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THEPublished U byKRAINIAN the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationEEKLY Vol. LXXVII No.16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 $1/$2 in “Ukrainian Days” in Washington Battle among Ukraine’s leaders bring Ukrainian issues to the fore further delays loan from IMF by Matthew Dubas New Jersey avenues. During the afternoon, attendees had an WASHINGTON – More than a dozen opportunity to meet with their respective participants attended the “Ukrainian Days” representatives and senators, among them events on March 25-26 sponsored by the Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.), Rep. Nydia Ukrainian National Information Service Velasquez (D-N.Y.), Sen. Charles Schumer (UNIS), the Washington bureau of the (D-N.Y.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), Sen. Robert (UCCA). Menendez (D-N.J.), Sen. Frank Lautenberg The goal of the two-day advocacy event (D-N.J.), as well as members and staffers of was to promote the concerns of the the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ukrainian American community, including: the House Committee on Homeland the U.S. stance on Ukraine in NATO in the Security. lead-up to the NATO summit (held on April Speaking with Rep. Velasquez, Mr. 3-5); the inclusion of the in the Sawkiw said that human trafficking is an curriculum of genocide studies, along with issue that affects the Hispanic as well as the Official Website of Ukraine’s President the Irish Famine, the Holocaust and the Ukrainian communities. Latin countries, he During a meeting between Ukrainian officials and the International Monetary Cambodian Genocide under the Khmer said, serve as destinations for these victims, Fund (from left) are: Ceyla Pazarbasioglu of the IMF, President Viktor Rouge; the global economic crisis, its effect while Ukraine is mostly a transit nation. Mr. Yushchenko and Volodymyr Stelmakh of the National Bank of Ukraine. in Ukraine, and the need for foreign assis- Sawkiw urged cooperation on a coordinated tance to Ukraine; energy security and diver- effort to combat human trafficking. Rep. by Zenon Zawada the previous day and called upon the sification; and Ukrainian concerns about the Velasquez said that this is an issue of con- Press Bureau Parliament to pass the necessary laws. proclaimed “reset” of U.S.-Russian rela- cern and that her office would look into it. The failed votes startled KYIV – The ongoing conflict among tions. Ukrainian American community mem- Chair Volodymyr Lytvyn, who stated sarcas- Ukraine’s three battling factions – the The events were opened with a briefing bers voiced other concerns to congressional tically, “Such are the results of yesterday’s Presidential Secretariat led by Viktor session at the Heritage Foundation, with staffers, including the potential of Ukraine conference, at which there were assurances Yushchenko, the Cabinet of Ministers led by remarks by Dr. Lee Edwards, chairman of being used as a bargaining chip at the that we need to make decisions in the and the opposition led by the Victims of Communism Memorial approaching G-20 meeting and the NATO nation’s interests.” – has further delayed Foundation (VOCMF); Bob Boehme, direc- summit. It was also mentioned that Russia’s Equally surprised, Prime Minister international aid for its deteriorating econo- tor of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and insistence on a sphere of influence raises Tymoshenko reacted that evening by lead- my. Belarus Affairs at the U.S. Department of concern that there is a lot of rhetoric, but a ing the Cabinet of Ministers in passing reso- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) State; and Michael Sawkiw Jr., director of lack of visible action, on the part of the U.S. lutions that she claimed would satisfy all the continued to hold back an estimated $1.9 UNIS. government to counter Russia’s policies. IMF’s demands that the necessary legisla- billion as part of a second loan tranche after Packets that included information on The community members offered their tion would have covered. a group of national deputies loyal to issues important to the Ukrainian American assistance and cooperation via their respec- Her decision immediately drew criticism President Yushchenko and Presidential community were distributed to all partici- tive Ukrainian organizations. from her opponents, who claimed she was Secretariat Chair declined to pants and to those representatives and sena- Michael Koziupa, who is involved in using an executive organ, the Cabinet of vote on three necessary pieces of legislation tors scheduled to meet with Ukrainian numerous Ukrainian organizations, and Ministers, to perform the role of a legislative Americans during the Ukrainian Days at the April 14 parliamentary session. organ, the Verkhovna Rada. serves as the Ukrainian National Their denial of support – which placed events. The included policy papers briefed Association’s second vice-president, called The three laws that the Rada didn’t pass them on the same side of the issue as the involved compensating budget shortfalls for staffers or members of Congress on such for support of: the declassification of Soviet- of Ukraine and the Naftohaz Ukrainy; streamlining Pension topics as: U.S.-Ukraine relations, U.S. for- era archives; the monument to the victims of Communist Party of Ukraine – stunned Fund expenses, including capping the high- eign assistance to Ukraine, the Ukrainian the Holodomor in Washington; and political players, particularly after President est pension; and establishing fixed insurance Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and the Ukraine’s accession to NATO and the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Yushchenko invited World Bank and IMF European Union. representatives to the Presidential Secretariat (Continued on page 11) Following the briefing session, partici- On Wednesday evening, a reception was pants visited the future site of the Ukrainian held by the Central and East European Genocide memorial, located near Capitol Coalition (CEEC) – of which the UCCA is a Hill on Massachusetts Avenue, and the member – to commemorate the 10th and Victims of Communism memorial, located Tymoshenko reportedly cut deal at the intersection of Massachusetts and (Continued on page 8) with Ukraine’s biggest oligarch by Zenon Zawada control of the nation’s largest thermoelec- Kyiv Press Bureau tric generator, Dniproenergo. Mr. Akhmetov confirmed his new part- KYIV – In her transformation from nership with the prime minister when radical opposition leader to calculating speaking to reporters during an April 6 power broker, Prime Minister Yulia tree-planting ceremony at the site of the Tymoshenko mended relations with her ultra-modern Donbas Arena soccer stadi- former nemesis Viktor Medvedchuk, who um that will be dedicated in August. in turn brokered her enhanced ties with “I really want the government to con- the Kremlin in an expedient disposal of quer the crisis,” he said. “I don’t want to the Orange ideals. fight against the government – I want to Now abandoning the remaining pre- fight against the crisis. If the government tenses that she defends the interests of is able to triumph, it will become a hero. average against the nation’s If not, then there will be questions. I real- Michael Sawkiw business clans, Ms. Tymoshenko cut a ly want the government to become the “Ukrainian Days” participants at the site of the future Holodomor monument in deal in March with Ukraine’s biggest oli- Washington. garch, Rinat Akhmetov, ceding to him (Continued on page 20) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS

Russian “national identity” Lazarenko conviction upheld tion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). None of the documents received LOS ANGELES – A U.S. federal over 210 votes, with 226 being the number and Ukraine-EU pipeline deal appeals court on May 11 upheld Former required to place an item on the agenda. Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavlo The factions of the Communist Party and by Taras Kuzio The March pipeline deal also revealed Lazarenko’s conviction on money-laun- the immaturity of Ukrainian domestic poli- the Party of Regions, and part of the Our Eurasia Daily Monitor dering and conspiracy charges. Mr. tics. Since mid-2008 Ukrainian Prime Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense Bloc (the Lazarenko, who was prime minister of Ukraine’s gas pipeline deal with the Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been sav- For Ukraine group and the United Ukraine in 1996-1997, has been in U.S. European Union on March 23 led to an ava- agely attacked in Ukraine by the president party) refused to put the aforementioned custody since February 1999, when he fled lanche of Russian outrage that had less to do and his secretariat because the prime minis- bills on the agenda. The Parliament reject- Ukraine, after being accused of siphoning with the agreement, but exposed the ter was allegedly doing the bidding of ed the bills on budget amendments needed at least $200 million from the country’s Kremlin’s use of Russian national identity. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in to balance the financial plan of national coffers. Ukraine has sought his extradition Russia apparently felt betrayed by Europe return for Russian support in the presidential joint-stock company Naftohaz Ukrainy, also on charges of complicity in the kill- and Ukraine. Russian state-controlled media elections. They demanded that the amendments to some laws on pension sup- ings of several political opponents in the attacked its exclusion from the negotiations, Procurator General’s Office institute crimi- port, and amendments to the law on oblig- 1990s. Mr. Lazarenko was found guilty in maintaining that without Russia the modern- nal charges of “treason” against her, which atory state pension insurance. President the United States in May 2004 on 14 ization of the pipelines would not be viable, the prosecutor found insufficient evidence to said he expected the counts related to funneling money through cast doubt on the viability of the plans and warrant. Verkhovna Rada to act this week to adopt U.S. banks; he was later sentenced to nine vilified the $5 billion to 7 billion promised Fedor Lukyanov, editor of the journal laws needed to stabilize the Ukrainian years in prison. On April 11 a three-judge by the EU as far too little. On March 23 Russia in Global Affairs, pointed out that economy and continue the country’s coop- panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Rossiya TV said the EU had forgotten that one reason for Putin’s over-reaction was that eration with the IMF. (Ukrinform) the pipelines are “mere junk without gas.” he felt “betrayed” by Ms. Tymoshenko in San Francisco overturned the conviction Far more was involved than a show of (Vremya Novostey, March 25). Mr. Putin on six counts but upheld the remaining Most Ukrainians want early elections anger over Moscow’s exclusion from the was committed to the January gas agree- eight. The judges also noted that Mr. KYIV – A majority of Ukrainian citi- deal. On March 25 Rossiyskaya Gazeta ment signed with the Ukrainian prime min- Lazarenko’s request for a rehearing of his claimed, “Europe does not want to see our ister as the basis, “for building a political case by an 11-judge panel had been denied zens – 60 percent – support the idea of country [as part of Europe] and sometimes and energy partnership.” As a former FSB and that the ruling, therefore, was the final holding early parliamentary and presiden- does not even want to listen to it.” While officer, Mr. Putin knows that duplicity is judgment of the appeals court. (Los tial elections simultaneously, according to Komsomolskaya Pravda noted that, “Europe central to the post-Soviet psyche. Angeles Times) a survey conducted by the National Ms. Tymoshenko explained the deal as Institute for Strategic Studies. This idea is wants to control our gas all by itself, so to PRU seen as power-hungry speak. Russia has been assigned the role of a protecting national interests and that she did backed by voters of the Party of Regions docile gas supplier, an appendix which pos- not “betray” Russia. Instead Ukraine “has KYIV – Seventy percent of Ukrainian (75 percent) and the Yulia Tymoshenko sesses natural resources.” Elsewhere, the decently and clearly protected its main gas citizens consider protests held by the Party Bloc (53 percent), but only 45 percent Russian media were no less critical, describ- transit pipeline” (Ukrayinska Pravda, March of Regions to be a struggle for power, believe there will be positive changes after ing the EU and Ukraine as adopting a “dis- 24). On March 29 Ms. Tymoshenko told according to a survey conducted by the the elections. Respondents are inclined to respectful attitude towards [Russia’s] inter- Ukraine’s 1+1 TV, “One needs courage to National Institute for Strategic Studies. “believe in the better” (57 percent) if the ests.” A report on Center TV International defend Ukraine’s national interests, and I According to poll results released on April public votes at these elections for specific on March 28 concluded that, “Our European have never backed the strategic aims of 15, only 16 percent of respondents individuals, rather than for political par- partners are incapable of being loyal on other countries to bypass Ukraine with alter- described recent moves by the opposition ties. According to the poll, 76 percent said either geopolitical or economic issues” native pipelines and thereby leave our gas as an expression of their concern about the they support amendments to electoral laws (Trud, Center TV International, March 25, public. Some 64 percent of those polled that foresee open voter lists, and only 8 28). (Continued on page 22) said they believe the Cabinet of Ministers percent opposed the idea. President Viktor led by Yulia Tymoshenko would be inca- Yushchenko had set four conditions for the pable of tackling the economic crisis in the holding of snap presidential and parlia- near future. The Party of Regions held mentary elections. He demanded that a Moscow shows no interest in pushing mass protests in Kyiv demanding that the parliamentary coalition be reformatted government present its anti-crisis program (having at least 226 seats after the elec- and budget amendments in Parliament. tions), electoral laws be amended, elec- ‘reset button’ in relations with NATO (Ukrinform) tions be held under open voter lists, depu- ties’ immunity be cancelled, and the condi- by Pavel K. Baev detrimental to stability in Central Asia. Verkhovna Rada rejects IMF bills tions for pre-term elections be honestly Eurasia Daily Monitor Expecting NATO to continue carrying observed by all political parties and blocs. KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on April this heavy burden indefinitely, Moscow (Ukrinform) Anti-Americanism has noticeably mel- demonstrates readiness to in the 14 refused to put on the agenda the bills lowed in the Russian mainstream media transit of non-military supplies to needed to resume the country’s coopera- (Continued on page 14) since the London summit between Afghanistan. What makes this bargaining Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry particularly rewarding is the closure of Medvedev. Some commentators empha- the Manas U.S. airbase in Kyrgyzstan FOUNDED 1933 size that strategic arms control is the easi- that was finalized by President THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY est problem to tackle, but the new posi- Kurmanbek Bakiyev exactly on the day tive tone in the dialogue makes the habit- of the NATO jubilee after strong urging An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., ual U.S.-bashing politically incorrect from Russia, reinforced by credit amount- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta, April 7). ing to $2 billion (www.rbc.ru, April 2; There is, however, hardly any change RIA-Novosti, March 6). Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. of attitude towards NATO, so the jubilee The final touch in this case was made (ISSN — 0273-9348) 60th anniversary summit in Strasbourg/ by the documentary “The Base” shown The Weekly: UNA: Kehl was portrayed as high on pomp and on the Rossiya TV channel on April 5 that Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 low on content with the prime focus on depicted Manas as a center of U.S. espio- the violent demonstrations (Vremya nage, much to the chagrin of the Pentagon Postmaster, send address changes to: Novostei, Kommersant, April 6). (www.lenta.ru, April 6). The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz The alliance’s intention to prioritize its Afghanistan is a painful problem for 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas relations with Russia did not impress NATO that Moscow plans to squeeze to P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) Moscow, and Dmitri Rogozin, the its advantage, but Georgia remains the Parsippany, NJ 07054 Russian permanent representative at main troublespot in its relations with the NATO, promised that discussions at the alliance, about which Messrs. Medvedev The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] forthcoming meeting of the NATO-Russia and Obama were able only to “agree to Council would be dry and tough (www. disagree.” The Ukrainian Weekly, April 19, 2009, No. 16, Vol. LXXVII newsru.com, April 6). Even putting Georgia’s plea for acces- Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly It is certainly not lost on Moscow that sion on hold, NATO is under a strong the European allies showed scant enthusi- moral obligation to help it in dire straits, asm about President Obama’s appeal to but the appeal to Russia “to reverse its ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA redouble collective efforts in confronting recognition” of Abkhazia and South the mounting instability in Afghanistan Ossetia at best would be simply shrugged Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, April 6). Bitter off in Moscow. Every symbolic gesture of e-mail: [email protected] experience informs the dominant opinion Atlantic solidarity is interpreted by the Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 within Russia that the international mili- Russian leadership as an unwarranted fax: (973) 644-9510 tary operation in Afghanistan is a hope- interference in the evolving conflict Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] less enterprise, but there are few doubts where small incidents, like the interdic- (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 inside the Russian leadership that a victo- e-mail: [email protected] ry of the irrepressible Taliban would be (Continued on page 20) No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 3 FOR THE RECORD: President’s annual address to the Verkhovna Rada Following are excerpts of the annual the modernization of Ukraine’s energy gas nomic decline, exacerbation of the political address of the to the transit system we began integration of our crisis and wide-scale social protest. Verkhovna Rada. President Viktor gas energy systems that not only will bring I am sure that main cause for economic Yushchenko delivered his address on March us economic profit, but also will limit exter- crisis in Ukraine is not external, but 31. The following text is taken from the nal pressure. We have brought back to life descends from the inability of the state to Official Website of Ukraine’s President (see the Odesa-Brody-EU energy transit route. conduct basic necessary structural reforms, http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/13362. Undoubtedly it will become a main through- first of all economic and social. ... html). passage for energy resources from the It turned out that we were mostly unpre- Caspian region to Europe. pared to withstand the first strike of the cri- ...Hard times have come for Ukraine and ... together with Poland, we became hosts sis. ... We lost external markets that con- for the world. We need to calmly contem- of the Euro 2012 Championship. The event sumed 60 percent of Ukrainian export; our plate the situation. Let everyone who is wise will give a boost to our economy and open inflow of foreign currency almost fully and everyone who does not see Ukraine as us for Europe and for the world. depended on these markets, as well as only a source of profit and temporary shel- Ukraine has all chances to change. ... employment of almost 2 million people in ter, hear me. Isn’t this a joy, a true human joy that, in metallurgy, the chemical industry and relat- ...Ukraine has undoubtedly changed in 2008, 84,000 children more were born than ed branches. the last five years. Fundamental processes in 2004? For the first time since we gained As a result, GDP growth slowed down to have moved forward. We know now where independence we see a surplus of births over 102.1 percent last year compared to 106.7 are we going. deaths in three regions of Ukraine. And I am percent in 2007 and fell 25 to 30 percent in We strengthen ourselves as one nation. sure this is only the beginning. January-February this year. ... Debts in The Ukrainian nation with its distinct char- Gradually we begin caring more for each wages have doubled between October of acter, culture and language, traditions, histo- other. In 2008 every 10th Ukrainian orphan Official Website of Ukraine’s President 2008 and January of 2009 and reached 1.6 ry, which has arisen on our land. And at the child has found its family. Another impor- President Viktor Yushchenko delivers billion hrv. From last October unemploy- same time as a united political nation, which tant fact is that since 2006 national his annual address to the Verkhovna ment has doubled. ... evolves without regard to difference in Ukrainian adoption has become more com- Rada on March 31. In the background On behalf of millions of Ukrainian citi- views, faith, language or origin. We are able monplace. is Rada Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn. zens, I address all Ukrainian politicians. ... to make decisions in which lies national dig- Compared to 2005 the number of chil- Our first steps in unity have already pro- nity. We have brought the subject of the dren taken in by adoptive families increased being one of the highest in Europe. I believe duced results. Holodomor to the global level. The world 22 times. It is parents, who are now standing that we will return to this index. We are restoring dialogue with interna- has heard and understood us. With no regard in line for adoption, not the children, con- ...No one can void our achievements. But tional financial institutions. to political views, and if we are honest trary to as it was three years ago. we could have done a hundred times more if We saved the banking system from col- before God and Ukraine, we all understand We have stopped the mass flow-out of the idea of national dignity and unity lapse. ... We introduced a stable mechanism [the] importance of establishing a single people to other countries. In 2001-2002 two became supreme for all of us. Particularly of anti-crisis cooperation and consultations. Ukrainian Church. ... people left Ukraine per one arriving; now for Ukrainian politicians. ... In the spirit of this work I address every- Our integration into the European and the tendency is reverse – people are coming ... The external political priorities of one who is now present in the hall of the Euro-Atlantic community is not an abstract back home. Ukraine are permanent and well-tried. The Verkhovna Rada. goal anymore. Yet, at the same time, it is not We have taken important steps in educa- European and Euro-Atlantic goal remains I want you to calm down political pas- an end in itself. It represents practical and tion. unaltered and it will be reached. I emphasize sions and impose a moratorium on conflicts. modern instruments, which are capable of Four hundred twenty-five thousand chil- that again – it is in all Ukrainian citizens’ The presidential campaign opens four- helping us to provide welfare to people and dren entered higher education facilities by interest. I stand for improvement of relations months before the election. protection to the country, our nation, our the new testing rules. We have per se with the Russian Federation. I propose that any actions aimed at win- children and our grandchildren. cleansed ourselves of the old corrupted sys- I will do everything that is possible to ning early political benefits be postponed ... Ukraine has done or stands at the door- tem that was demoralizing both parents and turn the page of misunderstanding and until September. step of exceptional steps, which were impos- children. This is the first step towards new secure equal and friendly dialogue, as it I would like you to give the state time to sible five years ago. I am speaking of the realization in Ukrainian youth. should be between neighbors. The circle of extricate itself out of the hardest phase of joining of energy systems of Ukraine and We have started the reform of the armed our state priorities will remain broad – from this trial. I propose a joint national antireces- the European Union and the perspective of forces and the whole security sector. Washington to Warsaw, from London and sionary plan that will save the country and signing an agreement on energy coopera- Fundamental changes took place from the Paris to Beijing and Tokyo, from Seoul to protect millions of our people. It consists out tion, the Eastern Partnership agreement, the increase in wages to reduction of the call-up Tripoli. of two interrelated components: The eco- completed agreement on airspace, the begin- period to 12 months. I am sure that despite Especially in current conditions we nomic program and political measures. ning of talks on visa-free Ukraine-EU travel, all problems we will reach the goal of a pro- should increase our presence at external ... First of all – we need to restore finan- the talks on the establishment of a free trade fessional Ukrainian military. markets and establish new economic ties. cial stability in the country. zone with the EU. I also mean the unprece- Foreign investors now believe in Ukraine. ... Our internal situation is complicated, I had repeated many times before that the dented closeness to signature of the In last four years the amount of direct for- but far from catastrophe. We have not existing 2009 State Budget is populism, as it Association Agreement with the European eign investment to Ukraine reached almost crossed the line yet. But already today we Union that will happen this year. $27 billion – three times more than all the are facing three dangerous challenges: eco- (Continued on page 16) ...Having become a member of the investment drawn by Ukraine since inde- Bologna process, we entered the European pendence. education area. Having become a member I would also like to mention that our of the World Trade Organization, we became potential is shown by one simple fact: before Quotable notes equal partners at European and global mar- the crisis hit us, the economic growth in kets. Having elaborated a business plan of Ukraine was estimated at 6.5 to 7 percent, “…The fact that Crimea is part of Ukraine is no bigger a ‘historical quirk’ than that California is part of the United States or Sakhalin is part of Russia. …long before the establishment of the Russian naval base in Sevastopol, the peninsula was densely pop- ulated by various ethnic groups. In the 1940s, Joseph Stalin deported hundreds of thousands of the Crimean Tatars and also Greeks, Germans and Bulgarians from Demjanjuk’s deportation to Germany Crimea to Central Asia. Their place was subsequently taken by Russian settlers. “Further, I disagree with the statement that ‘the Ukrainian government has done its is delayed by emergency stay part to raise tensions, as well, by imposing new language laws.’ With 90 percent of the Ukrainian book market and about 60 percent of the print media still in Russian, and PARSIPPANY, N.J. – John Demjanjuk ing back at his home in Seven Hills, with just seven Ukrainian schools functioning on the Crimean peninsula, it is bizarre was taken into federal custody on April Ohio, several hours later. to hear claims that the Ukrainian government is suppressing the Russian language. 14 in preparation for his deportation to His former son-in-law, Ed Nishnic, The ‘new language laws’ just restore the Ukrainians’ right to speak their mother Germany, where he is accused of being told the Associated Press the family was tongue after centuries of Russification. an accessory to the murder of 29,000 “delighted” that the stay was granted. “Mr. Kucera is right that Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is more a political and economic people as a guard at the Nazi death camp “We’re prepared to make our arguments tool than a significant military force. Nevertheless, it poses a grave problem for in Sobibor, Poland. However, an emer- with the 6th Circuit, and it’s just a shame Ukraine’s security because of its potential for active involvement in military conflicts gency stay granted late that afternoon that Mr. Demjanjuk had to go through the contrary to Ukraine’s national interest. halted the process. hell that he went through once again this “Proponents of the prolonged stay of the fleet in Sevastopol claim that it helps the According to Spiegel Online, as a char- morning.” city’s budget. However, experts have calculated that if all the territories presently ter jet stood ready at a Cleveland area air- Mr. Demjanjuk’s son, John Jr., said on occupied by the fleet were open to economic development, city revenues would increase manyfold. port, six immigration officers carried Mr. CNN that lab reports in U.S. and Germans “We expect that the Russian Federation will honor its international legal obligations Demjanjuk out of his home in a wheel- hands prove his father is unfit to stand chair and took him to a cell at and vacate its base in Sevastopol by 2017. Consequently, the city will enter a new era trial. Maintaining his father’s innocence, of revived economic activity, fulfilling its potential as a dynamic civilian port and Immigration and Customs Enforcement he noted that 32 years and untold U.S. (ICE) in Cleveland. tourist destination. An important factor of political and military instability finally will taxpayer dollars have been spent on this be removed from Crimea.” Shortly afterwards a three-judge panel case, which resulted in an acquittal in of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals grant- Israel. He told CNN that if his father were ed a stay until it could further consider – Oleh Shamshur, ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, in a letter to the guilty of anything Israel would not have editor of The Washington Post published on February 17. The letter was written in Mr. Demjanjuk’s motion to reopen the let him go free. case that ordered his deportation. As a response to the February 9 article “Status of Crimea hangs over Russia, Ukraine” by Joshua Kucera. result, Mr. Demjanjuk was released, arriv- (Continued on page 22) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM UNA organizing report for the year 2008 by Christine E. Kozak UNA National Secretary The Ukrainian National Association annually recognizes and awards those individuals who have achieved a certain level of excellence in selling UNA life and/or annuity prod- ucts. It is their hard work, persistence and dedication that enable the UNA to support its official weekly newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, which are available to members and non-members alike. The sale of life insurance and annuities also helps support the Ukrainian Heritage Center at Soyuzivka available to all where many take advantage of vacationing in the beautiful and serene surroundings in the Catskill region of New York State. Members and non-members from all walks of life, from South America, Europe and Canada, have taken the opportunity to attend the children’s camps, teens’ camps and dance workshops, as well as professionals’ and seniors’ con- ferences and reunions. Lubov Streletsky Valentina Kaploun Stefanie Hawryluk The UNA also supports many Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian organizations, awards scholarships and achieve a steady growth in its premium and annuity business into the next category of prizes. Each and every partici- provides special benefits to its members. for 2008. Total premium income for 2008 was $12,741,403, pant was a winner, and prizes were awarded accordingly, The UNA’s sales force is multi-faceted from traditional an increase of 195 percent over the 2007 income of whether a secretary or organizer sold one policy or 10. branch secretaries selling locally, to independent agents and $4,317,785. We are extremely proud of the following branch secre- to professional agents working at the UNA Home Office. New business in 2008 included 200 life insurance poli- taries and organizers: cies, for $2,523,000 in face amount with a total annual pre- Each group compliments the other, helping the UNA to PLATINUM WINNER mium of $146,879. The 20-Payment Life plan continues to Organizers’ Report be the most popular in terms of the number of policies sold. Lubov Streletsky, advisor, UNA General Assembly, sec- By Annual Premium As indicated by its name, this is a whole life product that is retary, Br. 10 1/1/08 - 12/31/08 paid up in 20 annual payments. This permanent insurance SILVER Organizer’s name Policy count Face amount Annual premium has increasing cash value throughout its life and the premi- ums never increase. Longin Staruch, secretary, Br. 172 Lubov Streletsky 10 178,000 14,798.89 However, 40 percent of the UNA’s cash with application Eugene Gulycz, secretary, Br. 12 Myron Pylypiak 5 53,000 8,537.90 is made up of the Single Premium Life plan. The policy- Longin Staruch 5 50,000 6,880.00 owner makes one payment and his/her life insurance policy Bronze Eugene Gulycz 8 42,000 5,920.02 is paid up. Nadia Salabay 8 65,000 3,359.05 Eugene Oscislawski, advisor, UNA General Assembly, The top branch secretaries who enroll the most members secretary, Br. 234 Valentina Kaploun 14 240,000 3,294.25 receive an honorary membership in one of four UNA Stephan Welhasch 7 175,000 2,541.45 Nicholas Fil, advisor, UNA General Assembly, secretary, Champions Clubs. Nicholas Diakiwsky 7 65,000 2,265.90 Br. 13 For 2008, the UNA is happy to announce the outstanding Oksana Stanko 9 65,000 2,227.45 Myron Pylypiak, advisor UNA General Assembly, secre- branch secretary for collecting the most premiums with Eugene Oscislawski 6 55,000 1,783.10 tary, Br. 496 applications is Lubov Streletsky, an advisor on the UNA Nicolas Fil 9 90,000 1,770.10 General Assembly and secretary of Branch 10. Eli Matiash 8 40,000 1,574.85 And, of course, the list would not be complete without Congratulations to Lubov. We are extremely proud of her Zenon Holubec M. 5 25,000 1,500.00 naming all of the participants and “stars” of the UNA. The accomplishment, especially in this rough economic climate. Gloria Horbaty 4 35,000 1,471.55 UNA’s success depends on people, whose commitment, The following branch secretaries (HQ denotes a Home Barbara O. Boyd 2 20,000 1,200.00 skills and positive energy make great things happen. We Office employee) qualified for honorary membership in the Maya Lew 3 80,000 1,182.20 could not succeed without them! UNA’s Champions Clubs. Oksana Trytjak 4 20,000 1,102.40 *Zenon Holubec (Br. 358) Anna Burij 1 20,000 1,041.20 2008 Club of UNA Builders Helen Heim (Br. 121) Stephanie Hawryluk 10 94,999 876.65 Enrollment of 10 to 24 Myron Kuzio 5 30,000 851.35 Alexandra Dolnycky (Br. 434) Martha Lysko 3 15,000 628.10 Name, branch No. of Members Insurance amount *Gloria Horbaty (Br. 414) Bohdan Podoliuk 3 110,000 580.60 Valentina Kaploun, HQ (Br. 269) 14 $240,000 Martha Lysko (Br. 171) Cyril M. Bezkorowajny 3 15,000 570.75 Lubov Streletsky (Br. 10) 10 $178,000 Nick Diakiwsky (Br. 161) Steven Woch 3 75,000 549.75 Stephanie Hawryluk (Br. 88) 10 $94,999 Eli Matiash (Br. 120) George B. Fedorijczuk 3 35,000 435.80 Oksana Koziak (Br. 47) Olga Maruszczak (Br. 82) Joyce Kotch 3 35,000 425.60 Club of Dedicated UNA’ers Helen Heim 1 65,000 425.40 Barbara Boyd (Br. 381) Enrollment of 5 to 8 members Olga Maruszczak 4 65,000 414.10 Bohdan Podoliuk (Br. 327) Genet Boland (Br. 409) Motria Milanytch 1 10,000 408.30 Name, branch No. of Members Insurance amount *Maya Lew (Br. 5) Oksana Koziak 2 10,000 394.60 *Nicholas Fil (Br. 13) 9 $90,000 Rodney Godfrey (Br. 142) Judith Hawryluk 1 25,000 389.00 Oksana Stanko, HQ 9 $65,000 Vera Krywyj (Br. 174) Peter Hawrylciw 1 10,000 349.60 Nadia Salabay, HQ 8 $65,000 Stephanie Hawryluk (Br. 88) Irene V. Sarachmon 1 10,000 349.60 Eugene Gulycz (Br. 12) 8 $42,000 Cyril Bezkorowajny (Br. 256) William J. Slovik 1 10,000 330.50 Eli Matiash (Br. 120) 8 $40,000 *Myron Groch (Br. 461) Joseph Chabon 4 40,000 323.60 Stephan Welhasch, HQ 7 $175,000 Myron Kuzio (Br. 277) Petro Pytel 1 5,000 310.00 Nick Diakiwsky (Br. 161) 7 $65,000 Jurij Danyliw (Br. 153) Rodney S. Godfrey 1 5,000 300.00 *Eugene Oscislawski (Br. 234) 6 $55,000 Stefania Majkut (Br. 238) Michael S. Turko 1 5,000 236.55 *Myron Pylypiak (Br. 496) 5 $53,000 Peter Hawrylciw (Br. 253) Jurij Danyliw 1 5,000 219.80 Longin Staruch (Br. 172) 5 $50,000 Joseph Chabon (Br. 242) Nina Bilchuk 1 5,000 204.15 Myron Kuzio (Br. 277) 5 $30,000 Adam Platosz (Br. 254) Myron Luszczak 1 5,000 176.25 *Zenon Holubec (Br. 358) 5 $25,000 George Fedorijczuk (Br. 162) Mykola Kis 1 5,000 174.80 * Member of UNA General Assembly Alexandra Dolnycky 1 5,000 170.45 Myron Luszczak (Br. 379) Genet H. Boland 1 30,000 149.10 Helen Karachewsky (Br. 221) No matter how large or how small, each and every life Joyce Kotch (Br. 39) Vira Krywyj 1 50,000 137.50 insurance policy issued is an important policy and helps the Joseph Banach 1 5,000 125.75 Mykola Kis (Br. 486) UNA attain its goal of continuing to benefit UNA members, *Member of UNA General Assembly Michael Shean 1 5,000 125.75 as well as the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian Myron Groch 1 25,000 83.25 communities. The UNA would like to express its utmost gratitude to Stephania Majkut 1 25,000 80.75 During 2008, the UNA held it’s first “2008 Go For the Adam Platosz 1 25,000 78.25 all individuals, branch secretaries, organizers, and agents Platinum Campaign” in honor of the 2008 Olympics. It for their life insurance production in 2008. Their partici- Helen Karachewsky 1 50,000 74.50 was a membership campaign with a twist. One had to Total 200 2,522,999 75,873.11 attain a certain number of points in order to move up (Continued on page 5)

