INSIDE:• ’s referendum still a subject of controversy — page 4. • Dumka Chorus of New York marks 50th anniversary — page 5. • Winter camping, winter sports — centerfold.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXVIII HE KRAINIANNo. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 EEKLY$1.25/$2 in Ukraine GovernmentT threatens UGreat is rededicatedW in to resign if Rada does not approve economic program by Roman Woronowycz Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – With criticism of the Cabinet of Ministers’ five-year economic program mounting, its economic chief put the future of the government on the line on March 20 when he stated that if the program is not approved by the Parliament, the govern- ment would resign. The economic development program, which is a general outline of the govern- ment’s objectives through 2004 with 22 specific economic targets, has been criti- cized by two influential lawmakers since it was released to the for review and analysis on March 13. “Let’s be realistic here, how can a Cabinet of Ministers work if its program is not accepted?” said Minister of the Economy Serhii Tyhypko. He explained that Prime Minister Viktor Yuschenko had already said as much when the plan was released to the Parliament on Efrem Lukatsky March 13 and rejected any notion that such A view of the Great Synagogue of Kyiv on March 22, a few hours before its rededication ceremony. The religious and cul- assertions were designed to put pressure on tural home to the 100,000-strong Jewish community of Kyiv, the synagogue was built in 1898, closed by the Communist the Parliament to pass the program. regime in 1926 and turned into a theatre, and then returned to the Jewish community in 1992 by independent Ukraine’s “The prime minister said that if the pro- first president, . gram is not approved, he would not like to work in such a government, one that is not by Roman Woronowycz gogue reconstruction effort. Mr. of the mezuza, an engraved metal con- supported by the parliamentary majority,” Kyiv Press Bureau Rabinovich was offered the distinction of tainer attached to the main doors that officially opening the main doors with a holds parchment inscribed with biblical said Mr. Tyhypko. KYIV – The Jewish community ren- Mr. Tyhypko has expressed concern that ceremonial gold key, but chose to pass passages. aissance in Kyiv continued on March 22 Inside the ornate synagogue hundreds the economic program could have a diffi- when the newly reconstructed Great the honor to the Mr. Bohutskyi, President cult time getting approved by the Kuchma’s representative. of guests first listened to opening Synagogue re-opened amid much fanfare remarks by Nathaniel Oreper, the chair- Verkhovna Rada because certain deputies The rededication ceremony also and aplomb after a three-year building man of the Jewish Community of Kyiv, might not find it to their advantage to sup- effort. included a standard ribbon-cutting cere- port it. As several hundred Kyivans lined the mony, as well as the traditional affixing (Continued on page 4) Hopes for quick approval of the program streets before the yellow brick building, by lawmakers suffered a setback when two which during the Soviet era was home to leading members of the parliamentary the Kyiv State Puppet Theater, represen- majority, First Vice-Chairman of the tatives of the Ukrainian government and Verkhovna Rada Viktor Medvedchuk and President Leonid Kuchma, leaders of the Appeal of the UNA Executive Committee National Deputy Oleksander Volkov, head Jewish community and Israeli diplomats of the Regional Rebirth faction and a close hailed the return of a central pillar of the confidante of President Leonid Kuchma, on aid to Krasnodon miners’ families Jewish community in Kyiv. They also The March 11 coal mine disaster near the city of Krasnodon in the expressed less than unqualified support for acknowledged the spirit of cooperation region, in which 81 miners lost their lives, became the latest tragedy to strike the the Cabinet of Ministers’ five-year plan in and acceptance that has developed Ukrainian people. the first days after its release. between and . News about this disaster has shaken the entire world. The UNA membership Mr. Volkov said he is “categorically “The history of peaceful relations received the sad news also with great sorrow and is extending sincere condo- opposed” to the program, while Mr. between Ukrainians and Jews has been lences to the families of the victims of this catastrophe. Medvedchuk criticized the government for documented through the ages, but since The unexpected death of a husband, father or son creates a tragic situation in the way it was undertaking its lobbying Ukrainian independence they have truly any family. But, under the present economic circumstances in Ukraine, the death effort. Mr. Medvedchuk suggested that the blossomed,” said Yurii Bohutskyi, of the breadwinner undermines a family’s means of survival. government had acted “improperly” when President Kuchma’s cultural advisor. During more than a century of