INSIDE: • Ukraine and the Second Cold War — page 2. • The Chornobyl disaster’s 20th anniversary — pages 6-13. • Interview: Ambassador Roman Popadiuk — page 14. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXXIV No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 $1/$2 in Ukraine Orange coalition stalled Ukraine prepares to mark Chornobyl’s 20th anniversary by Zenon Zawada on issue of prime minister Kyiv Press Bureau by Zenon Zawada KYIV – At 1:23:47 a.m. on April 26, Kyiv Press Bureau 1986, the fourth reactor at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukrainian KYIV – Hopes for an Orange coali- Soviet Socialist Republic exploded. tion regressed after Our Ukraine’s lead- Radiation more than 18 times the ership voiced its opposition to a provi- amount of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb sion in the coalition-forming procedure escaped into the earth’s atmosphere, con- agreement that allows for the bloc that taminating people and land throughout won the most votes in the parliamentary Europe and the Soviet Union. election to select the prime minister. The Chornobyl nuclear catastrophe is The Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, which widely believed to have accelerated the won the most votes of the three Orange demise of the Union of Soviet Socialist political forces to qualify for the Republics, and it forever altered views Verkhovna Rada, inserted the provision on nuclear energy. as the procedure agreement’s sixth and An independent Ukraine this week final point, with support from the began commemorating the 20th anniver- Socialist Party of Ukraine. sary of the Chornobyl nuclear catastro- Though Our Ukraine Political Council phe, the repercussions of which remain Chair Roman Bezsmerntyi knowingly elusive to those trying to assess its dam- signed the agreement on April 13 with age to Ukraine, its neighbors and the rest the sixth point included, the Our Ukraine of the world. Cutty Sark Co. People’s Union Political Council voted First Vice Prime Minister Stanislav U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst (left), Children of Chornobyl Relief and on April 19 to support the agreement Stashevsky told an international audience Development Fund founder Zenon Matkiwsky and Ukraine’s First Lady Kateryna without the sixth point. assembled at the Chornobyl Museum at Yushchenko announce the arrival on April 20 of an airlift bringing $1.7 million in While citing a lack of clarity as its Kyiv’s Kontraktova Square that coping medicine and supplies to Ukraine to mark Chornobyl’s 20th anniversary. reason, Our Ukraine’s disapproval of the with Chornobyl’s aftermath remains a sixth point essentially stalled the coali- heavy burden for Ukraine to bear, demand- “Ahead of this sad date, in the name of understanding and cooperation.” tion-forming process and sent a clear ing further international cooperation. the Ukrainian government, I want to turn Five million Soviet citizens suffered as message to Ms. Tymoshenko that Our “Humanity must be convinced that the to the governments of the world, the Ukraine isn’t supportive of her candida- a result of the Chornobyl catastrophe, sad, painful and tragic lesson of world citizenry, our countrymen overseas, either through harmful health effects or cy for the prime minister’s post. Chornobyl will never repeat itself,” Mr. with the proposition of active cooperation Earlier in the week, President Viktor Stashevsky said on April 18. in resolving problems and hope for a new (Continued on page 3) Yushchenko had criticized the provision, stressing that the coalition’s partners must formulate and agree on a detailed program of political activities before Tymoshenko tries to change her anti-business image anyone is nominated to a government post. by Zenon Zawada American Chamber of Commerce that her Ms. Tymoshenko claimed she never “We are creating the coalition not Kyiv Press Bureau highest ambition is to eliminate corrup- even used the term “re-privatization” when assigning someone to a position,” Mr. tion and make Ukraine business-friendly. she served as prime minister and has been KYIV – In a direct attempt to combat “My higher ambition is to build the unfairly smeared by her political enemies. Yushchenko said on April 15. “We are an anti-investment image festering in creating the coalition to achieve some- type of Ukraine that will be a diamond in “Through a very well organized propa- Western business circles, former Prime the civilized world,” Ms. Tymoshenko ganda system, a terrible, horrible, scary thing.” Minister Yulia Tymoshenko told the Ms. Tymoshenko, who has made very said to applause. “That’s my ambition, re-privatizer has been made of me, who clear she wants to become Ukraine’s and who will stop me in my ambitions? walks around with a scythe and hacks off next prime minister, again accused Our Show me one such person!” honest private owners,” Ms. Tymoshenko Ukraine leaders of deliberately stalling Addressing more than 250 businessmen said. talks in order to buy time to form a on April 17, Ms. Tymoshenko outlined sev- Western businessmen are concerned majority coalition with the Party of the eral initiatives she would take as prime min- about re-privatization because they per- Regions. ister, including reforming the courts, hold- ceive it as a threat to their private proper- Specifically, Prime Minister Yurii ing judges accountable for unlawful rulings, ty rights and investments in Ukraine. Yekhanurov, presidential confidante creating a stock exchange, opening Ms. Tymoshenko and President Viktor Petro Poroshenko and Our Ukraine par- Ukraine’s market to foreign banks and mak- Yushchenko launched one large-scale re-pri- liamentary faction leader Mykola ing non-agricultural land easier to purchase. vatization effort, involving the Kryvorizhstal Martynenko are laying the groundwork Since her bloc’s surprisingly strong per- steel mill in Kryvyi Rih, in order to resell the for an Our Ukraine-Party of the Regions formance in the March elections, Western plant at its true market value. coalition, said Ms. Tymoshenko, citing businessmen and investors have expressed Former President Leonid Kuchma had several Our Ukraine members as the concern over Ms. Tymoshenko’s possible sold Kryvorizhstal to his son-in-law, source of her information. prime ministership. Viktor Pinchuk, and industrial magnate “The first part of this plan is to create “As prime minister last year, she sur- Rynat Akhmetov for $804 million. At the a positive image in the mass media of a prised us negatively by focusing on re- October auction last year, multinational broad coalition between Our Ukraine and privatization, which had not been part of Mittal Steel Co. bought a 93 percent the Party of the Regions, including a her government program,” wrote Anders stake for $4.8 billion. large number of politicians, citizen Aslund, a senior fellow at the Institute The government is attempting to re-priva- activists and journalists who have as for International Economics and Ms. tize a second enterprise, the Nikopol their goal creating an image of stability Tymoshenko’s most vocal critic. Ferroalloy Plant in the Dnipropetrovsk Zenon Zawada and unity between the east and the west,” “Now she has received a greater popu- Oblast, which also is owned by Mr. Pinchuk. Ms. Tymoshenko said. Yulia Tymoshenko addresses the lar mandate than ever before, so we can A lawyer from the Baker McKenzie American Chamber of Commerce in only wonder how she will amaze us this (Continued on page 21) Kyiv on April 17. time,” he noted. (Continued on page 30) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS

Ukraine and the Second Cold War Greenpeace on Chornobyl’s toll the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the by Roman Kupchinsky appropriate to remind ourselves that: Chornobyl disaster, the director of the • 1) Europeans, for understandable KYIV – The global environmental group Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s Economic Ignore the broad smiles, firm hand- reasons, are not ready to admit Ukraine Greenpeace said in a report unveiled on Cooperation Department, Viktor Mashtabei, shakes, cheerful backslapping and toasts into their club. April 18 that the health effects of the 1986 told a press club briefing on April 13. He raised to “everlasting friendship” • 2) The shadier elements of Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear accident have been said that various foreign international between well-dressed, smiling Russians, elite are still at liberty, living very com- “grossly” underestimated, international organizations are to send medicines, med- intense Germans, glib Americans and fortably in penthouse suites. news agencies reported. According to ical equipment and other humanitarian gifts deceptive Brits. Furthermore, it should be very clear Greenpeace, more than 93,000 people – to Ukrainian children who suffer from The Second Cold War has already that Ukraine is not only a victim of its mostly in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia – are Chornobyl’s effects. Many children are sup- begun. If forced to be perfectly frank, geographic location but of its inability to likely to die from cancers caused by radia- posed to undergo rehabilitation abroad, in every diplomat, spy or banker from conceptualize what is in its own national tion connected with the accident. Last year’s such countries as the United States, Spain, Boston to Baku would acknowledge this. interests. Apparently, each section of the report by an expert panel comprising the the Netherlands and Slovakia. According to Anyone who reads the press or watches country cares more about its own region- International Atomic Energy Agency and the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry offi- television must have noticed by now that al interests than the well-being of the several other United Nations groups said cial, on April 21 one of the papal universi- the most dynamic, aggressive and self- nation as a whole. This will not do. fewer than 50 deaths could be confirmed as ties in Rome will host an international con- assured force in the world today is Then there is the question of the north- being connected to Chornobyl, while the ference on Chornobyl, and the pontiff is Russia. ern neighbor. number of radiation-related deaths among supposed to address the conference. On Daily reports in the media announce Every evil cannot be blamed on the the 600,000 people who participated in April 23 an annual charitable marathon will that the Russian state-controlled gas Russians. This moth-eaten explanation fighting the consequences of the accident be held in London, the proceeds of which giant Gazprom is buying a pipeline net- has been offered up by too many would ultimately be around 4,000. The U.N. will be conveyed to the Chornobyl Aid work here or a European gas company Ukrainian leaders as an excuse to cover report also estimated that the increase in Foundation. Mr. Mashtabei also noted other there. up their own inability to govern efficient- cancer deaths among the 5 million people events related to the accident anniversary. Russian President Vladimir Putin is ly and honestly. exposed to lower levels of radiation would (Ukrinform) shown pleased with himself in Budapest, Having said this, there is no doubt that be around 5,000. (RFE/RL Newsline) as he offers Hungarians “reliable” gas Belarus to spend $1.5 B on relief many of Ukraine’s problems can still be Exhibit is dedicated to Chornobyl supplies – but only if they buy from tied to Russia’s imperial drive. Karl MIENSK – Belarusian Prime Minister Gazprom. Marx, after all, once wrote that “the KYIV – The Ukrainian National Syarhey Sidorski said on April 12 in the It’s part of his fuel diplomacy strategy, guiding star of Russia is world domina- Museum of History is hosting the exhibi- Chamber of Representatives, Belarus’s which allows Russia to influence neigh- tion.” He may have been right. tion “Requiem to Memory” dedicated to lower house, that the government is plan- bors and more distant countries through What awaits a vulnerable and embat- the 20th anniversary of the catastrophe at ning to spend 3.3 trillion rubles ($1.5 billion energy supplies. tled Ukrainian state during the Second the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The U.S.) in 2006-2010 for its Chornobyl relief There is more to Mr. Putin’s arsenal. Cold War? The stakes in this conflict are exposition includes over 300 works, part program, Belapan reported. Mr. Sidorski Russia is the ultimate salesman, offering great: either Ukraine will survive as a of which were granted by the Central State noted that the main objective of the pro- weapons to Algeria, gas and oil to nation-state or become a part of what Archive and the Pshenychnyi Central State gram is to achieve “real economic revival Beijing and nuclear reactors to Iran. By Russian energy mogul Anatoli Chubais supporting ill-fated democracies and sep- Photo Archive. The exhibition includes and sustainable development” of the con- envisions as a “liberal Russian empire.” some secret documents containing infor- aratist movements in Trandniester, Within this empire, Ukrainians would taminated areas. Sixty-three percent of the Ossetia and the dictator-ruled Belarus, mation quite contrary to that made public planned funds are to go toward allowances be allowed to keep the blue-and-yellow before. Maps of radioactive pollution, let- Russia maintains a strong grip of influ- flag, speak Ukrainian, keep their for Chornobyl victims. Mr. Sidorski said ence over neighboring countries. ters, diaries and memories of witnesses are that 11,242 persons disabled by the disaster embassies, have an army and control also part of the exhibit. According to the Meanwhile, Russian television sta- their own borders. But the real decisions, and some 115,000 veterans of Chornobyl tions present President Putin in a positive president of the Chornobyl Union of clean-up operations are entitled to these the hardcore work, would be done for Ukraine, Yurii Andriyev, who spoke at the light, ensuring him stable support within them in Moscow by hard-eyed Kremlin allowances. (RFE/RL Newsline) his own country of 140 million. Western exhibition, on April 26, 1986, the fourth bosses. reactor was operating in a dangerous Chornobyl director comments on accident Europeans watch and worry, wondering During the First Cold War, Ukraine, whether they are doomed to cold winters mode, which was supposed to be halted. by virtue of its membership in the USSR, KYIV – The former director of the if Russia cuts off their gas supplies. It’s now obvious, he added, that the reactor was an active participant on the side of Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Mykhailo The leaders of the great Western was designed and constructed with various Russia and the other “socialist” republics Umanets, said he never suspected that the alliance, in the meantime, assure their flaws. (Ukrinform) in the ideological struggle with the West. plant’s reactors, the same as those at the citizens that the war in Iraq is almost They lost and, as a result of this defeat, Many events to mark 20th anniversary Leningradskaya plant, were dual-purpose won. Have patience, the masses are told, Ukraine became independent. designs that could be used to make urani- all we need is for Jeffersonian democracy Independence became reality not as KYIV – The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs to ultimately triumph in the slums of the result of a powerful national libera- Ministry will convene some 700 events on (Continued on page 18) Baghdad. tion struggle with masses of oppressed Then there is Ukraine. With an indeci- Ukrainian workers and peasants on the sive chief executive who changes his streets with pitchforks and clubs, but views on policy issues all too frequently, through a political deal made in a forest FOUNDED 1933 the country seems to be not slipping, but THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY in Belarus between two high-ranking tumbling back to its pre-Orange days. In Communist internationalists, Leonid An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Washington, London and Berlin the Kravchuk and Boris Yeltsin. a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. unpleasant little words that nobody wants Suddenly, Ukrainians found them- Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. to utter aloud are once again being whis- selves in charge of their own country, a Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. pered in the corridors of power: “A failed role they were quite unprepared for. (ISSN — 0273-9348) state.” It is possible that, had they shed some Is there hope? Can Kyiv resist Mr. blood for their freedom, things might The Weekly: UNA: Putin’s “Drang nach Malorossiya” or will have worked out differently, but that is Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 it be trampled under the patent leather now only speculation. shoes worn by Russian oil and gas exec- Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Today, as Cold War II heats up, Ukraine utives, as they lead the Russian corporate The Ukrainian Weekly Editor: is virtually alone, in need of stronger lead- state to battle? Things look pretty grim. 2200 Route 10 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) ership and without any meaningful friends, Ukraine might not be a failed state, P.O. Box 280 except Poland. The U.S. is preoccupied yet, but it is certainly beginning to look Parsippany, NJ 07054 with terrorism, Iraq and so on. The like a failed dream. Recall the slogans Europeans may look the other way as long shouted on the maidan (Kyiv’s The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] as Russian gas keeps flowing. Independence Square) in December Ukraine must rely on itself to survive. The Ukrainian Weekly, April 23, 2006, No. 17, Vol. LXXIV 2004: “We Want to Be in Europe,” Whether it really wants to survive as a Copyright © 2006 The Ukrainian Weekly “Crooks Belong in Prison.” sovereign nation is at the heart of the Now that the hype is over, it might be matter. Some people warn me not to “drama- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Roman Kupchinsky is the organized tize the situation.” Ukrainians often tend crime and terrorism analyst for RFE/RL. to say this when they are uncomfortable Walter Prochorenko Ph.D., director of publications (973) 292-9800, ext. 3034 He was the president of Prolog Research with the possible end result of a given e-mail: [email protected] and Publishing Corp. in New York prior problem. It is an escapist phrase; it Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 to joining RFE/RL. where he was direc- soothes the intellect and tells the subcon- Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 tor of the Ukrainian Service for 10 years. scious that a solution is out there some- e-mail: [email protected] This article was originally published where and all one need do is seek it out. Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 on the op-ed page of the Kyiv Post on Cold War II, however, is not only dra- March 29. It is reprinted here with the e-mail: [email protected] author’s and the Kyiv Post’s permission. (Continued on page 18) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 3 Rivne investment promotion agency Choice of coalition partners seen wins several top European awards as impacting Ukraine’s future KYIV – An investment promotion brings proves the success of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Both Dr. Kuzio and Mr. Maksymiuk agency established jointly by the project InvestInRivne model and translates into noted that geography, more than ideolo- coordinator of the Organization for real investments,” said Volker Frobarth, WASHINGTON – While the recent gy, defines Ukraine’s political landscape. parliamentary election demonstrated that Security and Cooperation in Europe the OSCE’s senior project officer respon- The oblasts in which parties associated voter preferences have shifted within the (OSCE) and local authorities in the north- sible for the initiative. with the Orange Revolution dominate Orange Coalition since the 2004 elec- western Ukrainian region of Rivne, has Serhiy Rusnak, director of can be found in Ukraine’s western and tions, Ukraine’s overall political land- won several awards in a prestigious com- InvestInRivne Agency, added that the central regions, including Kyiv, while the scape has remained the same, according petition held by the Financial Times’ fDi awards indicated how effective the “blue” regions aligned with Mr. to two experts on Ukraine. [Foreign Direct Investment] Magazine. agency has been in improving the invest- Yanukovych are located in the south and The InvestInRivne agency won the ment climate in the western Ukrainian Taras Kuzio and Jan Maksymiuk told an RFE/RL audience in Washington on east of the country. award for “Most Cost Effective City and region. Mr. Yushchenko, according to Mr. Region in Europe” in the magazine’s The agency serves as a “one-stop- April 12 that President Viktor Yushchenko faces a difficult decision in Maksymiuk, faces an unenviable dilemma: European Cities and Regions of the shop” for investors, expediting invest- “One coalition is bad, the other is worse.” Future 2006-2007 competition. Almost ment approval, company registration and choosing coalition partners – a choice that will determine Ukraine’s foreign and Mr. Maksymiuk said Mr. Yushchenko 90 European locations competed for the acquisition of licenses and other permits could partner with Ms. Tymoshenko, who awards. needed to start operations in Ukraine. It domestic trajectory. Mr. Maksymiuk, RFE/RL analyst for has personality conflicts with some of Mr. The bid submitted by the also helps market the region and provides Yushchenko’s ministers and who may InvestInRivne Agency also was named advice to local authorities on improving Ukraine and Belarus, said that the sur- prise winner of the election was former insist on returning as prime minister. By winner of the Western CIS and runner-up the investment climate. doing so, she would position herself as a in the category “Region of the Future” Founded in 2005, the joint effort rep- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, whose party tallied 5.6 million votes rival to Mr. Yushchenko in the 2009 presi- for all of Eastern Europe. The Rivne resents a major innovation in the ongoing dential elections. region became the first Ukrainian loca- cooperation between the OSCE project nationwide – up from 2 million in 2004. In contrast, he said that Mr. By contrast, a partnership between tion to win the magazine’s awards. coordinator and Ukraine in the field of Messrs. Yushchenko and Yanukovych “The list and the recognition that it economic development. Yushchenko’s support decreased signifi- cantly from 2004. According to Mr. may lead to a worse result and, according Maksymiuk, Ms. Tymoshenko, was per- to Dr. Kuzio, “the end of Yushchenko’s international cooperation, unfortunately, ceived by the electorate as more commit- political career.” One potential conse- Ukraine prepares... haven’t been fully realized,” he said. ted to the ideals of the Orange quence of partnering with Mr. (Continued from page 1) Three academic conferences will occur Revolution than Mr. Yushchenko. Yanukovych, according to Dr. Kuzio, is simultaneously in Kyiv in the days lead- Dr. Kuzio, a professor of Russian and that talks on NATO accession could be forced relocations, Mr. Stashevsky said. Eurasian studies at George Washington derailed. Furthermore, Dr. Kuzio said Among those victims, 2,646,103 were ing up to the April 26 commemoration. The most heated debate and controver- University, agreed, tracing the roots of that such a coalition would compromise Ukrainians, of which 105,251 were this perception to September 2005, when Ukraine’s relationship with the United declared disabled as a result of the disaster. sy will surround the Chornobyl catastro- phe’s health effects. President Yushchenko relieved Ms. States and the European Union. More than 643,000 Ukrainian children Tymoshenko of her duties as prime min- Though both analysts endorsed Ms. suffered from the Chornobyl disaster in Greenpeace International on April 18 released a 138-page report in which it ister and, in order to secure Parliament’s Tymoshenko as the optimal coalition one form or another, Mr. Stashevsky said. confirmation of his choice to replace Ms. partner, neither ventured to speculate Almost 5,000 cities and villages were challenged the conclusions drawn by the September 2005 Chernobyl Forum Tymoshenko, signed an agreement with what President Yushchenko’s decision contaminated with radiation, of which opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych. would be. 2,700 were situated in Ukraine. Report that cited a mere 4,000 deaths as About 164,000 Ukrainians were per- direct result of the disaster. manently resettled as a result of the Basing its data on Belarus cancer sta- catastrophe, Mr. Stashevsky said, includ- tistics, Greenpeace’s “The Chernobyl NATO secretary general speaks ing 15,000 families transferred from the Catastrophe” report estimated 93,000 zone and 14,000 families removed from fatal cancers will result from the other contaminated territories of Ukraine. Chornobyl disaster, with 270,000 addi- on alliance’s role in modern world About 7,000 entire families are regis- tional cancer cases. tered as disabled, he said. Other studies range in their casualty by Oleksandr Khapatnyukovskyy which today mainly focuses on the “Chornobyl dealt a hard blow to the estimates anywhere from 9,335 to 32,000 humanitarian missions. To make his deaths, the report points out, indicating WASHINGTON – The North Atlantic point, the general secretary mentioned economic and social spheres of Ukraine, Treaty Organization’s 11th secretary gen- Belarus and the Russian Federation,” Mr. the lack of consensus in the scientific the current operations under the auspices community. eral, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, met with of NATO in Kosovo and Darfur. The Stashevsky said. “In just the first phase students at American University on of cleaning the accident, these losses It also reveals how little is known essential role NATO plays is in the March 2 to speak about the role of NATO amounted to nearly $13 billion.” about the potential human death toll the rebuilding of the post-war Iraq, in partic- in the modern world. These expenses included industrial Chornobyl disaster will eventually count ular the training of the Iraqi National The event, organized by The Atlantic and agricultural costs, construction for during the course of this century. Army. However, NATO is still regarded efforts, social programs and compensa- Controversy surrounds not only the Council of the U.S., was also interactive- as a key actor in the “war on terror” and tion payments. potential fatalities related to the catastro- ly broadcast online to students from the in failed states, which are a thrent to sta- For the past 14 years, Ukraine has phe, but even the current death toll. universities of California, Michigan and bility, international peace and security. independently covered the expenses To date, only 56 deaths can be directly Texas. As for the future expansion of NATO, related to cleaning up the disaster. attributed to the disaster, the Chernobyl Mr. de Hoop Scheffer became the 11th Mr. de Hoop Scheffer stated that its bor- Between 1992 and 2005, Ukraine’s Forum Report claims, including 47 vic- NATO Secretary General on January 5, ders could not be unlimited. However, he Chornobyl expenses totaled $7 billion, tims of acute radiation syndrome and a 2004, succeeding Lord George underlined the bid of Ukraine for NATO Mr. Stashevsky said, and that will mere nine thyroid cancer deaths. Robertson, who held the post from 1999 accession and expressed hope that the increase to an astronomical $170 billion Critics of the Chernobyl Forum until 2003. Prior to joining NATO, Mr. final decision on this issue will be made burden by 2015. believe its information is unreliable de Hoop Scheffer had dedicated his during the upcoming 2008 NATO “It’s understood that this burden relat- because one of its main authors, the career to the foreign affairs of the Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria. ed to cleaning up the aftereffects of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is Netherlands. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the Chornobyl catastrophe is too difficult for interested in promoting nuclear energy. During the one-hour conversation at secretary general explained to the stu- our economy, and that’s why we so high- In fact, more than 200,000 have died American University, Mr. de Hoop dents their important role for the NATO. ly appreciate help from the international from as a result of the disaster between Scheffer answered a broad range of ques- He asked them to become advocates of community, hope for it and expect it will 1990 and 2004, according to the tions regarding the role of the NATO, NATO and to explain to all people the be effective,” Mr. Stashevsky said. Greenpeace report, which based its esti- ideas and the mission of the organization. The Ukrainian government is having mates on statistics provided by the NATO, he underscored, is first of all a difficulty finding the funds to construct a Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian gov- Oleksandr Khapatnyukovsky is an political, and then only, a military defen- cover for the reactor’s ruins, he said. ernments. intern at the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. sive alliance. About 180 tons, or 95 percent of the Mr. Stashevsky said he hopes that next fuel in the reactor at the time of the acci- week’s conferences in Kyiv will help sort dent, remains inside the temporary shelter out the controversies. Quotable notes erected after the 1986 accident, according At his April 18 press conference he to Ukrainian government estimates. said the Chernobyl Forum’s estimates are “... there’s a distinct difference between the populations of Russia and About four tons of radioactive dust not accurate. Ukraine. In Russia, more than 50 percent of the people regard Stalin as a positive remains inside the shelter. “I am convinced the international aca- historic figure, as the founder of a powerful Soviet state. In Ukraine, Stalin is a This year’s government budget has allo- demic conference, which will take place fallen idol; he is identified with forced collectivization, famine and repression. cated $69 million for the construction of in Kyiv on April 24 and 25, will become The defeat of Ukraine’s Communists, who failed to get even 4 percent in the par- what is called the New Safe Confinement a necessary step toward understanding liamentary elections, marks a final break with the Soviet past.” cover to replace the unsteady sarcophagus. the effects of the Chornobyl catastrophe, Its total construction cost has been estimat- both for the benefit of the people and the – Viktor Erofeyev, writing in the March 31 issue of the International Herald ed at $768 million. development of international coopera- Tribune, in a commentary titled “Whose Ukraine?” “Our hopes for financial support from tion,” Mr. Stashevsky said. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM Delegates and alternates to the 36th Regular Convention of the Ukrainian National Association BRANCH DELEGATE ALTERNATE BRANCH DELEGATE ALTERNATE 5 Maya Lew 174 Zenon Wasylkevych Nina Wasylkevych 5 Oksana Lew 174 Vera Krywyj Olga Hnat (Hnatievych) 7/178 Adolph E. Slovik 175 Zynowia M.Serafyn Olena Papiz 8 Wolodymyr Kozicky Leon Figurski 194 Oksana Lopatynsky Ihor Zwarych 10 Lubov Streletsky Vasily Streletsky 206 Irene Sarachmon Eleanor Kogut 13 Nicholas Fil Taras Myshchuk 214/353 Omelan Twardowsky Daria Twardowsky 13 Gerald Tysiak John Suchowacki 216 Bohdan Odezynskyj 15 Sonia M. Krul Marijka Lischak 217 Oksana Markus Irene Grassman 20/86 Roman I. Kuropas Tamara Kuropas 221 Helen Karachewsky Wasyl Kuszynski 22 Stefko Kuropas 230 Annabelle Borovitsky 25 Nestor Olesnycky Oksana Trytjak 234 Maria Oscislawski Orest Zahajkewycz 27 Christine Brodyn Daria Semegen 234 Edward Melnyczuk Helen Melnyczuk 39 Mykola Duplak Rev. Myron Kotch 238 Stephanie Majkut Walter Majkut 42 Julian Kotlar Barbara Tyzbir 240 Evhen Bachynsky Marta Liscynecka 47 Oksana Koziak Anna Kedyulych 240 Bohdan Samokyszyn Iwan Slipec 57/16 Michael Sawkiw Jr. 242 Joseph Chabon 59 Bohdan Doboszczak Ihor Hayda 242 Andrea Chabon 76 Michael Koziupa 245 Michael Martynenko Jr. Michael Martynenko Sr. 76 Andrew Hrechak 247/347 Wasyl Szeremeta Lubomira Szeremeta 82/341 Olga Uliana Maruszczak 253/254 Peter Hawrylciw 83 Hryhoryj Dawyd Nicholas Pryszlak 257/307 Luba Sophia Keske 83 Roman Panasiuk Fawronia Kusznir 264/67 Bohdan Hryshchyshyn Myroslaw Trojan 88 Stephanie M. Hawryluk Andrij J. Cade 267/113 Gloria Tolopka 88 Anna Slobodian Sofia Semenyszyn 269 Paul Fuga Valentina Kaploun 94 Vasyl Kolodchin Wsewolod Hnatczuk 277 Myron Kuzio Myron Kolinsky 96 Jaroslawa P. Komichak Raymond M. Komichak 282 Mary Bolosky Henry Bolosky 102 Nicholas Bobeczko Oksana Bobeczko 283/355 Stefan Lysiak Michael Chalupa 112 Paul Romanovich Patricia Romanovich 287/340 Roma Hadzewycz 120 Eli Matiash Mark Szedny 291/388 Vira Napora 125/220 Gloria Paschen 292 Irene Pryjma 130 Alex Redko 316/343 Mary Sweryda Anna Andrews 131/472 Lev Bodnar Roman Zajac 325/226 Barbara Chupa 133/338 Michael Bohdan Nancy Bohdan 327/17 Bohdan Podoliuk George Soltys 134/142 Iouri Lazirko 339/116 Michael Luciw 139/66 Peter Pytel Nestor Kocelko 345/382 Kateryna Dyachuk 155 Nadia Salabay 349 Michael Zacharko Stephan Zacharko 155 Maria Zaviysky 358 Taras Szmagala Jr. Katherine Szmagala 161 Michael Hrycyk 360 Judith A. Hawryluk 161 Tim Ganter 362/163 Maria Walchuk 164/162 Tymko Butrej George Fedorijczuk 364/486 Wlademer Wladyka Bohdan Danylewycz 171 Genevieve Kufta Stephan Welhash 367 Christine Dziuba George Malachowsky 171 Elizabeth Siryj Stefko Woch 372/37 Kristina T. Pavlak 172 Longin N. Staruch Michael N. Halibej 379/488 Myron M. Luszczak 172 Ivan Pelech Vladimir Bakum 381 Olya Cherkas Walter Boryskewich Boyd 173 Peter Serba Eugene M. Serba 385/368 Julian M. Pishko Bohdan Kuchwarskyj 387/78 Irene Oliynyk 397 Ulana Prociuk Michael Chomyn 399 Bohdan Kukurudza Mykhajlo Klymchak Credentials Committee verifies 402/466 Anna Burij Omelian Drogobyckyj 407/401 Tatiana Miskiw Stephan Chorney 409 Genet H. Boland John P. Boland delegates to 36th UNA Convention 412/498 Ihor Kobil The Credentials Committee for the the status of all the delegates in accor- 414 Maria Antonyshyn Donald K. Horbaty 432 Vera Plawuszczak 36th Regular Convention of the dance with the UNA By-Laws. All dele- 434 Alexandra Dolnycky Marta Bilyk Ukrainian National Association met at gates must be social members or have 444/441 Cecilia Kachkowski Susan Soldan the UNA Home Office in Parsippany on active policies and be in good standing as 450/241 Motria Milanytch Thursday, April 13. of December 31, 2005. 452 Natalie Shuya Jaroslava Woloch The members of the committee are as Nina Bilchuk, UNA Home Office 461 Ben Doliszny Janina Groch follows: Anna Slobodian (Branch 88), employee, worked closely with the com- 465 Alexander Kisak Eugene Kisak Kerhonkson, N.Y.; Stephanie Hawryluk mittee in helping them verify delegate 473/49 Serguei Djoula (88), Kerhonkson, N.Y.; Julian Kotlar records and payment of dues. The commit- 496 Myron Pylypiak (42), Passaic, N.J.; Paul Fuga (269), tee confirmed that there are 107 delegates Central New Jersey; and Myron Kuzio eligible to be seated at the convention. (277), Hartford, Conn. The Credentials Committee verified – Stephanie Hawryluk UNA Executive Committee holds special pre-convention meeting by Christine E. Kozak gates elected to serve during the conven- UNA National Secretary tion. The committees named to the 36th PARSIPPANY, N.J. – On Friday, April UNA Convention are: 7, the Executive Committee of the • By-Laws Committee – Bohdan Ukrainian National Association held a special meeting to approve the delegates Doboszczak (Branch 59), Alexander to the 36th UNA Convention. Kizak (465), Oksana Lopatynsky (194), In accordance with the UNA By-Laws, Nicholas Bobeczko (102), Longin the Executive Committee approved the Staruch (172); delegates and alternate delegates for the • Credentials Committee – Paul Fuga 36th Convention that will be held at the (269), Stephanie Hawryluk (88), Julian Soyuzivka resort on May 26-29. The Kotlar (42), Myron Kuzio (277), Anna Executive Committee also appointed Slobodian (88); members to the Credentials Committee, • Financial Committee – Joseph Matthew Dubas By-Laws Committee and Financial Chabon (242), Michael Krycyk (161), The Credentials Committee at work (from left): Stephanie Hawryluk, Anna Committee. The members of these com- Wolodymyr Kozicky (8), Gloria Paschen Slobodian, Julian Kotlar, Paul Fuga and Myron Kuzio. mittees are named from among the dele- (125/220), Gerald Tysiak (13). No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM Metropolitan Soroka joins the UNA Young UNA’ers