THE UNA: 115 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 5

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC. AGENT LIFE AND ANNUITY PREMIUM RECAP REPORT NEW BUSINESS-CWA COLLECTED ONLY January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

Name Life Face Amt Annl Prem Sgl Premium Life Premium Annuity Prem Life & Annuity Rollover Stanko, Oksana 9 65,000 1,067.45 1,160 2,227.45 23 883,368.51 885,595.96 579.26 Woch, Steve 3 75,000 549.75 549.75 15 368,337.19 368,886.94 411,552.50 Welhasch, Stephan 7 1,640.65 900 2,540.65 18 441,460.62 444,001.27 30,000.00 Non Comm 3 205,000.00 205,000.00 Ciapka, Lydia 0.00 4 305,000.00 305,000.00 Trytjak, Oksana 4 20,000 802.40 300 1,102.40 7 278,494.02 279,596.42 Hawryluk, Judith 1 25,000 389.00 389.00 15 166,700.05 167,089.05 8,874.58 Chabon, Joseph 4 40,000 323.60 323.60 2 71,909.86 72,233.46 ***Horbaty, Gloria 4 35,000 1,471.55 1,471.55 1 30,700.76 32,172.31 ***Serba, Eugene 0.00 4 28,000.00 28,000.00 ***Oscislawski, Eugene 6 55,000 1,783.10 1,783.10 2 21,000.00 22,783.10 Bobeczko, Nicholas 1 20,000.00 20,000.00 Kuzio, Myron 5 30,000 851.35 851.35 2 17,000.00 17,851.35 Streletsky, Lubov 10 178,000 9,823.89 4,975 14,798.89 14,798.89 Bilchuk, Nina 0.00 3 14,061.00 14,061.00 Romanyshyn, Basil 0.00 1 10,000.00 10,000.00 Gulycz, Eugene 8 1,140.02 4,780 5,920.02 1 3,554.34 9,474.36 ***Pylypiak, Myron 5 53,000 2,362.90 6,175 8,537.90 8,537.90 Derzko, Marko 0.00 1 8,000.00 8,000.00 Derzko, Sophia 0.00 1 8,000.00 8,000.00 Staruch, Lon 5 50,000 6,880 6,880.00 6,880.00 Kaploun, Valia 13 215,000 2,688.50 2,688.50 1 1,000.00 3,688.50 Salabay, Nadia 8 65,000 3,359.05 3,359.05 3,359.05 Drich, Maria 0.00 1 3,000.00 3,000.00 Hawryluk, Joseph 0.00 1 3,000.00 3,000.00 Milanytch, Motria 1 10,000 408.30 408.30 1 2,000.00 2,408.30 Diakiwsky, Nicholas 7 65,000 2,265.90 2,265.90 2,265.90 Lysiak, Stefan 0.00 1 2,000.00 2,000.00 ***Fil, Nick 9 90,000 1,170.00 600 1,770.00 1,770.00 Matiash, Eli 8 40,000 674.85 900 1,574.85 1,574.85 Holubec, Zenon 5 25,000 1,500 1,500.00 1,500.00 Boyd, Barbara 2 20,000 1,200 1,200.00 1,200.00 ***Lew, Maya 3 80,000 1,182.00 1,182.00 1,182.00 Hawryluk, Stephanie 10 94,999 566.66 310 876.65 876.65 Lysko, Martha 3 15,000 628.10 628.10 628.10 Podoliuk, Bohdan 3 110,000 580.60 580.60 580.60 Bezkorowajny, Cyril 3 15,000 570.75 570.75 570.75 Fedorijczuk, George 3 35,000 435.80 435.80 435.80 Kotch, Joyce 3 35,000 425.60 425.60 425.60 Heim, Helen 1 65,000 425.40 425.40 425.40 Maruszczak, Olga 4 65,000 414.10 414.10 414.10 Koziak, Oksana 2 10,000 394.60 394.60 394.60 Sarachmon, Irene 1 10,000 349.60 349.60 349.60 Hawrylciw, Peter 1 10,000 349.60 349.60 349.60 Slovik, William 1 10,000 330.50 330.50 330.50 Pytel, Petro 1 5,000 310 310.00 310.00 Godfrey, Rodney 1 5,000 300 300.00 300.00 Turko, Michael 1 5,000 236.55 236.55 236.55 Danyliw, Jurij 1 5,000 219.80 219.80 219.80 Luszczak, Myron 1 5,000 176.25 176.25 176.25 Kis, Mykola 1 5,000 174.80 174.80 174.80 Boland, Genet 1 30,000 149.10 149.10 149.10 Krywyj, Vira 1 50,000 137.50 137.50 137.50 Banach, Joseph 1 5,000 125.75 125.75 125.75 Majkut, Stephania 1 25,000 80.75 80.75 80.75 Platosz, Adam 1 25,000 78.25 78.25 78.25 Karachewsky, Irene 1 50,000 74.50 74.50 74.50 Shean, Michael 1 5,000 125.75 125.75 Independent Agents 20 295,000 2,472.65 2,472.65 Totals 195 2,225,999 40,878.82 30,290 73,767.21 109 2,891,586.35 2,965,353.56 451,006.34

CANADA Burij, Anna 1 20,000 1,041.20 1,041.20 1,041.20 Kaploun, Valia 1 25,000 605.74 605.74 605.74 Bilchuk, Nina 1 5,000 204.15 204.15 204.15 Dolnycky, Alexandra 1 5,000 170.45 170.45 170.45 ***Groch, Myron 1 25,000 83.25 83.25 83.25 Totals 5 80,000 2,104.79 2,104.79 2,104.79 ***UNA General Assembly

is also the great rate UNA annuities offer to members, as Judith Hawryluk (Br. 360) $166,700 UNA organizing... well as the introduction of a new incentive program for Joseph Chabon (Br. 242) $71,909 (Continued from page 4) UNA annuity-holders, “The Loyal Member Program,” *Gloria Horbaty (Br. 414) $30,700 pation in the incentive programs made available only to which pays a .25 point higher interest then the than current *Eugene Serba $28,000 branch secretaries is a small way in which we can say rate if the annuity is rolled over. *Eugene Oscislawski (Br. 234) $21,000 Myron Kuzio (Br. 277) $17,000 thank you. We wish them a prosperous 2009. The amounts sold in annuity products by our top three independent agents were: $1,981,625, $1,077,657 and Nina Bilchuk (HQ) $14,000 We are very happy to announce that 2008 was a very $632,650. The total annuity amount sold by our field agents *Member of UNA General Assembly good year in the UNA’s annuity line of business. The year was $6,625,649. saw an increase in annuity sales of 337 percent over 2007. The UNA’s top producers of over $10,000 in annuity pre- I must also mention the group of dedicated UNA New business in annuity premium income for 2008 was miums for year 2008 were: Home Office professional agents who have done an out- $11,151,076, in comparison to $2,551,821 in 2007. Key standing job in helping to expound the benefits and sta- elements in this revenue growth are the continued recruit- Oksana Stanko (HQ) $883,368 bility of the UNA annuity versus the volatility of the ment of independent agents, which leads to greater expo- Stephen Welhasch (HQ) $444,001 market and the economic crisis which surrounds us on a sure of UNA products in different markets; increased pro- Steve Woch (HQ) $368,337 daily basis. In order of most premiums collected with motions in the UNA’s publications: and the expansion of Lydia Ciapka (HQ) $305,000 advertising in other media, including radio. Certainly there Oksana Trytjak (Br 25, HQ) $278,494 (Continued on page 22) 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