the UNA’s existence, our membership has Prime Minister Yuschenko briefed mem- Vice Prime Minister of Humanitarian always responded generously to every need of our brothers and sisters in bers of the Kyiv international diplomatic Affairs Mykola Zhulynskyi said the role Ukraine in times of their great sorrow. Now is the time to once again help those community on the working document prior who are suffering. By making generous donations we will demonstrate to the to turning it over to the Parliament. He of the Jewish people in Ukraine and “in terms of learning, science and bereaved that, even if we cannot reverse their tragic loss, we wish to make it eas- called the government’s pressure tactics and ier for the affected families to bear their tragedy. threats to resign “political blackmail.” culture, holds first place.” He added that what Ukrainians and Jews are practicing Checks should be payable to Ukrainian National Foundation Inc. (with the “By their scenario, a document of this notation “Aid to Ukrainian Miners Fund”) and mailed to: Ukrainian National is “the art of life, the art of living togeth- type should be approved through a mechan- Association Inc., 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. er.” ical vote and to the sounds of wild Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Code 501(c)(3). applause,” said Mr. Medvedchuk. Also on hand was , the controversial Israeli businessman Ulana M. Diachuk, President (Continued on page 9) who was the chief sponsor of the syna- 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS Polish-Ukrainian Forum holds first session Court postpones ruling on referendum Rada ‘negative’ toward Cabinet program by Jan Maksymiuk any possible negative consequences for KYIV – The Constitutional Court of KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada’s first RFE/RL Poland, Belarus and Ukraine Report Ukraine following Poland’s accession to Ukraine has announced that its verdict on reaction to the government’s plan of action the . – The Polish-Ukrainian whether the April 16 referendum is in line for 2000-2004 is “negative,” the Eastern However, Jerzy Osiatynski, Mr. with the will be Economist Daily reported on March 20. Forum – the association established on an Wujec’s party colleague, noted that there initiative of 16 people, including Poland’s handed down at some later date, Oleksander Volkov, vice-chairman of the is a great discrepancy between Poland’s reported on March 20. The court, which of Regions caucus, said the docu- Justice Minister Hanna Suchocka, Vice intended goals in its policy toward Minister for Internal Affairs was required to make a ruling by March 18, ment suggests the “dilettante attitude of Ukraine and Poland’s ability to achieve cited protracted open hearings in the case as schoolchildren toward serious problems” Borusewicz, and Jerzy Rejt, former chair- those goals. “We are not able to take man of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland the reason for the delay. (RFE/RL rather than a plan of action. According to Ukraine into our arms and carry her to Newsline) the agency, the program is also “traditional- – held its inaugural session in the the EU,” Mr. Osiatynski said, adding Parliament building in on ly” opposed by all leftist caucuses in the that a policy of “small steps” is advis- Vice-chairman: Rada crisis is over Parliament, while Fatherland is the only February 19, the PAP report- able. KYIV – Vice-Chairman of the caucus supporting it without reservation. ed. The forum is headed by Henryk According to Marek Ziolkowski, chief Verkhovna Rada Stepan Havrysh on March According to Social Democratic Party Wujec, a lawmaker from the Freedom of the Eastern Europe Department in the 20 said “the parliamentary reform has prac- (United) National Deputy Viktor Suslov, Union. Foreign Ministry, Poland’s assistance to tically been concluded” and the country’s Prime Minister Yuschenko has already ful- “The forum’s main goal is to translate Ukraine on its path toward Europe will parliamentary crisis is over, Interfax report- filled his main task of rescheduling the strategic partnership of Poland and consist largely of organizing programs to ed. According to Mr. Havrysh, the parlia- Ukraine’s foreign debt repayment and is no Ukraine into practical actions in all educate the Ukrainian public about the mentary leftist minority is not contesting the longer “useful” to the president. (RFE/RL spheres, from bilateral trade through EU and sharing Polish experience in EU legality of the Parliament’s actions. He Newsline) security and defense issues to scientific negotiations. added that the Parliament “continues to and cultural cooperation,” Mr. Wujec The forum also discussed the issue of , Kyiv sign new agreements fruitfully discuss draft laws with the partici- commented. He noted that a twin organi- establishing a Polish-Ukrainian universi- pation of representatives from left caucus- BAKU – ’s President Heidar zation, the Ukrainian-Polish Forum, has ty. The rectors of five institutions of es.” (RFE/RL Newsline) Aliev