Nicholas C. Voltaggio, son of Roman Ingrassia, son of Robert Christopher and Christine Voltaggio PHILADELPHIA – Archbishop Stefan Soroka, metropolitan of the Ukrainian Ingrassia and Lidia Poletz of St. Paul, of Staten Island, N.Y., is a new mem- Catholic Church in the United States, recently became a member of the Minn., is a new member of UNA Branch ber of UNA Branch 372. He was Ukrainian National Association. He was enrolled into UNA Branch 83 by UNA 345. He was enrolled by his grandparents enrolled by his great grandmother Advisor Stefan Hawrysz. Alexander and Valentina Poletz. Sophie Lonyszyn. Do you have a young UNA’er, or potential young UNA’er in your family?

Call the UNA Home Office at 973-292-9800 to find out how to enroll.

Oksana O. Wojcik, daughter of Alexander X. Kowalyk, son of Vanessa Marichka and William Wojcik of Kowalyk of Aliquippa, Pa., is a new Stroudsburg, Pa., is a new member of member of UNA Branch 120. He was UNA Branch 15. She was enrolled by her enrolled by his grandparents John and grandparents Peter and Sonia M. Krul. Dolores Kowalyk.

DoDo youyou knowknow whywhy we’rewe’re soso happy?happy? Our parents and grandparents invested in our future by purchasing an endowment and life insurance policy for each of us from the Ukrainian National Association, Inc. They purchased prepaid policies on account of the low premium rate for our age group. If you’d like to be smiling like us, please have your parents or grandparents call the UNA at 1-800-253-9862. Mark, Ivanka and Adrian Temnycky, children of Roma and George Temnycky of Manlius, N.Y., are new members of UNA Branch 39. The children were enrolled They will be happy to assist you! by their parents (with whom they are seen above).

THE UNA: 112 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER FOR THE RECORD: UCCA THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY “The main problems are solved ... we don’t need any help.” on the Chornobyl anniversary On the night of April 26, 1986, an irre- Ukraine. Lack of infrastructure necessary – Vladimir T. Lapitski, counselor of the Permanent Mission of the Ukrainian sponsible experiment forced by the Soviet to deal with the serious diseases caused SSR to the United Nations, speaking on May 5, 1986, about the Chornobyl acci- regime ended in a horrific tragedy of his- by radiation exposure adversely affects dent with a delegation composed of Rep. Benjamin Gilman, three Ukrainian toric proportions. An explosion took place the chances of children’s healthy and American community activists and the editor of The Ukrainian Weekly. at the fourth unit of the Chornobyl normal survival. We must work together Nuclear Power Plant, which resulted in a to help Ukraine develop a network of large-scale radioactive spill. By attempt- hospitals and collect the necessary equip- Chornobyl then and now ing to hide this disaster from its own peo- ment to help medical experts fight child- ple, the Soviet government caused hood cancer and other illnesses. Back in 1986, when we carried the first reports about an unimaginable acci- irreparable damage to their health. In order to ensure safety of the explo- dent at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, the news media were Human nature dictates that we slowly sion site, Ukraine has shut down all reac- hampered by the Soviet Union’s stony silence. In fact, the first reports about a forget the horrors of 20 years ago. The tors at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power nuclear accident came from Sweden, where authorities detected unusually high international attention to the Chornobyl Plant, a move that adversely impacted its levels of radiation. zone problems has gradually diminished. economy. The international community The official Soviet announcement that there had been an accident at one of its nuclear plants came two days later. “An accident has taken place at the However, we cannot forget that the con- should provide assistance to Ukraine in Chornobyl power station, and one of the reactors was damaged. Measures are sequences of Chornobyl will last for order to develop alternative sources of being taken to eliminate the consequences of the accident. Those affected by it thousands of years. power and help ensure the safety of the are being given assistance. A government commission has been set up,” said the The most pressing issue is the structur- remaining nuclear power plants. USSR Council of Ministers in a statement read on Moscow television on April al integrity of the “shelter” encasing the Ukraine should not have to face all 28, 1986. Four days after the accident, Pravda Ukrainy reported: “At the site of the accident. Scientists agree that these problems caused by the Chornobyl Chornobyl atomic energy station (CAES) there was an accident that led to the approximately 95 percent of the nuclear explosion alone. The Ukrainian Congress ruin of a portion of the building housing the [fourth] reactor and to some release waste is still located within the confines Committee of America urges Ukrainians of radioactive materials. As a result of the accident, two people have died. The of the unit. If it were to collapse before in the United States to mark the 20th radiation situation at the CAES, as well as surrounding areas, is stabilized.” the second confinement structure is built, anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy and Clearly, the USSR was attempting to hide the severity of the disaster by insist- the tragedy will exceed the Chornobyl honor the memory of those who sacri- ing that everything was under control. Indeed, May Day parades went on as explosion by far. Ukraine and the world ficed their lives, protecting the world usual in Kyiv, even as radiation rained down upon the Ukrainian capital and its need to concentrate on erecting the sec- from its consequences. Let us remind the unsuspecting people. It was more important for the USSR to give the impression ond confinement layer to prevent the world that we must work together and do that life was normal than it was to warn the people that they were in danger. The radioactive waste from re-entering all in our power to neutralize the conse- USSR’s actions were reprehensible. We wrote back in 1986: “The Soviet Union ground waters and the air, further damag- quences of Chornobyl as much as possi- failed in its international obligation to let its own people know what happened. ing people’s health. ble so that we can pass our land to future And, because of this, people will be affected for generations to come.” Another important issue is children’s generations clean and without pollution. The Soviets’ attempts to hide the truth – no doubt to conceal what would be health. Pediatric oncology and hematol- – Executive Board of the Ukrainian perceived worldwide as a failure of the Soviet system – and the absence of reli- ogy require immediate attention in Congress Committee of America able information resulted in the dissemination of all sorts of false information and rumors; it also led the people of the USSR to even more determinedly question official information and Soviet authority. That presented an outright challenge to STATEMENT: Environmental association General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, who had told the 27th Communist Party Congress in February of 1986 that he wanted to build a more open society. But, it was only on May 14 – an astounding 18 days after the accident – that comments on 20 years after Chornobyl Mr. Gorbachev first spoke about what took place at the Chornobyl plant. In a 25- minute speech he reported that nine people had died and 299 had been hospital- Following is the text of a “news state- permanently isolate lethal, long-lived ized with radiation sickness. He also said, “The most serious consequences [of ment” released on April 17 by the radioactive waste from the environment. the accident] have been averted,” but added that “the level of radiation in the sta- Ukrainian-American Environmental Yet, 20 years later, one thing has changed. tion’s zone and on the territory in the immediate vicinity still remains dangerous Association, which is based in both Today, renewable energy and energy- for human health.” Rivne, Ukraine, and Washington, D.C. efficient technologies have matured to Now, 20 years after the fact, Chornobyl’s consequences are still with us. the point that they not only obviate any According to information released by the Embassy of Ukraine, 2,594,071 resi- Twenty years ago, on April 26, 1986, need for new nuclear construction but dents of Ukraine – almost half of them children – were affected by the catastro- the world experienced the worst commer- also can enable the phase-out of existing phe; a total of 504,117 Ukrainians who were affected by the accident died in the cial nuclear accident in history when the plants and sharp reductions in the use of period 1987-2004, among them 34,499 “liquidators” – those sent to battle the Chornobyl reactor near Kyiv exploded. fossil fuels. accident’s “consequences” – and 6,769 children; 48,400 square kilometers of Today, the nuclear industry is attempt- Energy efficiency alone could reduce land encompassing 2,218 settlements are contaminated by radiation; and the ing to revive itself – ostensibly as a solu- energy use in the United States by at least exclusion zone around the nuclear plant covers a territory of 2,600 square kilo- tion to climate change. Notwithstanding 20 percent and arguably up to 40 percent meters. Furthermore, Chornobyl Interinform, a Ukrainian government agency, Chornobyl’s heavy toll on the health of its or more (compared to the 8 percent of says 3 million people received increased radiation doses and 84 percent of them citizens and the local environment, total energy supply provided by nuclear have since become ill; among the liquidators, the rate is 92 percent. Ukrainian officials are contemplating the power). In Ukraine, which now con- Two decades after that horrific day in 1986, Chornobyl’s effects – medical, construction of 11 new reactors. In addi- sumes more than four times as much environmental, social, psychological – continue to be felt. Contrary to what we tion, 12 new reactors have been publicly energy per unit of national product as were told 20 years ago, the main problems associated with the world’s worst proposed for the United States. A new does the U.S., efficiency measures could nuclear disaster have not been solved and Ukraine does need help. reactor is now under construction in curb consumption by at least 60 percent Finland, while India, China, Bulgaria, (compared to the 12 percent now provid- Russia and other countries are building or ed by nuclear power). actively considering building new reactors. Renewable energy sources (e.g., bio- Government leaders in Ukraine, the mass/biofuels, geothermal, hydropower, April United States and other countries who solar, wind) which now provide 7 percent Turning the pages back... advocate a return to nuclear power have of U.S. energy needs and 3 percent of failed to learn the lessons of Chornobyl. Ukrainian energy needs are technically 21 Twenty years later, nuclear power and economically capable of at least tripling their contribution in both countries The Ukrainian Weekly’s special issue marking the 10th remains a highly dangerous technology, 1996 anniversary of the Chornobyl accident featured an article about whose safety depends heavily on the within the next 15 to 20 years. Coupled Chornobyl’s impact, as examined by a Yale and Columbia absence of human error and the certainty with aggressive energy efficiency pro- University conference held on April 8-9. Among the conference’s that plants can be protected against terrorist grams, they could meet the bulk of both presentations were reports on the accident’s effects on public health and the environment, attack and nuclear materials against theft. countries’ energy needs by mid-century, its social and political impact, and potential alternative energy sources for Ukraine. Twenty years later, nuclear power while simultaneously reducing reliance on The conference was opened with presentations at Columbia by Ukraine’s ambassador remains the most expensive energy tech- fossil fuels and energy imports as well as to the United States, Yurii Shcherbak, and at Yale by the country’s ambassador to the nology available and one that cannot slashing greenhouse gas emissions. United Nations, Anatolii Zlenko. Ambassador Shcherbak, a physician, underscored that compete in the marketplace unless heavi- Twenty years after Chornobyl, the les- Chornobyl is notable because it brought significant social, medical and psychological ly subsidized by the government and son for both Ukraine and the United consequences, involved large numbers of the population and did long-term damage to the shielded from the responsibility for the States remains: A nuclear future is dan- environment. The Chornobyl accident is extraordinary also because, “even after 10 years, costs associated with insurance, decom- gerous, expensive and environmentally it still requires the close attention of the international community,” as it is not an internal missioning and waste disposal. destructive. Moreover, it is not necessary. affair of Ukraine. Mr. Zlenko’s message: “Chornobyl is not in the past. Chornobyl lives Twenty years later, neither Ukraine, the There are safer, cleaner, cheaper and United States, nor any other nation has more socially acceptable alternatives (Continued on page 17) developed the technology, or the sites, to available now. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 7

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER Anniversary of Chornobyl sharpens debate over disaster’s consequences by Alexander B. Kuzma Between April 24 and 26, Kyiv will be host to a his- toric gathering to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. More precisely, there will be three simultaneous gatherings, each with its own perspective and emphasis, each playing its own key role in a historic drama that has been unfolding for several months now. The official state-run conference hosted by the gov- ernments of Ukraine, Belarus and the Russian Federation will bring together the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and other institutions that will be formulating the official government response to the disaster. Titled “Chornobyl, A Look into the Future,” this conference will be convened at the Ukrainian Home, the cavernous former Lenin Museum, and it will almost certainly adopt the September 2005 Chernobyl Forum report that downplayed the impact of the disaster and endorsed a greater reliance on nuclear energy. As intended, that report generated extensive coverage in major publications such as The New York Times, which immediately hailed its findings as “authoritative” and “definitive,” and gave short shrift to many scientists who challenged its findings. The forum report gained further momentum after the IAEA and its president, Dr. Mohammed el-Baradei, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on nuclear arms control. Although the award did not address the IAEA’s role in promoting Efrem Lukatsky/AP nuclear energy, it nonetheless served as a major boost Environmental activists stage a demonstration on April 22, 1996, in front of the presidential residence in Kyiv. to the agency’s credibility after it had come under They are holding crosses inscribed with the names of villages abandoned after the April 26, 1986, accident at attack from the U.S. government in the lead-up to the the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Iraq War. Arrayed against this powerful government-IAEA After all, if the Ukrainians who bore the brunt of young adults with pre-cancerous thyroid lesions. consortium will be a coalition of environmental organi- Chornobyl’s fallout can be persuaded to embrace The IAEA now concedes that it was wrong in its zations that will gather at the Budynok Uchytelia, the nuclear power, why should the rest of the world resist? denials of a thyroid cancer epidemic, but would have us former Parliament building on Volodymyrska Street Despite its Nobel Prize and Dr. el Baradei’s unblem- believe that no other health effects will be caused by the that in 1918-1919 housed the first Ukrainian govern- ished reputation, the IAEA continues to suffer from a ment chaired by historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky. accident: according to the U.N. report, no genetic dam- major credibility gap where Chornobyl is concerned. Dr. Organized by representatives of the European age, no cardio-vascular illnesses, no immune deficien- Fred Mettler, the IAEA’s chief spokesperson on Parliament and the European Green Parties, this confer- cies and no additional childhood leukemia can be linked Chornobyl and the author of the 2005 Chernobyl Forum ence will outline the many health effects the Chernobyl to the disaster. Report, was the same individual who testified at U.S. Forum report ignored. Just as they did in 1992, Dr. Mettler and his agency Titled “Chornobyl +20: Remembrance for the Senate hearings in 1992 that there was no increase in are claiming that their report is based on a “comprehen- Future,” this counterweight to the government report thyroid cancer following Chornobyl. sive” review of all the literature available on the will also focus on the European community’s progress Five weeks after his testimony, the World Health Chornobyl aftermath. in developing alternative energy sources and environ- Organization confirmed that there was an 80-fold There is a great deal of evidence that says otherwise. mental health programs. increase in thyroid cancer in children living in or near Before President Yushchenko took office in 2005, The third conference is hosted by the first lady of contaminated areas. The thyroid cancer epidemic is not Ukraine, Kateryna Yushchenko, her charitable founda- over. In Ukraine alone there are 9,000 children and (Continued on page 12) tion Ukraine 3000 and the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund (CCRDF). This sympo- sium, titled “Rebirth, Renewal and Human Development,” will focus on the humanitarian response PASTORAL LETTER: We pray for the life of Ukraine to Chornobyl and other disasters. It will seek to develop Pastoral letter of the Permanent Conference of were appallingly tragic not only for her, but for the a series of recommendations for strengthening emer- Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders of nations on all her borders, beneath the death-bearing, gency preparedness, medical aid and community devel- Ukraine addressed “to our beloved spiritual children, invisible clouds of radioactive toxins. opment programs that can overcome the effects of such the clergy and faithful of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Our Ukraine again found herself weeping and wailing tragedies. Church in Ukraine and beyond her borders on the 20th at the loss of her children, like Rachel of old, and could All of this is taking place against the backdrop of last anniversary of the worst nuclear disaster the world has not be comforted. Hundreds of thousands of innocent winter’s energy crisis, when Russian President ever known – the catastrophic explosion of the nuclear victims will never be able to return to their homes or to Vladimir Putin threatened to cut off natural gas sup- plant in Chornobyl, Ukraine, on April 26, 1986.” their land, which is so very central to their existence as a plies in a blatant (and ultimately successful) attempt to people and a nation. All that was familiar to them now breach long-standing contracts and extort higher prices Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ: lays barren and cannot produce the abundance of harvest from Ukraine. Mr. Putin’s threats came during the cold- Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! est winter in nearly 30 years, and they sent shock waves for their sustenance. Twenty years after the horrifying explosion in a small As we bask in the Light of the Resurrection of our through all of Europe that relies heavily on Siberian gas city in north-central Ukraine near the Belarus border – supplies. Lord, we commemorate both the living and the deceased Chornobyl – from nearly every nation in the world we victims of human error and perhaps even vanity. May Even prior to this crisis, then-Prime Minister Yulia hear the prayers arising to our Heavenly Father beseech- Tymoshenko called for the construction of 11 new this Resurrection Light and Power fill us with hope and ing eternal repose and blessed memory for those who enable us to forgive those responsible for the unneces- nuclear plants in Ukraine, and President Viktor perished immediately following this nuclear disaster and Yushchenko suggested that Ukraine might consider cre- sary explosion in Chornobyl. At the same time, howev- for the healing of those who continue to suffer the con- er, may they also give us the courage in the name of jus- ating an international atomic waste repository at or near sequences of the 1986 tragedy, whether personally the Chornobyl disaster site. tice and our deeply held belief in the sanctity of life, to injured or perhaps as survivors of those who perished demand from the highest pinnacles of power in this In 1986, Chornobyl was a dagger to the heart of the unnecessarily. We hear the prayer arising most especial- few nuclear construction programs that had survived world a firm vigilance to ensure that no further ly for the children – the future of the nation - who have Chornobyls ever occur or even threaten mankind. the scare at Three Mile Island in 1979. Now the IAEA seemed to be the most easily damaged victims of the and the international nuclear industry hope to reverse Government organs in Ukraine have informed us that tragedy. more than 4,000 people perished during and following the trend and use the 20th anniversary of Chornobyl as On April 26, 1986, our Ukraine – just beginning to a dramatic turning point to overwhelm the opposition the explosion in attempts to halt the expansion of the experience the taste of freedom under what was then cloud of radiation and that over 100,000 Ukrainians (let and to galvanize public support for a re-acceptance of called “glasnost,” our Ukraine – having experienced so nuclear expansion. alone the thousands more in Belarus and other nations) many other tragedies throughout her history, our still bear the consequences of that spring day of 1986. Ukraine – having patiently carried all her historical The Chornobyl disaster was and is not a horror for Alexander B. Kuzma is executive director of the crosses, our Ukraine – just beginning to hope for and Ukraine alone, but a horror for the entire world. It has Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund. expect something better for her people, experienced, He is currently based in Kyiv. instead, a new Golgotha, the consequences of which (Continued on page 25) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER In Polissia’s contaminated north country, village life continues despite health concerns by Alexander B. Kuzma or mechanical breakdowns, as there are the ghost towns in and around the 30-kilo- few passers-by to stop for help. meter Chornobyl exclusion zone, the old ZARICHNE, Ukraine – The village of One can drive for miles without see- settlements of the Zarichnianskyi and Zarichne is located in one of the most ing any signs of civilization. The first Rokytnynskyi districts of northern Rivne remote corners of northern Ukraine, hints of an approaching settlement are remained inhabited and vibrant. The resi- where the woodland bogs and vast often the Ukrainian equivalent of a clas- dents here live off the land much as their unbroken tracts of birch and boreal pine sic scene from Currier and Ives: a horse- ancestors did before the automobile. They forests of the Rivne region blend into the drawn sledge, or “britchka,” plowing heat their homes with wood, harvest oats unmarked border with Belarus. through the ice-crusted shoulder of the and raise dairy cattle, supplement their diets by hunting deer and rabbit and moose, and in late summertime they gath- er wild mushrooms and cranberries (“zhu- ravlyna”) in the marshes. The woodlanders of Polissia, or “Polischuky” as they call themselves, take pride in their self-sufficiency, their determi- nation to overcome hardships, to keep up their humor, even in the dead of winter. They take pride in their region’s rich history as the birthplace of the Ukrainian Partisan Army (UPA) and can recount vivid stories Oksana Zalipska, the director of the of their forefathers’ resistance to the Nazis Rivne Regional Office on Chornobyl and the Soviets. While the International Consequences, travels the snowy back- Atomic Energy Agency has tried to pro- roads of radiation-contaminated Sarny mote a stereotype of Chornobyl survivors District to inform medical aid workers as hypochondriacs wallowing in self-pity of the needs of the Chornobyl survivors. and “radiophobia,” the Polishchuky are more likely to impress visitors with their Organization. The organizational skills she gritty optimism and their community spirit. developed in coordinating hundreds of Plast Traditionally, the residents of this area chapters from Lviv to Kharkiv to Crimea raise large families of five children or helped to prepare her for the myriad proj- Photographer Joseph Sywenkyj meets with 10-year-old Bohuslav Poliuhovych in more. With a strong presence of Baptist ects she is now implementing for the the village hospital in Zarichne. Bohuslav was born with a life-threatening aortic and evangelical churches, families here Chornobyl survivors in the Rivne Oblast. valve defect and a club foot, but his condition has not diminished his zeal for his reject abortion as a reproductive choice, “Rivne received a huge amount of studies as he excels in history and English, and is a straight-A student. and local communities are seeking to radiation from the Chornobyl disaster,” build new schools and maternity hospi- said Ms. Zalipska. “In fact, there were In wintertime, the area is reminiscent highway, shaggy ponies snorting steam tals for a growing population. chunks of the exploded reactor core that of the rugged backwoods of the Allagash and shaking their manes in a frothy can- The needs of the northern Rivne com- were discovered in the woods, making wilderness in Maine, with deep snow- ter, as an old codger in a sheepskin hat munities pose a number of challenges for this area highly contaminated.” The drifts and road signs warning of moose slaps the reins and skeptically eyes the Oksana Zalipska, who last year was worst problem local farmers face is the crossings and logging trucks carrying car with city plates as it passes by. appointed to serve as the director of the poor quality of the soil. Unlike the rich fresh cut timbers to local sawmills. The This northern Polissia region was sig- provincial government’s Office of black earth or “chornozem” of Kyiv and woods here can be inviting and vaguely nificantly contaminated by radioactive Chornobyl Consequences. Prior to her Zhytomyr provinces to the east, here the menacing – “lovely, dark and deep,” in fallout after the 1986 accident at the appointment, Ms. Zalipska lived in Kyiv soil is sandy, acidic and boggy. In the the words of Robert Frost, and travelers Chornobyl nuclear plant. However, unlike where she served on the National Board have reason to worry about icy spin-outs the evacuated city of Prypiat and many of (KPS) of the Plast Ukrainian Scouting (Continued on page 22) Pop star Ruslana tours children’s hospitals in Ukraine by Evhenia Medvedenko that will enable Dr. Kovalsky and his staff that CCRDF had purchased with funds lifespan. The respirator is adorned with a to perform more complex open heart oper- raised during her benefit concert last small poster of Ruslana to remind parents KYIV – Over the past month, the pop- ations on children with congenital defects. May as part of the Eurovision festivities. of their babies’ benefactor. ular Ukrainian recording artist Ruslana The first operations will be carried out According to Dr. Alexander Buyalsky, With the help of the UMC grant, (Lyzhychko), winner of the 2004 jointly with veteran surgeons from the the director of the Newborn Intensive CCRDF has also provided the Eurovision Song Festival, toured chil- Amosov Cardiac Surgery Institute in Kyiv. Care Unit in Dnipropetrovsk, this one res- Dnipropetrovsk hospital with an ultra- dren’s hospitals in Lviv and in On March 11 Ruslana made a surprise pirator had already saved the lives of 21 sound machine, a Colin Monitor and a Dnipropetrovsk to promote humanitarian visit to the Dnipropetrovsk City infants in its first three months in opera- special urodynamic diagnostic system efforts designed to save children’s lives. Children’s Hospital No. 3 in central tion. At current rates, the doctors expect designed to help surgeons perform deli- At the invitation of the New Jersey- Ukraine. She took special pride in a new this respirator to save 82 infants per year, cate operations to correct birth defects based Children of Chornobyl Relief and state-of-the-art Bear Cub 750 respirator and well over 1,000 during its operational affecting the gastro-intestinal and urinary Development Fund (CCRDF), Ruslana tracts and reproductive organs. first visited the Regional Children’s Located in the industrial heartland of Clinical Hospital (Okhmatdyt) on 32 Lysenko St. in the historic district of her Ukraine and downstream from many pol- hometown of Lviv. lution sources along the Dnipro River, Ruslana was accompanied by the the Dnipropetrovsk hospital has been renowned German musician and film forced to specialize in these types of producer Peter Maffay and his film crew, unique procedures as environmental con- who documented the new technology and taminants have caused a variety of hospital improvements introduced by the unusual congenital malformations. CCRDF. Mr. Maffay’s film is scheduled Ruslana was warmly greeted (and to be broadcast on German television as occasionally mobbed) by hospital staff part of a national telethon this spring. and patients who asked for her autographs Visibly moved by the sight of prema- and thanked her for taking time out of her ture infants struggling to overcome vari- busy schedule to visit the hospital. The ous complications, Ruslana commended star of “Wild Dances” and many popular the miraculous efforts of thoracic surgeon music videos promised to help raise more Dr. Roman Kovalsky and the neonatal funds for the medical mission of CCRDF specialists at the Lviv Okhmatdyt who now that she has seen for herself the have helped to save hundreds of babies impact of the fund’s efforts. with the help of respirators, pulse oxime- * * * ters and other intensive care and diagnos- tic equipment delivered by CCRDF. For more information on CCRDF or Most recently, with the aid of a grant to make a contribution, readers may con- from UMC, the Ukrainian mobile tact Alexa Milanytch at (973) 376-5140 telecommunications company, CCRDF Eurovision winner Ruslana looks over a baby in the neonatal intensive care ward or write to: CCRDF, 272 Old Short Hills has installed more advanced technology of the Lviv Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital. Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 9