NEWS ANALYSIS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Ukraine and the IMF Russian scholar sees possible Whether or not one supports the view that Ukraine needs to borrow another $1.9 billion from the International Monetary Fund, it was counterproductive to observe break-up of Russian Federation President Viktor Yushchenko urge Parliament to vote in favor of IMF-related legisla- by Yuri Zarakhovich ru/politics/2009/02/11_a_2940547.shtml). tion, only to see his national deputies withhold support the next day. Eurasia Daily Monitor Mr. Radchenko’s lawyer, Murad For weeks, the president had been touting the need for the second tranche of the Karikhmanov, quoted his client as saying IMF loan, even calling a special conference at the Presidential Secretariat on the eve “As a scholar, I establish the fact that the that it was his UFNS deputy, Gadzhimurat of the April 14 vote that included IMF official Ceyla Pazarbasioglu and World Bank Russian Federation is developing signs of Aliev, a son of Dagestan President Mukhu official Pablo Saavedra. The next day, his loyal deputies balked – likely on his orders. the initial stage of a break-up,” Prof. Alexei Aliev, who led the opposition to The incident has further chipped away at his credibility. Malashenko, scholar-in-residence of the Moscow’s appointee from assuming office That President Yushchenko is more interested in playing politics and blaming Carnegie Moscow Center, told the (www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/149452). Ukraine’s economic deterioration on Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, rather than Jamestown Foundation on February 12. Moscow had to swallow this bitter pill to work with her to put out the fires, is yet another example of bankrupt leadership. “Not unlike the case of the USSR, the cur- avoid provoking more confrontations in res- And while Mr. Yushchenko has failed in political leadership, Ms. Tymoshenko cer- rent economic crisis threatens to bring tive Dagestan. tainly isn’t demonstrating fiscal leadership. Rather than cutting unnecessary expendi- already badly strained internal ties to the Meanwhile, on February 11 the Moscow- tures, such as Mercedes SUVs for local police and government perks for the children breaking point.” based daily Moskovskii Komsomolets (MK) and grandchildren of World War II veterans, she is banking on the IMF loan. The first parts to break away, Prof. published a story titled “Diamond Luster: The IMF wants to see Ukraine’s $3.9 billion budget deficit reduced. Instead, the Malashenko believes, will be the Who Is Tearing Sakha out of Russia?” The government is reportedly covering up budget revenue shortfalls of as much as 40 per- Kaliningrad enclave, wedged between Republic of Sakha-Yakutia has 90 percent cent in the first quarter by re-writing them for the fourth quarter, according to veteran Poland, Lithuania and Belarus and firmly of all of Russia’s diamonds and 30 percent Kyiv political observer Ivan Lozowy. oriented toward Europe, and the Far East on of its natural gas reserves, oil, as well as Undeniably, the Ukrainian economy is desperately in need of the liquidity that IMF the opposite side of this country, firmly con- other riches. The MK story cites numerous loans can provide, but it’s worth examining the distributed first tranche in determining nected economically to China, Japan and stories “regularly appearing on popular the potential for the next tranches of a loan expected to total $16.4 billion. South Korea. Yakutian [Internet] sites and calling almost Ms. Tymoshenko said all $4.5 billion of the first tranche was used by the National The Kaliningrad region and the Far East directly for secession from Russia.” MK Bank to boost Ukraine’s gold reserve fund. Kyiv economist Dr. Oleh Soskin estimates have as little in common within the Russian frets that “American sites pick up these sto- $2.5 billion was deposited into Ukraine’s gold reserves, but the remaining $2 billion is Federation as, say, Estonia and Turkmenistan ries.” unaccounted for. Much of this money was given to refinance banks such as Dmytro did in the . No viable economic MK accuses Afanasi Maksimov, a local Firtash’s Nadra and Anatolii Matviyenko’s PromInvestBank, that are now under state ties exist between the extremes of this large millionaire-entrepreneur and a deputy of the administration and insolvent. The money could have been funneled into offshore country. There is nothing like Route 1 from republic’s legislature of launching this accounts, Dr. Soskin surmised, while tens of thousands of Ukrainians may never see Key West, Fla., to Fort Kent on the Canadian “Independence for Yakutia” campaign and border to link Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. their savings deposits returned. Another portion might have financed the state budget. In “fanning up the enmity” toward the central Only centralized control, known as Vladimir short, “the funds were used in secret, without transparency, and ineffectively,” he said. government as a defense against possible Putin’s “vertical of power,” has kept As optimists noted, crises are times of immense opportunities for reform and criminal prosecution for his numerous mis- Russian’s regions together like hoops on a change. Instead, Ukraine’s leadership is resorting to hackneyed proposals that offer demeanors. That might well be; but MK only short-term solutions – introducing taxes and hiking those in existence, and asking cask. As the systemic crisis loosens the also refers to local dissidents who insist that for loans from foreign governments and institutions, hoops, however, the decayed cask will start the federal center “beats and humiliates Rather than engaging in “ritual dances” around IMF loan tranches, in the words of falling apart. Yakutia.” former Prime Minister Anatolii Kinakh, Ukraine’s leaders should use this crisis as an On February 9 the Republic of Tuva, Increased confrontation in Yakutia is opportunity for broad reform. Mr. Kinakh has called for a moratorium on any new which borders Mongolia in Eastern Siberia indicative of growing centrifugal tension in taxes, as well as the launch of several dozen long-term major infrastructure projects as (and of whose existence most Muscovites Russia, held dormant under Mr. Putin’s heel locomotives for economic growth. Meanwhile, banks shouldn’t be refinanced unless are only dimly aware), challenged a key ele- since the late 1990s but never resolved polit- new laws are passed on establishing firm guidelines on consumer credit. ment of this power vertical. Under Mr. ically or economically. In accepting any further loans from the IMF, Ukraine’s leaders need to ensure the Putin, regional legislatures just rubber-stamp money will be invested transparently and wisely, ensuring Ukraine’s long-term growth Moscow’s “recommended” presidents and During the economic crisis of the 1990s, instead of patching together short-term remedies that might falter all the same. governors (just as the USSR’s Communist Russian regions walled up, either banning Party regional committees “elected” exports to neighbors (Krasnodarsky Krai Moscow’s “recommended” first secretaries). banned selling its grain to other Russian The central government appoints the key regions) or banning imports from its neigh- April officials of federal agencies in the regions, bors (Tatarstan banned vodka imports from Turning the pages back... regardless of local feelings. Tuva now wants other Russian regions.) Internal customs Moscow to seek regional approval for such houses, banned by Empress Elisabeth in appointments (www.kommersant.ru/doc. 1754, sprang into being once again. On 19 February 3 the Moscow-based Kommersant Fifteen years ago, on April 19, 1994, the foreign affairs ministry aspx?DocsID=1116295&NodesID=2). reported that since January 15 Tatarstan had of Ukraine officially announced that Ukraine and Russia had Although the legislation initiated by Tuva 1994 agreed to divide the Black Sea Fleet. The agreement was signed will most likely die on the Duma floor, it again banned vodka imports from other on April 15, 1994, during a Commonwealth of Independent States does reflect the longstanding anger that has Russian regions. summit by Presidents Leonid Kravchuk and Boris Yeltsin, with been smoldering in the regions as Mr. Putin A key factor that could unite a country each country getting 50 percent of the flotilla. As part of the agreement, Ukraine also would has been turning the Russian Federation into in crisis is its citizens’ right to self-govern- receive 25 percent of all other property associated with the Sevastopol fleet. a unitary state. This anger recently broke out ment and self-organization. Mr. Putin’s Previous agreements fell through because of dissension on both sides from naval com- in a dangerous way in Dagestan. On power vertical, however, is aimed at nip- mands, and this 1994 agreement was drafted after the Ukrainian ship Cheleken was com- February 2 Moscow appointed Vladimir ping any attempts at such self-determina- mandeered to Sevastopol on April 9, 1994. Radchenko to head the Dagestan Republic’s tion in the bud. On May 20, 2005, then- , vice-minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine, said Ukraine would hand Directorate of the Federal Internal Revenue FSB Director Nikolai Patrushev flatly stat- most of its share of the ships to Russia in payment for oil and gas debts. “Ukraine will keep Service (UFNS). ed that NGOs working in Russia threat- between 15 and 20 percent of the ships,” explained Mr. Tarasyuk. “Ukraine does not need On February 3 Mr. Radchenko could not ened the country’s security (www.newsru. all of these ships.” enter Dagestan, because a large crowd of com/russia/20may2005/janes.html). On Mr. Tarasyuk disputed reports by Russian media sources that suggested the fleet would protesting Lezgins, Dagestan’s third-largest January 10, 2006, then-President Putin be divided according to the Massandra protocol, an agreement signed in 1993 that stipulated ethnic group, would not let him in. The signed a law that severely curtailed NGOs’ Ukraine would renounce claims to all of the Black Sea Fleet. It was believed that President Lezgins have a claim on the UFNS under an activities and placed them under stringent Kravchuk signed that agreement under duress and that Russia had threatened to turn off all informal delineation of powers in the multi- state control (www.finmarket.ru/z/nws/ oil and gas supplies if Ukraine did not acquiesce to Russia’s demands. ethnic republic (www.rosbalt. hotnews.asp?id=452332&nt=). “Ukraine is following an integral approach to the problem of the Black Sea Fleet,” Mr. ru/2009/02/03/614914.html). Oleg Panfilov, a noted scholar and human Tarasyuk said, “taking into account the provisions of the Dagomys, Yalta and Zavidovo Only on February 6 was Mr. Radchenko rights activist, told Jamestown on February agreements, as well as those of Massandra.” able to make his way into the UFNS head- 13, “With economic ties broken and self- Specific details about the division of the fleet were to be discussed in Sevastopol on April quarters in Makhachkala. He did not stay organization traditionally suppressed, the 21, 1994, by the defense ministers of Russia and Ukraine. Moscow proposed that Russia long, however. Two gunmen broke in, rotten barrel of Putin’s state indeed risks should control strategic warships such as antisubmarine vessels and cruisers, and that threatened him with guns, grabbed him and falling apart, once the authoritarian hoops Ukraine would take the tactical portion of the fleet, including minesweepers and coast guard threw him into a car. The kidnappers told strain to the breaking point.” boats, Interfax reported. Mr. Radchenko that they would kill him if “Both the Ukrainian and Russian navies must be based in Sevastopol, thought in different he did not leave Dagestan and then just The article above is reprinted from ports of the city,” said Cmdr. Volodymyr Beskorovainy of Ukraine’s navy. dumped him in the downtown area (www. Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Any agreements signed by the parties in Sevastopol would first be reviewed by President interfax.ru/politics/news.asp?id=62243). Mr. from its publisher, the Jamestown Kravchuk and then be subject to ratification by the Parliament. Questions of ownership of Radchenko left the republic (www.gazeta. Foundation, www.jamestown.org. the base in Sevastopol would also need to be worked out, as indicated in the Massandra pro- tocol that required Russia to pay rent to Ukraine for use of the facility. Russia’s Defense Minister Gen. Pavel Grachev told Interfax, “This fleet belongs to Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com (Continued on page 17) No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 7

The things we do ... by Orysia Paszczak Tracz

Calling Vesna: Hooo! “Hukannia,” that is what it’s called. returns when all the farm animals are being The vanished village Calling – from “huk” (sound, noise), born and spring has arrived. It is still sung “If all this were divided up into private movements echoed the Distributist philoso- “hukaty” (to call out). At the end of each also in the spring. farms, there would be famine,” remarked the phy of Hilaire Belloc and G. K. Chesterton, refrain of some “vesnivkys” or “vesnianky,” There are volumes devoted to vesnianky/ district official, jerking his head toward the as well as many features of Catholic socio- the ritual spring songs, the women add hahilky. Stepan Kylymnyk’s Vol. II of expanse of collective-farm land as we sped economic teaching. But in the 1930s they “hooo!” in a high pitched voice. “Ukrainskyi Rik u Narodnykh Zvychayakh along a road southeast of . For an were destroyed, or collapsed in the world- The vesnivky (plural from “vesna” v Istorychnomu Osvitleni” (originally pub- instant, the word “famine” jogged my con- wide depression. spring) were sung and “danced” (“khoro- lished by the Volyn Research Institute in sciousness, for here, some 60 years earlier, Some economists and historians consider vid,” a round dance, not a folk dance) just Winnipeg in 1959 and reprinted in Ukraine) millions had been starved by the party to this “Green Revolution” to have been regres- before the beginning of spring – to encour- is all about vesnianky – all 249 pages of it. which my host probably belonged. sive, much as they see the village as primi- age spring to arrive, to “call it out,” to ensure The songs are classified into many subject But he had a point. An independent farm- tive and backwards – a symptom of Eastern that Mother Earth, the sun and all of nature categories, from philosophical and mytho- er, lacking adequate technology and infra- Europe’s socio-economic and political retar- reawaken. The words, melodies and ritual logical (pre-Christian, of course) to histori- gestures were just one more way of making structure, would not be able to harvest his dation. Progress lay in either communism or cal, agricultural, allegorical and romantic, crops and get them to market. The collec- capitalism. With their commitment to the sure that vesna actually did return. And by among many. hukannia (calling out by making noise) rath- tives, on the other hand, enjoyed efficiencies self-sufficient farm, to the family and tradi- The hukannia is especially symbolic. The of scale and sold their grain directly to the tion, and their aversion to both socialism and er than “vyklykannia” (calling to), vesna is “hooo” refrain at the end of each verse being awakened, rather than just being called state. They were chafing, in fact, at having to capitalism, the peasant parties were hope- sounds strange, but had that noisemaking sell to Kyiv: they wanted to go out onto the lessly behind. back. This bolsters hope for a good harvest, purpose. The call also appears in some and for the awakening of nature and of love. international market. And in America, my But behind what? Today communitarian Kupalo songs, called “hukanky” or host asked rhetorically, hadn’t the family philosophers and environmentalists, disap- The vesnianky – ritual spring songs – “hukavky,” and was especially common in were and are sung throughout Ukraine. farm yielded to large-scale agribusiness? pointed with the direction our civilization northern Ukraine, in Polissia. Sometimes Nonetheless, I wondered whether now, in has taken, have come to see many virtues in There is one distinction – vesnianky and handclapping accompanied the shouts, indi- “vesnianochky” (diminutive) were sung, a free Ukraine, the collectives would be dis- traditional village life. It is close to nature, cating the hukannia was indeed meant to banded and small-scale farming resumed. environmentally sustainable, economically obviously, at the beginning of spring, to make noise. In Zakarpattia, “hoikaty” means awaken it. “Hahilky” – also known as “yahi- But, as the 1990s progressed, the outlook for balanced, socially equitable, and spiritually to yell or shout a lot. the family farm looked bleak. Even the once and physically healthy. The large patriarchal lky,” “hayivky,” “halahilky,” “ohulky,” even “Zibralys divky hukaty vesnu, hukaty “mahilky” and “hahahilky” – were sung and proud villages in Halychyna were ghost family engaged in self-sustaining agriculture vesnu z-za dalekykh hir: oy pryidy, vesno, towns: youth had fled to the city, leaving obviates the alienation of the worker from danced in Halychyna and the Carpathian oy pryidy krasna, prynesy do nas teple region of western Ukraine, on Easter behind the elderly, the disabled and the alco- the means of production, from his fellow- litechko!” (The girls gathered to call/wake holic. There was hardly anyone left to tend workers and from the fruits of his labor. Sunday, and have agricultural and romantic up spring, to call spring from beyond the far themes. Nowadays, all these spring song the fields. Work is varied and seasonal, not routine and mountains: oh, come spring, come beautiful Then last May we read in the Wall Street monotonous as in city and factory. names are used interchangeably, and proba- one, bring us the warm summer!) This is an bly few know of their original meanings. Journal about one Mr. Spinks, who had been Farmers may form production coopera- example of a vesnianka from the Sumy The carrying out of these spring rituals leasing small plots of land from hundreds of tives, as in interwar Galicia, even marketing region. was described by special verb phrases: thousands of poor farmers in western their products abroad. The family, the basic In recordings by established and new folk “vesnu spivaty” [singing out spring] or Ukraine. By “recollectivizing” the land, as unit of production, is integrated with a com- ensembles, there are many examples of “tanky vodyty” (carrying out dances) or the Journal aptly put it, the British entrepre- munity that provides protection from, and hukannia. Zoloti Kliuchi, Nina Matvienko, “hahulky huliaty” (dancing hahulky). In neur would be able to greatly increase yields representation before, the state. Local mat- the Homin Choir, and many others sing Ukrainian communities in North America, of wheat, barley and rapeseed (commonly ters are decided locally and democratically, the hahilky are carried out after the these archaic songs. used for biodiesel in European cars) for sale not dictated from a remote, all-powerful Resurrection liturgy on Easter Sunday. So, as spring arrives – in some regions both in Ukraine and abroad. center. Vesnianky were sung in March, often sooner than others – we welcome vesna and What did the farmers get in return? About In the traditional village, accumulated even before the actual spring equinox, when bid farewell to winter. “Blahoslovy Maty, $14 per acre per year, plus the opportunity to wisdom is passed on, not learned all over “winter meets spring.” When the birds began vesnu zaklykaty. Vesnu zaklykaty, zymu work for Mr. Spinks’ company for the rela- again by each succeeding generation. At the arriving from their “vyriy,” or winter home, provodzhaty!” tively high wage of $400 a month. To his same time, as a hackneyed proverb reminds there were songs addressed to them specifi- credit, Mr. Spinks also provided communi- us, the entire community participates in rais- cally. One that is now a “schedrivka,” Orysia Tracz may be contacted at ory- ties with roads, schools and orphanages. The ing children. They are brought up with “Schedryk,” – sings about the bird who [email protected]. enterprise had already amassed 25,000 acres. shared values, not consumerist propaganda. Other companies, both Ukrainian and for- This minimizes the kind of alienation and eign, were following suit. anti-social psychology that breed crime and LETTER TO THE EDITOR The business is lucrative because, while addiction. The ritual rhythms of religion are seed, fertilizer and equipment are expensive, harmonized with the natural rhythms of sea- This evening was not just a musical retro- Ukrainian land and labor are cheap. In fact, sonal labor: spring sowing is associated with Kytasty program spective of maestro Kytasty’s music. It Mr. Spinks was expecting a 60 percent profit the Annunciation, the autumn harvest with included several works by other members of margin. (John W. Miller, “In Ukraine, the Dormition. Differentiation reveals mean- continues tradition this family of bandurists, like “Oy Zirvu Ya Mavericks Take Big Gamble on Small Farm ing. z Rozhi Kvitku” from Petro Kytasty. Indeed, Ukrainian culture is rooted in the Dear Editor: Plots,” Wall Street Journal, May 12, 2008, p. Interspersed between the songs were stories 1). village. What will become of it now that the As many of your readers no doubt noted, from his life, of the family ancestral home in In this way the individual farmer, while village is dead? In our urban or suburban April 6 marked the 25th year since Hryhory Kobeliaky, Poltava Oblast, out there on the retaining his land, becomes a mere employ- environment, traditions look increasingly out Kytasty, he of all things bandura, left us for edge of the steppe, the travails of the Kytasty ee, a rural proletarian, while his village turns of place. Soon, emptied of meaning, they a place better. This anniversary was noted families under Stalinism and through World into a bedroom community. Capitalism is will be abandoned. We can build communi- musically at The Ukrainian Museum in New War II, and of Julian Kytasty recalling his finishing off what communism failed to ties that physically resemble the village, but York City on Friday, April 3 by a perfor- own learning pieces at the dinner table. destroy. we cannot recreate village life. We can try to mance of “A Bandurist and His Legacy: Not only were we presented with a cele- The struggle with communism, to be create a virtual village in cyberspace, but it Hryhory Kytasty (1907-1984).” bration of Hryhory Kytasty, musically and sure, was savage. Italian historian Andrea cannot replace the real thing. Julian Kytasty, his grand nephew and an historically, but we were also made aware of Graziosi has written of a broad “40-years’ And so the Ukrainian village has van- extraordinarily gifted bandurist, performed his unyielding efforts in keeping the bandu- war” against the Eastern European peasant- ished – and with it, the dream of a healthy, on solo bandura, presenting many works ra a living instrument and a viable tradition. ry, lasting from 1912 to 1956. Its chief epi- peaceful and just society. It was a privilege to be offered these inti- written by Hryhory Kytasty and often asso- sodes were the Soviet famine of 1920-1921 *** ciated with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. mate moments and gems. The audience rec- and the collectivization and Holodomor of What a treat this was! We heard perfor- ognized this by offering Julian Kytasty not 1928-1933, in which the Bolshevik state For further reading: mance standards like “Nahadai Banduro one but three resounding ovations. brutally crushed the peasants. In Ukraine, Allan Carlson, “The ‘Green Rising’: The Spivamy” and “Homin Stepiv,” “Polechka” Thinking back to that evening, I am where (as Stalin understood) the peasant Triumph and Tragedy of Peasant Rule in and “Stukalka” from the State Bandurist struck by how this performance was a con- question was inextricably intertwined with Eastern Europe, 1917-1930,” The Chorus repertoire in the late 1930s, well tinuation of the kobzar tradition – travelling the national question, there had arisen the Chesterton Review, Vol. 33, Nos. 1-2 known works like “Zaporizhskiy March,” from village to town, telling stories (dumy) century’s “first peasant-based national- (2007), pp. 99-122. through words and music. That evening, Hryhory Kytasty’s unique solo instrumental socialist liberation movement” (Graziosi, Andrea Graziosi. “The Great Soviet through this performance, Julian Kytasty style as demonstrated in “Lvivski cited below, p. 19). Peasant War: Bolsheviks and Peasants, shared his story with us – “The Duma about Fragmenty” or “Muzychniy Moment,” to Meanwhile, peasant-agrarian movements 1917-1933.” Harvard Papers in Ukrainian Hryhory Kytasty” (Duma pro Hryhoriya little performed works like the risque flourished in the 1920s in Bulgaria, Poland, Studies (Cambridge, Mass., 1996). Kytastoho). “Prepodobnytsia” or a “Tropak,” played at Romania and Yugoslavia, and even far-off the undanceably fast pace that Hryhory Ihor Slabicky Mexico, forming political parties and some- Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at Kytasty would play it. Portsmouth, R.I. times governments. In important ways, these [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 CCAU elects new board members, focuses on education NEW YORK – A March 28 meeting of In 2008 the CCAU received over Ukraine build a modern democratic state, with the Ministry of Education of Ukraine the board of directors of the Coordinating $150,000 in donations, most of which directly and indirectly, though its educa- and other state bodies, supported emerg- Committee to Aid Ukraine (CCAU) was used to fund educational programs. tional and cultural programs. It is hoped ing democratic organizations and press, strengthened its 18-year commitment to Last year, USA/USA an organization that by establishing a strong sense of fostered cultural exchange between the aid and assist Ukrainian democracy, cul- under the aegis of the CCAU, saw its Ukrainian identity within diaspora youth, east and west of Ukraine and has enabled ture and education by electing to its applicants win full scholarships to the next generation will demonstrate con- over 40 students win scholarships worth Board a new generation of members com- Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Vassar, and tinued interest and support of Ukraine’s over $6.5 million, obtain an education, mitted to these goals. Miller Preparatory School. development. embark on professional careers and repre- The meeting provided the opportunity The Rukh Educational Foundation, The January 31 meeting also observed sent Ukraine in the world institutions. to review last year’s accomplishments another organization active as part of the a moment of silence in memory of former Throughout its 18-year history, the and financial reports, and to propose CCAU, offered financial support to stu- CCAU President Dr. Bohdan CCAU was guided by five presidents: Dr. long-and short-term projects to aid dents at institutions such as the National Burachynsky, who passed away in 2008. Burachinsky, Volodymyr Baranetsky, Ukraine during these current difficult University of Ostroh Academy. In addi- The USA/USA branch of CCAU Volodymyr Wolowodiuk, (Acting financial times. tion, Rukh sponsored the publication of thanked Christine, Adrian, Wolodymyra President) Bohdan Hajduchok and Dr. The newly elected members of the Ukrainian books through publishers such and Stefan Slywotzky, Self Reliance New Andrushkiw. CCAU board are Yuri Omelchenko, presi- as Smoloskyp in Kyiv. York Federal Credit Union and numerous In 2004, a 255-page book titled “To dent; Dr. Bohdan Oryshkevich, vice-pres- USA/USA also hosted several cultural other individuals and organizations who you, Ukraine: A History of CCAU, ident; Polina Vusata, treasurer; Terence and current events meetings in New York have contributed funds and in-kind dona- 1991-2003” was published by Akonot Filewych, secretary; Vasyl Makhno, and City. These ranged from screenings of tions last year. Press in Kyiv. Today the work of CCAU Anastasia Solovaniuk. Ukrainian new media shorts and art Established on eve of Ukraine’s inde- is being carried out by three branch orga- The outgoing president, Dr. Roman exhibits to a current events discussion pendence as an umbrella organization to nizations: Rukh Educational Foundation Andrushkiw, greeted the new officers and series about the situation in Ukraine. coordinate diaspora activities in Ukraine, (Newark, N.J.), USA-USA (New York, expressed his confidence in their ability At the January 31 meeting of the the Coordinating Committee to Aid www.ukrainianscholarships.org) and the to lead the work of the CCAU. CCAU USA/USA confirmed plans to Ukraine has published over 1.5 million CCAU chapter in Minneapolis. Mr. Omelchenko expressed his thanks, begin recruiting qualified volunteers to copies of Ukrainian literature for use in For further information readers may adding, “I look forward to working on help with the proposal for a bilingual elementary and secondary schools and contact Mr. Omelchenko, the new CCAU more projects and enhancing cooperation Ukrainian charter school in New York universities, sponsored numerous lan- president, at [email protected] or with other community organizations.” City. The CCAU will continue to help guage training seminars in cooperation 646-258-9217.