and his visiting Ukrainian counterpart already begun its activities in Ukraine. higher in , eastern Mr. Wujec declared that the forum will Leonid Kuchma signed a treaty on friend- Poland, have declared their willingness Kazakstan, Ukraine discuss oil ship, cooperation and partnership in Baku be seeking to “neutralize and counteract” to organize such a university in their city. ASTANA, Kazakstan – Ukraine’s Prime on March 16 that designated the relation The forum set up an expert team to work between the two states as “a strategic part- Jan Maksymiuk is the Belarus, out an appropriate project and present it Minister Viktor Yuschenko met in Astana on March 10-11 with his Kazak counter- nership.” Also signed were a 10-year eco- Ukraine and Poland specialist on the to the government and the Parliament of nomic cooperation agreement and agree- staff of RFE/RL Newsline. Poland. part, Qasymzhomart Toqaev, and President Nursultan Nazarbaev, Russian agencies ments on interbank financial settlements, reported. Their talks focused on increasing pensions and education. Presidents Aliev the amount of crude oil Kazakstan ships to and Kuchma also discussed cooperation within GUUAM group of states, the Ukraine for refining, the prospects for prospects for exporting Azerbaijan’s Baltics prepare for EU membership exporting Kazakstan’s oil to international Caspian oil via the Odesa-Brody pipeline, by Breffni O’Rourke of the talks, though of course we will sub- markets via Ukraine, and Kazakstan’s and the Karabakh conflict. The two presi- RFE/RL Newsline mit only those positions suggested by the desire to privatize the , dents pledged to coordinate their efforts EU, that should be opened during the in which it has a majority stake. On March PRAGUE – The three Baltic states towards integration into European struc- Portuguese presidency [until July 1], but 11, representatives of the two countries’ have all set ambitious target dates for tures. Mr. Kuchma promised support for in any case we hope that this year we will governments signed a protocol on coopera- joining the European Union. They want Azerbaijan’s aspiration to be accepted into open more than half of all the negotiating tion in the nuclear . (RFE/RL to accede to the union within four years. full membership of the Council of Europe. chapters.” Newsline) But the experience of front-runner Latvian Second (RFE/RL Newsline) Estonia provide a cautionary signal Secretary Aldis Austers says his country PM upbeat on IMF loan resumption to Latvia and , which will open would like all three Baltic states to enter Debt rescheduling plan postponed KYIV – Prime Minister Viktor their own substantive negotiations at the the European Union at the same time. He KYIV — The Finance Ministry extend- Yuschenko on March 17 said he still hopes end of this month. After two years of added that Latvia, too, has prepared 15 ed until April 7 the deadline for its debt- for new loans from the International detailed talks with , Estonia has chapters for the coming negotiations with rescheduling plan, hoping to attract a few Monetary Fund despite a statement by the finalized only eight of the 31 required the EU and hopes to open as many as remaining creditors to the offer, the fund last week saying that Ukraine had mis- chapters of negotiations. eight chapters during the term of reported on March 16. led the IMF in 1996-1998. “We can look at In the run-up to the start of talks with ’s presidency. Prime Minister Viktor Yuschenko told jour- Lithuania and Latvia, diplomats in Estonia’s Ambassador Kolbre, howev- the resumption of IMF credits for Ukraine nalists that 92 percent of creditors had Brussels from all three states spoke to er, doubts the likelihood that all three with optimism,” Mr. Yuschenko told jour- accepted the offer by March 16. The ING RFE/RL. Baltic can be ready for acces- nalists, adding that “we have an answer for Barings bank, which helps Ukraine manage The head of Estonia’s mission to the sion at the same time. “In theory, the renewal of the IMF program,” the its foreign debt, urged creditors “to take EU, Ambassador Priit Kolbre, said his three countries could join together, but Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, advantage of this final opportunity to partic- country is more than willing to share looking from the other side, I personally Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has said ipate in the exchange offer, since no further with its Baltic neighbors the insights believe that if the EU allows Estonia to an IMF mission will visit Kyiv in early payments will be made on any non-ten- gained during two difficult years of continue without any artificial delays in April to discuss the resumption of loans. dered, unrestructured debt after the comple- negotiations. He said there have been fre- the negotiations, that other countries Interfax quoted U.S. Ambassador to Kyiv tion of the exchange.” ING Barings quent contacts on the subject between the could not simply catch up [with] two Steven Pifer as saying that Mr. Yuschenko’s announced on 