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER The “zone of alienation”: a thriving radioactive wilderness by Mary Mycio The wild Przewalski’s horses were grazing on last year’s dried grass when an NBC News film crew drove by in early April. The cameraman leaped out of the van to film the horses, dramatically framed by the sarcopha- gus that has covered Chornobyl’s No. 4 reactor since soon after it exploded on April 26, 1986, and burned for 10 days. The unprecedented disaster spewed the radioactive equivalent of 20 Hiroshima bombs around the globe and defiled the surrounding countryside with heavy contamination. The small herd was wary. The stallion and alpha mare kept a close watch on the cameraman – and me, as I slowly approached them to take some pictures. A species apart from domestic horses, Przewalski’s horses can be vicious, attacking if threatened. Extinct in the wild since the 1960s, Przewalski’s horses are a captive breeding success story. Nearly 1,500 have been bred worldwide – many of them at Ukraine’s Askania Nova reserve. Today, there are enough horses to start releasing them into natural habi- tats. The main problem has been finding places where they won’t disturb people, trampling farmland, and where people won’t disturb them. One of those places has been the zone of alienation (also known as the exclusion zone) surrounding the Mary Mycio Chornobyl reactor. About 135,000 people were evacuat- Przewalski’s horses photographed in the zone of alienation around the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. ed from the 30-kilometer zone established around the reactor in the first few months. More people were reset- Like their unexpectedly inviting habitat, the animals into the wild, though the program met with fierce oppo- tled from contaminated patches in Belarus, Russia and are also radioactive. Cesium-137, which chemically sition. Some scientists were concerned that the horses, a Ukraine in the ensuing years, for a total of 350,000. mimics potassium, packs in their muscles. Strontium-90, steppe species, would be unable to adapt to the zone’s They were not Chornobyl’s only human victims – or which imitates calcium, collects in their bones. Birds forested and swampy terrain. But the program went for- survivors, depending on one’s point of view. Nearly also collect strontium-90 in their eggshells. But the ben- ward, though it somewhat resembled an equine soap 900,000 liquidators worked on the clean-up, and not all efits of the human-free environment seem to be out- opera to which I devote an entire chapter in of them were volunteers. How the disaster affected the weighing what negative effects there may be from radia- “Wormwood Forest: A Natural History of Chernobyl.” evacuees’ and liquidators’ health is a matter of some tion. Originally, there were two family groups, called controversy. But no one disputes that the disaster – If the animals live long enough to reproduce, they are compounded by the Soviets’ failure to warn the affected harems, of mares, youngsters and a stallion. There was considered biologically successful – even if they may be also a group of bachelor stallions that was on a constant populations – has caused nearly 4,000 cases of thyroid dying earlier because of radiation-related diseases. cancer (with thousands more still to come), mostly in prowl for unattached mares, including domestic mares Some creatures’ fertility also may be depressed. For in the zone’s various agencies and services. Over the people who were children at the time of the disaster. example, great tits nesting in very radioactive areas lay Chornobyl’s psychological effects also linger, even years, the herds expanded steadily. misshapen eggs that often fail to hatch. among people who were not significantly affected by Mature colts and fillies were expelled from their fam- Nevertheless, birds are far more plentiful inside the radiation. Studies comparing people who live in the ily groups. Colts joined bachelor herds, while more zone than outside it. There are some 280 species, includ- contaminated regions to people in “clean” areas found mature bachelors fought each other for the young mares, ing rarities like black storks and white-tailed eagles. that both groups consider Chornobyl to be their No. 1 forming new harems that allow more stallions to con- Since the health of an animal population is measured by health problem. That conviction, in turn, can cause tribute to the Chornobyl horses’ gene pool. its size, not by the health of its individual members, stress, fatalism, depression. As one Ukrainian expert Today, there are five family herds, as well as some Chornobyl’s creatures are healthy indeed. said when asked about the various ailments people bachelors. On their last trip to the zone in March, Mmes. That’s why Askania Nova scientists Natalia blame on the disaster: “Are they sick because of radia- Yasynetska and Zharkikh counted 63 horses, which is a Yasenetska and Tetiana Zharkikh decided that the zone tion? No. Are they sick because of Chornobyl? Yes.” tripling of the original number released. That may seem was the best place in Ukraine to experimentally release In short, the disaster’s human consequences are grim Przewalski’s horses. In 1999, 21 horses were released (Continued on page 25) and should not be underestimated – though in the renewed debates over nuclear energy, they must be kept in perspective and compared to the human costs of other forms of energy, especially fossil fuels. But Chornobyl has not been quite the environmental European Greens launch study on malignant legacy of Chornobyl disaster everyone predicted and most people still imag- BERLIN – The European Greens on April 6 launched a She added: “The much-publicized IAEA estimate of a ine. Far from being dead, the zone of alienation is very new report on the devastating and ongoing legacy of the dis- mere 4,000 excess cancer deaths provoked an outcry much alive. In fact, by forcing people to abandon a con- aster in Chornobyl. With the 20th anniversary of Chornobyl among the scientific community and environmental tiguous area of nearly 2,000 square miles, or the size of falling on April 26, the report by two leading scientists from NGOs, and was a dishonor to those who have and will two Rhode Islands, straddling the border between the United Kingdom, which was commissioned by Member suffer as a result of Chornobyl. This is one of a number Ukraine and Belarus, radiation has paradoxically of the European Parliament Rebecca Harms of the German of underestimates, which TORCH set out to rebut. There allowed nature to thrive. Party of Greens, clearly sets out the continuing and predicted must be no mistaking the catastrophic dangers that are Populations of large animals such as moose, wild future noxious effects of Chornobyl – not just on the imme- still very much associated with nuclear power.” boar and deer have rebounded, together with the preda- diate area, but worldwide, particularly Western Europe. TORCH was prepared by two UK scientists, Ian tors that keep their populations in check. During more Some key findings of The Other Report on Chernobyl Fairlie, Ph.D., and David Sumner, D.Phil. Dr. Fairlie than 20 visits to the zone, I’ve seen wolves in broad (TORCH) include: was to take part in a wider Greens press conference on daylight and heard the call of an endangered lynx at • Belarus, Ukraine and Russia were heavily contami- nuclear energy on April 19 in the European Parliament nightfall. I’ve become a good enough tracker to proba- nated, however, more than half of Chornobyl’s fallout in Brussels in advance of Chornobyl’s 20th anniversary. bly qualify for a Plast merit badge. was deposited outside these countries. The Greens are also organizing a conference in Kyiv Biologist Igor Chyzhevski has been studying the wild • Fallout from Chornobyl contaminated about 40 per- on April 23-25 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of animals since the early 1990s, when he used to go hunt- cent of Europe’s surface area, and about two-thirds of the Chornobyl disaster and present arguments as to why ing with European scientists studying how much Chornobyl’s collective dose was distributed to popula- the deadly nuclear option must not be considered as an radioactivity game animals were accumulating (their tions outside Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, especially to answer to Europe’s current energy supply problems. conclusion: quite a lot). Western Europe. “There are no mutants,” he insisted, when I asked • About 30,000 to 60,000 excess cancer deaths are The story above was transmitted by the Ukrainian- him the same question nearly everyone poses to me, predicted – seven to 15 times greater than the American Environmental Association, a private, non- about two-headed moose and six-legged boars. “If International Atomic Energy Agency/World Health governmental organization founded in 2004 and char- deformed animals are born in the wild, they die. Organization published estimate of 4,000. tered in both the United States and Ukraine. It is a net- Scavengers dispose of them before anyone can find Speaking at the launch of the report in Berlin, Ms. work of more than 500 Ukrainian and American NGOs, them.” Harms said: “We commissioned TORCH to counterbal- academic researchers, businesses and government offi- ance claims made by the IAEA in the media last year, cials to facilitate the exchange of information on a Mary Mycio is the author of “Wormwood Forest: A which both played down the lethal consequences of the broad array of environmental issues including, but not Natural History of Chernobyl” (Joseph Henry Press, nuclear accident at Chornobyl and failed to make a limited to, energy policy, climate change, air and water 2005). Readers can visit the official website at meaningful analysis of its wider effects on Europe and pollution, toxic wastes, soil conservation, sustainable www.chernobyl.in.ua. the world.” agriculture, and wildlife and wilderness protection. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER Chornobyl: the 20th anniversary debate by David R. Marples well as an accident resulting in the release of significant Anatoly Romanenko advising people to go and swim in amounts of radiation beyond the confines of the station at the Dnipro River – or could not be trusted. Twenty years after the worst industrial accident in histo- Chornobyl’s No. 1 reactor on September 9, 1982. The latter Precisely because of the lack of faith in official reports, ry, we are as far away as ever from any definitive conclu- was only revealed with the release of documents filed by particularly by the late 1980s when both Belarus and sions about its effects. Chornobyl was a difficult accident the Ukrainian KGB in 2003, but spread radiation at least 8 Ukraine had begun to develop their own informal associa- to monitor, first because of the secrecy of the Soviet miles beyond the confines of the Chornobyl nuclear plant. tions dealing with Chornobyl and other issues, the cooper- regime, which classified much of the data available, partic- This innate secrecy is also evident in the discussions ation between the Soviet authorities and the IAEA was ularly on health and casualties; second, although the Soviet among Politburo members that took place after the flawed from the beginning. The problems started with the authorities agreed to share some information with the Chornobyl accident, particularly on the number of early vic- Soviet report on the causes of the accident to the IAEA in International Atomic Energy Agency, a United Nations tims, the number of people seriously irradiated, the number Vienna, which blamed the accident solely on human error body that it had joined in 1985, and which from that point of people moved to various hospitals, and concerning and ignored the various design flaws. They were com- took on the role of the leading international institution deal- responsibility for the mistakes that led to the two major pounded by the 1988 suicide of Valery Legasov, the disil- ing with Chornobyl, the IAEA lacked credibility in some explosions that blew the roof off the fourth reactor building. lusioned scientist who had led the Soviet delegation at that quarters; third, because of the disintegration of the Soviet This same secrecy was applied to the current radiation time, and whose memoirs issued posthumously reflected Union and the formation of 15 independent states only five situation surrounding the plant and health information, and his deep anxiety about the safety of the RBMK reactors. and a half years after the catastrophe; and lastly because of resulted in the classification of subsequent deaths. No The IAEA was never accepted outside the scientific the profound psychological effect of the accident that for information was made available about the thousands of community of the affected nations as an impartial arbiter different reasons has prevented any consensus as to its volunteers who came to Chornobyl in the first days and into the effects of the accident mainly because of its role as effects. weeks afterwards to assist with the clean-up operation, and a promoter of the development of civilian nuclear power. Let us examine briefly each of these aspects in turn, prior to the arrival of the military reservists that we today The IAEA and the Chernobyl Forum Report before analyzing the conclusions of the two main scientific term “liquidators.” In Belarus, a computer file listing “vic- reports released in conjunction with the 20th anniversary. tims” of Chornobyl mysteriously “disappeared.” The IAEA’s role, as an integral part of the United The secrecy of the Soviet regime Chornobyl occurred prior to the onset of glasnost under Nations, has been to promote the safe operation of nuclear Mikhail Gorbachev and, in fact, may have served as the cat- power, as well as to safeguard the world from random It would be difficult to overestimate the significance of alyst to glasnost. Ukrainian KGB documents indicate that nuclear proliferation. The agency has played a role in the the way in which the Soviet regime operated. It had suc- the serious flaws in the RBMK-type reactors were well- authorship of several scientific analyses of the effects of cessfully concealed several earlier accidents, including the known to the scientific authorities, and that the official opti- Chornobyl. It also continued to monitor improvements explosion of an atomic waste dump in Kyshtym in 1957, as mism regarding the safety of the nuclear power industry made to the station after 1986, but had resolved by 1994 was not mirrored by the reality at the building sites. that the Chornobyl reactors were inherently dangerous and David R. Marples is professor of history and director Even after the accident, there were serious problems that the plant should be shut down. of the Stasiuk Program on Contemporary Ukraine at the during the clean-up campaign, such as the lack of Geiger Ukraine complied six years later, after difficult negotia- Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of counters, or the presence of Geiger counters with only lim- tions with the G-7 countries and the European Bank to Alberta. He is author of 10 books, including three on ited scales so that overexposure was commonplace. The ensure that it would get some form of compensation for Chornobyl, with others on Stalinism in Ukraine, con- workforce became almost mutinous, such was its dissatis- taking this step, as well as starting up new reactors, temporary Belarus and the collapse of the Soviet Union. faction with conditions, including the lack of clean clothing Khmelnytsky-2 and Rivne-4, both VVER-1000-type reac- At the University of Alberta, he was awarded the J. or even showers after a day spent removing radioactive tors. The new capacity would match the loss of the two Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research in deposits. Official information was misleading – the most remaining reactors at Chornobyl after 2000, namely the 2003 and a Killam Annual Professorship in 2005-2006. notorious example is the Ukrainian Health Minister first and third units. The scientific studies promoted or authored by the IAEA have appeared on or just prior to significant anniversaries and have generally sounded an optimistic note regarding the health effects and direct link between enhanced radia- tion to the affected population and illnesses arising. The most recent account, authored with seven other U.N. agencies (including the World Health Organization), as well as with selected departments from the governments of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, has been the Chernobyl Forum Report (2005), which like earlier reports has sug- gested that the overall health and environmental impact of the disaster was less than initially feared. The main conclusions of the Chernobyl Forum Report are as follows: up to 4,000 people could eventually die from radiation exposure from the accident, but by mid-2005 fewer than 50 deaths had resulted. Some 2,200 deaths are to be expected among the 200,000 liquidators who were in the area in 1986-1987, and 4,000 children have contracted thy- roid gland cancer, but the number of deaths among them to date has been only nine. The most important health effect from Chornobyl has been the impact on mental health and psychological concerns, and a critical aspect has been pover- ty and the problems caused by evacuations. The report called for redefining contaminated zones and stressed that programs introduced to help Chornobyl victims should not promote dependency among the population. Though the report did not receive lasting media attention in the West, the general reaction was fairly critical. It also elicited strong and adverse reactions in the three countries of its concern, including from government officials and institutions, despite its claim to be representative of these same governments. The adverse reaction reflects in part the often disparate views and research of different government agencies in the three post-Soviet countries most concerned. Several leading scientists and doctors are reportedly put- ting together an alternative version of the impact of Chornobyl that disputes the Chernobyl Forum Report’s conclusions. It will posit that the number of deaths from long-term cancers will exceed 30,000 (a further report from Greenpeace has cited a figure of 90,000), and that among those 2 million people classified as Chornobyl victims – evacuees, liquidators, those living in zones contaminated by radioactive cesium – up to 500,000 already have died. Among liquidators specifically, this alternative report suggests that 34,499 who took part in the Chornobyl clean- up have died subsequently, according to Mykola Omelianets, deputy chairman of the National Commission for Radiation Protection in Ukraine. Many died of cardiac The destroyed fourth reactor of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant as photographed soon after the April 26, 1986, disaster by Andrey Illesh. (Continued on page 11) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 11