process, he continued, was not easy and “Ukrainian Days”... required a lot of work, courage and compro- (Continued from page 1) mise. He reminded the audience of the need fifth anniversaries of the first two rounds of for NATO to build a better relationship with NATO enlargement to countries of the for- Russia. mer Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union. Mr. On Thursday morning, a breakfast was Sawkiw acted as emcee for the event that held with the three co-chairs of the CUC, included remarks by Sens. George along with several staff members to discuss Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Barbara Mikulski the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Reps. (D-Md.), Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Dr. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and Roscoe Bartlett Zbigniew Brzezinski, U.S. Ambassador to (R-Md.) mentioned the need to continue the NATO Kurt Volker, and Dr. Mike Haltzel, Congress-Verkhovna Rada videoconference former member of the Senate Foreign series that fosters dialogue between mem- Relations Committee professional staff, who bers of Ukraine’s Parliament and the mem- played a crucial role during the early days of bers of CUC on issues of bilateral impor- NATO expansion. tance. Dr. Brzezinski argued for the United One of Ukraine’s biggest advocates on States to remain engaged in Europe, with Capitol Hill, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (second from left) meets with Eugenia Dallas, Anna programs like Radio Free Europe/Radio stated, “I am glad to see that Ukrainian Days and Michael Koziupa, and Michael Sawkiw Jr. Liberty, and noted that U.S.-Russia relations in Washington are becoming a tradition.” show signs of moving forward, but at a cost. She continued, “At the moment, Ukrainian met personally with the Ukrainian Days par- uty chief of mission at the Embassy. The goal of “mutual accommodation,” Dr. issues are extremely important and timely, ticipants. “Together, I am confident we will success- Brzezinski said, will include bargaining and I will gladly assist the Ukrainian Sen. Voinovich, who is of Slovenian and fully resolve our issues.” chips such as the missile defense shield in American community in establishing and Serbian heritage, expressed concern that For many of the representatives and sen- Europe, or a program to alleviate Russian solidifying Ukrainian democracy.” Rep. Russia remains a threat to Eastern and ators, or their staffers, the meetings proved concerns about the military outpost on its Kaptur highlighted the need for U.S. support Central Europe and about the possibility that informative of their constituents’ concerns. doorstep. The goal of a united Europe is of energy diversification in Ukraine. Iran, the missile defense shield or Ukraine Yurij Symczyk, 21, secretary of the unfinished, he said, and wished success for Andy Futey of Ohio commended Rep. could be used as a bargaining chip in negoti- UCCA in Newark, N.J., commented, “the the continued efforts. Kaptur for her work with Ukrainians and the ations. In speaking about Ukraine, the sena- Ukrainian Days events were a great oppor- Ambassador Volker observed that NATO CUC. tor said, lack of support revolves around tunity for constituents to meet with their enlargement was the best decision ever for Rep. Kaptur recalled the work of the Ukraine’s political instability and the lack of representatives and senators in Washington. the alliance and is responsible for the securi- Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland progress regarding the NATO Membership We made the Ukrainian community and our Action Plan. For the senator, Russia was ty support the alliance is providing in Iraq and its preservation of Ukrainian history. concerns visible to our representatives and most unnerving, including issues related to and Afghanistan, he said. The enlargement The United States, she said, has strong dip- senators.” the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, lomatic ties with Poland and Mr. Symczyk, who also serves on the the repopulation of Tatar lands with Hungary, but hoped for national executive board for the Ukrainian Russians, KGB-style propaganda in the American Youth Association as representa- stronger ties with Ukraine. Russian media, and the division between the The world economic cri- tive for “druzhynyky” (adults age 18-49), wealthy minority and the impoverished said, “I would encourage increased atten- sis, Mr. Sawkiw said, calls majority. dance for all ages at the next Ukrainian for maintaining a free Rep. Frelinghuysen, during his meeting Days, and perhaps we can ensure meetings Ukraine in Europe. with his constituents, recalled a recent vare- with the actual decision-makers, rather than Rep. Kaptur suggested nyky dinner at the Ukrainian American the staffers. I understand people’s schedules inviting multiple ethnic fra- Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany ternal organizations to dis- and commented, “The Ukrainian communi- are busy, but a face-to-face is more effective cuss issues of mutual con- ty in the diaspora is very strong.” than passing along a message, and we get to cern, which she said may Although not a member of the CUC, learn where exactly our elected officials create a larger impact down- Rep. Frelinghuysen’s support of Ukrainian stand on Ukrainian issues.” stream. causes is unquestionable. When asked why He added, “Michael Sawkiw did a com- Participants then divided he is not a member of CUC, Rep. mendable job organizing the meetings, pro- into groups to meet with Frelinghuysen said that he is not a member viding informative briefs for the representa- additional senators and rep- of any caucus and does not join these orga- tives and senators, and offering a glimpse of resentatives, including: Sens. nizations out of principle. the behind-the-scenes workings of Voinovich, Sherrod Brown The two-day program concluded with a Washington for the Ukrainian Days partici- (D-Ohio), Edward Kennedy reception at the Embassy of Ukraine, where pants.” (D-Mass.), Barbara Boxer participants had an opportunity to meet with The Ukrainian Days organizers urged the (D-Calif.) and Mikulski and members of Ukraine’s diplomatic corps. community to make every effort to meet Reps. Dennis Kucinich “We have a common goal before us – we with their elected officials at their respective Michael Sawkiw (D-Ohio) and Rodney are all striving to integrate Ukraine in Euro- district offices. Copies of the policy papers Rep. Tim Gerlach, co-chair of the Congressional Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.). Atlantic structures and return to its former presented during this year’s Ukrainian Days Ukrainian Caucus, addresses the Ukrainian Days Sen. Voinovich and Reps. status as a prominent European state,” said can be obtained from UNIS by calling participants. Kucinich and Frelinghuysen Viktor Nikitiuk, minister-counselor and dep- 202-547-0018 or e-mailing: [email protected]. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 9

Under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine

The Ukrainian National Foundation Aerosvit present the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka July 17-19, 2009 with Special Guest Stars RUSLANA Eurovision winner 2004 in her first American Festival Performance Featuring Special Performance with Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Dance Workshop

GEORGE DZUNDZA of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Law & Order” fame MASTER OF CEREMONIES (schedule permitting)

Stay tuned for more information... Shuttle service to/from Hudson Valley Hotel will Call 845-626-5641 be available Saturday all day through 1 A.M. or visit www.soyuzivka.com Soyuzivka Heritage Center Additional rooms available at the Hudson. 888-9HUDSON 216 Foordmore Rd PO Box 529 Kerhonkson, NY 12446 Email: [email protected] 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 HURI hosts chief rabbi from Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine by Peter T. Woloschuk literally gets thousands of hits a day.” “We are currently in the process of CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Ukrainian building a new community center next to Research Institute at Harvard University our main synagogue and, when it is com- (HURI) welcomed Rabbi Shmuel pleted, it will be the largest Jewish com- Kaminezky, chief rabbi of munity center in the world encompassing Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, on March 2, some 450,000 square feet,” Rabbi when the rabbi was in Boston for a brief Kaminezky said. “In addition to confer- visit. A large gathering of faculty, staff ence halls and meeting space, there will and students met with Rabbi Kaminezky be a mall, shops, a hotel and condomini- for two hours at the institute to discuss ums.” HURI’s work and to hear about his own “Our members have been very fortu- activity in Dnipropetrovsk over the last nate,” Rabbi Kaminezky continued, “and 18 years, the city’s Jewish community one of them owns one of the largest banks and the current state of Ukrainian Jewry. in the country, currently employing more HURI Associate Director Lubomyr than 30,000 people.” Hajda welcomed the rabbi, presented the “Word of what we are doing in assembled group, and then briefed him on Dnipropetrovsk has spread and in recent the history of the institute and its mission. years. We have even seen a reverse migra- Dr. Hajda spent a considerable amount of tion with people coming from Israel to time reviewing the institute’s work on Ukraine in search of a better life,” Rabbi Jewish-Ukrainian matters, displayed a Kaminezky observed. “In our school we Yaroslav Martsinkiv number of HURI’s own publications on have 600 children and at least 50 of them Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezky, chief rabbi of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, with Dr. the topic and presented the rabbi with come from families that have moved from Lubomyr Hajda, associate director of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. three of Institute’s works: “A Prayer for Israel to Ukraine.” the Government: Jews and Ukrainians in “Most of our older congregants are Revolutionary Times” by Henry exclusively Russian-speaking,” Rabbi Abramson; “The Lord’s Jews: Magnate- Kaminezky said, “and numbers of them Jewish Relationships in the Polish- are nostalgic for the old days, the Soviet Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th Union and strong ties with Russia. Many Century” by M.J. Rosman; and “The of our younger members, on the other Slavonic Book of Esther,” edited by hand, are Ukrainian-speaking and are Horace Lunt and Moshe Taube. looking for strong leadership from the Rabbi Kaminezky thanked Dr. Hajda, Ukrainian government and integration said that it was an honor to be at HURI, with the West.” and mentioned that no one in “Our community is in Dnipropetrovsk Dnipropetrovsk even knew that such a by choice,” Rabbi Kaminezky pointed center existed. He went on to outline his out. “We have strong ties with the people, work in the city, gave a profile of the the land and the culture, and many would local Jewish community, its history and not be comfortable anywhere else. current status, talked about the current Obviously, everyone in our community state of Ukrainian Jewry as a whole, and has a Ukrainian passport, and a few peo- concluded by discussing the future of the ple also have Israeli passports. To my community. knowledge no one has or has even sought “Ukraine has the sixth largest Jewish a Russian passport.” community in the world,” Rabbi “However, the current economic down- Kaminezky said. “According to official turn has had a major impact on the com- Jewish Community Relations Council, Boston statistics, there are approximately 300,000 munity and, if things don’t turn around The main synagogue in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine. living throughout the country. However, within a reasonable amount of time, I based on the sale of matzoh at Passover believe that numbers of our younger The city’s Jewish community has States to study with the Lubavitcher and a number of other indicators, I members will go elsewhere in search of a developed a very good working relation- Rebbe. He later graduated from the believe that the number is much higher decent living,” the rabbi said. “There will ship with the city, oblast and national Rabbinical College of America in and that it actually approaches the 1 mil- always be a Jewish community in authorities, Rabbi Kaminezky said, add- Morristown, N.J. and then taught for a lion mark.” Dnipropetrovsk, but it’s difficult to say ing that “They have been very helpful. number of years at a yeshiva in New “In recent years there has been an how big it will be in the future.” When we petitioned for the return of our Haven, Conn., before being asked to increased interest in spirituality and a He cited the example of a group of the synagogues, the request was granted in return to the Rabbinical College to teach. desire to return to one’s roots,” Rabbi congregants who owned a fertilizer plant short order. Without our asking, they also After the fall of the Soviet Union in Kaminezky pointed out, “and this phe- in the city that employed over 12,000 changed the name of the street in front of 1990, the Jewish community in nomenon has also touched numbers of people and had to shut it down in the the synagogue and new community center Dnipropetrovsk turned to the Lubavitcher secular Jews in Ukraine who are fully wake of the rise in gas prices as a result to Sholom Aleichem Street.” Rebbe in New York City and asked that integrated into the larger society. They of the most recent negotiations with “Our relations with the local he send a rabbi to head their community. have begun to reach out and it is my Russia. Rabbi Kaminezky explained that. Ukrainians are good as well,” Rabbi Responding to their request, he sent responsibility to present Jewish culture “Gas is used extensively in the produc- Kaminezky continued, “and I can honest- Rabbi Kaminezky and his wife, Chana, to and the Jewish religion as something tion of the fertilizer and the new gas pric- ly say that there has never been a problem Dnipropetrovsk, where he was elected the alive and vital to them” es made the end product so expensive that in my 19 years in the city. From my dress, chief rabbi of the city and chairman of the “In Dnipropetrovsk, our community is it was no longer competitive on the world it is clear who I am and yet I have never Dnipropetrovsk Jewish Community approximately 50,000 people, and we are market.” heard a single negative comment, and this Council. thriving. Life has been good, and our “Our main synagogue was originally has not been my experience in New York In the 19 years since his arrival, Rabbi people are prosperous. We have a Jewish built in the 1820s out of wood and it was City or London or Paris which all have Kaminezky has helped to build one of the Board for the city comprosed of 70 of replaced in the 1860s by the current stone reputations as being great international most vibrant Jewish communities in some of the most influential people in the edifice,” Rabbi Kaminezky explained. “In cosmopolitan centers.” Ukraine, with assistance from the town. We are growing, and we currently the late 1920s the Communists forced After concluding his visit to HURI, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of have several functioning synagogues, a some of the congregants to sign a docu- Rabbi Kaminezky went on to Harvard’s Greater Boston, Dnipropetrovsk’s sister senior center, a school and an extensive ment saying they no longer needed the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian city. When Eastern Europe opened up in outreach program, including catechetical synagogue and it was taken over by the Studies where he made a similar presen- 1990, American Jewish leaders paired lessons that even utilize the Internet and state and turned into a club.” tation before their assembled professors, various Jewish communities in the United staff and students. States with emerging Jewish communities At the session, the only discordant note in the region. Boston was paired with Saturday, April 25, 2009 was introduced during the question period Dnipropetrovsk, Baltimore was paired 7 p.m. when internationally noted Russian and with Odesa, and Chicago was paired with Eurasian scholar Prof. Marshall Goldman Kyiv. Varnar Hall, Oakland University asked if the downturn in the Ukrainian In addition to significant financial aid, Auburn Hills, Mich. economy “would be blamed on Jewish the Boston community has helped pro- businessmen and will the Jewish commu- vide medical assistance, social services The Ukrainian Arts Society is presenting “Catch-86,” written by Taras nity ... be made scapegoats as they have and an ongoing outreach program. Berezowsky and directed by Emily Campbell. This one-man presentation in Ukraine in the past?” Community leaders from Dnipropetrovsk communicates the effects of the Chornobyl tragedy on the people of A native of Kfar Chabad, Israel, Rabbi were also brought to Boston for training Kaminezky, 44, was born of parents who in community outreach and also in com- Ukraine. had emigrated from the Soviet Union. He munity fundraising and philanthropy. completed his basic religious and secular Rabbi Kaminezky and his wife have Tickets: Patron $50, Sponsor $25, adults $20, seniors $15, students $10. education (cheder and yeshiva) in Israel seven children – five daughters and two and at the age of 16 came to the United sons. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 11