15 March that it has con- three governments. His personal advice years of negotiations – it has been very visit to Washington may take place in April. vinced 88 percent of Ukraine’s foreign to negotiators is to be “tough,” although tough work.” The visit, planned for this month, was post- creditors to accept the $2.6 billion debt he admits that “in order to be tough and Ukraine figures in the Baltic states’ poned in the wake of the mining disaster successful, you should very clearly considerations. Under the EU’s internal near Krasnodon. (RFE/RL Newsline) (Continued on page 19) understand what is behind the EU single-market rules, Estonia and requirements during the negotiations, and Lithuania will have to terminate their whether they are just positions in princi- successful free-trade agreements with FOUNDED 1933 ple, or whether there is a substantial Kyiv when they accede to the EU. That interest to maintain.” means a loss both for the and HE KRAINIAN EEKLY Lithuanian diplomatic mission Ukraine – particularly for Kyiv. TAn English-languageU newspaperW published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Counselor Zigismund Pavilionis said that Lithuania’s Mr. Pavilionis said a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. advice from Estonia is welcome but that is in contact with Kyiv and is willing to Yearly subscription rate: $50; for UNA members — $40. his country is also receiving guidance offer help wherever possible: “As you Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing . from other countries. Mr. Pavilionis men- know, we have historic ties with Ukraine (ISSN — 0273-9348) tioned Poland – which he called and that’s why we would like that coun- Lithuania’s “strategic partner” – as well try to find some new relations with the The Weekly: UNA: EU, because it is so important in our part as other advanced Central European can- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 of Europe.” didates and Nordic countries like Finland, Mr. Kolbre noted that there are several Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz that have only recently joined the EU. Mr. years to go before the trade accords with The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) Pavilionis said he is optimistic that Ukraine must be ended. He added that 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Irene Jarosewich Lithuania can catch up with Estonia’s much depends on how quickly business- Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ika Koznarska Casanova lead. He predicts that “15 negotiating es in the Baltics and in Ukraine can positions will be ready at the actual start adjust to the new conditions created by The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com the imposition of EU tariffs. If the adjust- The Ukrainian Weekly, March 26, 2000, No. 13, Vol. LXVIII Breffni O’Rourke author is an ment process goes well, he added, not all Copyright © 2000 The Ukrainian Weekly RFE/RL correspondent based in Prague. trade with Ukraine need be lost. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 3 INTERVIEW: Belarusian Popular Front leader on developments in Belarus

Following is the text of an interview parts of the country, there is very little themselves with ; they know they of the National Encyclopedia show that with Vintsuk Vyachorka, chairman of the recognition of the historical roots of the are not . there is no need to construct artificially Belarusian Popular Front (BPF), con- Belarusian past as opposed to the I have no figures in front of me, but I the consciousness: it is being destroyed ducted in Miensk, Belarus, on December Russian-Soviet model. know from my everyday contacts that the by Lukashenka, so it exists. 21, 1999, by David R. Marples and Yulia main motivation for this “reunion” with A. Shimko. On August 1, 1999, at the VI Do you know the recent results of the Russia is not ethnicity, but the nostalgia In other words, it should be a grad- Congress of the BPF in Miensk, the party population census? for Soviet times. This is why Lukashenka ual process. That seems a little different became polarized with almost equal sup- was elected, not because of promises to from Mr. [Zyanon] Paznyak’s concep- I haven’t seen the new census, no. port for the then leader Zyanon Paznyak restore Slavic brotherhood, but because tion because he always seemed to me to want to change everything immediately. (currently living in Warsaw, Poland) and The larger percentage of ethnic he promised that he would return to Mr. Vyachorka. Ultimately, delegates (after the exclusion from our Soviet times with cheap sausages, etc. It is not necessary to do it immediately. elected Mr. Vyachorka as the new leader passport of the section in which you But if the regime destroys the basis of by a vote of 228 to 11. People do not oppose the process itself, so have to declare your ethnic origin) – 81 national consciousness, if it attacks the we should choose natural means for this, Belarusian language, instruction in CONCLUSION percent of the population – declared not break the