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER Chornobyl... (Continued from page 10) arrest, and their deaths have fueled a new debate about the links between radiation and heart disease. Evheniya Stepanova of the Ukrainian Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine claims that infant mortality has increased 20 to 30 percent since 1986 as a result of chronic exposure after the accident, and that cancers, genetic muta- tions and leukemia are overwhelming the Ukrainian health authorities. The alternative report also lists various other diseases that have emerged in the contaminated regions, including as far west as the Rivne Oblast. Nearly one in three babies born in this area has deformities, most of which are internal. How is it possible that such contrasting pictures, all based on scientific data, have emerged? Equally problem- atic has been the attitude of IAEA spokespersons to such reports. For example, one official responded to the Ukrainian scientists’ findings with the questions: “Do they have qualified people? Are they responsible?” These questions encapsulate the fundamental problems of the U.N. agencies today, namely the propagation of sci- ence as a monolithic concept in which only one version of events has any credibility. In this way the IAEA and other allied agencies – especially the World Health Organization – have perpetuated a negative stereotype of their activities that began with the investigation into Chornobyl, particu- larly when they are not prepared to discuss views contrary to their own. Marta Kolomayets The Chernobyl Forum Report has been criticized also Yuri Shcherbak, then a leader of the Green movement in Ukraine, addresses a 1991 rally in Kyiv. for its nebulous language, its omission of the long-term impact of Chornobyl radiation outside the three countries (CMEA) to build nuclear power stations throughout the children classified as “not healthy,” a significant rise in studied (which would have an impact on the long-term western USSR and Eastern Europe that could all be har- childhood diabetes, pervasive respiratory and digestive ill- casualties as well), and the way it has accepted at face- nessed to the MIR grid. nesses, and, above all, heart disease, in addition to the one value some of the patently false – as now demonstrated by The Ministry of Atomic Energy was founded only after illness that has been accepted universally as a consequence newly released archival documents – information issued the disaster in 1986. Nuclear power was transferred to the of Chornobyl – thyroid gland cancer among children, by the Soviet government about immediate casualties and same frenetic timetable that typified Soviet industry in gen- which encompasses around 10,000 children today (not the the extent of the radiation fallout, particularly the attribu- eral. Corners were cut. Reactors were constructed in unsafe 4,000 specified in the Chornobyl Forum Report). tion of Chornobyl-related deaths to other causes. regions – including earthquake zones – and without ade- Aside from thyroid gland cancer, are these massive Above all, the elitist attitude of the Chernobyl Forum quate safety mechanisms, including fallout shelters and problems linked to a rise in radiation, background (low- spokespersons tends to belie what is a very detailed and adequate evacuation procedures. Emergency shutdowns level radiation) or have they resulted from other factors? It overall credible report in some respects Nevertheless, the were frequent, and there was a dearth of sufficiently skilled is still open to debate, but the traditional comparison with notion that this report or any other on the 20th anniversary personnel. the victims of Hiroshima appears to be inadequate and can be described as definitive is naïve and non-scientific. After the dissolution of the USSR, however, all these even irrelevant in many respects. The results are very dif- difficulties were exacerbated. Most of the well-qualified ferent. Among liquidators the various ailments and subse- The collapse of the USSR nuclear experts moved from Ukraine to Russia. Belarus did quent deaths could also be the direct consequences of high- The collapse of the Soviet Union led to immediate eco- not have an operating nuclear power plant, the full effects level doses, many of which went unrecorded. To what nomic and financial problems in the newly formed states of Chornobyl were revealed much later than in other extent are traditional lifestyles blamed for psychological that had a negative impact as far as attention to Chornobyl republics, and the number of medical victims was too high problems and stress today? And could stress be considered was concerned. Centrally planned schemes simply col- even to monitor adequately. a medical illness that results from enhanced radiation rather lapsed, even though the new governments in Moscow, than forming a response to it? There is at least one study The psychology of Chornobyl Kyiv and Miensk vowed to work together to deal with the from France that posits so. massive health and environmental problems that devel- The Chernobyl Forum Report has focused on psycholo- Unfortunately no definitive answers have emerged to oped. Russia, Ukraine and Belarus took markedly different gy, and with justification. From the outset, Chornobyl was these questions. attitudes to Chornobyl. an accident that elicited extreme emotions. Soviet reports It is clear nevertheless that the health problems in the For Russia, it represented an important but not the most compared the drama with that of the second world war, contaminated zones are considerably worse than in “clean” significant environmental problem. Contamination was except that this time the enemy was invisible. areas, and that the incidence of morbidity and infectious widespread but affected only 0.5 percent of the Russian The evacuations were traumatic enough, but many of diseases is far higher than it was 20 years ago. Federation. the 350,000 people who left their homes between 1986 and Conclusion For Ukraine, besides widespread contamination, the key 2000 found life in their new environs very difficult. Often issues became a new moratorium on the commissioning of they were not welcomed. Local residents thought they What we do know 20 years on is that the effects from new reactors and the shutdown of the plant and eventual were infectious, others were incensed that they were occu- Chornobyl continue to have an enormous impact on the construction of a new shelter over the destroyed reactor. pying apartments that others had awaited for years. Many affected population of between 5 million and 7 million These issues were clearly undermined by the sudden and could not adjust to life in a new home. Jobs and careers people. The number of precise deaths probably cannot be almost catastrophic economic decline that occurred in the were also difficult to find. known, but the figure of “less than 50” to date is not taken early years of independence. The economy was also affect- For those who remained behind, the situation was equal- seriously by most analysts. Conversely, there are also a ed by the strong environmental movement (Zelenyi Svit, ly difficult. They were visited by teams of scientists, number of victims who have survived heavy doses of radi- led by Dr. Yuri Shcherbak and Dr. Dmytro Hrodzynskyi) reporters, filmmakers and others. They began to attribute ation, including firemen, first-aid workers and even opera- that brought about the abandonment of many reactors all illnesses to Chornobyl, to decline to have families and tors at the scene of the accident. under construction, including completely new programs at eat properly, and often fell victim to alcoholism. All these The accident changed irrevocably the landscape, econo- Chyhyryn, Crimea and other locations. facts are well-known, and they form part of the Chornobyl my and habitation of a large zone of forests and agricultur- For Belarus, on the other hand, the effects of Chornobyl syndrome. The Chernobyl Forum Report maintains that a al land. It had a limited negative effect on the development were almost overwhelming, with about 80 percent of the dependency on the state has developed. of nuclear power in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, but ulti- republic initially affected by fallout of radioactive iodine It could be equally determined that such dependency mately it did not halt existing programs or preclude new and about one-fifth contaminated with longer-living radio- was an integral part of the Soviet system and has been con- and even more ambitious programs for the longer term. nuclides. A republic of 10 million people could hardly solidated in the post-Soviet period, at least in Belarus with The Chornobyl region has been depopulated, and the have been expected to deal alone with a catastrophe on its dictatorial government that has forced students and mili- loss of the 350,000 evacuees has been further complicated such a scale. At one point Chornobyl-related issues occu- tary reservists to re-cultivate contaminated land and perse- by internal migration from the affected regions, leaving pied more than one-fifth of the entire health budget of cuted scientists for research studies that contradict the offi- many empty villages and tracts of land. Belarus. cial version of an accident that has been overcome. The shelter has yet to be erected through an international The fall of the Soviet Union has tended to obscure the What is manifest by 2006 is that there are at least two par- consortium, but costs are already over $1 billion. administrative aspects of the Chornobyl disaster: the fact allel scientific conceptions of Chornobyl that do not make Lastly, the principal victims of Chornobyl today are now that two Moscow-based ministries controlled civilian contact with each other. There is, in addition, a large body of young adults or people of middle age. Thyroid cancers nuclear reactors prior to 1986: Medium Machine-Building opinion that distrusts any information provided by the IAEA affected primarily children born or conceived before the and Power and Electrification. The former ministry was as lacking in objectivity. This complex rift undermines 1986 accident. Liquidators today are in their 40s and early responsible for the atomic weapons program and thus for efforts to come to terms with the alarming health problems 50s. Like all victims of the disaster, they tend to perceive the conversion of the RBMK for civilian purposes. The among the population affected by Chornobyl, which no one the world as an epoch divided by the event: before Ministry of Power had to oversee a vast program under the doubts are much more serious than 20 years ago. Chornobyl and after it. auspices of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance The affected population includes 80 percent of young Nothing was ever the same again. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER Myriad events dedicated to nuclear accident’s consequences by Serhiy Zhykharev will be held at the Capitol building (HC- Development,” this symposium will the United Nations building the same Ukrainian National Information Service 6) featuring expert testimony on focus on the many dramatic changes that day. Chornobyl issues, including radiation and have taken place in the wake of CCRDF, co-founder of the Chornobyl WASHINGTON – Within the frame- health, agriculture and food, environ- Chornobyl, the progress that has been Challenge ’06 coalition, in cooperation work of commemorating the 20th ment, economics, U.S. assistance and the made in creating democratic societies, with the U.S. Department of State, who is anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear dis- containment of the 4th unit at the stimulating economic growth, developing sponsoring this action, will organize a aster, the Chornobyl Challenge ’06 coali- Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The new energy sources and rebuilding the 20th anniversary commemorative airlift tion was created on the initiative of the CUC co-chairs will start the meeting with medical infrastructure of Ukraine. bringing vital medicine and state-of-the- Ukrainian Congress Committee of brief remarks, after which the New York’s Harriman Institute at art medical equipment to the children of America (UCCA) and the Children of Ambassadors of Ukraine, Belarus and Columbia University and Washington’s Ukraine. On April 20 the airlift will be Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund Russia will take the floor. Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson greeted by Ukraine’s First Lady Kateryna (CCRDF). The coalition will hold a num- In the evening of the same day, the Center for Scholars will host two confer- Yushchenko and U.S. Ambassador John ber of events to highlight the conse- Chornobyl Challenge ’06 committee will ences titled “Commemoration of the Herbst, and will serve as a prelude to the quences of the tragedy from the point of hold a congressional reception to help Chornobyl Disaster: The Human International Chornobyl Commemorative view of the problems that still require members of Congress and their staffers Experience” on April 25 from 8:30 a.m. Conference. attention and resolution. make contacts in order to help them fur- to 4 p.m. and April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to In addition, during photo exhibitions at Honorary co-chairs of Chornobyl ther expand and develop cooperation 7:30 p.m., respectively. At these confer- the United Nations and the U.S. Challenge ’06 include Rep. Marcy with experts on important issues realted ences experts will examine the Congress, a companion “Chornobyl-20” Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Rep. Lincoln Diaz- to the Chornobyl disaster’s conse- Chornobyl disaster from its historical, music CD, featuring tracks by major Balart (R-Fla.). quences. medical, social, environmental and international recording artists, will be The events in Congress will open with Together with the Ukraine 3000 human perspectives. offered for purchase. Funds raised will be a one-day photo exhibit titled foundation chaired by the first lady of Commemorative events dedicated to donated to humanitarian organizations “Chornobyl-20,” which will open at 10 Ukraine, the Chornobyl Challenge ’06 the 20th anniversary of Chornobyl will working in Chornobyl-affected regions. a.m. in the foyer of the Rayburn House coalition will participate in organizing a take place at the United Nations on April The members of the Chornobyl Office Building on April 26. The exhibi- historic international conference in the 28. A special commemorative session of Challenge ’06 coalition are: Belarusan- tion will include photographs by several Ukrainian capital of Kyiv that will the United Nations General Assembly to American Association, Chernobyl prominent artists, illuminating the human bring together national leaders, scientif- mark the 20th anniversary of Chornobyl Children’s Project International, stories behind the Chornobyl catastrophe ic and medical experts, corporate spon- will open at 10 a.m. All three Missions of Children of Chornobyl Relief and and highlighting the dignity and hope of sors and humanitarian activists from the contaminated regions, Ukraine, Development Fund, Ukrainian Congress its survivors. around the world to commemorate the Belarus and Russia, will host the event. Committee of America, Ukrainian The following day, April 27, a con- 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl acci- Also, the “Chornobyl – 20” photo exhib- Human Rights Committee and the gressional briefing co-sponsored by the dent. it, which will have opened in Congress United Ukrainian American Relief Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (CUC) Titled “Rebirth, Renewal and Human on April 26, will be shown in the hall of Committee.

prior to 1989. There are many other congenital mal- exclusion zone, has been pleading for Anniversary... A parallel study by Israeli and formations that have been documented by health officials to provide more screen- (Continued from page 7) Ukrainian scientists published in the Belarusian and Ukrainian, Japanese and ings for children in his district. many scientists and researchers who once Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Italian scientists whose studies have been Preliminary surveys have shown that up labored under the shadow of the post- in Britain found that the children of ignored by the IAEA: abnormally high to 75 percent of children in some villages Soviet medical system were afraid to Chornobyl liquidators suffer from a sev- rates of cleft palates, polydactilism (extra suffer from high blood pressure. share their findings with the outside enfold increase in chromosome damage fingers or toes), microcephaly, deformed Doctors at the Amosov Cardiac world. Many of the former health offi- as compared to their siblings born prior or missing limbs, stunted torsos, Surgery Institute in Kyiv and the main cials who presided over the cover-up and to the accident. cataracts, and missing or deformed inter- cardiac center in Miensk have reported Extensive studies in the Institute of nal organs. who denied the need to take protective abnormally high rates of cardiomyopathy, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Several peer-reviewed studies have mitral valve prolapse and Epstein’s measures still wielded enormous power (IPOG) in Kyiv and parallel studies in also found substantially higher rates of Syndrome. Some of these cases were fea- in the Ukrainian medical establishment. Belarus have documented the accumula- pregnancy complications among women tured in the Oscar-winning documentary They had a stake in downplaying the tion of radioactive cesium-137 in the living in contaminated villages, compared film “Chernobyl Heart.” extent of the damage caused, and they stillborn fetuses and placentas of women to women from relatively clean zones. Follow-up studies are clearly needed had a major chilling effect on subordi- exposed to Chornobyl radiation. These included intrauterine hypoxia of to verify the degree to which these ill- nates whose research revealed negative Belarusian scientists have established a the fetus, pre-eclampsia and other danger- nesses and birth defects are related to health effects. strong correlation between congenital ous conditions. The Institute of Pediatrics radiation exposure, as opposed to other With the new policies of free speech deformities of the central nervous system (IPOG) in Kyiv has spent 14 years study- environmental factors. The Chornobyl and freedom of the press fostered by with increased levels of cesium-137 in ing the impact of radiation exposure on disaster still offers unique opportunities President Yushchenko, a number of the placenta. Further evidence of the immune systems of liquidators’ chil- to learn much more about the effects of Ukrainian scientists have felt embold- Chornobyl’s genetic impact has been dren and children living in contaminated radiation exposure. But the international ened to bring their research studies into gathered in Ukraine. regions. They found a severe depletion of research community has shown a curious the clear light of day. A program funded by the United States immunoglobulin-A, and depression of the lack of curiosity in addressing or financ- First, it is worth examining the actual Agency for International Development entire system of T-helpers and T-suppres- ing these research programs. death toll of the Chornobyl liquidators. (USAID) in the Volyn and Rivne oblasts sors that play a critical role in defending Instead of following Christ’s adage: Dr. Mykola Omelianets is a leading has been tracking birth defects among the human body against toxins, bacteria “Seek and ye shall find,” many research demographer with the Institute of 104,000 newborns (26,000 annually) and carcinogenic agents. institutes seem to be following a policy Radiation Medicine in Kyiv. According since 2001. According to Dr. Wolodymyr The latency period for many forms of of “Seek not, find not,” or “Seek not, lest to government registries, there were Wertelecki, the team leader and chairman cancer begins to exact its toll after 20 ye regret your findings.” Even when pre- 344,000 Ukrainian liquidators who took of Medical Genetics at the University of years, and the half-life of radioactive sented with an opportunity to verify their part in the Chornobyl emergency clean- South Alabama, the rate of spina bifida cesium and strontium is 30 years, so we much-touted theory of “radiophobia” and up. Of these, 34,400 or 10 percent have among these children is four times higher may witness the greatest surge in cancers “hysteria” as the catch-all excuse for any died between the years 1989 and 2004. than normal. If the normal rate is 3 cases in the next decade. In any case, it is very reports of ill health effects, the IAEA Most of these were young men in their per 10,000 newborns, across Ukraine it premature to close the book on declined. (Dr. Simeon Gluzman of Kyiv 20s and 30s at the time of the accident, has risen to 12 per 10,000. More signifi- Chornobyl’s consequences at this stage. and Dr. Evelyn Bromet of the State and they are dying at a rate 2.7 times cant is the comparison with spina bifida A study commissioned by the U.S. University of New York at Stony Brook higher than working-age men across among newborns from the northern dis- Office of Naval Research found that are two of the foremost experts on post- Ukraine. tricts of the Rivne Oblast which were Ukrainian children in the Zhytomyr and traumatic stress in communities recover- Even more noteworthy is the fact that heavily contaminated by Chornobyl fall- Rivne oblasts had twice the rate of acute ing from disaster. Recently they offered 25 percent of these deaths were caused out. There the rate was 28 per 10,000 – lymphoblastic leukemia as children in to conduct a broad-based study of the by cancer, while the rate of cancer deaths more than 9 times higher. areas that were spared Chornobyl’s fall- psychological health of Chornobyl sur- among average Ukrainian males in the For the CCRDF’s partner hospitals out. A Harvard Medical School study vivors and their children. If the IAEA same age range is only 9.6 percent, an who work with newborn children, these found that children in Greece who were were interested in a clinical diagnosis of almost three-fold (2.7) difference. These statistics come as no surprise. As early as in utero at the time of the Chornobyl such a syndrome as “radiophobia,” as excess cancer deaths would account for 1993, neonatal specialists began to notice accident had twice the risk of developing opposed to a layman’s stereotype or slur, 8,600 liquidators – already twice the many more cases of these unfortunate leukemia as control groups. this was their agency’s chance.) death toll estimated by the U.N. forum. children with herniated tissue protruding There is also growing concern about These are just a few of the issues that And this data does not include the cancer from their bodies. Such cases had the prevalence of cardio-vascular disease will be discussed and debated at the April impact on liquidators from other ex- occurred even prior to Chornobyl, but among children born to liquidators and 24-25 conferences in Kyiv. The outcome Soviet republics, evacuees or people still very rarely, perhaps once every few children living on contaminated territo- could have a very long-term impact on living in contaminated territories. It also years, while after Chornobyl, these cases ries. Ivan Kirimov, the mayor of the town energy policy and public health for many does not count liquidators who had died began to multiply each year. of Ivankovo, just south of the Chornobyl years to come. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 13

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER Exhibit of works by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak evokes Chornobyl HOUSTON – April 26, 2006, marks the 20th the exhibition. An edition and a limited number of proofs “Chornobyl” is on view from April 1 through May 31 in anniversary of the nuclear plant explosion in of “Reflected Innocence” are available for purchase the Art Gallery of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Chornobyl, Ukraine. Ten years ago, Lydia Bodnar- through the Collaborative or the artist through May 31, the Bayou Building, Atrium I, First Level, located at Balahutrak visited the Chornobyl zone, northwest of with proceeds benefiting the Children of Chornobyl Relief 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, Texas 77058. Gallery Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. That fall of 1996, the artist and Development Fund (www.childrenofchornobyl.org). hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8 and a Ukrainian radio-oncologist embarked on an offi- Those interested in supporting this special project are a.m.-noon on Friday, or by prior arrangement. Visitor invited to click onto the designated site (http://www.tex- parking is provided in front of the Bayou Building. For asprint.net/SpecialProjects.html) for more information, further information, please call UH/CL at 281-283-3446. to view the print image and place an order. Funds raised On Tuesday, April 25, beginning at 6 p.m., Ms. Bodnar- are earmarked for the purchase of medical equipment – Balahutrak will give a gallery talk in the Art Gallery, Bayou such as a pulse oxymeter – for the neonatal intensive Building, Atrium I, Level 1. This presentation about her care unit of the Chernihiv City Maternity Center hospi- show “Chornobyl” is free and open to the public. More tal in Ukraine. information about the artist’s work can be gleaned from her Ms. Bodnar-Balahutrak’s solo exhibition website, www.LydiaBodnarBalahutrak.com. Chornobyl: an artist’s view by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak pieces of child’s play were later woven into my work. As we drove back to the orientation center, I gazed April 26, 1986, unleashed a cataclysmic moment of out into the distance and followed the tall gray silhouette unparalleled unbridled energy. It continues to awe and of the sarcophagus shielding the remnants of nuclear humble in its divine display of horror and tragedy, as reactor No. 4. It jutted out against the sky, this memorial well as beauty and grace. to the desperate nightmare after the 1986 explosion. I On a misty autumn day 10 years ago, a Ukrainian thought of all the clean-up workers, now interred with friend and I embarked on an officially sanctioned visit other victims of radiation, all the tons of lead and sand to the Chornobyl zone. The Chornobyl nuclear power dropped by helicopter through the reactor’s roof to complex is situated 65 miles northwest of Kyiv, the cap- quench the fire, all the steel and concrete poured to ital of Ukraine. It is ground zero, saturated with radioac- encase the melting core. It was the recollection of all that tive dust, a fenced 40-mile-wide circle called the zone accumulated human effort and trauma, of all the building “Reflected Innocence” by Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak. of exclusion. At the first designated checkpoint, we were shown to changing rooms and issued shoes, pants, up and layering of organic and inert material to contain the “beast” that later informed my mixed media artwork. cially sanctioned one-day visit of the radiation-saturated a jacket, gloves and a mask to filter outside radioactive particles. After we donned our protective gear, our affa- Indeed this was at the heart of my compulsion to com- fenced 40-mile-wide circle called the zone, including bine seemingly disparate materials and processes, like the abandoned town of Prypiat. ble guide herded us into his car, and our tour began. The air was laden with moisture, a continuous lead and cloth, gold-leafing and torching. What she saw and experienced, along with much Our official tour ended inside the power complex. I material gathered and documented since 1986, is at the sprinkling of rain. It was eerily quiet. The silence per- meated the vast open spaces and shrouded the nearby could have stood in the control room of a reactor virtually heart of the selection of artwork in her University of identical to that of the destroyed No. 4, mesmerized by Houston-Clear Lake solo exhibition titled “Chornobyl.” forest of charred trees. There were no sounds of bird- song, no buzzing of insects, no fluttering of wings. the graph bars and squiggles, strangely familiar and allur- The exhibition features mixed media paintings that ing. In their visual patterning and color they mimicked combine seemingly contradictory and disparate materials Passing vast stretches of flat land and sheared forests, we drove toward a cluster of block-like the twists and turns of embroidery threads deftly worked and processes – such as lead and gold, organic and inert into scraps of cloth. The women had gifted me with materials, hand embroidery and torching. The 13 works Soviet-style structures – the town of Prypiat. Stopping, we wandered through the wildly overgrown embroidered mementos – works of their hands. I came to on canvas, wood, and paper, selected from several series regard these remarkable women as Chornobyl’s grace begun after 1986 and continuing through 2005, evoke buildings and grounds. I felt I was inside an enchanted tale. Apple trees were weighed down with scores of notes and later incorporated their handiwork into my art. the Chornobyl cataclysm in its many manifestations. The control room provides the coda, with the rivet- Accompanying the exhibit is the artist’s essay, golden ripe fruit. Here was the story of the poisoned apple, the allure of deceptive beauty. ing monitor screens and the sensors relaying the tem- recounting her impressions of the zone and reflecting on Left untamed, nature was resolutely reclaiming her- perature and other information in vivid traffic-signal ways it influenced her ensuing artwork. The contempla- self, regenerating life and spreading her healing man- colors. I could imagine the screen lighting up with tive nature of the exhibition is enhanced within the tle over the dust and decay. Tree limbs were forging yellow, then orange, then red – the flickering lights gallery with soft lighting and the sounds of “Requiem their way in through broken windows, saplings were signaling condition red, a release of too much heat for the Victims of Chornobyl,” a moving choral work breaking through concrete floors and taking root. and radiation, and then the impending meltdown. composed by Ukrainian Canadian Roman Hurko. Inside the crumbling, condemned buildings, it looked Chornobyl continues to impact the lives of people Just outside the gallery’s glass wall, a display case like people left in a hurry, intending to return. The chil- who suffer from all manner of serious illness. For me, holds magazines, books, excerpted writings and images dren’s daycare center still had neatly lined up shoes and that experienced by children is most heartrending. In of the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. Here the artist has also slippers, rows of tiny metal frame beds readied for nap- some measure, through the artwork, through words, included her photogravure print “Reflected Innocence” time, painted murals peeling off the walls, toys and dolls and with related special projects, I address this, our and information about her project to raise funds for the strewn everywhere. I picked up some children’s draw- human condition. I cannot save the world, but I can Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund. ings and scrawled bits of notepaper scattered on the hopefully point in the direction of respectful vigi- In commemoration of the anniversary of the Chornobyl floor. “You can take those with you,” our guide informed lance, reverence and compassion. nuclear disaster, Ms. Bodnar-Balahutrak and the Texas me, “but they’ll need to go through the decontamination Print Collaborative in Houston initiated a fund-raising process.” I followed his directives. Those saved bits and April 2006 special project that will continue through the duration of FOR THE RECORD: Rep. Chris Smith’s statement on CCRDF

Following is the text of the statement over the last 15 years in helping the most which will be held on April 25. Last year, I authored language that was by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), which was vulnerable in Ukraine – her children. As a strong advocate of the health of included in the State Department read at the April 5 press conference of And, as a congressman from New Jersey, all children, including the unborn, Authorization Act authorizing funding the Children of Chornobyl Relief and I’m proud of the work of CCRDF and its Chornobyl is of special concern. In for assistance to improve maternal and Development Fund. The statement was supporters in the Cherry Hill-Marlton, Ukraine and Belarus there is growing prenatal care, especially for the purpose read by Orest Deychakiwsky, senior staff Trenton area. evidence of a steep increase in birth of helping prevent birth defects and preg- advisor at the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Ten years ago, I chaired a Helsinki defects, especially an alarming four fold nancy complications. The monies would of which Rep. Smith is co-chairman. Commission hearing on the 10th anniver- increase in spina bifida that has been doc- be for individuals in Belarus and Ukraine sary of Chornobyl, at which CCRDF umented by the Ukrainian American involved in the clean-up of the region Ladies and Gentlemen, I congratulate Executive Director Alex Kuzma and Association for the Prevention of Birth affected by the Chornobyl disaster. We the Children of Chornobyl Relief and other witnesses, including then Ukrainian Defects. Many other forms of birth need to make sure that Chornobyl health Development Fund on the launch of the Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak, offered defects have doubled since Chornobyl, studies and efforts to prevent birth Chornobyl 20 Commemorative airlift. compelling testimony addressing the including cataracts, deformed limbs and defects through the distribution of folic This feat builds upon the fund’s impres- health and demographic consequences of fingers and cleft palates. Recent Israeli- acid and better prenatal care receive suf- sive record of having sent 31 airlifts and the world’s worst nuclear disaster. I’m Ukrainian studies have shown that chil- ficient funding. These are funding priori- 16 sea shipments to Ukraine, delivering pleased that Ambassador [Oleh] dren born to Chornobyl liquidators have ties that I will continue to pursue. humanitarian aid valued at over $53 mil- Shamshur has accepted the Helsinki a sevenfold increase in chromosome The public health research community lion. The airlifts are just one aspect of Commission’s invitation to testify at our damage as compared to their siblings CCRDF’s vital and far-reaching work Chornobyl 20th anniversary hearing born prior to the Chornobyl disaster. (Continued on page 25) 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

INTERVIEW: Ambassador Roman Popadiuk on the new Ukraine by Irene Jarosewich by President George Bush, Ambassador Popadiuk felt enormous pride in being Essential to the development of good able to represent America in the home- relations between sovereign states is an land of his parents; Ukrainian informed and active diplomatic corps. It Americans were enormously proud of has been Ukraine’s good fortune that him. Those early years were critical in each of the U.S. ambassadors dispatched developing a solid trust between the to Kyiv were committed to the young United States and Ukraine – exciting nation’s success – not only while they years that Ambassador Popadiuk recalls served in Ukraine, but for many years with fondness and no small amount of

The Ukrainian electorate has shown again that it is ready to move forward. Now it’s up to the political elite to understand.

a fterwards. The names and photos of awe as he compares the Ukraine in William Green Miller, Stephen Pifer, which he served 14 years ago with the Carlos Pascual and John Herbst have country that he visited recently as an appeared numerous times on the pages of election observer. our newspapers during the past 15 years. As a member of the delegation organ- However, the dean of the U.S. diplo- ized by the Washington-based Roman Popadiuk with an election commissioner at a polling station in Puscha matic corps to Ukraine – the first ambas- International Republican Institute, Vodytsia, outside of Kyiv. sador to represent the United States in Ambassador Popadiuk observed polling Kyiv – is Roman Popadiuk, currently the stations inside and outside of Kyiv on previous elections in Ukraine – most ify the political culture of Ukraine. executive director of the George Bush March 26 during the elections to notably the presidential elections in the Ukraine can no longer be thought of as a Presidential Library Foundation in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada. fall of 2004. In fact some of the Soviet state with all the negatives associ- Texas. Shortly after his return to the United observers with whom I spoke later were ated with that rubric. Throughout these past years States, Svoboda Editor-in-Chief Irene a bit pensive – feeling there’s nothing The Ukrainian people have come to Ambassador Popadiuk has remained Jarosewich spoke with Ambassador much left to do in Ukraine. What were accept the concept that power rests in actively engaged in U.S.-Ukraine affairs. Popadiuk about what he saw and what your observations on the ground? their hands and that there is a procedure He has worked with each Ukrainian he remembers. for the exercise of such power. The ambassador to the United States, helping I agree that these elections were fair – Orange Revolution proved that the popu- the Embassy of Ukraine establish contacts There was an almost immediate con- transparent and conducted in a peaceful lar will can prevail and the March 26 in the U.S. government, with the media and sensus among election observer organi- manner. But I wouldn’t be pensive – the election firmly established this as the with business groups. He has written and zations that the March 26 elections March 26 elections were a historic event. new right. were genuinely free of any serious lectured on the subject of U.S.-Ukraine The election opened the door to At the same time, it appears to me, relations and has traveled to Ukraine. infractions – none of the intimidation Ukraine’s future and closed the door on Appointed to serve in Ukraine in 1992 and fraud that prevailed during several its past. What this election did was solid- (Continued on page 20)