Nor did she comment on whether the Yushchenko met with Prime Minister Battle among... Cabinet resolution would satisfy the IMF, Tymoshenko, Mr. Lytvyn, Ms. (Continued from page 1) stating “difficult decisions were approved Pazarbasioglu, National Bank of Ukraine payments toward a mandatory state pension which are oriented towards mking the future Chair Volodymyr Stelmakh, Parliamentary insurance program. The third law also more optimistic.” Financial and Banking Chair Mykola required determining the value of one year “I can’t comment now on the specifics of Azarov and Pablo Saavedra, the acting of insurance service and the procedure for the approved decisions,” Ms. Pazarbasioglu director of the World Bank for Belarus, determining pensions for working pension- said. “We will still discuss them with the Moldova and Ukraine. ers. representatives of the government. But it’s “I turn to all political forces with the In their defense, the Our Ukraine deputies now obvious that the government did every- request to support these bills which will be introduced and reviewed in Parliament loyal to President Yushchenko claimed the thing to renew the financial balance of the two most important government institutions tomorrow. We are faced with the fact that, Tymoshenko Bloc had ignored their requests – the State Pension Fund and Naftohaz.” unfortunately, systemic economic steps for amendments to the legislation, which The prime minister is in a difficult situa- which were supposed to be taken are not they claimed was damaging to Ukraine’s tion because the resolutions are insufficient employed. In essence, a technical response small and middle business, and lacked the and she can’t muster enough support to pass is demanded from us,” Mr. Yushchenko stat- necessary systemic changes to the budget. the necessary laws to satisfy the IMF. She ed. “No political arguments are driving us,” Zenon Zawada admitted that her parliamentary faction, Afterwards, the president distanced him- said Kseniya Liapina of Our Ukraine. “Let Kyiv economist Dr. Oleh Soskin which leads the de facto coalition, won’t self from the vote, laying full blame on the the pope of Rome call us to vote on a bill – believes President Viktor Yushchenko bother re-introducing IMF legislation in prime minister for failing to get the legisla- that won’t change its essence. We are exclu- ordered his loyalists in Parliament to Parliament. tion passed. sively driven by concerns about how this undermine the April 14 vote on IMF- But Ms. Tymoshenko and her govern- “The country has a Parliament with a will affect Ukraine’s economy.” related legislation. ment aren’t entirely victims and deserve coalition, which formed the Cabinet of “I have been explaining for half a year blame as well, observers said, considering Ministers and selected a prime minister,” now, for example, how changes to the law recapitalize first-category banks that have the IMF is still waiting for the Ukrainian Mr. Yushchenko said. “The coalition, the on ensuring pensions will lead to a result fallen under its administration, she government to pass an amended 2009 bud- prime minister and the majority led by her only the opposite of what it had as its goal. explained. State funds will be used to return get with a reduced deficit. are responsible for the voting. The will was A law is introduced with the goal of increas- frozen bank deposits. While the officially stated budget deficit found to gather signatures to appoint posts, ing revenues, but more than a million small “We approved those positions that bal- is about $3.9 billion, Kyiv economist Oleh but not to gather votes for necessary deci- businessmen, after additional burdens are ance the financial plan, which had to have Soskin estimated its real value at $6 billion, sions.” placed on them, simply will switch from been passed today by the Verkhovna Rada,” taking into account a projected $1.1 billion The lack of support from Presidential legal status to illegal and will stop paying Ms. Tymoshenko said. “We found the legal in privatization revenues that are unlikely Secretariat loyalists in the April 14 vote is an any taxes. And local budgets, and the state opportunities to do this with government and other factors. attempt to undermine Ms. Tymoshenko’s budget, will suffer large losses,” she said. resolutions.” “It’s still not clear whether the IMF will government and blame the crisis on her All the Cabinet resolutions were geared Yet, Cabinet resolutions are only sup- extend the second tranche,” said Dr. Soskin, political force rather working together, Dr. toward increasing government revenues at posed to guide and regulate what the minis- director of the Institute of Society Soskin commented. Claims that Our the expense of cuts in non-social expendi- tries do and don’t carry the same overarch- Transformation. “Restricting the expendi- Ukraine national deputies acted without the tures, the prime minister noted. ing authority as laws passed by Parliament, tures of state budget is a key condition, and president’s consent to undermine the vote The resolutions covered the Naftohaz said Ivan Lozowy, a Kyiv lawyer. “She [the Tymoshenko doesn’t want to do that. She aren’t credible, he added. deficit, ensured equal conditions for all con- prime minister] thinks she did something said she will reduce the deficit with reve- It’s clear that President Yushchenko tributors to the Pension Fund and increased legally effective, but I seriously doubt that,” nues, but she has no other resources.” “thinks one thing, says another and does a prices for electricity and natural gas for well- he said. In fact, her government is attempting to third thing,” Dr. Soskin said. “They are all off citizens who live in large private homes IMF Mission Chief in Ukraine Ceyla cover up a 40 percent shortfall in govern- trying to undermine each other. We need to and can afford using large amounts of elec- Pazarbasioglu declined to comment on ment revenues during the first quarter, Mr. urgently change everything in politics,” he tricity, said Ms. Tymoshenko. whether the IMF would decide to postpone Lozowy said, and this also is frustrating said, citing the immediate need to replace Another resolution will launch coopera- the second tranche and merge it with the IMF authorities. closed-list voting in the country’s elections tion with the National Bank of Ukraine to planned third tranche of $3.75 billion. On the eve of the failed vote, President with open lists. Summer Camp Dates and Information Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp Session 1: July 19 to 24 $160 per week per child staying on premises Session 2: July 26 to 31 $200 per week per child staying off premises A returning favorite for children age 4 to 7. Campers will be exposed to the Tennis Camp Ukrainian heritage through daily activities such as dance, song, storytelling, June 21 to July 2 $675 UNA member $725 non-member crafts and games. Children will walk away with an expanded knowledge of Kicks off the summer with 2 weeks of intensive tennis instruction and com- Ukrainian folk culture and language, as well as new and lasting friendships petitive play, for boys and girls age 10-18, under the direction of Mr. George with other children of Ukrainian heritage. Sawchak. Attendance will be limited to 45 students. Discovery Camp Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop July 19 to 25 $400 UNA member $450 non-member July 5 to July 18 $950 UNA member $1,000 non-member Sleep-away camp for children age 8-15 filled with outdoor activities, sports, Vigorous 2-week dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers age and arts and crafts designed to enhance the Ukrainian cultural experience. 16 and up under the direction of the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Foundation, culminating with performances on stage at our Ukrainian Ukrainian Chornomorska Sitch Sports Camp Cultural Festival. (Additional information http://www.syzokryli.com) Session 1: July 26 to August 1 $395 per week Session 2: August 2 to 8 Tabir Ptashat 40th annual sports camp run by the Ukrainian Athletic-Educational Session 1: June 28 to July 5 Association Chornomorska Sitch for campers age 6- 17. The camp will Session 2: July 5 to July 11 focus on soccer, tennis, volleyball and swimming, and is perfect for any Ukrainian Plast camp (tabir) for children age 4-7 accompanied by their par- sports enthusiast. Please contact Mrs. Marika Bokalo at 908-851-0617 or ents. To register child please watch for registration form appearing February e-mail [email protected] for application and additional 27, March 6, April 3 in Svoboda, March 1, March 8, April 5 in The Ukrainian information. Weekly. For further information please contact Mrs. Neonila Sochan at 973-984-7456. Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Camp Session 1: July 26 to August 8 $950 UNA member Exploration Day Camp Session 2: August 9 to 22 $1,000 non-member Session 1: June 29 to July 3 $150 per week per child or $35 per day per child Directed by Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych (daughter of Roma Pryma Session 2: July 6 to 10 Bohachevsky), this camp is for children and teens age 8-16, and offers A day camp for boys and girls age 7-10, with five hours of supervised fun expert instruction for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Each daily. session ends with a grand recital. Attendance will be limited to 60 students.

12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 Ukrainian pro sports update by Ihor Stelmach

Sexy ad campaign boosts career of Bondarenko, from aspiring professional basketball player to coach/mentor autograph session with Fesenko. He admitted he did not Leading campers in workout was Jazzman Fesenko, when he participated in an instructional camp in St. George, have the time to follow the winning ways of Jazz teammates Struggling in Milan return is Andriy Shevchenko. Utah. More than 200 members of the Junior Jazz Program and Deron Williams, who had played and It’s the latest sports features on a trio named -enko! were put through their paces by the second-year Ukrainian. contributed to the gold medal performance of Team U.S.A. A fun time was had by all at the camp held at the Dixie at the Bejing Olympics. Middle School gym. “I’m doing these camps for the kids, and I need to get Alona is Miss K-Swiss In a dramatic role reversal, Fesenko played Coach Sloan some sleep,” he said in explaining his time limitations on Perusing periodicals and surfing the Internet are two for a day, directing floor exercises, drills and free-throw television viewing. prime time-killers for a sports enthusiast. Stumbling on a shooting. He demonstrated basic basketball techniques for Fesenko’s inaugural NBA season saw him make three professional Ukrainian athlete featured in a prominent major the large gathering of avid youngsters, who eagerly listened trips between the parent Jazz and the Developmental advertising campaign is pure heaven for a Ukrainian sports and responded with their running, jumping and shooting. League’s Utah Flash. He said he hopes to stick with the Jazz journalist. Thank you, very much K-Swiss! “He’s tough, but I find his workouts useful,” Fesenko told for the entire 2008-2009 season. “Now I understand My first reaction to the sexy advertisement for tennis the assembled crowd, one of whom was Tom Zalewski of American basketball, and I know all the rules,” Fesenko shoes (after a series of double and triple takes) was, “Wow.” The Spectrum & Daily News. “Whenever (coach Sloan) said. “This year, I want to make the team and stay there.” Could it be? Wow, it really is... Ukrainian tennis star Alona smiles, I get nervous,” Fesenko added. Bondarenko. What a phenomenal personal achievement, to On-court drills run by Fesenko centered on fostering Shevchenko’s return to Milan say nothing about the tremendous exposure (no pun intend- teamwork and coordination – the theme was to play hard, Andriy Shevchenko’s eventual return to Milan was hailed ed) for Ukrainians all over the world. (Move over, Anna but have fun. There were movement exercises and several by some experts as a bit of a surprise, given the team’s pur- Kournikova, you must now share the stage with a Ukrainian different drills for the competing groups of campers. Losing chase of Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho from Barcelona in tennis personality.) groups were forced to do five push-ups, which, though not the middle of 2008. Nonetheless, a series of disappointing The “Keep It Pure” ad campaign features the trademark fun, were hardly a big deal. developments (two injuries and poor play by a third for- K-Swiss bars blocking only Bondarenko’s legs and lower The atmosphere throughout was quite loose and very fun. ward) created a critical need for back-up help, and half. A second Alona photo/advertisement with the same When it came time for free-throw shooting drills, few were Shevchenko was tabbed as a reinforcement. Upon arriving layout, presented a whole new dimension of interpretation. successful. Each camper was given one attempt, with only in Milan he simply stated the obvious in an interview with This one is an action shot with a stronger indication that the five youngsters making their first try. Of these five, only one the club’s official website: “I’m so very happy to be here.” advertisement is for actual athletic gear, as the tennis player camper went on to also make his second attempt. The international soccer star was loudly welcomed back is depicted following through on a swing. This time the The prize for 12-year-old Lance Marks was a mini game into the A.C. Milan family by Vice-President Adriano K-Swiss bars are blocking Bondarenko from the waist up of one-on-one with the 7-foot Fesenko. Marks only had to Galliani and club owner (and huge Sheva supporter) Silvio and the slogan (“Keep It Pure”) is blazed right across the hit a single hoop to win, while Fesenko needed to make Berlusconi. The club’s fandom and thousands of very bottom of the stomach area. This is rather eye-catching three. Fesenko hit two quick baskets, but then misfired from Shevchenko loyalists celebrated the news of his return to the because of the tennis dress Alona is wearing. In the fore- in close. Young Lance hit a mid-range jumper which clanged San Siro. The move was criticized by Assistant Coach ground of the second ad is a still shot of Bondarenko in a off the rim twice before somehow falling through the cylin- Alessandro Costacurta. sports bra top with the K-Swiss bars plastered over her der as the crowd roared in appreciation of the upset. On August 31, 2008, Shevchenko debuted in a 2-1 loss to entire upper half, her face slightly averted. Said young Marks in speaking with Zulewski: “I was Bologna. On October 2, 2008, Shevchenko scored his first Men’s tennis player Tommy Haas and the aforemen- kind of scared. He’s 7 feet and I’m only 4-foot-11. He did goal in a UEFA Cup match against Zurich, a 1-0 victory. tioned Kournikova are also part of this major K-Swiss stuff me a lot. I found out about some new workouts I Since then, playing in 18 additional games for A.C.Milan, advertising program to increase their market share in the haven’t done before.” Shevchenko has only one other goal. tennis shoes/tennis accessories sporting goods business. The city of St. George is home to a Junior Jazz program When Shevchenko re-signed with Milan in the summer Keeping it pure... that has over 800 members. St. George played host to the of 2008, the expectations were lofty for the striker who had fifth annual one-day camp visited by a Jazz player. Fesenko coaches camp kids tallied 127 goals in 208 matches between 1999 and 2006. Youth and adult sports director for the city of St. George, Unfortunately, his unproductive stint at Chelsea appears to Ukrainian hoopster Kyrylo Fesenko is dealing with and Rosy Rosander, raved about the super turnout. “We didn’t have stuck with him in Milan. This lack of goal production overcoming many challenges in his rookie campaign with know who would come or when. There could have been a and poor play has led to many questions about whether he the . One of the biggest challenges was learning trade,” he said. “We couldn’t put any ads in school, so we still has the ability to perform at the highest levels of the NBA ropes with his tough coach, Jerry Sloan. had to hit the phones and put ads in the paper.” On a mid-August afternoon in 2008, Fesenko switched The camp event ended with a question-and-answer plus (Continued on page 13) No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 13 Ukrainian American figure skater competes in Ukraine’s Junior Nationals PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Matej Silecky, 14, requirements are met. of Verona, N.J., is an aspiring professional As this was the last big competition of figure skater, who competed at Ukraine’s the season, Mr. Silecky wanted to put on his Junior Nationals on January 28-30. best performance, but unfortunately his Each skating federation (country), and body was not up to the challenge, as he the International Skating Union (ISU), fought back injuries and the flu. He finished have various rules regarding competing in in seventh place. Mr. Silecky wanted to events for other countries, making it possi- compete in Ukraine because of his ble to compete in more than one national Ukrainian ancestry, and had spent his early competition, once the national-level childhood schooling in Ukraine. Mr. Silecky’s father has lived and worked in Ukraine since 1992. The young athlete’s training regimen includes an hour of skate time in the morn- ing, followed by two more hours in the afternoon and an hour at the gym. “I try not to think about how busy my schedule is because that’s when I start to procrastinate with my school work,” the teenager told the Verona-Cedar Grove Times. “I just do it and don’t think twice.” Mr. Silecky skates at Floyd Hall Arena at Montclair State University in Montclair, Nadya Wasylko N.J., and has participated in the U.S. quali- Matej Silecky skates for the camera during a photo shoot in New York. fying system for the past five years, advanc- ing to the U.S. Junior Nationals three times. part of that.” little crushed after sectionals because I To accommodate the young man’s hectic Mr. Silecky is the 2009 North Atlantic thought that I deserved to make it through,” schedule, Mr. Silecky’s mother, Julie Parker Novice Regional Champion, and was he told the Verona-Cedar Grove Times. Silecky, thought it would be best for a dis- among the top skaters at the sectional com- “Things work out the way they do for a rea- tance education program. Mr. Silecky is petitions. His performance at the sectionals son. Life is full of second chances – you just enrolled at the Laurel Springs Gifted and earned him a second alternate spot for the have to be ready for them.” Talented Academy. national competition, which concluded on Mr. Silecky hopes to one day compete in “We know that you can only do this [fig- January 25. the Olympics, but feels there is much more ure skating] for a certain number of years,” But Mr. Silecky is optimistic for his to skating. In his opinion, the sporting event Nadya Wasylko Ms. Silecky added. “You need to have a life chances next season, because most of his takes away from appreciating the “process” Matej Silecky strikes a pose. afterwards and education is a real important rivals are two years older than him. “I was a to focus on this one event so early.