harmony. themselves to be Belarusians and more Belarusian from to universi- One of the problems I have studied than 80 percent among these put ties, if it openly mocks Belarusian lan- How do you think the Western coun- most is the problem of national con- Belarusian as their native language. I guage as weak – it was a very interesting tries could help the Popular Front? sciousness in Belarus. Why do you suppose it is a totally normal situation. statement that he made at the press confer- What would be an effective form of think it might be possible to raise To some extent it is a result of the short ence in Homiel that there are only two assistance? To provide more publicity, national consciousness? My view is that period of the existence of an independent languages in the world, Russian and for example? [President Alyaksandr] Lukashenka Belarusian state. The less there is of English by which one can express high really benefits from the fact that in the Homo Sovieticus, the more Homo feelings... I prefer to think not about help to the countryside, especially in the eastern BPF, but to Belarus. What does it mean? I Europeus emerges. The speculation Ultra-chauvinism? about Soviet nostalgia, populist or understand the West has to choose between two possible tactics: to contact David R. Marples is professor of histo- Communist slogans was possible here Yes, it is chauvinism. I am sure that ry and acting director of the Canadian only because of the weakness of national the regime, waiting when it will be after the return to democracy in our coun- destroyed from within, or to isolate the Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the consciousness. try we will not have problems with nation- University of Alberta in Edmonton. Yulia I think we don’t need to raise artifi- regime, supporting the democratic alterna- al consciousness. There were no protests tive. To insist on negotiations at any price A. Shimko is a graduate of the Belarusian cially the degree of national conscious- against the use of Belarusian language in State Economic University in Miensk. ness. It exists. Our people don’t identify means the first variant. The regime is not schools, except in two or three places isolated and, as a result, feels itself confi- where the majority of students came from dent. the families of Russian officers. For example, the Czech gives In the first half of the 1990s people per- credit to Lukashenka to buy grain. I sup- Freedom March attracts 20,000 ceived this as a natural thing. They said: I pose the grain will be used to produce personally don’t speak standard spirit, to sell it in Russia and to enlarge the Belarusian very well (they usually spoke “black budget.” No isolation means in opposition to Lukashenka in the vernacular), but let my children or enough resources for the regime to sup- by Jan Maksymiuk economic decisions that have diminished grandchildren learn standard Belarusian. press opposition. RFE/RL Newsline their wealth. The whole system of education started to On the other hand, support for the It is hard to say how many Belarusians be gradually changed from , MIENSK – Freedom March-2, staged democratic alternative strengthens the believed this statement. On the other it was a quite normal process. democratic process in the country and the by the Belarusian opposition in the hand, the regime has remained consistent The recent attacks on history, the Belarusian capital on March 15, attracted negotiations really can have real results. in presenting Belarus’s political opposi- changes in the strategic perception of our At the moment the planned negotiations an estimated 20,000 protesters and, tion as a group of people devoid of historical science show that Lukashenka according to organizers, was a success. simply serve as a decoration for the broader popular support. Mr. Lukashenka and the circles around him pay attention direct way to legitimize the regime after Compared with Freedom March-1 on himself has spared no opportunity to por- to the questions of historical memory and October 17, 1999, the protest ended July 20. tray his political foes as the country’s of historical self-identification of Let me make one more digression peacefully. There were no clashes with “scum,” “dregs” or “drop- outs.” Political Belarusians. The authorities replaced riot police. Police troops, though heavily about the negotiations. According to the analysts in Belarusian Television’s main Academician [Mikhail] Kasciuk at the “union agreement,” elections to a “union present in the city on that day, were not newscast readily transmit such designa- Institute of History with [Nikolay] present along the march route. parliament” are planned. Usually, Russian tions to the entire country. Statkievic, a specialist in the history of elections a priori are regarded as demo- The marchers, having adopted a reso- It seems that this time, however, the the Communist Party. This is no accident lution calling for political talks between cratic. So, if Lukashenka combines regime has sensed it is in danger of los- – it is part