exists. Chornobyl is the worst indus- evident today than ever before. At the trial accident in history. It contributed to same time Ukraine, as a newly indepen- Ukraine’s independence by fueling popu- dent state, recently accepted as a member lar discontent with Moscow-based man- of the Council of Europe, is a country agement. Now it threatens through its trying desperately to stay aloof from the energy and health consequences to limit sort of military-security alliance being that same independence. formed today by Russia and others of its The word “crisis” is overused histori- neighbors. This is the perspective in cally. In the case of Chornobyl, however, which Chornobyl has to be examined. it is the only appropriate word.

nizes the implications – for the thousands of Statements... workers and their families – of closing the (Continued from page 18) Chornobyl plant. and expeditious manner by the year The Chornobyl nuclear disaster marks a 2000. The resolution calls upon the presi- tragic milestone in the history of Ukraine, dent to support the process of closing Belarus and the world. This week we Chornobyl as envisioned by the MOU. commemorate the 10th anniversary of this The signatories to the MOU recognize nuclear explosion, one of the most bitter the tremendous costs involved in closing legacies of Soviet communism. The lega- down Chornobyl and its impact on a coun- cy has had tremendous and mounting try undergoing the unbelievably difficult human costs. Its environmental, medical, transition from communism to a market-ori- social, political and economic conse- ented democracy. Ukraine devoted more of quences continue to have a profound its resources to dealing with the Chornobyl impact on countries in the region, espe- aftermath than for its military. According to cially on Ukraine and Belarus and western testimony from the Belarusian ambassador, Russia, which bore the brunt of Belarus “is compelled to spend year in and Chornobyl’s radioactive fallout. year out up to 25 percent of its budget to try Mr. Speaker, this resolution which is also to cope with the aftermath of Chornobyl.” being introduced in the Senate is important In response, the G-7 has thus far committed and timely. I am joined by my colleagues some $3 billion in loans and grants to assist Rep. Ben Gilman, Rep. Frank Wolf, Rep. with the closure of Chornobyl. Recognizing Ben Cardin, Rep. Ed Markey, Rep. Matt the country’s dire energy situation, equally Salmon, Rep. Bob Torricelli, Rep. Sander important is the G-7’s broader cooperation Levin, Rep. David Bonior, Rep. Richard with Ukraine to impose market discipline Durbin and Rep. Luis Guittierez in intro- on its inefficient energy sector and make it ducing this resolution, and I urge our col- more rational. Moreover, the MOU recog- leagues to support the measure.

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PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Tuesday, May 14 - Thursday, May 23 Sunday, May 19 NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of WHIPPANY, N.J.: The Whippany America presents an exhibition of works by Branch of the SUM-A Ukrainian Youth two Kyiv artists — paintings by Oleksander Organization is honoring all mothers with Dubovyk and sculptures by Yevhen a variety show and dessert at 2 p.m. at St. Prokopov. The exhibit arrives here after John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall on much-acclaimed shows in Washington and Route 10 and Jefferson Road. Children Chicago. Mr. Dubovyk’s work utilizes space should bring their moms, grandmoms, as a symbol of emotional states; his paint- godmoms and aunts to enjoy a bit of danc- ings embody the underground tendencies of ing, music, drama and a nice surprise for Ukrainian contemporary art during the each mom. Dads are most welcome too. 1960s-1980s. Mr. Prokopov’s sculptures For more information call Chris Bytz, challenge the tenets of Soviet art and incor- (201) 989-4034. porate metals, stained glass, plastic and opti- HARTFORD: The Greater Hartford cal prisms into cast bronze forms. The open- Association for Aid to Ukraine invites the ing reception is on Tuesday, May 14, at 6-9 community to its annual meeting, which p.m. Gallery hours are 2-6 p.m. or by will take place in the school hall at St. appointment. The institute is at 2 E. 79th St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at 4 For more information call (212) 288-8660. p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Friday, May 17 Natalia Fendrikova, a gynecologist from Kyiv, who will speak on current problems NEWARK, N.J.: The students of St. John associated with the Chornobyl disaster. the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic School pre- sent a program dedicated to Lesia Sunday, May 26 Ukrainka on the 125th anniversary of her TORONTO: The Ukrainian Academy of birth. The program will begin at 7 p.m. in Dance invites the public to its ninth annual the school gymnasium, 748 Sanford Ave. year-end concert, featuring 320 performers. Tickets are $3; all proceeds benefit the The excitement begins at 3 p.m. at the John school. For information call the school at Bassett Theater, Metropolitan Toronto (201) 373-9359. Convention Center. Tickets: $20, $18 and Saturday, May 18 $15, reserved seating. To make reservations call the academy, (416) 255-8577 or fax SILVER SPRING, Md.: The Taras (416) 766-3905. Some tickets available at Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies Arka and Arka West after May 13. invites the public to its graduation dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Tuesday, May 28 Orthodox Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire WASHINGTON: The Kennan Institute for Ave. Tickets: adults, $15; students, $7.50. Advanced Russian Studies and the For more information call (301) 916-0978. Woodrow Wilson Center present, as part of NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific the Noon Discussion series, “Political Elites Society and the Ukrainian Academy of of Ukraine Today and Tomorrow,” a dis- Sciences invite their members and the course led by Oleksander Potekhin, director Ukrainian community to a Shevchenko of the Ukrainian Center for Peace, Conference, at 5 p.m. in the society’s build- Conversion and Conflict Resolution Studies; ing at Fourth Avenue between 10th and professor, Institute of International Tenth streets. Speakers will include Dr. Nina Relations, Taras Shevchenko Kyiv State Strokata-Karavanska, “Memorable Days of University; and USIA-supported regional HURYN MEMORIALS Shevchenko in May”; journalist Mykola exchange scholar, Kennan Institute. The For the finest in custom made memorials installed in all cemeteries in the Ryabchuk, “The Slavophile Heresy of the event will be held in the third floor library of Kyrylo-Metodiyivtsi”; and Dr. Hanna the Woodrow Wilson Center, 1000 Jefferson New York Metropolitan area including Holy Spirit in Hamptonburgh, N.Y., Chumachenko, “Ukraine, Women and Drive SW. For more information, call the St. Andrew’s in South Bound Brook, N.J., Pine Bush in Kerhonkson and Archetypes in the Works of Shevchenko.” Kennan Institute, (202) 287-3400. Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey. We offer personal service and guidance in your home. For a bilingual rep- resentative call: HURYN MEMORIALS P.O. Box 121 Hamptonburgh, N.Y. 10916 Tel. (914) 427-2684