“Mr. Ukraine Baseball” makes his 52nd trip to Ukraine PARSIPPANY, N.J. – On March 31, baseball and orphanage project during (age 11-12) from orphanages was held in program. Basil Tarasko made his 52nd trip to Ukraine 2008, Kirovohrad defeated Kyiv 10-1 and Kyiv, with teams from four orphanages par- For example: John Kark, Ph.D., from San in the 18 years that he has assisted in the advanced to the European regional champi- ticipating, including Sievorodonetsk and Diego, recommended that Mr. Tarasko meet development of Ukraine’s Little League onships to represent Ukraine. Seven teams, Lutuhyne, both from the Luhansk Oblast, with Lydia Kalynich, director of a 100-year- youth baseball and softball programs. The with 78 children, including five girls and Mizoch, Rivne Oblast, and Kremenets, old school in Vyzhnytsia, near Chernivtsi, to programs are now in their 14th year. eight orphans from Donetsk, competed in Ternopil Oblast. Lutuhyne defeated implement the formation of a new Little Using equipment donated by dozens of the 11- to 12-year-old group. The games Kremenets 12-8. League in Ukraine and the first in the leagues in the United States, Ukraine’s 5- to were sponsored by Hertz-Ukraine, which The lead sponsor for this event was the Chernihiv Oblast. Ms. Kalynich explained 18-year-olds dream of playing for the cham- provided transportation for the team from Kyiv Lions Club; support came also from that the teachers are ready and the children pionships in Ukraine and other parts of Kirovohrad to Kutno, Poland. the McQuillen Family, the Liddle Family are eager to play baseball. This will provide Europe, as well as in the U.S. at eight differ- At the European championships, and Little League Baseball Inc. the students with a way to keep the children ent World Series sites. Kirovohrad won four games and lost two by The European Baseball Qualifier busy and combat the negative influences of Last year, there were 18 separate leagues a total of three runs, and just missed the Championships for Cadets (age 13-15) was society. in Ukraine, the second most in Europe, and semi-final round. This was Ukraine’s best held in Antalya, , with Ukraine win- In , another meeting is set with more than 1,000 boys and girls participated record at the European Little League ning the championship and all of its games. Volodymyr Malynovskiy, director of Razom in either baseball or softball programs. Championships. Ukraine defeated England in the finals 6-0, (Together), an organization that deals with Among them were children from orphanag- Another first, last year’s Big League with pitcher Mykola Kychyk from children with poor parental involvement and es who were just happy to be included in Softball Championships (girls age 14-18) Kirovohrad going 2-0, with 15 strikeouts in invites “street kids” to free after-school Ukraine’s Little League program. With the included three all-star teams from Rivne, 11 innings. sports programs. This is a perfect opportuni- help of donations, there are currently 15 Volyn University and the National Ukraine’s Senior National Team (adults) ty to develop a Little League program in the orphanages in Ukraine with baseball equip- University of Ostroh Academy. Rivne won won the European Qualifier Championship city of Lviv, but assistance is needed, Mr. ment, Mr. Tarasko – known to many as “Mr. the round-robin championship. in Tranava, Slovakia. Ukraine won five of Tarasko said. Ukraine Baseball” – reported. For the first time ever in the world, a six games and defeated Romania twice on How can readers help? Mr. Tarasko As part of the Ukraine Little League Little League championship for children the final day to win the championships, 8-1 explained that the director of a school must and 16-4. agree to add baseball to its sports program The European Baseball Qualifier and two or more teachers must be trained as flying to London in an effort to resolve his Championships for Juveniles (age 11-12) coaches. There is no money involved, as Mr. Ukrainian pro sports... health issues. Shevchenko was active in a was held in Hluboka, Czech Republic, with Tarasko supplies the needed equipment and (Continued from page 12) Derby match against Inter Milan, only to Ukraine winning second place, after losing the training. As the children grow and European soccer. succumb to another injury. to the Czech team 10-5 in the final. improve their skills, Ukraine’s national In a February poll put out by the Italian Indeed, it has not been the best of times Ukraine’s Junior National Team (age teams will only perform better in the periodical Milan News, a sample of nearly for Shevchenko since rejoining Milan. He 16-18) won the European Championship European Championships, he added. 800 voters believed the Ukrainian star was has been unable to fight for a place on the in Miejska, Poland. Ukraine swept all During this trip to Ukraine, the third by far the biggest disappointment of the sea- first team due to the selections of Coach five games and out-scored host country annual Ukraine Little League presidents’ Carlo Ancelotti, which have been heavily son to date. The former icon of the club Poland 5-2. meeting took place on April 3 at the U.S. influenced by Sheva’s injuries. All of the players in the Juvenile, Cadet Peace Corps offices in Kyiv. Other stops accumulated 46 percent of the votes, well Shevchenko really hoped to play against and Junior teams are on their local Little during Mr. Tarasko’s tour included Rivne, ahead of newcomer Mathieu Flamini, sec- Weder Bremen in a UEFA Cup match in late League rosters. The Little League program Cherkasy, Lviv, Ostroh, Morshin, ond with 20 percent. Wow, how the mighty February. He completed the intense training is the official youth baseball development Ternopil, and Kremenets to watch the have fallen, and fallen quickly. session with the squad, working hard on program in Ukraine. Ukraine’s national local talent at play. Not helping his cause was an erroneous recouping the conditioning level required teams, using the Little League rule mandat- Preparations are under way for the 10th report that Shevchenko refused a bench role for such a match. However, a left thigh ing more and more games coupled with new annual Little League Championships in June in an early February match against Reggina. injury rendered him unavailable for this key rules for pitching, have made them among for children age 11-12. Championships for It was expected the Ukrainian hitman would European competition. Medical examina- the strongest in Europe. other age groups in baseball and softball will be on the bench in a reserve role, but instead tions showed the healing process of the As part of the agenda for this recent trip be considered, but funding is needed to help his absence caused a mild stir. The truth inflammation in the scar tissue of the left to Ukraine, Mr. Tarasko reached out to make this happen, Mr. Tarasko noted. eventually came out that Sheva was suffer- thigh was not completed, leaving him out new communities that want to start a Little For more information, and to learn how ing from terrible neck pain and dental prob- another week. League program for their children. to help the Little League programs in lems, which actually had been bothering Oh, and Milan was ousted from the Assistance is needed from anyone who has Ukraine, readers may contact Mr. Tarasko, him for several days. He was pulled from a UEFA Cup, not making it into the round experience helping schools or feels that 36-46 212th St., Bayside, NY 11361, or visit subsequent friendly match against Cyprus, of 16. their school can benefit with a new sports www.ukrainebaseball.org. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

Black Sea near Georgia. Before the mili- NEWSBRIEFS tary conflict with Georgia in August 2008, CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) Russian Black Sea ships had left their base YTB: end talk of pre-term Rada elections in Sevastopol and moved to the coast off TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 Georgia. (RFE/RL) KYIV – The parliamentary faction of OR E-MAIL [email protected] the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) on Uzhhorod’s water supply problems April 14 urged all political forces to stop UZHHOROD, Ukraine – Uzhhorod is SERVICES speaking about the possible dissolution of facing serious reductions to its water sup- Verkhovna Rada. Faction leader Ivan ply, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reported Kyrylenko noted the April 13 agreement on April 6. Water to the city is switched off reached between the parliamentary majori- for several hours every day. A city resident ty and the opposition about joint work on who identified herself only as Svitlana told the anti-crisis program. “Monday’s concil- RFE/RL that officials of the city’s major iatory council made a good sign to all of water provider, Vodokanal, told her they Ukraine,” he said, confirming that politi- have to switch off the water supply to save cians are still capable in the current uneasy electricity since Vodokanal owes signifi- conditions to “give up their political ambi- cant amounts of money to the local elec- tions and work for this country.” Now, Mr. tricity provider. Sanitary Control PROFESSIONALS Kyrylenko noted, it is necessary to reach Department officials say Uzhhorod’s agreement and stop “the spread of hysteria schools and kindergartens might be tempo- over early parliamentary elections,” for rarily closed unless the situation is which there are no legal, political or moral resolved soon. (RFE/RL) grounds. Imagine, “the president is at the polls, the government is at the polls, and Over 3,500 get foreign Ukrainian status the Verkhovna Rada is under lock. What is KYIV – Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign this country in for after such elections? A Affairs on April 14 hosted the 12th meet- dying economy and continuous ruin. There ing of the National Commission for will be no winners. The people will be Foreign Ukrainians at the Cabinet of defeated, and the state will be the loser,” Ministers led by acting First Vice Minister he underscored. The opposition Party of of Foreign Affairs Yurii Kostenko. Regions and the Communist Party are Commission members made a decision to insisting on simultaneous pre-term presi- grant the status of foreign Ukrainians to dential and parliamentary elections. 431 compatriots. This status has been (Ukrinform) already extended to more than 3,500 Bohatyriova on visit to Washington Ukrainian immigrants, according to the ministry’s press-service. The meeting par- KYIV – Within the framework of her ticipants also discussed further cooperation visit to the United States, Raisa with Ukrainian communities abroad. Bohatyriova, secretary of the National (Ukrinform) Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), held a number of meetings with President leaves room for coalition leading U.S. analysts and political scien- KYIV – Ukraine’s President Viktor tists, the NSDC press-service noted on Yushchenko stated that the majority coali- April 14. Ms. Bohatyriova met with Dr. tion might be reformatted or the existence Zbigniew Brzezinski, director of the of the current one could be proved with a Center for Strategic and International simultaneous appointment of a new Studies (CSIS), to exchange opinions Cabinet, Speaking at a meeting with G-8 about the global challenges being faced by ambassadors in Kyiv on April 8. Mr. human beings in the 21st century, and the Yushchenko said that he had submitted a place and role of Ukraine in Euro-Atlantic motion to the Constitutional Court asking structures. The parties stressed Ukraine’s GEORGE B. KORDUBA for a clarification of the powers of the cur- significant role in maintaining regional Counsellor at Law rent parliamentary coalition. According to security and stability. In this context, Ms. him, there are three possible options to Emphasis on Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Elder Law Bohatyriova and Dr. Brzezinski noted the Ward Witty Drive, P.O. Box 249 solve the political crisis in the Verkhovna necessity to strengthen support for MONTVILLE, NJ 07045 Rada. The president said he believes the Ukraine’s course towards integration with Hours by Appointment Tel.: (973) 335-4555 present coalition can collect the signatures Euro-Atlantic security structures by the of 226 national deputies and thus confirm western democracies. This process, accord- FOR SALE the coalition’s existence in line with con- ing to Ms. Bohatyriova, would surely ben- stitutional requirements. After that, the efit from restoration of the Ukraine-US MERCHANDISE coalition should make a decision on the interstate commission in a new format at appointment of a new prime minister and After over 50 years of collecting the head of the two countries’ presidents. Cabinet of Ministers. Another option, in Ukrainian memorabilia I have decided During a meeting with Alexander Mr. Yushchenko’s opinion, is reformatting to sell my collection. There are old Vershbow, the U.S. Defense Department’s the coalition. “I do not rule out the possi- and valuable brochures, documents, assistant secretary for international securi- bility of coalition reformatting; the ques- prints and graphics, also maps of ty affairs, the parties praised the level and tion is about Communists or the Party of Hondius’ and Boplan’s from pace of interaction between Ukraine and Regions joining the coalition. Probably, 1600-1841. the United States in the security area. this is unlikely, but I speak of steps envis- Please call 416-769-9990 (Ukrinform) aged by the Constitution,” he explained. If Russian fleet prepares for maneuvers there is no movement under either scenar- io, there is only one remaining way out: Florida Home for Sale SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine – Russian the calling of pre-term parliamentary elec- Southwest coast in Punta Gorda, near Black Sea Fleet ships based in the tions. “The opposition is insisting on the North Port and Port Charlotte. 2 bed- Ukrainian port of Sevastopol are preparing third option, but I am convinced that there room / 2 bath, great condition, partially for large-scale naval exercises, RFE/RL’s are first two [other] options,” Mr. furnished. Adult 55+ neighborhood. Ukrainian Service reported on April 14. Yushchenko noted, saying that early par- Must sell. $34,900. 518-755-4289 Russian officials have notified Ukraine liamentary elections would be better for that 22 of its Black Sea Fleet vessels will society. He also noted that currently there leave Sevastopol for military maneuvers. is a coalition in the Parliament that lacks FOR RENT This notification has been issued every day 226 votes, which conflicts with the since the beginning of the previous week, Constitution’s stipulation for the existence but the ships’ departure has been delayed of a majority coalition. President for unknown reasons. Among the ships Yushchenko recalled that, after its forma- LvivRentals.com taking part in the exercises are three large tion, the coalition did not form a govern- ships able to carry navy commandos. ment and did not appoint a prime minister from $59 per night Three similar-sized ships are currently on within the time period specified by the patrol near the Georgian coast – near the Constitution of Ukraine. (Ukrinform) Abkhaz capital of Sukhumi – which is controlled by the Russian navy and Artek ready for Italian children Insure and be sure. Run your advertisement here, Abkhaz boats. The Georgian Foreign KYIV – Prime Minister Yulia in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Affairs Ministry expressed concern last Tymoshenko on April 8 forwarded a letter CLASSIFIEDS section. week over what it called “the provocative Join the UNA! military maneuvers” by Russia in the (Continued on page 15) No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 15

us to become a NATO member,” he added. NEWSBRIEFS Mr. Yatsenyuk also commented: “Ukraine (Continued from page 14) today is not ready to join NATO; more- to her Italian counterpart, Silvio over, NATO today is not ready to accept Berlusconi, offering health improvement Ukraine.” Mr. Yatseniuk said he believes for Italian children who are victims of the that the matter of membership in the alli- recent earthquake that struck the country. ance “is being used as a card in political The facilities at the Artek Children’s elections… In other words, we are speak- Center are being offered at the expense of ing about what will happen neither tomor- the Ukrainian government to children who row nor the day after tomorrow,” he said. lost their parents in the earthquake. Ms. (Ukrinform) Tymoshenko said Ukraine is ready to Moldova suspects detained in Ukraine receive in early May some 100 to 200 chil- dren, or as many Italian children as need- KYIV – Officers of Ukraine’s police, ed. The matter was discussed during Ms. security and border services on April 8 at Tymoshenko’s meeting with Italian the Odesa airport detained Moldovan citi- Ambassador to Ukraine Pietro Giovanni zens Gabriel Stati and Auren Marinescu, Donnici. The Ukrainian prime minister who are wanted by their country’s law- once again delivered condolences on the enforcement bodies, said Yurii Boichenko, nearly 300 victims of the Italian earth- press service chief at the Ukrainian quake that destroyed the city of L’Aquila. Procurator General’s Office. “The detain- She noted that although the Italian govern- ees were put on the wanted list on suspi- ment has declined international aid, cion of stirring up mass unrest in Moldova, Ukraine stands ready to provide assistance, aimed at seizure and forcible taking of if needed, from the Emergencies Ministry power,” Mr. Boichenko said. Extradition in particular. (Ukrinform) of the detainees to Moldova is being con- NATO membership not on agenda sidered. As reported, Moldova’s Prosecutor General Valeriu Gurbulea asked Ukraine KYIV – The issue of Ukraine’s NATO on April 9 for the extradition, which is accession is not on the agenda today, the required within the framework of investi- ex-chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, gation of criminal proceedings launched Arseniy Yatseniuk, said on April 8 in on charges of an attempted coup d’état. Symferopol, Crimea. “No one is proposing (Ukrinform)

In loving memory of Maestro Jurij Solovij

January 6, 1921 - April 23, 2007

– Liselotte

It is with deep sorrow we announce that at the age of 87 our beloved mother, grandmother and unforgettable aunt Maria Hordijenko Marko

passed into eternity on April 9, 2009. She was born Maria Drozdowska on March 17, 1922, in Lviv, Ukraine.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 9:30 in the morning at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City.

In deep sorrow: daughter - Christina Hordijenko with husband Tzaddi son - Stefan Marko with wife Caroline grandson - Andrew Marko nieces - Anisia Kowalchuk with husband Roman, children and grandchildren - Dr. Olga Maria Cehelska and relatives in America and Ukraine

Вічна її пам’ять

Memorial contributions may be sent to Dumka Choir, where pani Marika was a member for over 40 years. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

which were launched by private capital; I new governance model that would meet the At the same time, the Cabinet should President's annual... mean Euro 2012, development of infrastruc- needs and values of Ukraine, as a European get independence. The government should (Continued from page 3) ture, the energy sector, communications, nation, and provide a response to challenges be responsible for external and internal distorts the role of state finance. It presents a transport. ... of the present. policy. ... serious threat to stability of the national cur- ... Fifth. We must focus on Ukrainian A dualistic hybrid in organization of the Another essential component of the con- rency and prices. We must cut all the excess economy sectors with growth potential. executive branch was spawned, which limit- stitutional reform is ensuring reality of local expenditures and finally start living within These are, first of all, agriculture and small ed [the] authority of the president of Ukraine government. The foundation for local self- our means. This applies to everyone – from and medium business. ... It is essential to without providing counterbalancing of the government should be community. The the state to enterprises’ budgets and even to stop any administrative interference in agri- government’s authority by responsibility community should provide basic social ser- every Ukrainian family. ... culture sector once and for all. Agriculture before the parliamentary coalition and of vices to citizens. ... Second. Social responsibility. should also be protected from low-quality those two before the people; in addition to A clear consequent connection should be Providing jobs, especially for skilled work- and cheap imports. lawmaking and executive power shaping established between community, district and ... I demand allowing the free sale of ers is the duty of the government and functions, the Parliament was given authori- region. It is time to allow representative land. The moratorium, which has been ty to shape judiciary power and leadership bodies – regional and district councils, to employers. I suggest establishing a forecast imposed four times in succession, is nothing of all key institutions in the country. establish their executive bodies, and to pro- system of labor resources at the local level, but a new form of serfdom for farmers. ... Modern European legal doctrine does not vide them with appropriate authority. ... in order to balance demand for labor. We Small and medium business. This is our accept such a concentration of power by sin- The time has come for judicial reform need to encourage mobility of labor within main partner in maintaining employment gle authority. and reformation of law enforcement bodies. the country. If a particular worker is avail- and providing essential goods and services. I ... The time has come to set forth clear Regaining citizens’ confidence in the courts able in the range of even tens of kilometers, am speaking now about nearly 4 million of and fair criteria for distribution of power. is a matter of outmost significance for the he must be offered the job. ... the most economically active citizens. It is The world has already worked out the state. ... The next thing is restoration of justice in they, who are able to quickly adapt to the appropriate models that should be imple- The next step is fundamental reformation social protection. ... At the same time I new conditions, and their companies will mented in Ukraine. I suggest introducing a of law enforcement bodies’ work. Our would like to make myself clear: social jus- make up the foundation for economic bicameral parliamentary system with the assignment here is reorienting the bodies tice does not mean paternalism or Soviet- growth. ... decreased total number of deputies. Beside from protection of the government’s inter- type equality...... now I will proceed to the political that, the basic request from people should be ests to protection of the rights of the citizen, Social justice means support of the poor- block of questions. I will be brief: radical finally fulfilled – the request for abolition of as well as depriving pre-trial investigation of est, most vulnerable people. It means help to change of the electoral system should unlimited parliamentary immunity. ... its accusatory character. those who want to work. And it also means become the foundation for quality renova- The lower house – the Chamber of ... I want our state to have a Constitution tough restrictions for those, who seek to tion of staff in the government, both central Deputies – having been elected by direct that has not been created for some persons make profit on the budget. and local. vote by the proportional system would be or for politicians, but for our people, our ... Third. It is necessary to provide suffi- The existing closed proportional system the body for political representation of the nation, our liberty and our progress. ... I cient support to the banking system. It is the has exhausted its potential, destroyed the people. ... have the honor today to hand over to the spine of economy ... The state must imme- effectiveness of state authorities, particularly The upper house is elected by direct vote speaker of the Verkhovna the draft revised diately assume responsibility for the banks of local government. by majority system and represents commu- Constitution of Ukraine, which I ask to con- that are in trouble and take part in their capi- ...Citizens should be returned their right nities and regions. ... Equal representation of sider as urgent. ... tal. to personalized choice of deputies. all the regions of Ukraine (three senators You are well aware that I was right every ... I am sure that rapid actions of the state Being the only legislative body, the from each region) in the Senate will be the time I warned against unreasoned political will result in restoration of confidence Parliament must implement election system uniting factor. ... changes and economic populism. among the citizens. As soon as we have con- reform – the transition to open election lists As to the post of the president of Ukraine, Dear Ukraine, we are a big, strong and fidence back, the investors will return. in parliamentary elections and to majority in my opinion, we should keep the direct free nation. ... Fourth. Support every Ukrainian man- system in all local elections. People should national representative mandate for the Head Our goal is to make a real, big next step ufacturer, whose products have effective have the right to vote not only for one or of State. towards a better life. We are just in the mid- demand. The banking system should give another political party, but also for a specific The constitutional and legal status of the dle of the road. We need to gather ourselves impetus to support domestic demand. ... It is candidate. ... president as the guarantor of sovereignty, up. We must believe in ourselves. We must necessary to provide appropriate crediting of ... Without delay we must proceed with security and territorial integrity of Ukraine go forward. projects of strategic value for the state, the establishment and implementation of a corresponds with the mandate. ... Glory to Ukraine! No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 17 Ukrainian Free University pays tribute to Taras Shevchenko by Roman Yaremko University as a valuable resource for scholars of Ukrainian studies not only in MUNICH – The Ukrainian Free Germany, but within the European Union. University commemorated the 195th This commemoration also served as a anniversary of the birth of Ukraine’s great venue for the presentation of the UFU’s poet Taras Shevchenko in an academic most recent publication in the German ceremony held on Saturday, March 7, in language, “Taras Shevchenko and the the Plenary Chamber of Munich’s beauti- Modern Ukrainian literary Language.” ful neo-gothic City Hall. This 450-page publication was realized Among the 150 participants were rep- through the generous endowment of the resentatives from the universities of late Petro Cymbalisty, professor of Slavic Munich, Vienna, Bonn, Regensburg, philology at the Ukrainian Free Wuerzburg, Bamberg and Ulm. The cer- University. emony commenced with Kyrylo The author of the publication, Dr. Stecenko’s piano work “Prometheus,” Michael Moser, professor of Ukrainian At the Ukrainian Free University’s commemoration of the 195th anniversary of performed by doctoral student Alla studies at the University of Vienna and the birth of Taras Shevchenko are: (first row) Drs. Nicolas Szafowal, Hans Rothe, Boborikina. the UFU, presented this monumental Ivan Myhul and Michael Moser. In his introductory remarks, Ukrainian work and thanked the UFU’s rector and Free University Rector Ivan Myhul its chancellor, Dr. Nicolas Szafowal, for brought forth the importance of Taras their support and contribution to this Shevchenko’s role for Ukraine and work. detailed the long history of the study of Prof. Moser’s presentation was fol- Shevchenko at UFU, beginning with its lowed by the readings of Shevchenko’s inception in 1921. Dr. Myhul listed the works “Osiyja, Hlava 14” (Esau, Chapter works of some of UFU’s scholars of 14) and “Isaia, Hlava 35” (Isaiah, Chapter Shevchenko, such as Roman Smal- 35) both in the Ukrainian original as well Stotsky, Paul Zaitsev, Yuri Boyko- as the German translation by A. Kurella. Blochyn, Ivan Mirtschuk, Oleksa Horbach Opera baritone Petro Bojko from and Myroslav Antochy. Kharkiv performed musical renditions of In the main lecture, titled “Taras Shevchenko’s poems, such as “Sontse Shevchenko and independent Ukraine,” Zakhodyt, Hory Chorniyut” (The Sun Germany’s most well-known Slavics Setting, the Hills Turn Dark), “Iz-za Haju, studies professor, Hans Rothe – recipient Sontse Shodyt” and “Reve Ta Stohne of an UFU medal for his work in Dnipr Shyrokyi” arranged for voice and Ukrainian studies – provided a new per- piano by the composer Yakiv Stepovyj. spective on Shevchenko. He also reiterat- The assembly ended with the singing Participants sing Shevchenko’s “Zapovit.” ed the importance of the Ukrainian Free of Shevchenko’s “Zapovit.” (Testament).