of the official strategy. national parliamentary or even presiden- the regime and the opposition, went ing control over the opposition’s media Purposeful changes in the system of writ- home peacefully. Youths stayed for an image. Freedom March-1, which ended ing schoolbooks on history, in the Board (Continued on page 12) open-air rock concert. in violent clashes between young protest- Miensk City Deputy Viktar ers and riot police, provided a good Chykin – who is also leader of one of opportunity for the state-controlled Belarus’s two Communist Parties – com- media to portray the opposition as a mented that the march was staged with destructive and demonic force that wants Quotable notes virtually no breach of the law. According destabilization and bloodshed. “The West always assures us that it wants to see a sovereign and independent to Mr. Chykin, the march organizers ful- Some commentators also noted that Belarus. Please, here you have [Lukashenka’s] sovereign, independent policy. filled all promises made to the city the October march, where protesters Why don’t you accept it? This is a question that the West has so far not authorities regarding the conduct of the burned a draft copy of the Russia- answered.” event. Belarus Union, has offended many in However, in an overtly Orwellian “Today’s demand by the opposition that the authorities should sit at some Russia and diminished the readiness of table, either a round or square one, and negotiate with the opposition is absurd. I twist of reasoning, Mr. Chykin the next Russian television channels to objective- day accused the march organizers of have already said that I am not going to create an opposition to myself with my ly cover the regime-opposition standoff. own hands.” blocking traffic, interfering with public Freedom March-2 has done much to transportation and preventing people counter the opposition’s negative media – President Alyaksandr Lukashenka of Belarus, in a speech to the Chamber of from getting home on time. He also image, as has the confession by a defec- Representatives on March 14, as reported by Belarusian Television and cited by announced that the authorities will no tor from the Belarusian Internal Affairs RFE/RL Poland, Belarus and Ukraine Report. longer grant permission to hold marches Ministry who said that last year’s clashes in the city. were deliberately provoked by the police. * * * Belarusian Television its March 16 Some Belarusian commentators say “Where is the most modern air defense system today – even if it has short- main newscast included opinions of the ban on marches in downtown Miensk comings – the best and most widely acclaimed, including the West? In Belarus. Miensk residents who were unhappy is aimed at provoking more clashes dur- Today we monitor the air space from Kyiv to , rendering services to Russia about the march. ing the various protest actions that the and protecting our and Russian territory. Of course, there are many shortcomings According to Belarusian opposition Belarusian opposition is planning for this in our army. Yesterday we discussed these problems at a meeting in the presiden- parties, the Miensk authorities imposed a spring. In this way, they argue, the ban on marches under pressure from the tial residence, but the most modern and mobile army is the Belarusian one. This authorities will sustain the popular por- is the West’s view.” presidential administration and President trayal of Belarusian oppositionists as Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who, they trouble-makers and social outcasts. To “I can quote the man who has nourished neither great hopes nor illusions with argue, was annoyed by the success of the support this argument, the commentators regard to Belarus. In general, he hates Belarus – he is Zbigniew Brzezinski. But opposition event. say there would be no problem for the late last year, while at a seminar in Poland, he stated bluntly that Belarus is a Mr. Lukashenka told Belarusian regime to arrest several dozen protest state with no corruption whatsoever.” Television that Freedom March-2 organizers and do away with the opposi- brought together a maximum of 7,500 tion problem for a long time. – Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to Russian journalists, as quoted by Belarusian Television on March 2 (and excerpted in RFE/RL Poland, people. A majority of the protesters, he The regime, however, will not do this said, were rich people in “mink coats” Belarus and Ukraine Report). who are “offended” by his “unpopular” (Continued on page 15) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