ELECTIONS 2006: Ukraine slips comfortably, and safely into democracy by Peter Borisow tives at the polls, and many took that liter- other was run by a 20-something crowd, sustained by fractured memories, IV flu- ally. With so many competing eyes the next generation. The younger group ids and Moscow’s funding. Relentlessly Ukraine’s future, independence and watching, no one was going to pull a fast was better organized and more efficient, retired by God onto the trash heap of his- identity were all in play in the parliamen- one without being noticed. Where there but the older group was getting things right tory, the Communists would not survive tary elections this spring as chaos men- were any complaints, everyone knew as well. Ukrainians had adapted success- the next round of elections. Without them aced the political landscape. There was a about them very quickly. fully to the democratic voting process. Regions was down to 32 percent. All serious fracture in the Orange Coalition. Complaints were mostly about mechani- The trend emerged soon after the Central their money and slick advertising failed Scandal engulfed the presidency. There cal issues – too few poll workers, not Electoral Commission began tallying the to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. In were 45 different political parties vying enough voting booths, cramped facilities. votes. Of the 45 parties that entered the danger of becoming marginal players, for a place in the eternal sunshine of the There were as many as five different paper election, no more than five or six would Regions will now have to change to stay prosecution immune Verkhovna Rada. The ballots, some over three feet long. National, qualify for the Rada. The extreme players, relevant and avoid similar extinction. Party of the Regions, packed with rich oli- regional and local elections were being held on both the right and the left, failed to meet Yulia Tymoshenko was the biggest garchs and led by Viktor Yanukovych simultaneously. Many older voters were the 3 percent threshold. While it was sad to winner. She did not win by simply re- (who lost to Viktor Yushchenko in 2004), confused, some taking 10 minutes in the see old nationalist warriors like Stepan playing the fiery Joan of Arc who rallied was running first in the polls. voting booth to fill out all the forms. Others Khmara miss the boat and Pora’s young the maidan at its darkest hours. Despite Moscow and its friends had hired the wandered around polling stations looking veterans failing to qualify, there was palpa- her differences with some of the presi- best American advisors and image makers for someone to help them. People were fill- ble satisfaction among virtually everyone dent’s men, she stood her ground, always that money could buy. Washington was, ing out the ballots just about any place they that radicals like Natalia Vitrenko were left wrapping herself in both blue/yellow and once again, trying to sit on both sides of could find a flat surface. The crowds wait- by the wayside. None of the old Kuchma orange, always professing her loyalty to the fence. After the gas crisis this winter, ing to get into the polling places were large, crowd survived. Even Volodymyr Lytvyn, the nation and to the president. The peo- there was concern that the West might sac- sometimes in the hundreds. who started the campaign with over 10 per- ple loved it. She got more votes than any- rifice Ukraine on Russia’s rich gas-fired Thank God Ukrainians are among the cent support, crashed and burned. altar. Yes, they finally revoked Jackson- one had predicted, even making inroads most patient people on earth. Although Despite all the pre-election anxiety, in eastern areas previously deemed solid- Vanik, but who would potentially benefit many grumbled, most waited patiently good old Ukrainian grassroots wisdom from that more than Ukraine’s Russophilic ly pro-Regions. She held the center and and voted. And, once again, individual found the common sense center and captured those disaffected with Our oligarchs? Washington announced a new Ukrainians proved they were equal to the solidified there. By the end of the count- ambassador to Ukraine the week before Ukraine. She built a new, larger center challenge. The atmosphere among the ing it was down to five parties: Regions, around herself. Far from being just a the elections. Although it was described as poll watchers from competing parties was the Tymoshenko Bloc, Our Ukraine, the a “routine rotation,” even the really stupid pretty face who could give a good collegial. Perhaps because they had done Socialists and the Communists. speech, Ms. Tymoshenko proved she is ones know that routine rotations aren’t it before, perhaps because they were just The Ukrainian people had declared done the week before a critical election. one of the smartest politicians in Europe. more comfortable with the concept of their independence from the politicians of The second winner, albeit so far Also of concern was the relatively low free voting, this time the tension, hostility the past. They rejected both Moscow’s and number of international election observers unsung, was President Yushchenko. To and paranoia that was present in 2004 Washington’s plans for Ukraine’s future. appreciate his success, we need to put in this year – less than half of those in 2004. was simply not there. They found their own political identity – That smaller number of international perspective the Orange Revolution and his When the polls closed at 10 p.m., the Ukrainian, pro-democracy, pro-European, role in it. After the scandal of the second observers was compensated, however, by massive task of counting all those votes free enterprise with a social conscience. the large number of poll watchers from round in 2004, world politicians started became a reality. In Dnipropetrovsk, an The Party of the Regions was the big looking for a win-win solution, a compro- Ukraine’s many political parties. Every area expected to be problematic – it’s Yulia loser. Although the Western press was party was entitled to have two representa- mise that would be a “Victory of the Two country, hotly contested by Regions – a bizarrely headlining a Regions “victory,” Viktors” (Yushchenko and Yanukovych) – location with two adjacent polling stations the reality was the opposite. The Regions a division of influence in Ukraine between Peter Borisow, president of the sharing the same building provided an group dropped from 47 percent support Moscow and the West. It was the half mil- Hollywood Trident Foundation, served interesting contrast. One was run by an in 2004 to 35 percent. Their only allies to lion ordinary Ukrainians who stood in the as an election observer during Ukraine’s older crowd of folks who could at one time survive the election, the Communists, parliamentary elections on March 26. have been party apparatchiks, while the proved to be a dying dinosaur – geriatrics (Continued on page 15) No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 15

BOOK NOTES

used Western PR firms in a failed Experts explain Ukraine’s attempt to further Mr. Yanukovych’s campaign. The United States wanted “honesty and democratic breakthrough transparency” from the elections and threatened sanctions against the authoritar- “Revolution in Orange: The Origins of Ukraine’s Democratic Breakthrough” by ian regime for violations of human rights. Anders Åslund and Michael McFaul. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for Pressure was increased to ensure a free International Peace, 2006. 224 pp. $16.95 (paperback). and fair election by sending representa- tives of President George W. Bush to by Matthew Dubas allowing the opposition to disseminate Ukraine, among them Sen. Richard G. information to all parts of Ukraine simul- Lugar and Secretary of State Colin Powell. The Carnegie Endowment for taneously on the Internet, satellite televi- International Peace has released a new sion and mobile phones. However, the European Union had a publication titled “Revolution in Orange: Humor was another aspect of divided stance on its involvement in the The Origins of Ukraine’s Democratic Ukrainian society that helped citizens Ukrainian elections, with Western Breakthrough.” It is a compilation by comment on daily life via publications European nations taking a “wait and see” various authors, each offering a thorough like “Yanukdote” (a play on the word attitude, and Central European members explanation of the events and factors that “anecdote”) and the egg-throwing inci- pushing for a more proactive approach. contributed to the Orange Revolution’s dent that felled Viktor Yanukovych. The In contrast to the previous chapter, success. author goes on to describes how the aver- Nikolai Petrov and Andrei Ryabov, both This highly informative book begins age Ukrainian was mobilized nationalis- scholars in residence with the Carnegie with a contribution by one of the editors, tically, linguistically and musically, and Moscow Center, show the role that Anders Åslund, adjunct professor at that the people were reminded it was Russia played in the Orange Revolution Georgetown University, who brings the “our Ukraine” – not the elite’s. – its forms, decisions and reasons for reader an in-depth look at the role that Nadia Diuk, director of the Central to and during the Orange Revolution was failure. What the authors call the the oligarchs of Ukraine played in the Europe and Eurasia department at the covered by Olena Prytula, editor-in-chief “Kremlin Strategy” stressed the impor- success of the revolution. He describes National Endowment for Democracy, of Ukrayinska Pravda in Kyiv. She begins tance of Russian relations, highlighted how these oligarchs were intertwined writes of the maturation of Ukrainian with the censorship campaigns of Eastern Ukraine as an industrial center with the government by forming their civil society and its organization. In its President Kuchma and his use of direc- thanks to Russia and extended coverage own political parties and placing push- early years, political groups like Rukh tive documents knows as “temnyky” on in the Russian media of Mr. Yanukovych. over candidates in high positions. were at the forefront of the opposition, how major stories should be covered. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit In addition, the author shows the insta- and from that came other cultural, sport- These directives led to the practice of to Kyiv, according to the authors, was an bility caused by former President Leonid ing, political and social groups. self-censorship by media channels to attempt to promote the Russian interests Kuchma, as he pit oligarchs against one In the streets, campaigns and groups avoid attacks from the government, a lack of dual citizenship, official recognition another, diverting their attention from such as Za Pravdu (For The Truth), Pora of live news broadcasts and a resultant of the Russian language and voting Parliament to their competitors, resulting (It’s Time), Chysta Ukraina (A Clean rise of alternative sources of information. rights for Ukrainians in Russia. in divisions among the law enforcement Ukraine) and Znayu (I Know) held mass The growth of the Internet in Ukraine, To tie together all of the elements that community. rallies against the corruption known as from 6 million users in September 2004 made the Orange Revolution a success, In the second chapter, Adrian “Kuchmism.” The ability of these non- to 20 million users in December 2004, Michael McFaul, co-editor and associate Karatnycky, president of The Orange governmental organizations (NGOs) to was compared by the author to the professor of political science at Stanford Circle and senior scholar at Freedom assemble and organize a broad base of “samizdat” (a term used in the Soviet era University, draws on examples of Serbia, House, explores the rise of political oppo- support was pivotal to the revolution’s suc- for self-published suppressed works - Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, and the over- sition in Ukraine. He begins with the for- cess, according to Dr. Diuk. As described “samvydav” in Ukrainian) offering a throw of their respective authoritarian mation of the Rukh movement against the by the author, the maidan at the time of the platform for an opposition view. regimes. He highlights the Ukrainian Communists, the problems occurring revolution, “looked like a microcosm of Television took a progressive step experience by noting the progressive from a highly centralized government Ukrainian civil society,” with its own when Channel 5, owned by Petro non-violent use of negotiations by Mr. with a Constitution that granted the presi- organizations, policing, housing and Poroshenko, a supporter of Viktor Yushchenko. dent supreme authority and goes on to enforcement of non-violent measures. Yushchenko, presented opposing views The author also profiles certain condi- note how the murder and cover-up of To follow up on the previous chapter, on national television – something that tions that are necessary in order for revo- journalist Heorhii Gongadze was a cata- Pavol Demes, director for Central and was never before done under the Kuchma lutions of this nature to make permanent lyst for the unification of the opposition. Eastern Europe with the German Marshall regime. Many television personalities change. These include an autocratic or However, it was the use of the highly Fund, and Joerg Forbrig, program officer took advantage of their positions in the semi-autocratic regime, an unpopular public space of the “maidan” or with the German Marshall Fund, examine public eye by wearing orange as a silent leader, a well-organized opposition, the Independence Square, as the rally stage, the Pora (It’s Time) civic group, its organ- statement of support for the opposition. ability to create the perception of falsifi- Mr. Karatnycky writes, that was a key ization, resources and reasons for success Radio played a modest role in the revolu- cation, the use of the media to inform the factor in the Orange Revolution’s suc- in the revolution. Pora, a volunteer net- tion because of the president’s control; public of findings, the ability of the cess. He closes with the reminder that the work aimed at ensuring free and fair elec- radio stations were shut down and obtain- opposition to mobilize thousands to revolution was more than just a people’s tions and democracy for Ukraine, had a ing a license was made very difficult. protest, and the division between intelli- demonstration against voter fraud; it was campaign strategy that was broken into Oleksandr Sushko and Olena gence forces, police and the military. a constitutional process for permanent steps: “It’s time to stand up,” “It’s time to Prystayko, director and project director, This book comes in paperback and democratic change. think,” “It’s time to vote” and “It’s time to respectively, of the Center for Peace, hardcover, with a who’s who list of The role of the everyday Ukrainian in keep watch.” These methods were tested Conversion and Foreign Policy of prominent figures in the Ukrainian politi- the Orange Revolution, profiled by Taras at mayoral elections, and the techniques Ukraine, separate myths from realities in cal environment and a timeline of events. Kuzio, visiting professor at George were refined for the presidential election. their article on the role of Western influ- The paperback edition sells for $16.95 Washington University, outlines the typi- Evidence of the extent of Pora’s organi- ence in the revolution. Propaganda and the hardcover is $33.95. It may be cal passive stance taken by average citi- zation is seen in its training manuals such against the West by Mr. Yanukovych tar- purchased online at www.CarnegieEn- zens of the “it’s not my business” atti- as “How to Inform the Public,” “Rights geted the North Atlantic Treaty dowment.org/RevolutioninOrange, or by tude, which kept the elite in power. He During Arrest,” “Violations of Electoral Organization (NATO) and the European contacting Hopkins Fulfillment Service, also talks about the underestimation by Law” and “Internal Communication and Union (EU) as foreign entities that PO Box 50370, Baltimore, MD 21211- the authorities of the popularity of new Coordination of Action.” would not represent Ukraine’s best inter- 4370; telephone, 800-537-5487 or 410- technology and its lack of censorship, The role of the Ukrainian media prior ests. However, the Party of the Regions 516-6956; fax, 410-516-6998.

work miracles, to instantly fix not just painful health issues, Mr. Yushchenko took tage of his leverage to gain personal Ukraine slips... decades, but centuries of wrongs. Ukraine through a democratic election wealth nor holding out for impossible (Continued from page 14) President Yushchenko was stuck with process that can serve as a model for any terms. As internal affairs minister, the maidan and refused to leave who turned the previous corrupt regime’s hostile leg- country in the world. Ukraine is proceed- Socialist’s Yurii Lutsenko became a sym- the crisis into a real victory for Ukraine. islature. His inner circle of trusted friends ing united into the future as a democracy. bol of the war on corruption and one of had experience mostly in opposition and Three hundred fifty years of Russian colo- the most popular members of the They made the Orange Revolution a suc- revolution. The transition to trustworthy nialism, even a quarter century of genocide Yushchenko administration. As soon as cess, and they chose their heroes. allies capable of governing was not only that killed 18 million people – fully half of the vote was clear, Moroz was the first to Mr. Yushchenko’s fate was sealed by inevitable but also inevitably tumultuous. Ukraine’s population in the mid-20th cen- stand front and center, ready to do his bit the ham-fisted attempt to kill him. He Along the way, Moscow – still dreaming tury – had not destroyed the soul of for the democratic coalition. became the inescapable face of the revo- of regaining its rapidly atrophying empire Ukraine. Little more than a year after being The biggest winner, of course, was lution – a face that suddenly reflected all – did everything imaginable to destabi- given their first opportunity in three and a Ukraine itself. Now, there is no doubt there the evils that had persecuted Ukraine lize Ukraine. And, Ukraine’s oligarchs half centuries, Ukrainians slipped comfort- will be a free and independent Ukraine in throughout its history and tormented its and wannabe oligarchs, interested only in ably and safely into democracy. our children’s future. For a while, at least, present. When he was inaugurated as the whatever would make them rich or even The third winner was Moroz. Long our sacrificed ancestors can rest in peace. democratically elected president of richer, grabbed what they could for them- maligned as a Trojan horse by his rivals, How fitting that a new Ukraine, free, dem- Ukraine, he didn’t just have to hit the selves while the party lasted. the head of the Socialist Party proved to ocratic and Ukrainian, has risen this spring, ground running – he was expected to Despite all this and his constant and be a mature leader, neither taking advan- right on the eve of Easter. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

The Ukrainian Engineers’ Society

extends

warm wishes and Easter holiday greetings

to its members, their families and the Ukrainian community

Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

ïïËËÒÒÚÚÓÓÒÒ ÇÇÓÓÒÒÍÍÂÂÒÒ!! HHAAPPPPYY EEAASSTTEERR TO OUR READERS, SUPPORTERS AND COLLEAGUES. THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFFS

Roma Hadzewycz Matthew Dubas Awilda Rolon Larissa Oprysko No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 17

BOOK NOTES “The mother of all pysanka books” The Ukrainian Folk Pysanka by Vera Manko. Lviv: Svichado, 2004. 41 pp., 38 color plates, map. ISBN 966-8744-23-3.

by Orysia Paszczak Tracz tables of pysanky by regions. The English edition is translated by Lada Bidiak and Andriy Maslukh. The This is the mother of all pysanka books so far – inform- French translation is by Halyna Xotkevych. The very ative, accurate and lushly illustrated. You just know that fine artistic layout is by Sophia Burak. the author approached this subject with great knowledge, The second edition was awarded a prize at the Odesa research and a love of pysanky and all they represent. Book Fair in 2004, and I am surprised there have not It joins the other – regrettably few – fine books on been other awards. This book, in English and French, is pysanky. These include Zenon Elyjiw’s “Sixty Score of the kind of gift that Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates Easter Eggs” (Rochester, 1994) and “Pysanka: Icon of could proudly present to guests and dignitaries. the Universe” by Mary Tkachuk, Marie Kishchuk and The author provides the usual information on Alice Nicholaichuk (Saskatoon: Ukrainian Museum of pysanky that is found in most books, but she does it so Canada, 1977). well and in more detail. The first chapter “What Does The pioneers in the pysanka field were Yaroslava the Pysanka Tell Us?” covers the history of the pysanka, Surmach in the 1950s, and a bit later the archaeological information, the transition from prehisto- Procai/Perchyshyn/Luciow family of Minneapolis, with ry Christian symbolism and rituals, the egg as a symbol their many finely produced, detailed and very popular of spring around the world, and the fate of the pysanka books on pysanky. during Soviet times. There have been quite a number of pysanka books Subsequent chapters discuss folk customs and tradi- over the last few decades, but not all satisfy this admit- tions, the symbolism of the pysanka, stories and leg- tedly picky and critical pysanka nut. Some books, both ends, and how to write a pysanka – with details that in North America and Ukraine, have been produced even a seasoned pysanka writer can learn from and very well, but the content leaves much to be desired. If appreciate. A bibliography and explanation of the illus- the authors wish to add their own personal and often trated pysanky follow. quite creative interpretations as to what pysanka sym- The remainder of the book is a section of 38 glorious text, and enhance the overall elegance of the volume. bolism is, there should be a clear distinction between tables of 36 to 40 color pysanky, each with an insert of a The notes are detailed and informative. The translation that and the established research on the subject. If there fragment of embroidery or weaving from a particular by Ms. Bidiak and Mr. Maslukh is as it should be. Too is no such distinction, the information is misleading, but region. often we read very stilted, quaint and even painful gets passed on and takes on a life of its own. Especially interesting are the pysanky from the English translations of Ukrainian books by someone not Vera Manko’s first edition of “Ukrainska Narodna Vinnytsia region, many appearing in print for the first fluent in the language. Pysanka” (2001) was a 46-page soft-cover publication. time. These were obtained by pysanka writer Maryna One quibble – and this is a matter of language, not It was richly illustrated with archival photographs of Verkhova from the sketchbook of Countess Janowa the translation: in the very first sentence, it says “… it is Easter rituals, pysanka motifs and regional designs. Belina Brzozowska, who sketched them in Popeliukhy difficult to imagine that several thousand years ago, an After I read it, I wrote to the author suggesting that it be (now the village of Yavorivka) before 1917. ancestor held a similar egg in his hands…” His? translated into English, because such a book would be Information about the origin of each pysanka is as Traditionally, it was the women who wrote pysanky. very welcome in the pysanka lovers’ world. detailed as possible. The front endpaper has a map of But because “prashchur” (ancestor) in Ukrainian covers Ms. Manko and Svichado publishers had the second Ukraine with the provinces and ethnographic regions both genders but is a masculine noun, the phrase “try- edition of the original translated into both English and delineated, and has two “holuby” (doves) – the kind mav u svoyikh rukakh…” implies a male ancestor. French, adding more illustrations and 38 full-color hung before the icons in a Hutsul home, as described by Ms. Manko’s “The Ukrainian Folk Pysanka” is a book Volodymyr Shukhevych in “Hutsulshchyna.” to enjoy, to use and to present as a special gift. May the When I visited with Ms. Manko in Lviv two years author and the publisher continue to produce many more ago, she showed me the boxes of pysanky that she had books on pysanky and other Ukrainian folk arts. EASTER GREETING: written for the new edition, often recreating the faded Svichado Publishers, which are affiliated with the designs from old museum originals. At times, she had Studite Monastic Order in Lviv, publish excellent mate- A message from only limited access to museums across Ukraine, and had rial on many religious and cultural subjects (see to persevere to locate particular collections – coopera- www.svichado.com). When in Lviv, you can visit their tion was not always forthcoming. Her determination and book store at 22 Vynnychenko St. just across and up the Ambassador Kuchinsky selflessness in pursuing her goal are amazing, because hill from Ivan Fedorov Square. this was truly a labor of love and faith. This book is available at the usual Ukrainian book Dear Friends: The design of the book is truly beautiful. On most stores and online at www.yevshan.com, www.ukrainian- On behalf of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to pages the archival photographs and reproductions of old bookstore.com, www.ukrainiangiftshop.com and the United Nations and from me personally please works of art and folk art form the background for the www.artukraine.com/availbooks/pysankabook.htm. accept our most cordial greetings on the beautiful Easter Holy Day – a celebration that moves our hearts and fills them with love for those close to us and with strong Chornobyl” and that the accident “destabilizes all faith in Christian values, in fairness and in a better Turning the pages... species, including our own.” future day. (Continued from page 6) Dr. David Marples of the University of Alberta, who During this springtime of bounty, I would like to with us today, and it will be with us in the future.” had just returned from Miensk, noted the hopelessness extend to you, my fellow Ukrainians, my heartfelt wish- of the Belarusian people, characterized by widespread es that the glorious Holy Resurrection of our Lord will Findings presented by one of the speakers, Dr. radiophobia. This is compounded by the fact that bring you happiness and good health, well-being and Alexander Sich, who was affiliated with the Nuclear Belarus received 65 percent of all the radioactive fallout peace of mind, God’s grace and good fortune. Safety Account of the European Bank for Reconstruction from Chornobyl, where low-level radiation has weak- Today we have our own state that many generations and Development, were based on his 18 months of experi- ened immune systems to the point that a form of of our ancestors had fought for. Its future lies in the ence in the zone beginning in October of 1991. “Chornobyl AIDS” is prevalent today, Dr. Marples said. hands of Ukrainians themselves. There is no doubt we Commenting on the Soviets’ report of the “success” of will overcome the difficulties that may stand on the way their intervention in the area at an August 1986 conference The issue of energy futures was discussed not only in to a prosperous and happy Ukraine. But, first of all, we of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in relation to Ukraine, but from a global perspective. One should always remember the lessons of our history and Vienna, Dr. Sich said, “There was no human intervention suggestion came from E. Steven Potts, president of do our best to preserve the spirit and the unity of the that caused the accident to stop; it stopped by itself.” The Professional Services International Inc., who described Ukrainian people, who in the days of the Orange IAEA accepted the Soviet version of the “truth,” Dr. Sich how Ukraine could better use its energy resources through Revolution and during the most recent parliamentary pointed out, even though evidence pointed to the contrary. renovation of existing thermal and hydroelectric plants. He elections, demonstrated to the world their will to live in Speaking on the topic of the social and political said “the future of Ukraine has to be along multiple paths peace and harmony, and to build an independent demo- impact of Chornobyl, Alexander Burakovsky, a human for energy,” but was “skeptical that Ukraine can get rid of cratic European Ukrainian state. rights activist and author of “Period of Half Life,” said its reliance on nuclear power, oil and gas in the near term.” I avail myself of this joyful opportunity to thank you, that “the explosion at Chornobyl uncovered the short- Among the many other speakers was Alexander Kuzma, Dear Friends, for your constant attention to the work of comings of the Soviet system and awakened the sleep- director of development for the Children of Chornobyl Ukrainian diplomats at the United Nations, and for your ing. It led to the appearance of parties that later worked Relief Fund, who gave some background on the organiza- unswerving commitment and the excellent cooperation, for the independence of Ukraine.” tion that today is known as the Children of Chornobyl which, I am confident, will contribute many times again Crusading journalist Alla Yaroshinska of Moscow, Relief and Development Fund. CCRF, he said, “took on to the success of our common Ukrainian cause. who in 1992 uncovered secret protocols of the Kremlin the challenge posed by Volodymyr Yavorivsky [a deputy in May you have a Happy Easter. May it bring peace that proved the Soviet leadership knew much more teh Verkhovna Rada], who sounded the alarm. We are and love to your homes. about the severity of the Chornobyl accident than it proud of our achievements, but haunted by the immensity Christ is risen! admitted, spoke about the Kremlin’s “global deception” of the Chornobyl disaster,” which “will be a challenge for related to the Chornobyl accident. many years to come.” Sincerely yours, Dr. Wladimir Wertelecki, chairman of genetics at the Valeriy Kuchinsky, Ambassador University of South Alabama Medical School, under- Source: “Yale/Columbia conference examines latest Permanent Representative scored that Chornobyl is “not just an ecological disas- information on Chornobyl’s impact” by Roma Hadzewycz, of Ukraine to the United Nations ter,” adding that “nothing in the food chain has escaped The Ukrainian Weekly, April 21, 1996, Vol. LXIV, No. 16. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