access to all the bases of the fleet in Crimea. Turning the pages... The agreement stipulated that Ukraine Philadelphia-area Ukrainian center (Continued from page 6) would take possession of 18.3 percent of the Russia. All the expenditures for its mainte- fleet’s 833 ships, including 164 battleships to honor Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper nance have been paid by Russia since and auxiliary vessels. Russia would pay by Andrea Zharovsky Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper will be leaving September 1993. The very idea of a lease is Ukraine for 225 ships. senseless.” Gen. Grachev insisted that Russia also NASA and will be returning to the U.S. JENKINTOWN, PA – The Ukrainian Navy this summer. Mr. Tarasyuk said Ukraine would seek a should control bases in Balaklava, Feodosia, Educational and Cultural Center (UECC), a Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m. in the five-year lease. Kerch and Donuzlav. non-profit educational and cultural organiza- Dr. Alexander B. Chernyk Gallery, and the During the talks in Sevastopol on April President Kravchuk said the disagree- tion in Jenkintown, Pa., will hold its 29th 22, 1994, Gen. Grachev and his delegation ment between the defense ministers should annual banquet on Saturday, April 25, fea- banquet will begin at 7 p.m. The musical returned to Moscow before the agreement not be over-dramatized and reminded that turing keynote speaker NASA astronaut and program during the banquet will feature the details were finalized. The reason for the they had no authority in the final decision of U.S Navy Capt. Heidemarie M. Prometheus Ukrainian American Male abrupt departure by the Russian delegation the matter, which was in the hands of the Stefanyshyn-Piper. Chorus under the direction of Roman was the division of the Sevastopol base, presidents of Ukraine and Russia. “The del- The UECC will honor Capt. Stefanyshyn- Kucharskyy. with its housing, repair facilities and associ- egations were to prepare the documents; the Piper for her shining example to youth in the Tickets for the banquet are $100 for ated machinery. According to Ukraine’s political decision is for the presidents,” he Ukrainian American community and for her UECC members; $125 for UECC non- First Vice-Minister of Defense Gen. Ivan said. many achievements. She is one of only a members. For additional information readers Bizhan, Russia demanded that all compo- few women astronauts to lead space walks may call the UECC office at 215-663-1166. nents at the Sevastopol base be turned over Source: “Ukraine, Russia agree to split outside the space shuttle. Her most recent The UECC is located at 700 Cedar Road, to Russia, that Ukraine’s navy relocate to Black Sea Fleet,” by Roman Woronowycz, flight in orbit was on November 14-30, Jenkintown, PA 19046; e-mail, contact@ Odesa and Ochakiv, and that Russia have The Ukrainian Weekly, April 24, 1994. 2008, during STS-126. ueccphila.org; website, www.ueccphila.org.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF UNA BRANCHES announces that its ANNUAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at 3:00 P.M. at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center 700 Cedar Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046

Obligated to attend the meeting as voting members are District Committee Officers, Convention Delegates and two delegates from the following Branches:

10, 83, 116, 153, 162, 163, 173, 216, 231, 239, 245, 247, 339, 347, 362, 397

All UNA members are welcome as guests at the meeting.

Meeting will be attended by:

Wasyl Szeremeta – UNA Auditor Eugene Serba – UNA Advisor Lubov Streletsky – UNA Advisor

District Committee Michael Luciw, District Chairman Ulana Prociuk, Secretary 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 19

NOTES ON PEOPLE

scout den chief. He is also an active mem- Accepted to compete Eagle Scout ber of the Boy Scouts National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow. In 2007, for Miss Vermont to be honored Michael earned the Light is Life Religious Emblem for Eastern Catholic Scouts. BURLINGTON, Vt. – Tatiana Ripnick, a SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Boy Scout A junior at Chartiers Valley High senior here at the University of Vermont, has Troop 834 of Our Lady of Grace Roman School, he has been active in the high been accepted to compete in the Miss Catholic Church in Scott Township, Pa., school show band, and high school jazz Vermont contest that is part of the Miss and the local community will honor ensemble. He is a member of Holy Trinity America Pageant. Michael Spak at an Eagle Scout Court of Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie, As a contestant, she said she needs to Honor on Saturday, May 2. where he is an altar server and is active in raise money for the Children’s Miracle Michael is the son of Barbara and the parish youth group. He is a member Network and the Miss America Scholarship Myron Spak of Scott Township. He has a of the Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Fund. younger sister Larissa and a younger and the Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir. Children’s Miracle Network is a non- brother Nicholas. He is also the grandson He also has worked as a camp counsel- profit organization dedicated to saving and of Anne Pantalo and the late George or at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox improving the lives of children by raising Pantalo, and of Jaroslaw Spak and the Church Camp in Emlenton, Pa., and has funds for children’s hospitals. Miss Ripnick late Audrey Spak. worked as staff for Cub Scout Day Camp. explained, “The money raised is donated to Michael has earned the rank of Eagle Michael also volunteers at the Light of children’s hospitals around the nation. In my Scout, a goal realized by approximately Life Rescue Mission on the North Side of area of Vermont, it would be the Fletcher only two out of every 100 boys who join Pittsburgh, where he regularly serves Allen Children’s Hospital.” Scouting. Tatiana Ripnick meals to the homeless. Miss Ripnick, who is majoring in pre- An Eagle Scout must have completed medicine and sociology, will graduate this Ukrainian acronym as KLK) throughout her at least 21 merit badges and organized a December and hopes to continue her studies life and was a competitive Alpine ski racer. service project that benefits his church, in medical school. “As a pre-medical stu- She spent time living abroad in Austria, community or school. Michael led a ren- ovation project for his church, Holy dent, the fund-raising is something that is training with Olympic and World Cup med- Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in extremely important to me. I am a passion- alists, in order to try and qualify for the U.S. Carnegie, Pa. Through his leadership and ate volunteer, and Fletcher Allen Hospital is Ski Team. one of the many places I spend my time,” organizational skills, his church’s picnic After entering the University of Vermont, grove in Collier Township benefited in Miss Ripnick informed The Ukrainian she continued to race competitively on the Weekly in an e-mail message. rehabilitation work performed over two varsity team. This year she also began “It means a great deal to be able to help weekends by over 40 individuals which coaching. She was also a member of the the wonderful patients I see come in and out totaled over 160 hours of work. The women’s crew team at the University of of the children’s wing, and every little bit of entire project was self-funded. Vermont, and attributes much of the success fund-raising helps to better the nation’s hos- Michael joined Cub Scout Pack 861 of she has had in life to the dedication learned pitals,” she added. Holy Child Catholic Church in She noted that the platform she will be through athletics. Bridgeville, Pa., in first grade and later running on for the Miss Vermont Pageant is Miss Ripnick’s current focus, however, is earned a Cub Scout’s highest award, the “Service for the Elderly: Being the Change on finishing her pre-med studies. Arrow of Light. A member of Troop 834 you Wish to See,” another area that is very She told The Weekly that she works in a since 2003, he regularly attended troop dear to her heart. “I was blessed enough to research laboratory in the medical research summer camp programs, which included grow up with three great-grandparents for facilities on campus, interestingly enough in a trip to the National Boy Scout Jamboree most of my life, yet I was also exposed to a lab heavily staffed with Ukrainians. in 2005. Michael has held various leader- the immense amount of dedication and time “During my interview, I was actually put to ship roles as a Boy Scout, including it took for my family to be caregivers,” she the test intentionally when the leading doc- junior assistant scout master, patrol lead- noted. tor asked me to speak the language to some er, assistant senior patrol leader and cub Michael Spak “As a student of sociology and medicine, of the other workers, and so I absolutely I have spent time volunteering in nursing attribute some of my job acceptance to being “Notes on People” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members of homes, and have studied gerontology active- Ukrainian,” she related. “I now work as the the Ukrainian National Association and the Ukrainian community. All submissions should leading imagist of his research, studying the ly with one of the most renowned professors be concise due to space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch number (if growth of smooth muscle cell during preg- in the field. Working with the elderly is an applicable). Items will be published as soon as possible after their receipt. area that is far underappreciated, and with nancy, and will hopefully be helping to co- the societal and economic issues of today, it author a research paper in the near future.” is a field that is in need of volunteers. From The Miss Vermont Pageant will take helping services such as ‘Meals on Wheels’ place on June 27. Until then, Miss Ripnick to programs such as ‘Adopt-a-Grandparent’ advises, tax-deductible donations to the the opportunities to help the aging cohort are Children’s Miracle Network can be made great,” Miss Ripnick said. online at www.missamerica4kids.org. She Miss Ripnick has been involved with the can be found on that website via the “con- Carpathian Ski Club (known by its testant search” option.

and had the opportunity to do some research Earns doctorate in the archives of the Congregation for the Attention U.S. Veterans of Ukrainian Heritage! Eastern Churches in Rome. in church law The Rev. Luniw visited some of the chan- Come to the First Veterans’ Reunion cery offices of the various Eastern Catholic to be held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center, by Maria Antonyshyn Churches and obtained various papal bulls 216 Foordmore Rd., Kerhonkson, NY TERRYVILLE, Conn. – The Rev. Paul that established exarchates and eparchies. Luniw, pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic He also had the opportunity to interview the Arrival: Friday Evening, 29 May 2009 retired Bishop Frances Monsour Zayek, the Church in Terryville, Conn., has obtained a Program and Banquet: Saturday, 30 May 2009 doctorate in church law. first exarch in the United States for the Currently he is judicial vicar in the dio- Maronite Church, about the problems he Divine Liturgies and Panakhyda: Sunday, 31 May 2009 cese, head of the Presbyteral Council, con- encountered in shared jurisdiction with Latin sultor and protopresbyter (dean) in the Ordinary. Sponsored by Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc. Hartford Deanery. Over the past few The Ruthenian and Ukrainian Greek- months, the Rev. Luniw began research for Catholic Church are also covered in the the- U.S. active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel, merchant his doctoral dissertation, on “Eastern sis, as is the official Vatican division of the Catholic Churches in United States, their Ruthenian Greek-Catholic Church in mariners, members of all uniformed services and veterans of History, Juridical Status and Prospects for America into separate Ukrainian and Canadian armed forces are welcome. Cultural Development.” Ruthenian (Carpatho-Rusyn) dioceses in The thesis is divided into chapters, two of 1918. Bring your families with you, your photos and memorabilia and which are “Byzantine Catholic Churches” The Rev. Luniw completed his work at socialize. and “Other Eastern Catholic Churches.” The the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome in Rev. Luniw outlined the history of the early 2008. His dissertation defense was on immigration that left Eastern Europe or the January 22, after which he obtained a doc- Make reservations at Soyuzivka at 845-626-5641 ext. 141 Middle East for political or economic rea- torate in canon law (J.C.D.). An extract from www.soyuzivka.com sons. He used documents from the Holy See the thesis is to be published soon. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

As another key provision in the deal, magazine estimated Mr. Akhmetov’s day and tomorrow,” Mr. Akhmetov said. Tymoshenko... Prominvestbank became the company’s wealth at $1.8 billion. Meanwhile, the “I can’t wish for anything else, because (Continued from page 1) registrar, responsible for managing the Kyiv-based Korrespondent magazine, this government is fighting the crisis on hero.” shareholder databases, distributing divi- working with Kyiv investment analysts, behalf of the Ukrainian people.” Those comments rocked the Ukrainian dends and registering the transfer of prop- estimated the Donbas kingpin’s wealth at The Donbas billionaire’s role in the political establishment, considering Mr. erty rights. $31 billion before the crisis. Party of Regions remains unclear. Akhmetov has been the top financer of Prominvestbank just happened to be For the last three years, Korrespondent Some observers said his deal with Ms. Ukraine’s biggest political force, the purchased in November by the mega-mil- has traditionally estimated the wealth of Tymoshenko could indicate he is spread- Party of Regions of Ukraine (PRU), lionaire Klyuev brothers, close associates Ukraine’s oligarchs higher than Forbes ing his risk among various politicians and which has been in fierce opposition to the of Mr. Akhmetov. magazine. No one has access to informa- parties ahead of the presidential election Tymoshenko government ever since it “This likely testifies to some backstage tion about their true wealth. scheduled for October 25. agreements between the executive govern- emerged in December 2007. In his April 6 comments, Mr. Party of Regions National Deputy ment [led by Prime Minister Tymoshenko] For Mr. Akhmetov to suddenly break Akhmetov left no doubt that he and Ms. Taras Chornovil indicated on April 12 and one of the biggest Ukrainian business- with his party’s opposition politics and Tymoshenko have put their conflict over that a rift has emerged between Mr. men, who owns the Donbas Fuel and Energy extend support to Ms. Tymoshenko would Dniproenergo to rest and established a Akhmetov and PRU chairman Viktor Co.,” said Viacheslav Butko, the director of have required a very expensive price, new, unprecedented cooperation. Yanukovych, who in recent months began economic programs at the Center for which the prime minister duly paid on “I really want for precisely this gov- courting another Ukrainian billionaire, Corporate Relations Research in Kyiv. ernment to defeat the crisis and end up on Dmytro Firtash. March 24 during a Dniproenergo share- As a result of his latest business top, so that there are more arguments for In finding such new, powerful financ- holders’ meeting in Zaporizhia. maneuver, Mr. Akhmetov stands to con- a victory,” he said, calling upon the oppo- ers, Mr. Yanukovych challenged Mr. The Ukrainian government, represent- trol about 47 percent of Ukraine’s elec- sition led by the Party of Regions to join Akhmetov’s dominance over the party. ed at the meeting by the Energy Co. of tricity production – the Zaporizhia-based the government in resolving the crisis. But, at the same time, the presidential Ukraine, agreed to reduce its stake in the Dniproenergo produces about 21 percent “The main task is for the Ukrainian front-runner “burned his bridges” with Mr. Zaporizhia electric plant from 76.04 per- of the nation’s electricity and Skhidenergo people to feel confidence in the present Akhmetov, Mr. Chornovil commented. cent to 50 percent plus one share. has about 26 percent. Although the government retained its Both are controlled by Mr. Akhmetov bare majority of shareholder control, it through his Donbas Fuel and Energy Co. “counter-productive” and now steers reportedly agreed to surrender control of Just two years ago Ms. Tymoshenko Moscow shows no... the supervisory board and board of direc- Gazprom to strike back together with its vowed to “return Dniproenergo to the key allies such as the German E.ON and tors, according to reports from media and people,” demonizing Mr. Akhmetov and (Continued from page 2) Italian ENI (Kommersant, April 6). observers. his attempts to take control over Ukraine’s tion of a Russian merchant ship for cross- Moscow suspects that, for NATO, the The supervisory board was reduced electricity industry during her political ing Georgian territorial waters, are set to course to expanding its dialogue with from six to four members, three of whom bloc’s campaign in the 2007 pre-term par- generate high tensions (www.newsru. Russia is simply a means to justify its own represent the interests of Mr. Akhmetov, liamentary election. com, April 7). Georgia’s rearmament is relevance – and so it limits this dialogue to according to the rupor.info website. Those Until the recent deal, she insisted the certain to remain a major source of con- matters where it can exploit internal dis- three representatives are from Mr. Ukrainian government retain 76 percent troversy, and while its right to rebuild the Akhmetov’s Donbas Fuel and Energy control, not the 50 percent plus one share. armed forces is undeniable, Moscow will agreements within the alliance. Co., the eponymous holding company “Now Akhmetov will decide the price protest furiously against every military Mr. Medvedev follows the well-estab- and Oleksii Zakharchuk, as reported by to set for a kilowatt of electricity for the aid program launched by NATO. lished pattern of denial of NATO’s central Dielovaya Stolitsa, a Russian-language population,” she famously declared in The declaration adopted at the NATO role as a security provider for the majori- weekly newspaper published in Kyiv. September 2007, just weeks before the summit lists the usual avenues for coop- ty of European states. However, his own Meanwhile, the board of directors was parliamentary vote. “The faster the elec- eration with Russia, but on closer exami- proposals about a new European security reduced from eight to five members, three tric meters turn, the swifter the life of the nation most of them have reached solid “architecture” remain so vague that no of whom represent the interests of Mr. Regions member who controls the biggest dead ends. Conventional arms control has meaningful discussion appears possible, Akhmetov. His associates on the board generating company in eastern Ukraine been effectively derailed by Russia’s despite the numerous positive signals are Yurii Bochkariev, Serhii Bedin and improves.” withdrawal from the CFE Treaty, and the from the West. Dmytro Teveliev. Following the financial crisis, Forbes deployment of Russian troops in Fedor Lukyanov, one of the few inde- Abkhazia and South Ossetia guarantees pendent analysts in Moscow, suggests that this breakdown is irreversible. that instead of aiming at weakening Nuclear non-proliferation might appear a NATO, Russia should try to develop a more promising area, but Moscow’s wider design for Eurasian security archi- refusal to condemn North Korea for its tecture (www.globalaffairs.ru, April 6). long-range ballistic missile test left the This idea might help to reduce the mostly U.N. Security Council unable to adopt imaginary geopolitical competition in any meaningful resolution on that matter. Central Asia, but it does not address con- This indicates that any scope for practical flicts of interest in many European trou- cooperation is in fact limited (RIA- ble spots, for instance, the riots in Novosti, April 7). Moldova (www.gazeta.ru, April 8). Even on counter-terrorism, the level of Russia’s negative attitude to NATO is mutual understanding is far shallower than neither a leftover from Cold War dogmas presumed, since Moscow is confident that nor a consequence of the acute “Kosovo its own “war on terror” in Chechnya has syndrome” caused by the bombing of been successfully concluded; and now the Yugoslavia 10 years ago. It is driven by problem is only how to keep Ramzan the understanding that the alliance is Kadyrov – the key part of the solution – based on more than just a shifting balance from murdering his opponents in every of geopolitical interests, that the member- possible location from Moscow to Dubai states share the readiness to stand togeth- (Ezhednevny Zhurnal, April 6). er and defend fundamental values that are Energy security, in which NATO not a subject for debate. expresses growing interest, is certainly These values remain alien to the cor- not a topic that Russia wants to discuss rupt, bureaucratic regime built by Vladimir with the alliance; even the European Putin – but they are not foreign to Russia. Union has aroused Moscow’s wrath by The regime’s survival, therefore, requires declaring the intent to modernize that NATO be seen as an enemy. Ukraine’s gas infrastructure. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in his report to The article above is reprinted from the State Duma, issued a warning that Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission attempts to exclude Russia from decision- from its publisher, the Jamestown making on energy matters would be Foundation, www.jamestown.org.