Ukraine’s April 16 referendum Great Synagogue is rededicated... still a subject of controversy (Continued from page 1) by Roman Woronowycz experts see significant problems with five of Kyiv Press Bureau the six questions that are to be put to the Ukrainian people on April 16. In the first KYIV – The international debate question – on a vote of no confidence in the between Ukraine and the Parliamentary Verkhovna Rada and a change in the Assembly of the Council of Europe Constitution that would give the president (PACE) that has developed over Kyiv’s the right to dismiss the Parliament should push for a national referendum continued such a vote be supported – the experts on March 21 when a Ukrainian member of noted, according to Mr. Holovatyi, that it is the organization’s expert committee on actually two questions, and therefore ille- constitutional law said it would rule the gally structured. In addition, the first part is national poll illegal. unconstitutional in that the ability to render National Deputy Serhii Holovatyi said he a vote of no confidence by the people is not had read the preliminary findings of the five found in Ukraine’s fundamental law. members of Venetian Commission of the Furthermore, as Mr. Holovatyi explained, Council of Europe that have been assigned the experts determined that the question the task of determining the legality of the does not meet international standards. national referendum slated for April 16 – all They criticized the second question – of whom have determined that it meets nei- which would give the president the right to ther international democratic standards nor dismiss the Verkhovna Rada if it could not stipulations in the Constitution of Ukraine form a working majority or could not pass a and, therefore, should be deemed unconsti- budget in three months’ time from the tutional. moment it was presented by the Cabinet of Efrem Lukatsky Mr. Holovatyi, a staunch critic of the Ministers – also on the basis of international Ukraine’s Chief Moshe Reuven Azman displays the Keter (Torah administration of President Leonid norms. They also found that the phrasing Crown) during the rededication of the Great Synagogue. The Keter Torah is a Kuchma, made public the concerns of the “fails to form a working parliamentary gift from U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, a co-chair of the Congressional five constitutional experts during a press majority” was too vague to be acceptable. Ukrainian Caucus, in honor of her mother, whose parents emigrated to the conference, which led the Ukrainian presi- “The experts asked the question, who is from Ukraine. dential administration to criticize the PACE to decide how to decide that a working par- for circulating the findings. liamentary majority was formed,” explained before participating in a short service that financial contribution, except to say that “All five experts agree in their assess- Mr. Holovatyi. was followed by the crowning of the it was substantial. ments regarding the Ukrainian referendum. In the third question – which deals with and their placement in the Aron A plaque that honors Mr. Rabinovich’s They are of a single mind that there are no removing immunity from criminal prosecu- Kodesh (the Ark of the Law). efforts now hangs in the synagogue constitutional grounds for holding a referen- tion held by the national deputies – the One of the crowns was a gift from alongside another one dedicated to Lazar dum and that it is difficult to determine the commission members agreed that such Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair Brodsky, the synagogue’s first benefac- juridical nature of the referendum, whether immunity is an international standard, of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus tor. it is consultative or constitutional,” which guarantees the independence of the in the U.S. Congress, whose grandpar- Brodsky, a late 19th century sugar explained Mr. Holovatyi. ents emigrated from Ukraine. It was baron, considered one of Kyiv’s wealthi- He said the Venetian Commission (Continued on page 9) delivered by Rabbi Yaakov Pollak of the est men, funded the building of the origi- Shomrai Emunah Synagogue of nal synagogue in 1898. He chose a site at , N.Y., and presented to the the center of one of the two Jewish neigh- director of the renovation project, Chief borhoods of Kyiv, located in the Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven section in the city center (the other being Azman, several days before the rededi- in the section). At the time the loca- cation ceremony. tion was the site of a small Jewish sanctu- Although no U.S. officials were on ary built in 1884. hand for the synagogue opening, many Brodsky commissioned architect Appears in The Ukrainian Weekly sent letters of congratulations, including Georgi Shleifer, who already had A Ukrainian Summer Sen. Lieberman (R-Conn.), Rep. designed the Kyiv National Opera Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Rep. Rob House, the Museum of Ukrainian Arts Portman (R-Ohio), the members of the and the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, to Go to summer camp... Congressional Ukrainian Caucus in the plan the structure for the new Jewish U.S. Congress and New York Mayor house of worship. Mr. Shleifer decided Rudolph Giuliani. on a Gothic style for the building’s inte- Relax at Soyuzivka... Originally the rededication ceremony rior, with delicate ornamentation and was to have taken place the previous two rows of supporting