senators to discuss bilateral relations, and NEWSBRIEFS economic cooperation. The president said CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) that relations between Ukraine and the um and plutonium for nuclear weapons. United States have been developing dynami- TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 Mr. Umanets noted that such top secret cally over the past year, adding that impor- or e-mail: [email protected] information was available to a very limited tant issues have been resolved, such as rec- circle of specialists, including deputy chief ognizing Ukraine as a market economy, signing a bipartite protocol on access to mar- engineers, chiefs of nuclear safety and SERVICES kets of commodities and services within the General Dentist security departments, and senior engineers framework of Ukraine’s drive to join the Marusia E. Kushnir, D.M.D. in charge of operating reactors. Speaking WTO, and the revocation of the Jackson- with an Ukrinform correspondent on April  Advanced Restorative Dentistry for the entire family. Vanik Amendment. Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.),  14, Mr. Umanets explained that decisions Cosmetic Dentistry leader of the Senate Majority, congratulated  Implant Dentistry on operating reactors in the dual mode the people of Ukraine on having held fair, 120 Millburn Ave., Suite M-4 were made only by the Central Committee transparent, democratic elections, which Millburn, N.J. 07041 Political Bureau of the Communist Party of will facilitate Ukraine’s further reforms. The (973) 467-9876 the Soviet Union. Today it would be very Office hours by appointment. meeting was attended also by Sen. Judd hard to either confirm or deny that the Gregg (R-N.H.), Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) Chornobyl plant’s reactor No. 4 was used and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John MERCHANDISE to enrich plutonium and uranium, he added. Herbst. (Ukrinform) According to Mr. Umanets, after the acci- dent over 400 technical steps were made at Yushchenko: no need to review gas deal The the plant’s other reactors to rule out any WEST ARKA KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko LUNA BAND 2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 similar accidents due to human error. Mr. Umanets noted that immediately after the told journalists in Kyiv on April 12 that he Music for weddings, zabavas, Fine Gifts accident two versions of its likely causes sees no need to review the recent gas-sup- festivals, anniversary celebrations. Authentic Ukrainian Handicrafts were circulated: inherent design flaws and ply deal with Russia, Reuters reported. The OLES KUZYSZYN phone/fax: (732) 636-5406 Art, Books, CDs, Ceramics Andrew R. CHORNY personnel error. Eventually blame was deal has been the source of considerable e-mail: [email protected] Embroidered Goods and Supplies Manager placed on the latter. The design version was controversy since it was signed in January. Gold Jewelery, Icons, Magazines rejected after Aleksander Mashkov, first “In the framework of a difficult negotiation Newspapers, Pysankas and Supplies process, which often seemed complicated ïêàëíàçÄ ÅêéÑàç All Services to Ukraine, Mail-orders deputy minister for medium engineering, èÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ clashed with Mikhail Gorbachev. Mr. to Ukraine, we have achieved what is most Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 Mashkov said, “you know quite well why important for securing our strategic nation- CHRISTINE BRODYN e-mail: [email protected] www.westarka.com this happened.” Mr. Umanets interpreted al interests,” Mr. Yushchenko said. “We Licensed Agent this as indirect proof of a number of reac- have a price of $95 [per 1,000 cubic Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. tors’ dual-purpose design. With the aim of meters] for Russian gas at the Ukrainian Ukrainian Book Store concealing that fact, mention of faulty border. This is the cheapest price in coun- 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Largest selection of Ukrainian books, dance design was expurgated from official docu- tries bordering Russia.” Yulia Tymoshenko Tel.: (973) 292-9800 (Ext. 3039) • Fax: (973) 292-0900 supplies, Easter egg supplies, music, icons, ments about the Chornobyl nuclear acci- has announced that if she regains the post greeting cards, giftwear, and much more. dent, Mr. Umanets said. (Ukrinform) of prime minister, she will immediately 10215-97st annul the gas deal. Under the January 4 gas FATA MORGANA Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 Demonstration organizer jailed in Belarus accord between Ukraine’s gas company Toll free: 1-866-422-4255 Naftohaz Ukrayiny, Russia’s gas monopoly Music for all your music needs Weddings, Zabavas, MIENSK – Uladzimir Katsora, head of Gazprom and a Swiss-based intermediary, www.ukrainianbookstore.com Concerts, Festivals and Private Parties the regional campaign office in Homiel of Ukraine is to obtain 34 billion cubic meters Contact Oleksij (609) 747-1382 or email us at opposition candidate Alyaksandr of gas in 2006 from Russia at $95 per [email protected] FIRST QUALITY Milinkevich in the March 19 presidential 1,000 cubic meters. Critics of the gas deal Visit our website: www.fata-morgana-band.com UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE election, was sentenced to 10 days in jail on say it is valid for only the first six months April 18, Belapan reported. Mr. Katsora of the year and that the price will be revised PROFESSIONALS MONUMENTS was reportedly arrested earlier that same upward after that. (RFE/RL Newsline) SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES day and found guilty of organizing an OBLAST unsanctioned demonstration. “Katsora has Patriarch Mstyslav Medal is awarded filed an application with the Homiel City KHARKIV – In accordance with a MEMORIALS Executive Committee for permission to decree by Archbishop Ihor Isichenko of P.O. BOX 746 stage a demonstration in the city on April 25 LAW OFFICIES OF Kharkiv and Poltava of the Ukrainian Chester, NY 10918 on the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), ZENON B. MASNYJ, ESQ. 845-469-4247 accident,” Yury Zakharanka, Mr. Katsora’s National Deputy Mykhailo Kosiv, a mem- BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS colleague, told the agency. “Although the 157 SECOND AVENUE ber of the parliamentary Committee on NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 demonstration is yet to be staged and the Issues of Spirituality and Freedom of (212) 477-3002 city authorities have not yet announced their REAL ESTATE Conscience and a layman of the Ukrainian decision on the application, he has already Serious Personal Injury Greek-Catholic Church, will be awarded the Real Estate/Coop Closings been convicted.” (RFE/RL Newsline) (fee for Condo/Coop Purch. in Manh. Patriarch Mstyslav Medal, the highest only is $1000) FURNISHED CONDO - NORTH PORT, FL honor of the UAOC. Mr. Kosiv has become Business Representation Turnkey furnished incl: dishes, linens, etc. Yushchenko greets Jews on Passover Securities Arbitration 2-Br/2-Ba 1st-FL Condo Unit at COCOPLUM the fourth Knight of the Medal of Patriarch Divorces, etc. Walk from Lanai into the park AND to pool, KYIV – “Today the Jewish Community Mstyslav, it was reported on April 10. stores, shops, banks, churches. “Mykhailo Kosiv’s firm and discreet posi- (By Appointment Only) of Ukraine is undergoing a period of true Short Drive to Ukrainian Cultural Center. revival and is a full and honored participant tion as to Church policy and his numerous $215,000 ROMA (Steckiw) LONG in social life,” said Ukrainian President interpellations and addresses to state offi- Smiles Unlimited Direct Line: (941) 321-0655 Viktor Yushchenko in his Passover greeting. cials and his mission as mediator in rela- Century 21 C&L Real Estate tions between church communities and the Dental Center (800) 330-1320 - Ask for Roma He said the Jewish community was able to achieve this due to active humanitarian, government have made a great contribution to resolving interdenominational conflicts Emil T. Kesler, D.D.S. educational and charity work. President Yushchenko expressed his conviction that and conflicts between Church and state, in Valentina M. Kesler, D.D.S. HELP WANTED the fruitful work of Jewish religious organi- particular regarding the revival of the con- zations will continue to promote the devel- stitutional rights of eastern Ukraine’s com- (908) 722-5511 Looking for a live-in person to assist opment of spirituality and the strengthening munity of the UAOC,” reads the citation of 60 South Main St., Manville, NJ 08835 an elderly lady 24/7. of interethnic and interreligious peace. the UAOC Eparchy of Kharkiv and Duties include bathing, preparing (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) Poltava. “Kosiv’s political activity demon- meals and being a companion. strates his own active evangelical service, CARDIOLOGIST The lady walks with a walker. President meets with U.S. senators deep Christian faith and subtle feeling of the Petro Lenchur, MD, FACC common Ukrainian-Byzantine tradition as a Tel. (W) 973-263-7001 ext. 3030, KYIV – On Thursday, April 13, President Board Certified: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; (C) 973-985-8529 Viktor Yushchenko met with a group of U.S. (Continued on page 19) Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional, after 3:30 p.m.; (H) 973-759-3735. Nuclear Cardiology, Internal Medicine Washington for years by making promis- The only Ukrainian-speaking Interventional OPPORTUNITY Ukraine and the Second... es to reform the economy. Cardiologist in NY and NJ. (Continued from page 2) The time has finally arrived for Ukraine matic; it is a question of real survival. to begin behaving as a real state and not a In-office cardiac testing at two convenient EARN EXTRA INCOME! Ukraine’s political establishment does playground for oligarchs. The victors of locations: The Ukrainian Weekly is looking not seem to understand this. Maybe they this high-stakes geopolitical game will not for advertising sales agents. spare the losers, and the time may come 776 E. Third Ave. 1432 Hylan Blvd. don’t want to face the truth, and believe For additional information contact when Uncle Sam will throw up his hands Roselle, NJ 07203 Staten Island, NY 10305 they can bluff their way out of doing Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, something preventive, the way that for- in frustration at the shenanigans played in (908) 241-5545 (718) 351-9292 The Ukrainian Weekly, (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. mer President Leonid Kuchma bluffed the Ukrainian capital. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 19

tasked politicians to defend Ukraine’s his- up alive in Ukraine. Ishinosuke Uwano, Putin aide: Russia does not belong in G-8 NEWSBRIEFS torical memory and to exert every effort to now 83, served with the Japanese Imperial (Continued from page 18) make the world recognize the Ukrainian Army in Russia’s Sakhalin Island. He lost MOSCOW – Andrei Illarionov, who recently served as economic adviser to basis for a partnership between the divided Famine as a genocidal act in the chain of contact with his family in 1958. He has now genocides of the 20th century. (Ukrinform) reappeared in Ukraine, where he is married President Vladimir Putin, told reporters in branches of the Kyivan Church. Therefore, connection with the recent Moscow meet- the initiative to award Mykhailo Kosiv the and has a family. This week he is due to Pora-PRO bloc is disbanded visit Japan for the first time in six decades. ing of energy ministers from the Group of Medal of Patriarch Mstyslav received the Eight (G-8) industrialized countries that general approval and support of the clergy KYIV – The chairman of the Pora According to an April 17 report by the BBC, he was one of thousands of Japanese the Western democracies are “appeasing” and laity of the Kharkiv-Poltava Eparchy of Political Council, Vladyslav Kaskiv, said Russia by accepting it as a member of that the UAOC.” To mark the 100th anniversary on April 17 that with the completion of soldiers and civilians who were left strand- ed across the Pacific and in parts of China group, The Moscow Times reported on of the birth of Patriarch Mstyslav (1898- the election campaign, the election bloc March 20. Mr. Illarionov stressed that the 1993), the Patriarchal Council of the UAOC PORA-Party of Reforms and Order has and Russia after the war ended. Some were kept as prisoners and forced to work as other seven countries will be endorsing established the Patriarch Mstyslav Medal, ceased its existence. As Ukrinform report- Mr. Putin’s policies of “nationalization of the highest award for secular politicians. ed, the bloc gained merely 1.47 percent in slave laborers, while others remained of their own accord. It has not been revealed private property, destruction of the rule of This award is given annually on April 10, the parliamentary vote, thus failing to law, violation of human rights and liquida- cross the barrier for representation in the why Mr. Uwano remained in Russia or how Patriarch Mstyslav’s birthday, to the politi- tion of democracy” if they attend his July Verkhovna Rada. (Ukrinform) he ended up in Ukraine. (BBC) cian who has distinguished himself for summit in St. Petersburg. The former aide spreading Christian values and defending Yekhanurov comments on Regions World Forum of Ukrainians slated added that Russia does not qualify for G-8 the social rights of Ukraine’s religious com- membership on either political or econom- munity. (Religious Information Service of KYIV – The leader of the Our Ukraine KYIV – The fourth World Forum of ic grounds. “The St. Petersburg summit Ukraine) election bloc, Yurii Yekhanurov, said in an Ukrainians will be held in Kyiv on August will be a triumph for dictators around the 18-20 this year, on the eve of Ukrainian Relics of Greek-Catholic martyr venerated April 17 interview with Expert magazine world and a signal to them that what they that the economic programs of Our Ukraine Independence Day. Members of the organ- do to their people and neighbors does not LVIV – The relics of Blessed Mykola and the Party of the Regions “coincide up izing committee discussed the program dur- matter,” he added. (RFE/RL Newsline) Charnetskyi were placed for veneration at to 75 percent.” The economic programs ing their maiden session, presided over by the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church of St. have no significant contradictions that Viacheslav Kyrylenko, vice prime minister Adoption law is changed Josaphat in Lviv on April 1-2. Laypeople could prevent a constructive dialogue on in charge of humanitarian and social mat- KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko were able to touch the relics of the saint, to many issues in the future Parliament, Mr. ters. Mr. Kyrylenko said the gathering of on March 21 signed the law “On express personal gratitude and to ask for his Yekhanurov said. The prime minister Ukrainians from all over the world will Amending the Family Code of Ukraine,” blessing, the Lviv Gazette reported. The sounded confident that the Party of the have a number of peculiarities. The most which the Verkhovna Rada passed on solemn transfer of the relics of Blessed Regions won’t stand in opposition to the significant of these is that the diaspora will be represented by its eastern wing, that is, February 23. Under the law, a married Mykola Charnetskyi to St. Josaphat’s took president as, objectively, the president’s those Ukrainians who live on the territory of woman who gave birth to a child has the place on July 4, 2002. Since that time, the policies are beneficial to them. (Ukrinform) the former USSR. Public organizations also right to challenge the paternity of her hus- sanctuary has been a place of pilgrimage Yanukovych speaks on coalition are cooperating with the forum, he noted. band, bringing an action to exclude an for thousands of faithful from all over Top officials of Ukraine, including political entry about him, as the father, from the Ukraine and abroad. Prior to that time, the KYIV – The leader of the Party of the figures, are going to take part in the work of birth certificate. The law also allows the relics were in Lviv’s Lychakiv Cemetery. Regions, Viktor Yanukovych, said on April the forum, which will be organized and held adoption of children who were aban- During his visit to Lviv on June 27, 2001, 17 that he believes the parliamentary coali- at the expense of the Ukrainian government. doned. The law specifies provisions con- Pope John Paul II beatified 28 Ukrainian tion of democratic forces in its current Taking part in the meeting were: Mykhailo cerning the registration of orphaned chil- martyrs and confessors, Bishop composition has no long-term prospects. Horyn, chairman of the Ukrainian World dren and children deprived of parents’ Charnetskyi among them. (Religious Mr. Yanukovych was commenting on the Coordinating Council; Dmytro Dovhovych, care, who may be adopted or given to fos- Information Service of Ukraine) Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, Socialist Party president of the European Congress of ter care by a family. Over the past six and Our Ukraine signing a protocol of prin- Models of Famine memorials on display Ukrainians; members of the Cabinet of years, 11,000 children from Ukraine were ciples on forming a coalition in the newly Ministers, national deputies and representa- adopted. In 2005 alone foreigners adopted KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko elected Verkhovna Rada. According to Mr. tives of NGOs. (Ukrinform) more than 2,000 children. (Ukrinform) toured an exhibition of 13 models of a Yanukovych, “these are only protocols of future memorial complex honoring intent, and they will be signed numerous times in different configurations. There is Ukraine’s Famine-Genocide victims. The Ñ¥ÎËÏÓÒfl ÒÛÏÌÓ˛ ‚¥ÒÚÍÓ˛, ˘Ó 2 Í‚¥ÚÌfl 2006 . exhibit was under way at the Kyiv House of nothing unusual in that.” Mr. Yanukovych stressed that he believes there is only one ̇ 97-ÏÛ Óˆ¥ ÊËÚÚfl, Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥ Artists. Speaking to journalists about his ‚¥‰¥È¯Î‡ Û ‚¥˜Ì¥ÒÚ¸ impressions of the exhibit, the president efficient variant of a parliamentary coali- said: “Today, the nation is learning to appre- tion: “creating a coalition with the Party of ciate the profoundness of that tragedy. We the Regions, which won the parliamentary Ò‚. Ô. are becoming increasingly aware of our elections and united the southeast of responsibility to honor those who perished.” Ukraine, residents of the biggest industrial ãûÅéåàêÄ üêéëãÄÇÄ èÖÜÄçëúäÄ Mr. Yushchenko also opined that the 1932- regions of Ukraine.” (Ukrinform) 1933 Holodomor was a tragedy for all the Japanese soldier turns up in Ukraine people of the world. The memorial complex Á Ó‰Û åêàñ will be built on the Dnipro River bank, KYIV – A former Japanese soldier who ‚‰Ó‚‡ ÔÓ ¥ÌÊ. åËı‡ÈÎÓ‚¥ èÂʇÌÒ¸ÍÓÏÛ where the president last year planted a disappeared after World War II and was ̇. 23 ‚ÂÂÒÌfl 1908 . ‚ íÂÌÓÔÓÎ¥ grove of snowball trees. The president has officially declared dead in 2000 has turned ÍÓÎ˯Ìfl ÒÎÛʷӂ˘͇ áÂÏÂθÌÓ„Ó Å‡ÌÍÛ Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥, ÒÂÍÂÚ‡ å‰˘ÌÓ„Ó Ù‡ÍÛθÚÂÚÛ, ‚¥‰‰¥Î ÒÚÛ‰ÂÌÚ¥‚ Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥, ÒÔ¥‚ÓÒÌÓ‚Ìˈfl Ô·ÒÚÓ‚Ó„Ó ÍÛÂÌfl ◊í¥, ˘Ó É·Υ ‚ÛÚ¸“. Ñ¥ÎËÏÓÒfl ÒÛÏÌÓ˛ ‚¥ÒÚÍÓ˛, ˘Ó Û Ì‰¥Î˛, 2 Í‚¥ÚÌfl 2006 . ‚¥‰¥È¯Î‡ Û ‚¥˜Ì¥ÒÚ¸ Ç 40-ËÈ ÑÖçú ëåÖêíà ·Û‰ÛÚ¸ ‚¥‰Ô‡‚ÎÂÌ¥ Ò‚. Ô. áÄìèéäßâçß ëãìÜÅà ÅéÜß ß èÄçÄïàÑà: ‰- íÄíüçÄ äàòÄäÖÇàó • ‚ ÒÓ·Ó¥ Ò‚. û‡ Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥, 11 Ú‡‚Ìfl, „Ó‰. 7:30 ‡ÌÍÛ; • ‚ ˆÂÍ‚¥ óÂÒÌÓ„Ó ïÂÒÚ‡, 3112 30-Ú‡ ‚ÛÎ., ãÓÌ£ ÄÈÎẨ ëËÚ¥, ç.â. Á ‰ÓÏÛ óéèßÇëúäÄ 11 Ú‡‚Ìfl, „Ó‰. 8:30 ‡ÌÍÛ; • ‚ ˆÂÍ‚¥ Ò‚. û‡, 30 ßÒÚ 7-χ ‚ÛÎ. ç.â., 11 Ú‡‚Ìfl, „Ó‰. 9:30 ‡ÌÍÛ; ‰ÛÊË̇ ÔÓÍ¥ÈÌÓ„Ó ‰-‡ û¥fl ä˯‡Í‚˘‡ • ‚ ˆÂÍ‚¥ Ò‚. ß‚‡Ì‡ ïÂÒÚËÚÂÎfl, 719 ëÂÌÙÓ‰ Ä‚Â., 粇Í, ç.ÑÊ. 20 Ú‡‚Ìfl, „Ó‰. 7:30 ‡ÌÍÛ; ì „ÎË·ÓÍÓÏÛ ÒÏÛÚÍÛ Á‡Î˯ÂÌ¥: • ‚ ˆÂÍ‚¥ Ò‚‚. ÇÓÎÓ‰ËÏˇ ¥ éθ„Ë, 2245 ÇÂÒÚ ëÛÔÂ¥Ó ‚ÛÎ., óË͇£Ó, ßÎ., ÒËÌ – ‰- êéåÄç äàòÄäÖÇàó Á Ê¥ÌÍÓ˛ ãßáéû 13 Ú‡‚Ìfl, „Ó‰. 9:00 ‡ÌÍÛ. ‰Ó˜Í‡ – ‰- ïêàëíàçÄ äàòÄäÖÇàó-äÄóÄãìÅÄ ¥ á‡Î˯ÂÌ¥ Û „ÎË·ÓÍÓÏÛ ÒÏÛÚÍÛ: ÏÛÊ ‰- åàïÄâãé äÄóÄãìÅÄ ·‡ÚÓ‚‡ – íÄåÄêÄ åêàñ ÒÂÒÚ¥ÌÓÍ – äéëíú èÄçúäßÇëúäàâ ‚ÌÛÍË – êéåÄç, åÄêßü ¥ éäëÄçÄ äÄóÄãìÅÄ ÔÎÂÏ¥ÌÌˈfl – ÑÄêßü èÖÜÄçëúäÄ-üêéòÖÇàó Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ ¯‚‡£Â͇ – ßÇÄççÄ ßãúçàñúäÄ Á ‰ÓÏÛ äàòÄäÖÇàó ÔÓıÂÒÌˈfl – êéåÄ ÅÄíÖêëÅß Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ ‚ Ä„ÂÌÚËÌ¥ ÔÎÂÏ¥ÌÌËÍË – åàêéëãÄÇÄ åêàñ-Éìä Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ – ÄçÑêßâ óéêçéÑéãúëúäàâ Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ Ç¥˜Ì‡ ∫ª ԇϒflÚ¸! – ÄêÖíÄ çÄÑéáßêçÄ Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ –––––––––––––––––––– – ßãüçÄ èÄëãÄÇëúäÄ Á Ó‰ËÌÓ˛ á‡Ï¥ÒÚ¸ Í‚¥Ú¥‚ ̇ Ò‚¥ÊÛ ÏÓ„ËÎÛ èÓÍ¥ÈÌÓª Ó‰Ë̇ ÔÓÒËÚ¸ – ¥‰ üêéòÖÇàóßÇ Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥ Ç¥˜Ì‡ ∫È Ô‡Ï’flÚ¸! ÒÍ·‰‡ÚË ÔÓÊÂÚ‚Ë Ì‡ ÔÓπÍÚ ê¥‰ÌÓª òÍÓÎË ‚ è¥ÚÚÒ·Û£Û: èÓ‚¥‰ÓÏÎÂÌÌfl ÔÓ ÔÓıÓ‚‡ÌÌfl Ô‡ıÛ èÓÍ¥ÈÌÓª Ridna Shkola, 921 Forsythe Rd., Carnegie, PA 15106 ·Û‰Â ÔÓÏ¥˘ÂÌ ‚ Ô¥ÁÌ¥¯ÓÏÛ ˜ËÒÎ¥ ◊ë‚ӷӉ˓. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

large population of ethnic Russians. So excellent job for the past 15 years in con- firmly entrenched in neighboring Ambassador Popadiuk... it seems as though the disconnect is sistently working from the principle that Belarus, which recently underwent (Continued from page 14) also between the people themselves territory, not ethnicity, defines nationhood. presidential elections. There the that while the political culture seems to and how they see their future. A great deal of credit must be given to protests – which drew tens of thou- President Leonid Kravchuk. During my sands of people – against the abuses of have coalesced for the population in gen- The east-west divide revolves more eral, a culture of political leadership does tenure in Ukraine, I saw him do much to the Lukashenka regime were quashed. around economics and culture, rather establish the principle that Ukrainianism is not appear to have gained a foothold Many Western observers pointed to than ethnicity. True, because of the large based on geography. He did much to tamp among Ukraine’s leaders. Politics in the radical differences in the paths that Russian ethnic minority in eastern potential hostility based on ethnicity. the two former Soviet republics took Ukraine continue to be personality-based, Ukraine, the long history of Russian con- This ethnic division of Ukraine, I post-1991. Did the events surrounding devoid of any real affinity for and trol of the region, as well as long-stand- believe, is a result more of outside the election in Belarus have any impact responsibility towards the electorate and ing financial ties, there is an affinity for observers pointing to a supposed fault line on the Ukrainian electorate? the need to pursue a common good. Russia. These factors, however, have than it is a defining reality. As genera- The real danger for Ukraine, therefore, been exacerbated by the general econom- tional change occurs, and if the govern- I’m not a Belarus expert, but I didn’t is the continuance of a disconnect ic stalemate and have raised the level of ment of Ukraine can implement a more notice any impact really, didn’t sense the between the electorate and the political frustration in the region. stable economic regime, the tendency impact of the situation in Belarus on the leadership. The political situation reflects the frus- towards Russia will evaporate. The con- population of Ukraine. Ukraine, rightfully tration with the central government’s tinuing erosion of differences between the so, has focused on itself now. The politi- The disconnect between the ruling inability to meet the region’s concerns – cal culture really has developed different- elite and the electorate was made stun- two regions can be seen by the success a region which is the country’s industrial that Tymoshenko had among eastern vot- ly in the two countries. The development ningly clear by the poor showing of base and provides much of Ukraine’s ers. Her bloc made inroads in Kharkiv, of democracy faltered early in Belarus. President Viktor Yushchenko’s party wealth and tax revenue. It must be Kirovohrad and other eastern strongholds. People often forget that in Ukraine Our Ukraine – about 14 percent. remembered that ethnic Russians in As I see it, the internal divisions are there was a peaceful transfer of presiden- However, it must also be noted that Ukraine favored Ukraine’s independence. less of a concern than the inability of the tial power in 1994. There was a wide- together the original Orange Coalition There was an expectation that the eco- central government to perform. Weak and spread assumption that Leonid Kravchuk – that is Our Ukraine at 14 percent, nomic future would be better in Ukraine indecisive governments usually lose pub- would win, yet Leonid Kuchma won. Yulia Tymoshenko’s bloc at over 22 than in Russia. This is still true. lic confidence, which can leave them vul- Kuchma promised to be a reformer and percent and Oleksander Moroz’s Furthermore, it has not been lost on the nerable to foreign pressures. Differences early on was looked upon by the West as Socialists at over 5 percent pulled in Russian minority in Ukraine that totali- may exist in Ukraine, but they are not supporting reform. Ukraine, therefore, almost 42 percent support in western tarian control and abuse is a legacy that insurmountable. has had a series of successful elections. and central Ukraine. This was 10 emanated out of Moscow, not Kyiv. What There is no doubt in my mind that points ahead of Viktor Yanukovych’s concerns the voters most in the eastern You mentioned that the legacy of Ukraine’s peaceful Orange Revolution in Party of the Regions, which dominated regions is economic stability. totalitarian abuse emanates out of 2004 was a symbol, an inspiration for in the eastern oblasts, an area with a The Ukrainian government has done an Moscow. That legacy appears to be Belarusians, a goal to emulate. Unfortunately in Belarus, the hold of the state is so strong that there is no tendency by the government to respond to the pop- ulist will. In 2004 we saw Kuchma decide not to use the military; not so in Belarus. RETIREMENT? We’re entering the 15th year since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the 15th year of Ukraine’s independence. If you were to highlight some of the most ARE YOU READY? dramatic changes between the Ukraine you remember then and the Ukraine you saw now, what would they be? The most dramatic difference is that there is simply no longer any question as to the future existence of Ukraine as a nation. When I was in Ukraine, there were reports that the Russian Embassy in Kyiv was saying that in five years’ time Ukraine would be back as a part of Russia. Again, the March 26 elections solidified Ukraine’s future. There is also no serious talk of separa- tion of any parts of Ukraine. There may be discontent in eastern oblasts, but it is not an ultimatum for separation or an unbridled desire to return to Russia. I was in Ukraine during the tension over Crimea and the Black Sea Fleet. There was a real fear that Crimea would break away from Ukraine and that this would lead to greater Russian interference. In 1991, freedom and democracy – they were theories. People wanted to believe in them, but they were not sure what these meant. Now they deeply feel it. They believe and accept these values as their right. And you see it now in the media. The Orange Revolution took away the final barriers to media self-cen- sorship. Civil society has blossomed. Political culture has evolved. People really do accept that power is in their hands. And though Ukraine still faces economic challenges, overall, economic progress has been immense. And Ukraine has shown a great deal of international responsibility. Ukraine was the first country to voluntarily relin- quish nuclear weapons and established an international precedent that continues UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC. today – that states can exist without 2200 ROUTE 10, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054 nuclear weapons and relationships must be based on cooperation, not enmity. 800-253-9862 There’s a world of difference since FAX: 973-292-0900 1991, Ukraine is light years ahead. And in these last elections, the Ukrainian EMAIL: [email protected] electorate has shown again that it is ready to move forward. Now it’s up to the political elite to understand. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 21