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To subscribe call 973-292-9800, x 3042 or e-mail [email protected]. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 21

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Bloomingdale’s in White Plains St. George School students hosts pysanka demonstration pay homage to Shevchenko NEW YORK – On Friday, March 13, the intertwining of both the Ukrainian and students from St. George Ukrainian English languages, including the words of Catholic Elementary School and Academy the poet himself. The student participants in New York City, grades pre-K to 12, cel- were of varying backgrounds, including ebrated the life and work of Ukraine’s Ukrainians of the most recent immigration, greatest poet, Taras Shevchenko. those of Ukrainian descent born in the The auditorium was filled by the entire diaspora, and many non-Ukrainians of student body, faculty, administration, parents mixed races and origins, including and their guests, and the church’s pastor, Hispanic, African, Italian, Irish and who blessed the special program with a Arabic. prayer. Shevchenko’s most notable works This diversity of performers contributed were performed, including; “I Mertvym, I to the backdrop of international unity and Zyvym,” “Prychynna (Reve ta Stohne),” harmony seldom seen at the school on “Dumy Moyi,” “Sadok Vyshneviy,” “Taras’s Taras Shevchenko Place in New York City. Night,” and many others, carefully staged to Upon completion of the program, all the encompass choral singing, a bandura ensem- guests and performers joined in the singing ble of third and fourth graders, a violin solo, of Shevchenko’s “Testament” (Zapovit). vocal solos, poetic recitations and a theatri- Even the prophetic Shevchenko could cal presentation on Shevchenko’s dramatic not have envisioned the large and diverse life. family that would honor him so many WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – On April 2 Olia Rudyk (center) demonstrated the A notable difference between this pro- years later at St. George Ukrainian technique of creating the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg (pysanka) at the gram and other Shevchenko programs was Catholic Schools in New York City. Bloomingdale’s store in White Plains, N.Y. On one of the busiest shopping days for Easter in the store’s children’s department, Ms. Rudyk with the help of two other members of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 30, Iryna Hoshovskyj (right) and Areta Woroch (left), displayed a variety of pysanky and gave out flyers describing the history of the pysanka. Everyone who visited the exhibit was amazed at the intricacy of the designs, the vivid colors, the multi-step dying process and especially the symbolism. The event was successful and the store management invited the Ukrainian women back in the future to showcase other Ukrainian cultural treasures.

North Port Ukrainians conduct drive for local food bank by Ann-Marie Susla Halyna, and daughter, Ksenia, as well as Lidia Bilous, Ann-Marie and John Susla, NORTH PORT, Fla. – St. Mary’s sorted and packed all the donated food St. George school’s young bandurists. Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, which was then delivered to the Salvation Florida, under the guidance of its pastor, Army on March 30. conducted a food drive for three weeks in Margie Ducharme, manager of the March to benefit the local Salvation Army Salvation Army Social Services Center, Food Bank. and volunteers Tracy Barnes and Parishioners and friends, inspired by CaroleAnn Darrow were very pleased to the season of Lent and the spirit of giving receive the sizeable contribution of food and helping those in need, generously items to replenish their food pantry since contributed non-perishable foods to sup- the shelves were almost empty and the port this project. The Rev. Dr. Severyn need is so great in these difficult econom- Kovalyshin, together with his wife, ic times.

Packing food donations for the Salvation Army Food Bank (from left) Ann-Marie Susla, Lidia Bilous, the Rev. Severyn Kovalyshin, Ksenia Kovalyshin and John Susla. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16

TV, March 29). that Ukraine was continuing to distance and do not want to be part of it.” Russian 'national identity'... Vice Prime Minister Hryhorii Nemyria itself from Russia. Ukraine’s integration into the EU rather (Continued from page 2) (Ms. Tymoshenko’s unofficial “foreign min- Mr. Rogozin, like most Russians, regards than into NATO, whose current expansion transit system without gas, without transit ister” on her visits to the West) explained the as Ukraine “embark- drive is stalled, might be raising fears in fees, without at a minimum $3 billion dol- that Ukrainian politicians were wrong to ing on a course of splitting the East Slav Moscow following Kyiv’s pipeline agree- lars each year for Ukraine’s economy.” portray Ukraine’s relations with Russia as a world.” Russia had not criticized Ukraine ment and an imminent free trade agreement for seeking EU membership until now, with the EU. These steps make Ukraine In February 2007, Ms. Tymoshenko zero-sum game against its relations with the West. In fact, “the absence of a deep strate- because it had always been seen this as an appear as a more realistic candidate for EU mobilized 430 deputies to vote for a law that gic analysis has made Ukrainian politicians unrealistic objective (unlike NATO mem- membership. Ironically, Ms. Tymoshenko banned the sale, lease or rent of Ukraine’s uninterested in Europe, the U.S.A. and bership, which Moscow thought was immi- and Mr. Nemyria might be more of a threat gas pipelines. The move was a response to a Russia” (Ukrayinska Pravda, April 2). nent after Viktor Yushchenko’s election). to Russia’s interests than Mr. Yushchenko is, threat by the government of Viktor On March 26 a discussion between Mr. Gryshchenko stated that Ukraine as they both emphasize Ukraine’s priority as Yanukovych to create a Ukrainian-Russian Ukraine’s Ambassador to Russia Kostyantyn seeks good relations with Russia. NTV integration into the EU, which, unlike possi- consortium for the pipelines. Tymoshenko Gryshchenko, shadow foreign affairs minis- refuted this, saying this is not perceived in ble NATO membership, has popular support pointed out that, “I have always defended ter in the pro-Russian Party of Regions, and Moscow, and said it was a “tragedy for within Ukraine. the gas transit system from dishonest priva- Russia’s representative to NATO Dmitriy Russia” that Ukraine “does not want to be tization, from dishonest consortiums, and Rogozin on NTV showed that Russia’s over- with us and instead they want to be in The article above is reprinted from knew that in doing so Ukraine is protected reaction was a product of its inability to see NATO, which means that our former neigh- Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from from being a geopolitical object of energy Ukraine as a fully-fledged independent state. bors and our fraternal countries do not its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, supplies to a direct partner and player” (1+1 In addition, the pipeline deal was evidence believe in Russia, do not believe in its course www.jamestown.org.

UNA annuities are simple, straightfor- UNA organizing... ward and solid products accumulating inter- (Continued from page 5) est tax-deferred. Thus, your interest earns applications for annuities 2008, they are: interest on top of interest, and your account value grows at a much quicker pace. An Oksana Stanko $883,368.51 annuity is a retirement vehicle and not a life Stephan Welhasch $441,460.62 insurance policy, providing you with funds Steve Woch $368,337.19 during your retirement when you need them Oksana Trytjak $278,494.02 most. The UNA offers both qualified (IRA’s, SEP’s, ROTH’s) and non-qualified annui- Congratulations and thank you to every- ties. Our rates are extremely competitive one for a wonderful job done. Without your and the UNA stands behind its annuities and participation, the outcome would not have life insurance products with its 115-year his- been as positive. The annuity line of busi- tory. ness is the driving engine for the UNA, and The UNA would like to take this oppor- we must continue along this path. tunity to say “Welcome” to all of our new Fraternal organizations have existed in members and to extend a thank you for join- the U.S. since the late 1700s and early ing the Ukrainian National Association, the 1800s. The history of fraternals demon- oldest and largest Ukrainian fraternal orga- strates that not one member of the fraternal nization in the world. system has ever lost money due to insolven- For well over a century, the UNA has cy problems. If problems arise, fraternal served the insurance needs of its members socities are merged into other fraternals, thus in the U.S. and Canada, and we look for- giving their members peace of mind in ward to continuing to do so. The UNA has knowing their life insurance policies and/or always been a strong supporter of the annuities are very safe indeed. Many safe- Ukrainian American and Ukrainian guards are in place, and they have been pro- Canadian communities. With your participa- tecting fraternal society members for over tion, we look forward to continued growth 200 years. and we invite all Americans and Canadians The annuity is the only product on the of Ukrainian and Slavic descent to purchase market that guarantees you income for life. UNA life insurance, endowments and annu- With the economic problems seen on a daily ity products. basis, the failure of banks and other institu- The UNA and the community; partners tions, UNA members can rest assured that for life their annuities are earning a very competi- *** tive interest rate and are backed up by a reserve that is legally mandated by law. The For product information and to see how UNA is required to hold a dollar-for-dollar the UNA can help you, please call reserve in order to insure the safety of your 800-253-9862 and ask to speak to one of our annuity. agents.

Saying he hopes for a “thorough” deci- Demjanjuk's... sion by the U.S. court,” Mr. Busch noted, (Continued from page 3) “I hope everyone now pauses to think John Demjanjuk denies involvement in about whether we are really going to hold any war crimes and says he was a prison- a trial of a seriously sick man that could last two years and which he cannot sur- er of war held by the Nazis. His attorneys vive.” in the U.S. are arguing against deporta- He added that, if Mr. Demjanjuk were tion, saying he suffers from a bone mar- to be found unfit for trial after arriving in row disorder, kidney disease, anemia, Germany, he could not return to the U.S. kidney stones, arthritis, gout and spinal and would have to go to a German nurs- deterioration, and that he needs chemo- ing home. therapy. Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Spiegel reported that the U.S. Justice Wiesenthal Center issued the following Department reacted to the latest ruling in statement: “We remain confident that the case by saying that Mr. Demjanjuk’s John Demjanjuk will be deported and claim that his treatment in Germany finally face the bar of justice for the would amount to “torture” was a “gro- unspeakable crimes he committed during tesque debasement of the word … a char- World War II, when he was a guard at the acterization that makes a mockery of the Sobibor death camp.” terrible suffering inflicted on genuine vic- John Demjanjuk Jr. commented on tims of torture at placees like the Sobibor CNN that Rabbi Hier also was sure that extermination center.” his father was “Ivan the Terrible” of A Demjanjuk attorney in Germany, Treblinka when Mr. Demjanjuk was Ulrich Busch, argued on April 15 that he extradited to Israel. It was later revealed is unfit to face trial because he needs che- that the real “Ivan” was Ivan Marchenko. motherapy for a kidney tumor. “It’s either chemotherapy or a trial,” Mr. Busch said, Sources: Associated Press, Spiegel according to the Associated Press. Online, CNN. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 23 OUT AND ABOUT

April 23 Concert, “Beloved Ukrainian Vocal Classics,” Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, Washington Russian Chamber Art Society, Embassy of Ukraine, 215-663-1166 703-354-7354 or www.rcas.org April 25 Kyiv Chamber Choir, St. Catherine Cathedral, April 23 Lecture by Alla Nedashivska, “The Interplay of St. Catharines, ON www.ticketweb.ca or 877-266-2557 Stanford, CA Ukrainian and Russian in Contemporary Ukrainian Media,” Stanford University, 650-723-3562 April 25 Spring “Vechornytsi” Ukrainian Village Dance New York Party, Ukrainian East Village Restaurant, April 23 Kyiv Chamber Choir, Christ Church Cathedral, 212-571-1555 ext. 35 Ottawa 877-266-2557 or www.ticketweb.ca April 25 Vovcha Tropa Camp reunion, “Ti, Scho Hrebli Rvut” April 23 Literary evening with poet Andriy Bondar, Ronald Whippany, NJ sorority of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Washington Reagan Building and International Center for Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Scholars, [email protected] Jersey, [email protected] or 202-691-4100 April 25-26 St. Thomas Sunday Pilgrimage, Ukrainian Orthodox April 24 Kyiv Chamber Choir, Roy Thomson Hall, South Bound Brook, NJ Church of the U.S.A. Metropolia Center, Toronto www.roytomson.com or 416-872-4255 732-356-0090

April 24 Literary Evening, “Poetry, Prose and Film in New April 26 Art exhibit, “Celebration of Ukrainian Art and New York York,”The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 Philadelphia Culture in Fairmont,” Ukrainian League of Philadelphia, 215-684-2180 or 215-684-3548 April 25 Dinner and dance, featuring music by Fata Silver Spring, MD Morgana, Fantaziya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, St. April 26 Performance, “A Ukrainian Montage,” featuring the Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Ukrainian Dancers of Miami, Broward Center for 410-598-1425 or [email protected] the Performing Arts, 954-462-0222

April 25 Literary evening with Dzvinia Orlowsky, Angelo April 26 Concert, “Masterpieces of Russian and Ukrainian New York Verga, Askold Melnyczuk and Alexander Motyl, Alexandria, VA Vocal Music – Laughter with Tears,” Russian Cornelia Street Café, 212-989-9319 Chamber Art Society, The Lyceum, 703-354-7354 or www.corneliastreetcafe.com or www.rcas.org

April 25 First-Aid seminar, Ukrainian Medical Association April 27 Lecture by Olena Haleta, “Literary Anthologies Whippany, NJ of North America, Ukrainian American Cultural Cambridge, MA and Their Role in Shaping Ukrainian Identity,” Center of New Jersey, 973-585-7175 Harvard University, 617-495-4053

April 25 7th annual Casino Royale fund-raiser, St. Nicholas Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to Passaic, NJ Ukrainian Catholic School, 973-471-0303 events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discre- April 25 29th annual banquet, featuring Ukrainian American tion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to mdubas@ Jenkintown, PA astronaut Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, ukrweekly.com. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 No. 16 PREVIEW OF EVENTS Thursday, April 23 Crisis and Upcoming .” Soyuzivka’s Datebook The lecture, moderated by Adrian WASHINGTON: The Russian Chamber Art Karatnycky, will begin at 3 p.m., followed by Society presents a concert of “Beloved a wine and cheese reception, at the Ukrainian May 2 – Soyuzivka Clean-Up May 22-25 – Memorial Day weekend Ukrainian Vocal Classics” at the Embassy of Weekend; Plast Seniors Meeting; Friday evening: Pete & Vlod on Ukraine, 3350 M St. NW, Washington DC Institute of America, 2 E. 79th St., corner of 20007, at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature Fifth Avenue. Admission: $15; UIA members Hudson Valley Writing Project the Tiki Deck and senior citizens, $10; students, $5. For Saturday: Zabava with Svitanok, the American premiere of the “Ballad of Chornobyl” by composer Yuriy Oliynyk to more information call the institute, May 10 – Mother’s Day Luncheon 10 pm 212-288-8660. Sunday evening: Zuki & Mike on pay homage to the memory of the victims of the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster, as well May 16 – Journalists’ Association the Tiki Deck as arias and duets by Hulak-Artemovsky, ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Russian Chamber convention; UNA Secretaries’ Dankevych, Lysenko, Sonevytsky and Art Society presents a concert “Masterpieces Course May 30-31 – Ukrainian American Vasylenko. These favorite pieces of the folk of Russian and Ukrainian Vocal Music – Veterans Reunion and classical repertoire will be performed by Laughter and Tears” at The Lyceum, 201 S. two outstanding Ukrainian singers, mezzo- Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, at soprano Oksana Sitnitska and baritone 7:30 p.m. The program will feature the Oleksandr Pushniak, accompanied by pianist American premiere of the “Ballad of Vera Danchenko-Stern. Tickets at $40 Chornobyl” by composer Yuriy Oliynyk to (including reception to meet the artists) must commemorate victims of the 1986 be purchased in advance. To order online go Chornobyl nuclear disaster, as well as oper- to www.thercas.com. To order by mail atic arias and duets by Hulak-Artemovsky, (before April 20) send check payable to Lysenko, Sonevytsky, Cui, Tchaikovsky and RCAS to P.O. Box 665, Annandale, VA Rachmaninoff. These favorite pieces of the 22003-0665. For information call folk and classical repertoire will be per- 703-354-7354 or e-mail [email protected]. formed by two outstanding Ukrainian sing- ers. mezzo-soprano Oksana Sitnitska and To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 Saturday, April 25 baritone Oleksandr Pushniak, accompanied 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 WHIPPANY, N.J.: A reunion/“vechirka” by pianist Vera Danchenko-Stern. Tickets are Kerhonkson, NY 12446 of Vovcha Tropa Plast campers from the $35. To order online go to www.thercas.com. E-mail: [email protected] years 1965-1975 will be held beginning at To order by mail send check payable to Website: www.Soyuzivka.com 7:30 p.m. at the Ukrainian American RCAS to P.O. Box 665 Annandale, VA Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 N. 22003-0665. For information call Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981. 703-354-7354 or e-mail [email protected]. Featured stars: “Panteleimon Pupchyk” and Kinderhook Creek, plus other well-known Monday, April 27 personages of Vovcha Tropa. Dress code: CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard “groovy” casual. Admission (at the door) is Ukrainian Research Institute will host a lec- $40 per person. The reunion is organized by ture given by Olena Haleta, associate profes- New Jersey chapter of the senior Plast sor of literature and director, Center for the sorority “Ti, Scho Hrebli Rvut.” Proceeds Humanities at Ivan Franko National will benefit the Vovcha Tropa camp in East ; and Eugene and Daymel Chatham, N.Y. For information e-mail Shklar Research Fellow at the Ukrainian [email protected]. Research Institute. Her lecture, “Literary Anthologies and Their Role in Shaping NEW YORK: The Center for Traditional Ukrainian Identity,” will be held at 4 p.m. in Music and Dance and Ukrainian Wave pres- Room S-050 (Concourse Level), CGIS ents a spring Vechornytsi (Village Dance Building South, 1730 Cambridge St., Party), 7:30-11 p.m. at the Ukrainian East Cambridge, MA 02138. This event is free Village Restaurant, 140 Second Ave. and open to the public. For more information (between Eighth and Ninth avenues). Enjoy call 617-495-4053 or e-mail [email protected] Carpathian mountain music by acoustic folk vard.edu. band Cheres, led by Andriy Milavsky. Learn folk dances such as the Hutsulka, Dribka Thursday, April 30 Polka, Arkan, Pleskan and more with dance NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of master Tamara Chernyakhovska. Dance Being Ukrainian means: America, in a new “Emerging Artists” Series, instruction 7:30-8:15 p.m., dance party will present an evening of short films by 8:30-11 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 young film directors from Ukraine and the ❏ “Malanka” in January. for children. All ages welcome. For further information call 212-571-1555, ext. 35. United States. Young filmmaker Bohdana ❏ Deb in February. Smyrnova has organized the presentation of her own works and those of her colleagues ❏ Two Easters this April. NEW YORK: Music at the Institute presents Tapestry Vocal Ensemble in a program titled Igor Strembitskyy, Anatoliy Lavrenishin, ❏ “Zlet” and “Sviato Vesny” in May. “Faces of a Woman.” The program features Michael Rosetti, Fred Guerrier and Han Lee. works by and about women in history from The screening of the nine short films begins ❏ Soyuzivka’s Ukrainian Cultural Festival in July. medieval and contemporary repertoires, at 7 p.m., at the Ukrainian Institute of including traditional melodies and ballads, America, 2 E. 79th St., corner of Fifth ❏ “Uke Week” at Wildwood in August. folk songs, chants and selections from Avenue. General admission: $15; UIA mem- bers, seniors and students, $10. For specific ❏ Back to Ukrainian school in September. Rachmaninoff’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. The concert is at 8 p.m., fol- information call 347-581-5347 or e-mail ❏ “Morskyi Bal” in New Jersey in November. lowed by a reception, at the Ukrainian [email protected]. Institute of America, 2 E. 79th St., corner of Saturday, May 16 ❏ “Koliada” in December. Fifth Avenue. Tickets are $30; UIA members and senior citizens, $25; students, $20. For WHIPPANY, N.J.: The annual meeting with ❏ A subscription to The Ukrainian Weekly more information and to order tickets call the community convened by Selfreliance 212-288-8660 Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, ALL YEAR ROUND. will be held at 2 p.m. at the Ukrainian Sunday, April 26 American Cultural Center of New Jersey To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, fill out the form below, clip NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of located at 60 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, it and mail it to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, America will host a lecture-discussion by Dr. NJ 07981. We invite the Ukrainian commu- 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Taras Kuzio titled “Disgruntled Voters, nity to attend. Refreshments will be served Squabbling Elite, Deepening Economic after the meeting. Or simply call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042.

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