“We will be depending on Viktor Orange coalition... Yushchenko to lead the discussions from (Continued from page 1) the Our Ukraine side, in order to clean The plan also involves dragging out away those who are torpedoing the cre- KOBZARSKA SICH coalition talks as long as possible in order ation of an Orange coalition,” she said. BANDURA AND VOCAL CAMP to demonstrate the inability of the Orange The Protocol for the Procedure of leaders to reach an understanding. Forming a Coalition of Democratic All Saints Camp – Emlenton, Pennsylvania In an interview on the 1+1 television Forces is a brief, six-point document that network on April 18, Prime Minister establishes the procedure for forming a AUGUST 2006 Yekhanurov said he supports creating a coalition of democratic forces. “broad coalition,” with three or four fac- Its sixth point states, “Agreement on Julian Kytasty – Musical Director tions signing its program of action. the coalition will be based on principles “The talks are supposed to be held foreseen in the draft memorandum on cre- among all constructive forces, we need to ating a coalition of democratic forces.” AUGUST6–20 write up a program of action and get as That memorandum, in the view of Ms. BANDURA COURSE Tymoshenko and her ally Oleksander many deputies as possible to sign it,” he Ages 12 and up said. Moroz of the Socialist Party, clearly states that the bloc winning the most On the other hand, Our Ukraine offi- Fee $550 cial Ihor Zhdanov denied that the Our votes selects the prime minister. Includes tuition, meals and lodging Ukraine bloc is negotiating with the However, Mr. Bezsmertnyi claimed Party of the Regions to form a coalition. there are several versions of the memo- Ms. Tymoshenko needs to participate randum, some of which allow for a veto AUGUST6–13 in creating the coalition’s program of of the prime ministerial nomination while BANDURA WORKSHOP action and agree to the procedure agree- others don’t. ment of five points, Mr. Zhdanov said on Mr. Yekhanurov said that three ver- Ages9–11 April 18. “If she only wants to be prime sions of the memorandum exist. Furthermore, Our Ukraine is against Fee $315 minister, then there won’t be any coali- Includes tuition, meals and lodging tion,” he said. distributing positions, Mr. Yekhanurov Ms. Tymoshenko said she no longer said. Instead, coalition partners should be supports the time-staking process of forming principles and establishing how AUGUST12–20 forming a program of action. the coalition will work, he said. Creating new programs is a waste of “The negotiation process has to take VOCAL WORKSHOP time considering the president already place under the concepts of a strategy Ages 12 and up has a “Ten Steps for the People” pro- and program,” Mr. Yekhanurov said at an gram, she said, adding that there is also April 20 meeting of the Cabinet of Fee $315 the political program her government had Ministers. “This can’t be a program of Includes tuition, meals and lodging set when she was prime minister – a pro- personal interests of even very eminent gram “that had the votes of 370 people. In Ukraine, the era of kings and deputies.” princesses has passed.” For an application or more information, please contact Anatoli Murha, Camp Administrator “We’re refraining from all discussions Mr. Moroz called upon President 734.658.6452 or [email protected] around a program and are relying on these Yushchenko to accept the protocol agree- DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION AT two documents,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. ment and allow Ms. Tymoshenko to www.bandura.org/bandura_school.htm She called upon Mr. Yushchenko, become prime minister. instead of Mr. Bezsmertnyi, to represent In return, Ms. Tymoshenko has voiced Reserve your space for this unique musical experience Our Ukraine in the coalition discussions. her support for Mr. Moroz’s candidacy She also stated that she isn’t interested for the position of Verkhovna Rada chair- in running for the presidency in 2009 and man which he held from May 1994 to To subscribe: Send $55 ($45 if you are a member of the UNA) to The Ukrainian Weekly, will support Mr. Yushchenko’s candidacy. April 1998. Subscription Department, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054

    

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and create hot spots that can result in bifida at rates four times higher than the Zarichne District Hospital, and he In Polissia’s... cancer in children and adults. Last year, European averages, and many other appreciates the critical health care needs (Continued from page 8) through bulk purchases, Ms. Zalipska’s severe birth defects which would occur of his entire province. absence of key nutrients they need to sur- office secured 700,000 hrv in discounts rarely, if at all, even in a much larger pop- In his first six months in his new posi- vive, plants readily absorb radionuclides on cancer medication for Rivne’s ulation. Researchers identified cataracts, tion, Dr. Boiko has established partner- in their root systems. Among the most Radiation Health Dispensary, where two microcephaly, babies born without ships with First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko’s foundation Ukraine 3000 dangerous is cesium-137 which mimics out of three children undergoing treat- abdominal walls, and documented the ment for leukemia are from the less pop- first photographed case of otocephaly (an and the Amosov Institute of Cardiac potassium and can easily be absorbed ulated, but more contaminated districts of infant born without a lower mandible). Surgery in Kyiv. His hospital has also into the human body. northern Rivne oblast. In the contaminat- Despite the lack of adequate funding, received aid from the Children of In her first months in office, Ms. ed areas of the Zhytomyr Oblast, doctors local government officials and medical Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund Zalipska devoted a great deal of energy have established an increase and a link officers are working to improve the qual- and the John Wood Medical Ministries to training local farmers in new planting between acute lymphoblastic leukemia ity of health care and diagnostic services from Waco, Tex. techniques, introducing new strains of and radiation exposure in a study funded for local residents. Dr. Boiko is designating several of his crops that were more resistant to radia- by the U.S. Naval College. In the nearby town of Volodymyrets, most promising doctors to study English tion uptake and working with local geol- Unlike other rural areas of Ukraine local leaders capitalized on the success of and German so they can take full advan- ogists to identify tracts of land that were where the young people flee to cities or the Orange Revolution to obtain funding tage of training opportunities in the West, uncontaminated and safe for farming. move abroad, the towns in the northern for a new maternity hospital which is and then help to train other physicians She also fought for the allocation of 97 Rivne Oblast have had greater success in now completed. Volodymyrets is located throughout their province in their respec- million hrv (about $19 million U.S.) for keeping their youth, and young profession- within the 30-kilometer zone of the tive disciplines. the distribution of clean food products als who went elsewhere to complete their Rivne Atomic Energy Station in With a network of young, progressive among children in the contaminated vil- education are moving back to help improve Kuznetsovsk, which has also experienced health care workers and a dynamic region- lages. Prior to her tenure, this money was the quality of life in their hometowns. radioactive releases, exposing local resi- al coordinator in Ms. Zalipska, the squandered, if not siphoned off by gov- Among the Zarichne natives who dents to multiple sources of radiation. Chornobyl-impacted communities in ernment officials and local racketeers returned is the chief doctor of the Obstetricians are hoping to bolster their northern Rivne Oblast are developing a who provided substandard food to the Zarichnianskyi District Hospital, Dr. hospital’s resources to treat pregnancy common vision and a strategic plan to give children. Ms. Zalipska hired new staff Andrii Lototsky, who received his med- complications and newborns with respi- their children the best health care possible. and implemented tough new anti-corrup- ical degree in Uzhhorod. ratory distress. Here too, local doctors are * * * tion measures to assure quality controls Dr. Lototsky is deeply concerned about concerned about the lack of fetal heart and accountability for the program, and the number of unusual birth anomalies that monitors and other diagnostic equipment On April 20, the Children of personally visited each community to have appeared in newborns and older chil- for identifying cardiac defects that need Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund ensure that the food was actually reach- dren. “We have seen an increase in con- immediate surgical intervention. was planning to deliver a large shipment ing the children. genital heart defects, blindness or severe Another critical problem is the lack of of aid to Rivne as part of its airlift com- These extraordinary measures are ocular disorders and deformed limbs.” ambulances or intensive care equipment to memorating the 20th anniversary of the needed to provide clean food and protect During our visit to the Zarichne hospi- transport infants from remote towns like Chornobyl disaster. Among other sup- public health, said Ms. Zalipska. Local tal, we met a talented 10-year-old boy Zarichne to the provincial capital of Rivne. plies and technology, the fund will deliv- veterinarians in Zarichne District are who suffers since birth from a life-threat- Even without snowy or inclement weather, er a Fresenius blood cell separator that reporting that milk from local cows is ening aortic valve defect and a severely this requires a six-hour round-trip on unlit will greatly enhance the treatment of contaminated with low levels of radia- clubbed foot. The Ukrainian American back roads from Rivne to the remote vil- children with leukemia at the Rivne tion, and 75 percent of the dairy animals Association for the Prevention of Birth lages, making it virtually impossible to Regional Children’s Hospital. in some settlements suffer from bovine Defects under a grant from the United save a child with emergency needs. To further support these hospital part- leukemia. The Chornobyl administration States Agency for International The energetic new medical director of nerships, tax deductible contributions in Rivne had to replace dozens of heads Development (USAID) has been tracking the Rivne Regional Children’s Hospital, may be sent to: CCRDF, 272 Old Short of cattle last year. anomalies in the 14,000 infants born each Dr. Anatolii Boiko, is also a strong advo- Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078. For Even in small doses, cesium and other year in Rivne and 12,000 in Volyn cate of strengthening the medical infra- more information call Alexa Milanytch at radioactive particles that slip into food (104,000 over the past four years). The structure of his region. Until last June, he 973-376-5140 or visit the CCRDF web- products can settle in bone and soft tissue association found an epidemic of spina served as Dr. Lototsky’s predecessor in site at www.childrenofchornobyl.org. No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 23 Ukrainian Engineering Education discussed at Shevchenko by Orest Popovych a summary of what he related. time no evidence of any serious commit- The reason new educational criteria In a typical American school of engi- ment to structural reforms in the academic became necessary stems mainly from the NEW YORK – The Mathematics- neering, students progress by passing indi- institutions of Ukraine. He said that general problem that the U.S. industry is Physics-Technology Section of the vidual subjects, which they can repeat, Ukrainian education could benefit from becoming less competitive in the global Shevchenko Scientific Society (NTSh) should they first fail. After four years, they contacts with the rest of the world, to which marketplace, according to Dr. Kuc. One on February 25 hosted a program featur- attain their bachelor’s degrees in one of end the knowledge of English among the solution, continued the lecturer, is to pro- ing a lecture by Dr. Oleh Tretiak on the five engineering majors. Jobs for graduates faculty and students needs to be improved. duce engineers who can work effectively in topic “Ukrainian Engineering Education are relatively easy to get. Schools of engi- A small step toward establishing such the local economy immediately upon grad- at a Crossroads,” followed by a presenta- neering include large and small institutions, contacts was taken when three students uation, without years of on-the-job training. tion by Dr. Roman Kuc on the new funded both from private and public funds; from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute visit- Thus, rather than mandating the same ABET Engineering Criteria 2000, which they focus heavily on research. The faculty ed Drexel University at Dr. Tretiak’s criteria for engineering programs through- have been adopted for engineering edu- at U.S. universities is composed of tenured invitation for two weeks in August 2005. out the country, the EC2000 approach pro- cation in the U.S. and non-tenured members. Among the suc- Other inter-institutional exchanges are vides individual engineering programs with The program was organized and intro- cessful tenured members, progress toward being planned by Dr. Tretiak. the flexibility to establish their own curricu- duced by Dr. Roman Andrushkiw, the the rank of full professor is generally rapid, “Changes in Engineering Education in la, adjusting the criteria to conform to local first vice-president of NTSh, and the on the average attaining it at about age 40. the U.S. and the World” was the topic tack- needs, while constantly taking into account director of the MPT Section. It was In a typical Ukrainian school of engi- chaired by Prof. Vasyl Makhno. led next by Dr. Kuc, professor of electrical the feedback received from the students, neering, students’ progress is annual, based engineering and associate dean of engineer- professors, industry and parents involved, Dr. Tretiak, professor of electrical and on passing a whole year’s worth of required computer engineering at Drexel University ing educational programs at Yale University. said Dr. Kuc. He felt that the adoption of subjects; thus, advancement to the next year Dr. Kuc discussed the new Engineering EC2000 for education in Ukraine would in Philadelphia, based the lecture on his may require multiple attempts. Their experiences as a Fulbright visiting professor Criteria (EC) 2000, which were introduced allow Ukrainian programs to compete in the degrees are earned after five years (six years in the year 2000 by the Accreditation Board international arena. at the Kyiv and Lviv Polytechnic institutes, for a master’s) in one of about 100 engi- of Engineering and Technology (ABET). After the presentations there was a which enabled him to examine higher tech- neering majors. For the graduates, the The goal of the ABET has always been to lengthy and substantive discussion focusing nical education in Ukraine and to compare it chances of getting a job in their specialty at make sure that all engineering programs in on the level of higher education in Ukraine with American education in the same areas. this time are poor. The institutions of higher the U.S. meet the same high standards. and the challenges it is presently facing. Another objective of his was to establish learning are generally large (the Kyiv contacts with professors and administrators Polytechnic Institute has about 35,000 stu- of Ukrainian institutions of higher learning dents) and their curricula are centrally con- with the possibility for collaborative under- trolled by the Ministry of Education. takings with their American counterparts. Research in Ukraine has always been pri- The rationale underlying a comparison marily the province of the institutes of the of the educational systems is related to National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the ongoing reorganization of the univer- and not of the universities. Since independ- sities in Ukraine, with the objective of ence, there has been a further decline in the achieving recognition of the equivalency amount of research carried out by the uni- of degrees offered by Ukrainian and versities. Academic professionals in Ukraine European universities. are paid relatively low salaries (about $200 a Dr. Tretiak compared how Ukrainian month), but enjoy high employment securi- and American institutions of higher learn- ty, i. e., in American parlance, they all have ing differed in their teaching and research “tenure.” However, progress to the rank of missions, their degree requirements, as well full professor is very slow. as administrative approaches. Following is According to Dr. Tretiak, there is at this

UNA SENIORS’ CONFERENCE Shevchenko Society presentation at SOYUZIVKA focuses on medical schools in Ukraine on by Vasyl Lopukh June 11-16, 2006 – Senior Citizens’ Week NEW YORK – The Medicine-Biology (MB) Section of the Shevchenko Scientific Ladies and Gentlemen! 2006 is already well on its way. Society (NTSh) on March 18 sponsored a We wish you good health and invite you to visit SOYUZIVKA! program in which Dr. Marta Kushnir, sec- On behalf of the UNA Seniors Club, we would like to invite all seniors to participate in our annual UNA retary of the section, gave a lecture titled Seniors Club Week, which will be held from Sunday, June 11, to Friday, June 16, 2006. For your general “The History and the Significance of the information, please note that the Seniors Club was organized over 30 years ago. The purpose of the UNA Medical University in Lviv.” Seniors is to support UNA endeavors, to preserve and cultivate the Ukrainian heritage, promote unity within the community, develop social activities and maintain Ukrainian community life in America. We Dr. Kushnir shared her impressions of have finally reached a time in our lives when Ukraine is independent and living a democratic life. Ukraine the medical schools and clinics in Lviv will always have our thoughts and support. But there is a time when we must concentrate on maintaining and Ternopil as she reported on her our own Ukrainian community. There is much that can be done. We will try to make the week interesting recent trip to Ukraine, undertaken and fun. As you may have read in our publications, last year we had over 60 participants, seven interest- ing speakers and entertainment in the evenings. Fun was had by all. Again, we have an interesting pro- together with her sister, Dr. Lesia gram scheduled and hope that you will be able to join us for an interesting, inexpensive weekend. Follow Kushnir, director of the MB Section. the press for further information about Seniors Citizens’ Week. In his opening remarks, NTSh Vice- President Dr. Orest Popovych welcomed the development that the leadership of the MB Section has been taken over by two physicians who represent the younger generation, and who have demonstrated considerable activity from the start. Prof. Vasyl Makhno introduced the speaker and chaired the proceedings. Dr. Marta Kushnir speaks at the Dr. Marta Kushnir traced the history of Shevchenko Scientific Society. the city of Lviv, with emphasis on the devel- opment of higher education there. Medical facilities in Lviv. In Ternopil, however, education in Lviv dates back to 1784, when both the university hospital and the two Make your reservations for the UNA Seniors’ Conference, which will be held at our medicine became one of the faculties at the clinics she visited had rather antiquated mountain resort SOYUZIVKA, beginning Sunday, June 11, starting with a buffet dinner, Lviv University. In 1939 medicine was equipment, albeit in working order. through Friday, June 16, including brunch. All inclusive: five nights, all meals, banquet, transferred from the university to a separate This exploratory visit by Drs. Marta entertainment, special speakers. Medical Institute, which in 2003 acquired and Lesia Kushnir, attempting to estab- UNA members Non-UNA members the status of a National Medical University. lish contacts and pave the way for possi- single occupancy $399 single occupancy $450 Drs. Marta and Lesia Kushnir con- ble collaboration between NTSh and double occupancy $345 pp double occupancy $360 pp ferred with some of the professors and Ukrainian medical schools, follows in Per night - Single $85 – Double $74 pp Per night - Single $95 – Double $82 pp administrators of the Lviv Medical the footsteps of Dr. Paul Dzul, the pre- University, trying to learn ways in which ceding director of the NTSh MB Section. BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT only $35 pp the NTSh could be helpful to them. One Dr. Dzul as well as Dr. Michael Call SOYUZIVKA at 845-626-5641 and register early. Limited space available. of the answers was their need for modern Cehelsky, also an NTSh member, have Organize a bus from your area, contact your local seniors’ club! For further information please call Oksana Trytjak at 973-292-9800 ext. 3071. medical books, which Dr. Marta Kushnir co-authored and co-sponsored a number Senior Citizens’ Week is FUN, AFFORDABLE AND INTERESTING. has begun to fulfill. The lecturer said she of medical books and other projects with WE WELCOME GUESTS ! COME ONE, COME ALL! was very impressed with the students and their colleagues in Ukraine. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17 No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 25

Author of Life and we pray at this We pray ... anniversary for the very life of Ukraine. (Continued from page 7) May the grace of our Lord and Savior become the symbol that educates us all Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father that technological and scientific advances and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be should ensure us and future generations with us all. We assure you of our contin- ued prayers for your spiritual welfare and of peace, calm and progress rather than express our constant need of your prayers grief and troubled times. in our behalf. Spiritually uniting our prayers at this Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! 20th anniversary with the prayers of peo- ple all over our planet, we beseech our In our Lord’s all-encompassing Love, Almighty Father for His blessings during + Constantine, Metropolitan these difficult days of commemoration. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the We commend the souls of those who U.S.A. and Diaspora perished and the lives of those who con- tinue to suffer, including the families of + John, Metropolitan those who perished, to the healing power Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for He is the Helper of the helpless, the Hope + Antony, Archbishop of the hopeless, the Savior of the storm- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the tossed, the Haven of the voyager and the U.S.A. Healer of the sick. We stand before Him + Vsevolod, Archbishop in humility and beseech His eternal bless- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the ings upon the victims of one of the worst U.S.A. disasters the world has known. May He grant eternal rest to those who perished in + Ioan, Archbishop a place where there is no more suffering, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora nor sorrow, nor sickness, but only life Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand eternal. May He extend His healing touch into the lives of those who survived, still + Yurij, Archbishop suffering and ease their pain, raise them Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada up and grant them fullness of life. + Jeremiah, Bishop We ask our Lord to enable us to reach Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of South out to our brothers and sisters in compas- America (UOC of U.S.A.) sion and with an understanding of their needs and fears. May He utilize us as His + Andrew, Bishop “Royal Priesthood, a holy nation” to Ukrainian Orthodox Church in affect their lives positively – most espe- Diaspora – Eparchy of Great Britain and cially the lives of the children. He is the Western Europe

which number in the many thousands. The “zone...” Poaching of moose and elk, which are (Continued from page 9) protected species, has more serious like a lot, but based on the Przewalski’s implications, but not quite as serious as horses’ past reproductive rates, they cal- killing even a few Przewalski’s horses. culate that there should actually be 96 They may number 1,500 worldwide but horses. That means that a huge number of there are only about 150 in Ukraine. It is horses – over one-third – either died, or a very fragile population. never born. Hunting is forbidden in the zone to Did that mean the release program’s protect people from radioactive game, opponents were right? Or could it be that and not to protect the animals from peo- radiation was affecting the horses’ ple. That prohibition is what has made health? the zone a de facto wildlife sanctuary. When I asked Ms. Zharkikh, she was But there is no particular punishment for cautious in her response. But after study- poaching there. It is treated like poaching ing the evidence, her answer was direct, anywhere in Ukraine. dire – and depressing. The massive killing off of “The horses are being poached,” she Przewalski’s horses shows that it is time said, adding, “massively.” The scientists to make the zone an official wildlife uncovered clear evidence of eight horses sanctuary, with the highest levels of legal that were poached, plus one more horse protection and security. Poachers should about which they aren’t certain. Of course, suffer stiff fines and criminal liability. poachers don’t usually leave evidence and The zone may also qualify as a United clearly many of the other “missing” Nations’ Biospheric Reserve or a World Przewalski’s horses are making it into tro- Heritage site, which would make it eligi- phy rooms and sausage factories. ble for certain international aid. Poaching has always been a problem The zone of alienation has become a in the zone. But if a handful of wild vast, beautiful and thriving radioactive boars or roe deer are killed, it little wilderness. There is nothing else like it affects their Chornobyl populations – on the planet. It demands protection.

the devastating effects of Chornobyl, and it Rep. Smith’s... is important for the international commu- (Continued from page 13) nity – both governments and non-govern- was caught off guard by the massive 80- mental organizations – to remember that fold increase in thyroid cancer among Chornobyl is not just a Ukrainian, Chornobyl children in Belarus in 1993, Belarusian or Russian problem. The fallout and the world community needs to will require continued international atten- remain vigilant for other forms of cancer tion and commitment. that may begin to emerge now that the We also need ongoing support for 20-year latency period has ended. organizations like CCRDF that has We need to remember that the half-life worked for 16 years to provide state-of- Notice to publishers and authors of radioactive cesium is 30 years. the-art medical technology, physician Thousands of children are still being training and humanitarian aid to give It is The Ukrainian Weekly’s policy to run news items and/or reviews of newly published exposed to dangerously high levels of Ukrainian children a fighting chance to books, booklets and reprints, as well as records and premiere issues of periodicals only after radionuclides in contaminated areas of overcome cancer and leukemia. Clearly, receipt by the editorial offices of a copy of the material in question. there is much work that remains to be southern Belarus and northern Ukraine, as News items sent without a copy of the new release will not be published. well as far-flung areas in Scandinavia and done. Again, I commend the devoted Central and Eastern Europe that also suf- leadership, staff, volunteers and support- Send new releases and information (where publication may be purchased, cost, etc.) to: fered from radioactive fallout. There is still ers of CCRDF for your tireless work and Editorial Staff, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. much that remains to be done to overcome deep commitment to a most noble cause. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17 No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 27 Ukrainian university students seek summer employment WASHINGTON – Employers in the foundation will continue in its present interviewed to meet employer expecta- ly dedicated to their summer program. United States have an outstanding oppor- course of matching the hiring needs of tions. An employer’s summer hiring needs tunity to meet their summer 2006 staffing employers with designated sponsors. • Students will have pre-paid health insur- may include a whole host of entry-level needs by hiring highly motivated univer- Ukrainian university students, who are ance; employers will not have this cost. positions, whether they be retail shop sity students from Ukraine. eager to work and experience life in the • Students are not required to con- workers, cashiers, amusement ride atten- Through a new program being imple- U.S., are seeking short-term (up to four tribute to Social Security or Medicare; dants or short-order cooks. mented by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, a months), entry-level, seasonal positions employers are therefore not required to To learn more about hiring university stu- 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated with employers under the U.S. contribute the employer portion. dents from Ukraine for this summer, readers to building peace and prosperity through Department of State’s Summer Work and • Students will be working at the same may contact the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation shared democratic values, employers and Travel USA Program 2006. The students sponsoring organizations are being matched qualify to work and travel in the U.S. wage level as other summer students. through Bogdan Kovalchuk at 202-223- in their summer hiring needs with available, under a J-1 visa through a sponsoring • Employers will find the students high- 2228 or [email protected]. qualified students by the foundation. There organization. is no cost to employers in allowing the U.S.- Employers benefit in these ways: Ukraine Foundation help in this recruitment. • They meet seasonal hiring require- The foundation currently has an appli- ments. cation with the U.S. Department of State • As students are allowed to work for in order to receive the designation of an four months during the period of May 1 official sponsor of summer work/travel through mid-October; employers will still exchange programs. The foundation have Ukrainian student workers when (586)759-6563 hopes to become a sponsor and to work American students head back to school. directly with employers and students. • Students will be interviewed and However, if the designation is not tested for English proficiency. received on time for this summer, the • Students will be pre-screened and Edmonton school slates reunion EDMONTON – The Ivan Franko which the students are able to earn cred- School of Ukrainian Studies (IFSUS), its toward their high school diploma. In Edmonton’s oldest Ukrainian language 2000 the curriculum was further school, is inviting students, alumni, for- enhanced and presently includes a trip to mer teachers, directors and friends to its Ukraine for each year’s graduating class. 50th anniversary celebration. The event will be marked by a cham- In the past five decades, over 500 stu- pagne reception, gala dinner and dance with dents have graduated from IFSUS. In live entertainment, and an art exhibit on addition, hundreds more have attended Saturday, November 11, at the Ukrainian the school to expand their knowledge of Youth Unity Complex in Edmonton. the Ukrainian language and culture with- For further information readers may in Canadian society. contact: Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian The school offers a demanding educa- Studies, 10611-110 Ave., Edmonton, tional program, and the curriculum is Alberta T5H 2W9; telephone, 780-421- now accredited by Alberta Education, via 0900; e-mail, [email protected].

. ing ow Keep gr Just like our subscriber base.

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are Committed to a Drug-Free Workplace. *Wage based on hourly pay plus commission.Wages may vary and are based on activations, not actual sales. Better TV for all. * *Eligibility requirements may apply 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17 No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 29

World-famous café slates “Ukrainian Night” The Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation NEW YORK – For the first time in its d’Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, will 29-year history as a world-famous perform- also be screened. Yuri Shevchuk of the in coordination with ance venue in New York City’s West Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia The 7th St. Ukr. Festival Village, the Cornelia Street Café will pres- University will introduce the film. invite you to the first ever ent a “Ukrainian Night,” on Saturday, April The musical portion of the program will 29, at 6-11 p.m. The entire evening will be provided by Andriy Milavsky and showcase Ukrainian-related films, poetry, Halyna Remez of the Cheres musical “Ukrainian Music Invasion” music and fiction in English and Ukrainian. ensemble, who will play Carpathian Hutsul Irene Zabytko, fiction award-winning music. Readings by Shevchenko Scientific NEW YORK CITY Society resident poet Vasyl Makhno and the author of “The Sky Unwashed” and “When Friday May 19th, 2006 Luba Leaves Home,” and Alexander Motyl, hosts, Prof. Motyl and Ms. Zabytko, will author of “Whiskey Priest” and professor at also be featured throughout the evening. Rutgers University, will host the evening. The first two-hour set will start at 6 p.m., F E A T U R I N G “5” Live Bands: Filmmaker Damian Kolodiy will show the second at 8:45 p.m. Admission is $10 excerpts of his documentary, “The Orange per set, which includes one house drink. HALYCHANY – Ukraine Chronicles,” highlighting the exciting events CDs and books will be available for pur- of the Orange Revolution. A special feature chase. The café is located at 29 Cornelia St. HRIM – Connecticut For more information log on to www.cor- presentation of the film short, Ihor KLOOCH – Toronto Strembitsky’s “Wayfarers” (from Ukraine neliastreetcafe.com or e-mail MYR DEPUTAT PROJECT with English subtitles), winner of the Palme [email protected] – Buffalo ZAHRAVA * * * – Toronto DJ AL Corrections The Cornelia Street Café is an award- with - Philadelphia winning restaurant and New York City land- Doors open @ 9:00 PM In the story headlined “Airlift to mark mark that also houses a famous performance 20th anniversary of Chornobyl disaster” by space in the downstairs section where the All Ages Welcome Yaro Bihun (April 16), a proofreading error tradition of theater, performance, music and 21 To Drink with Valid Id made it seem as if Reps. Marcy Kaptur of poetry is alive and well. The café has pre- Limited Capacity $20 Ohio and Christopher Smith of New Jersey sented an enormous variety of artists, from Ukr. Nat’l. Home & Karpaty / Lys Mykyta addressed the press conference held on April singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega to poet- 140 2nd Ave. & 9th St. 5 at the Embassy of Ukraine. In fact, their senator Eugene McCarthy, from members remarks were read by Andre Kravchenko, of Monty Python to the members of the A L L P R O C E E D S G O T O: congressional fellow in Rep. Kaptur’s Royal Shakespeare Company. It has also office, and Orest Deychakiwsky, senior staff offered a performance home to the St. George Ukrainian Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation Help Us Help The advisor at the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Songwriters Exchange, the Writers Room, Catholic Church Children (HUHTC) & Schools which is co-chaired by Rep. Smith. the Writers Studio, the Greek-American E V E N T S P O N S O R E D B Y: Writers Association, the Italian-American Maya Gregoret’s story “ ‘Iskry’/‘Living Writers Association, the New Works Embers’: an exhibit of the art of Orysia Project/Theater and many others. Sinitowich-Gorski” (April 16) provided The Cornelia Street Café is presenting the wrong web address for the site where the inaugural “Ukrainian Night” as two sep- the artist’s works may be viewed. The cor- arate sets instead of the usual one set. As its Chornormorski Chvyli Karpaty~Lys Mykyta rect address is www.iskryart.ca. website says, “once is not enough.”

The Council of Bishops and Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA St. Thomas Sunday cordially invite all Christ-loving faithful, in particular our youth of all ages to participate in this year’s SAINT THOMAS SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE. Ïðîâiäíà Íåäiëÿ

Come and share in the light, grace and Youth Activities Gospel of the risen Lord with others! 1-2:30PM: Teens and Young adults. Bright Saturday: April 29, 2006 2:00-2:30PM: Children 4-12 years of age. 2:30-3:30PM: Meet our Father Bishops during 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy in Saint Andrew Memorial an Ice Cream Social (all ages). Church. PARKING REGULATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 6:00 PM Vespers and Confessions in Saint Andrew Memorial Church. As directed by the Consistory, all parking on Memorial Church and Cemetery grounds is strictly prohibited on Saturday, 29 April and Sunday, 30 April 2006. Parking is permitted only on Consistory grounds located at 135 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ (Cultural Center lot Sunday: April 30, 2006 and grounds). Round trip transportation of pilgrims to the Memorial Church and Cemetery will be provided. 9:00AM Greeting of the Hierarchs. Cultural exhibits and all commerce will take place on Saturday, 29 9:30AM Eucharistic Liturgy. His Beatitude Metropolitan April from Noon to 6 pm and Sunday, 30 April from Noon to 6 pm in Constantine, Archbishops Antony and Vsevolod and pastors the main auditorium of the Cultural Center. Permits for sales must be obtained from the Consistory. No business will be transacted during of local parish communities followed by: the Liturgy and Panakhyda. Any individuals conducting unauthorized sales will be removed from the property. 11:30AM A procession to the Cemetery’s Great Memorial Cross for the The Museum and Library will be open for visitors at 3PM. celebration of a Panakhyda for the repose of the souls of the departed The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, the clergy and the Office servants of God, His Holiness Patriarch Mstyslav, His Beatitude Metropolitan of Youth Ministry encourage children and youth of our Holy Metropolia to enrich their lives by John and all departed hierarchs, clergy and faithful of our Holy Ukrainian participating with their parents and family members in the various liturgical services, especially Orthodox Church of USA, along with the victims of Stalin’s genocidal famine the Holy Mystery of Confession and the Holy Eucharist during this year’s Holy Pilgrimage. of 1932-33, the victims of the Chornobyl disaster, those who sacrificed their Youth activities scheduled for Sunday, April 30 will emphasize a relationship based on our relationship to Christ. lives for the freedom and independance of Ukraine and the USA and the victims of the 11th September 2001 terroristic attack upon America. All other Panakhydy (Memorial Services) are permitted only after the conclusion of the above Panakhyda at the Great Cross.

May the souls of our beloved PLEASE NOTE: MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED DURING BRIGHT WEEK -MONDAY TO FRIDAY (24 APRIL - 28 APRIL 2006). THESE DAYS ARE RESERVED FOR find rest and their memory be eternal! GRAVE CLEANING AND CEMETERY PREPARATION FOR ST. THOMAS SUNDAY (PROVIDNA NEDILA). 30 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

should investigate these issues.” can make independent rulings, she said. nesses, she said. Tymoshenko... At the American Chamber of Commerce A system of accountability also must “Offering 15 percent for annual credit (Continued from page 1) event, Ms. Tymoshenko said nowhere near emerge to hold judges responsible for is not a bad profit,” Ms. Tymoshenko firm attending the meeting asked Ms. 3,000 properties would be re-privatized, unjust rulings, Ms. Tymoshenko said. No said. “But it doesn’t allow the private Tymoshenko whether she had truly con- and repeated her commitment that courts such accountability of judges exists today. entrepreneur to develop adequately.” would decide all re-privatization efforts. sidered re-privatizing more than 3,000 Ukraine needs a stock market that pro- As a result, foreign banks with access Responding to the claim that some tects the rights of minority shareholders, to larger resources of financial resources companies, which had been widely Ukrainian bankers are concerned about Ms. Tymoshenko said, noting that they can only monitor Ukraine’s banking reported in the media. her prime ministership, Ms. Tymoshenko are currently very vulnerable. activity or perhaps buy a Ukrainian bank, She said she never made the claim that said the only bankers who are concerned Ensuring such rights will encourage instead of participating in the market. as many as 3,000 properties may become or scared are those who don’t pay taxes. foreign investment, which is needed in Ms. Tymoshenko acknowledged com- re-privatized, a notion that was artificial- They are also the ones who have given the electrical energy industry, as well as plaints from Western investors regarding ly created in the mass media. her three labels – re-privatizer, populist drilling for oil and mining natural the cancellation of free economic zones However, after President Yushchenko and unshakable person – in order to cre- resources, which are abundant in Ukraine. that offered tax breaks to foreign busi- had dismissed Ms. Tymoshenko as prime ate fear of her policies. “We will absolutely pass a law that nesses invested in them. minister, even he accused her of consid- “If you will see that our internal environ- will ensure for minority stockholders However, the free economic zones ering re-privatizing 3,000 businesses. ment fears me, then this kind of prime min- absolutely guaranteed rights that exist in eventually became abused by Ukrainian In fact, Ms. Tymoshenko said the fol- ister is needed for investors because they the civilized world,” she said. “Today, businesses for which they weren’t created. lowing at a February 19, 2005, press con- know I will change things, and change this is an absolutely ruined, undeveloped Access to these zones eventually bred cor- ference: “The government is to review the things so that there won’t be a closed space sphere in Ukraine.” ruption in which businessmen paid bribes legality of the privatization of more than and they won’t have a Ukraine that’s a Ms. Tymoshenko criticized Ukraine’s to access the zones in order to evade taxes. 3,000 enterprises, of which inspection closed type of stockholder association.” restricted access to foreign banks, accus- “So if an oil refinery located in results had been set aside by Ukraine’s As for her plans to improve Ukraine’s ing Ukrainian bankers of intentionally Donetsk operated in a free economic procurator general for five years.” investment climate, Ms. Tymoshenko led creating a closed market where they’re zone, and a meat-processing plant in She later added: “Nobody today can off with the need for “complete, deep and able to charge annual interest rates on Dnipropetrovsk didn’t, they ended up state the number of properties that will be effective reform of the judicial system.” business loans as high as 20 percent. working in entirely different conditions,” returned to state ownership. It has been Judges need to be freed from their These Ukrainian banks have their Ms. Tymoshenko said. established that violations during privati- dependency on the executive government powerful interests represented in the “One didn’t face taxes on the domes- zation occurred, and there are courts that and the Presidential Secretariat so they Verkhovna Rada to protect their busi- tic market, while the other paid taxes on the domestic market. That’s why I believe we made a colossal step forward to make all business structures equal before the law,” she explained. Free economic zones should be strict- ly limited to Ukrainian companies that export goods. Ms. Tymoshenko also addressed the difficulty foreign investors face in acquiring land for their business. At least 127 signatures are needed for a business land purchase in the Kyiv Oblast, she said, requiring a wait of at least three years. “On top of that, the bribes that you would have to pay out increased the cost of this land by almost double,” she said. Ms. Tymoshenko said she wants to pass legislation that would speed the land acquisition process to require five permits and one month of waiting. To deal with corruption in the Verkhovna Rada, Ms. Tymoshenko said a strong opposition is needed to publicly reveal which officials are engaging in corruption. If she joins the coalition government, Ms. Tymoshenko said she’d give all the necessary tools to the opposition to act as a watchdog for the government. Furthermore, “if I form the govern- ment, I won’t allow anybody who took a bribe.”

A reliable guide for your travels in Ukraine! WE OFFER OUR SERVICES TO TRAVELAGENCIES.

“ä˪‚Ò¸ÍËÈ ëÛÔÛÚÌËÍ” (Kyivskyi Suputnyk) vul. Pushkynska 9 Kyiv, Ukraine 01034 Tel. +38044 531-91-30 (multi) +38044 278-09-38 Fax +38044 270-73-58 e-mail: [email protected] www.sputnik.kiev.ua No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 31 OUT AND ABOUT

March 12-May 28 Exhibit “Chornobyl 20+: This Land is Ours ... May 5 Taras Berezovsky performs the one-man play New York We Still Live Here,” The Ukrainian Museum, New York “Catch 86” on the theme of Chornobyl, 212-228-0110 The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110

April 21-May 13 Art exhibit “Nature’s Palette” featuring May 5 Wine and Cheese Recruitment Party, UNWLA New York Rina Koshkina, Agora Gallery, 212-226-4151 Warren, MI Meeting House, 586-939-8286

April 25 “Commemoration of the Chornobyl Disaster: May 6 Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus auditions, New York The Human Experience,” Columbia University, Warren, MI Ukrainian Cultural Center, 734-658-6452 212-854-4697 May 6 Dr. George Grabowicz presents the works of April 25 Screening of “Atomic Lies,” followed by discussion New York Pantelimon Kulish, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Washington about Chornobyl, Goethe-Institute, 212-254-5130 202-289-1200, x 168 May 7 Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus concert, April 26 “Commemoration of the Chornobyl Disaster: Farmington Hills, MI Nardin Park United Church, 248-476-8860 Washington The Human Experience,” Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, 202-691-4000 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to April 26 20th anniversary of Chornobyl commemoration, events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome Ottawa Parliament Hill, 613-733-7000 or 613-738-1724 submissions from all our readers; please send e-mail to [email protected]. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space April 26 Photo exhibit, “Chornobyl 20,” Rayburn House allows; photos will be considered. Please note: items will be printed a max- Washington Office Building, 202-229-4424 imum of two times each.

April 26 Chornobyl Requiem and Candlelight Vigil, Washington Taras Shevchenko Monument, 202-514-1822

April 28 Ukrainian League of Philadelphia Spring 2006 Philadelphia Wearable Art Show, Ukrainian designers Zoriana Sokhatska and Maria Woznyj, 215-684-3548

April 28 & May 7 Film screening, “Chernobyl Heart,” The Ukrainian New York Museum, 212-228-0110

April 28-30 Spa Weekend organized by UNWLA Kerhonkson, NY Branch 95, Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641

April 28-29 Ukrainian Youth Association Volleyball Tournament, Mississauga, ON Burnhamthorpe Community Center, 416-953-9950

April 29 Conference “Chornobyl: The Next Generation,” Chicago University of Illinois, 847-359-3676 or 773-883-9737

April 29 “Ukrainian Night” of poetry, fiction, music and film, New York Cornelia Street Cafe, 212-243-4207

April 29 Lecture by Dr. Larissa M. L. Zaleska Onyshkevych, New York “Events at Chornobyl as Reflected in Ukrainian Literature,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130

April 29 Baturyn Marching Band Auction, Etobicoke, ON Taras Shevchenko Hall, 647-272-7661

April 29 50th Anniversary of Ukrainian Cultural Center, Buffalo, NY Dnipro, 716-668-6294

April 30 Screening of “Chernobyl Heart,” Holy Trinity Silver Spring, MD Ukrainian Catholic Church, 301-421-1739

April 30 Fairmount Arts Crawl, featuring Andrij Korchynsky, Philadelphia Halyna Kostyuk, Levko Mikhalevetch and Natalia Karbach, Gypsy Jazz performance by Crossing Paths, 215-684-3548

April 30 Gala Benefit Banquet by the Ukrainian Educational Jenkintown, PA and Cultural Center, 215-663-1166 Need a back issue? If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: May 5 The Washington Group’s Ukrainian social, Leopold’s Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Washington Kafe and Konditorei, 240-381-0993 32 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2006 No. 17

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Soyuzivka’s Datebook Wednesday, April 26 David Marples, professor of history, University of Alberta; Dr. Ihor Masnyk, WASHINGTON: The Washington Group, director of the Chornobyl Research Project, April 23, 2006 June 3, 2006 in cooperation with The Embassy of Ukraine U.S. National Cancer Institute; Dr. A. E. Traditional Ukrainian Easter Day Wedding and area Ukrainian churches, invites you to a Okeanov, vice-rector, International Brunch, doors open at 11:30 a.m. 20th Anniversary Chornobyl Commemora- Sakharov Environmental University, June 5-9, 2006 tion Candlelight Vigil and Requiem begin- Belarus; Dr. Pavlo Zamostyan, project April 28, 2006 Eparchial Clergy Retreat ning at 7 p.m. Venue: Taras Shevchenko manager, U.N. Chornobyl Recovery and Ellenville High School Junior Prom Monument, 22nd and P streets NW, near Development Program, Kyiv; Dr. Andrew June 10, 2006 Dupont Metro Station. Please bring candles. Sowder, U.S. Department of State; Gordon April 28-30, 2006 Wedding For more information contact Andrew Fowler, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Spa Weekend organized by Sorokowski, 202-514-1822, or Adrian Commission; Alex Kuzma, Children of Pidlusky, 240-381-0993, or visit Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund; UNWLA Branch 95 June 11-16, 2006 www.TheWashingtonGroup.org. UNA Seniors’ Conference and Karim and Daria Khan, Shelter Implementation Plan. The conference will April 29, 2006 HARTFORD, Conn.: “Remember be held at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the School of Birthday Party Banquet June 16-18, 2006 Chornobyl - Commemorating 20 Years of Public Health at the University of Illinois in TAPS New York Beer Festival 3rd Annual Adoption Weekend Chornobyl” is the theme of an event organ- Chicago. It will be preceded by an evening at Hunter Mountain, round trip ized by the Council of Ukrainian American reception on Friday, April 28, at the bus from Soyuzivka, $20; June 17, 2006 Organizations of Greater Hartford. A candle- Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, special room rate - $60/night Wedding light vigil and commemorative program which will be showing a special Chornobyl begin at 6:30 p.m. on the grounds of the State exhibit. Pre-registration by April 26 is May 5-7, 2006 June 18, 2006 Capitol. Preceding the vigil, a moleben serv- required. The registration fee is $35, gener- ice will be offered at 5 p.m. at St. Michaels Ukrainian Language Immersion Father’s Day Luncheon and Program al public, $15, students; $10 for box lunch- Ukrainian Catholic Church, 125 Wethersfield es. To register and pay by credit card call Weekend offered at SUNY Ave. For additional information call 860- New Paltz June 23-24, 2006 312-996-6904 or log on to 537-4051 or e-mail [email protected]. http://128.248.232.70/glakes/ce/register.asp Plast Kurin “Shostokryli” Rada ?gid=369. For additional information call Saturday, April 29 May 14, 2006 773-883-9737. Mother’s Day Brunch June 24, 2006 NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Saturday, May 6 Wedding Society will commemorate the 1986 May 20, 2006 Chornobyl disaster with a lecture at 4 p.m. Wedding June 25-July 2, 2006 PARSIPPANY, N.J.: The Ukrainian on “The Chornobyl Disaster as Reflected in American Professionals and Businesspersons Tabir Ptashat Session #1 Ukrainian Literature” (with special empha- Association of New York and New Jersey May 21, 2006 sis on Vasyl Barka’s “The Wormwood invites the public to hear Prof. Yaroslav Communion Luncheon Banquet June 25-July 7, 2006 Star”) by Dr. Larissa M. L. Zaleska Hrytsak speak on the topic “How Ivan Franko Tennis Camp Onyshkevych, president of the society. The Became a Genius” at 7:30 p.m. in the atrium May 26-29, 2006 society’s library will also hold an exhibit of of the Ukrainian National Association UNA Convention June 26-June 30, 2006 selected publications dealing with technical Corporate Headquarters, 2200 Route 10. Prof. Exploration Day Camp aspects of the Chornobyl disaster, as well as Hrytsak teaches history at Lviv University June 2-4, 2006 works of Ukrainian literature reflecting the and has also taught at Columbia University Ukrainian Language Immersion disaster. The exhibit will be held on April and the Central European University. He is 24 - May 7. The lecture and the exhibit will the author of over 400 publications on history Weekend offered at SUNY take place at the Shevchenko Scientific New Paltz and current affairs; his new biography of Society, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and Franko is scheduled to appear in September. 10th streets), New York City. For informa- For information on the event call Oksana tion call 212-254-5130. Trytjak, 973-292-9800, ext. 3071.

CHICAGO: The Chornobyl Conference Friday, June 16 Committee invites the Chicago community to the “Chornobyl: The Next Generation” ROCK HALL, Md.: The Ukrainian conference marking the 20th anniversary of American Nautical Association Inc. (UANAI) To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 the world’s worst nuclear power plant dis- will hold its annual three-day Chesapeake Sail 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 aster. The conference will examine the on June 16-18. If you have your own boat, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 ongoing health and social effects of the dis- we’d love to have you join us. We have char- E-mail: [email protected] aster on Ukraine and Belarus, the interna- tered two sailboats. A few crew spots are still Website: www.Soyuzivka.com tional relief efforts to contain the damage available (cost is $300 person). For further and new findings on nuclear safety. The details call Petro at (610) 225-0211 or e-mail distinguished panel of experts includes: Dr. [email protected] Being Ukrainian means: PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the ❏ Malanka in January. public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. ❏ Deb in February. Listings of no more than 100 words (written in Preview format) plus pay- ❏ Sviato Vesny or Zlet in May. ment should be sent a week prior to desired date of publication to: Preview of ❏ Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ Tabir in July. 07054; fax, (973) 644-9510. Items may be e-mailed to ❏ Volleyball at Wildwood in August. [email protected]. ❏ Labor Day at Soyuzivka in September. ❏ Morskyi Bal in New Jersey in November. ❏ The Board of Directors of the Koliada in December. Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center 700 N. Cedar Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046 If you checked off more than one of the above, requests the honor of your presence at the then you know what you’re doing to your brain cells. Now, how about doing something for your mind? Gala Benefit Banquet Celebrating Ukrainian American Relations Subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly. and the Repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment

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CITY: ______STATE: ______ZIP CODE: ______Cocktail reception at four oclock in the Gallery Recognition of First Decade of the UECC Radio Program PHONE (optional) ______Banquet at five oclock in the evening Banquet Hall of the Ukrainian Cultural Center ❏ UNA member subscription price — $45.00/yr. ❏ Non-member subscription price — $55.00/yr.

UNA Branch number ______Master of Ceremonies: Ihor Shust

Mail to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 $ 50. per person - $45. for members for further information, please call 215-663-1166