pylons, while Study ... week, on March 14, but in the wake of the exterior was built in the Roman the Krasnodon coal mine disaster, in style. However, in his overall design, How will you enjoy your Ukrainian summer? which 81 people lost their lives, Jewish Mr. Shleifer maintained the specific community leaders decided to postpone requirements and character of the Read our special section for tips on where to go, the ceremony and offer a memorial serv- Jewish Order. what to bring and whom to see! ice to the miners instead. Members of Until it was shut down by the Soviets Look for advertisements from travel experts several Jewish organizations raised some in 1926 as the Communist Party began to 100,000 hrv, which was delivered to the consolidate its hold on society, the Great on great destinations and nearby day trips! miners’ families. Synagogue was the place of worship for The Great Synagogue, also known as many of Kyiv’s Jewish elite. Among DITORIAL DVERTISING EADLINE PRIL the Central Synagogue, the Brodsky those who attended services there were E & A D : A 17 Synagogue and the Choral Synagogue, Shalom Aleichem, the Jewish Ukrainian SUBMIT ARTICLES ON UPCOMING SUMMER CAMPS, COURSES, was returned to the Jewish community writer, and , who would WORKSHOPS AND OTHER EVENTS (NOT MORE THAN 250 WORDS, of Kyiv in 1992 after a March 4 decree become the prime minister of in TYPED AND DOUBLE-SPACED) PLUS PHOTOS. by President Leonid Kravchuk. The the 1960s. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE ONE-LINE LISTING IN OUR SUMMER Jewish religious organization After Kyiv was retaken by the Soviets EVENTS CALENDAR (INDICATE DATE, TYPE OF EVENT AND PLACE). conducted the first religious service in during World War II, the synagogue the returned synagogue during housed a variety theater. In 1954 it was 1992. turned into a puppet theater. The return of SEND EDITORIAL COPY TO: The reconstruction of the synagogue the building to the Jewish community in THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY began in 1997 as a result of efforts of the 1992 marked what in Kyiv is generally 2200 ROUTE 10, P.O. BOX 280, All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress headed considered the beginning of a Jewish cul- PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054 by Mr. Rabinovich. No one in the syna- tural and religious renaissance. Today, OR E-MAIL IT TO: [email protected] gogue’s press offices was ready to state the Jewish community in Kyiv numbers the amount of Mr. Rabinovich’s personal some 100,000. FOR ADVERTISING RATES & INFORMATION: CALL 973-292-9800 (EXT. 3040) SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 5 The Dumka Chorus: an enduring tradition in New York for 50 years by Helen Smindak NEW YORK – Every Friday evening, without fail, they wend their way to ’s East Village from various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, from Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey, heading for the Ukrainian Sports Club on Second Avenue near Seventh Street. They pass through the club’s recreation room, walk up a short flight of stairs to the second-floor auditorium and take a desig- nated seat in a precise alignment of chairs. Amiable conversation, laughter, the bustle of briefcases and handbags, the rustle of papers fill the room. But chatter and activ- ity cease and all eyes turn center front when the director strides in, stands before the group and announces briskly, “Let’s begin with our exercises.” A tournament, you say? A parley of soccer players? This may be a sports club, but the assembled men and women are here for the weekly rehearsal of the highly popular mixed-voice Dumka Chorus – two or more hours (with a brief intermission) of learning new songs and rehearsing old repertoire, of practicing and going over phrases, pitch, tone and breath control until they are as perfect or near- The Dumka Chorus poses for a group photo with conductor Vasyl Hrechynsky at the Ukrainian National Home in New York. perfect as they can be. Now, in the final weeks before the Albert Hall in as well as concerts to , to sing at Shevchenko’s grave, or the Place des Artes in Montreal) or the choir’s much-anticipated 50th anniversary in Karlsruhe and , Germany, and the striking students in the square in sudden snowstorm that trapped three - concert at The Cooper Union on April 9, Strasbourg, France. During the choir’s first Kyiv?” loads of Dumka singers and family mem- preparations have intensified, rehearsals visit to Ukraine, in 1990, when Ukraine A retired lab technologist who authors bers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for sev- are being held two or three times a week, was on the verge of declaring its independ- Ukrainian children’s books, she says eral hours on the way home from a Detroit costumes are being readied, the program ence, triumphant concerts were given in singing has been her life since age 10, fol- appearance. has been dispatched to the printer. Kyiv, and . lowing the trend set by her musical family. Dumka President Maria Danchuk- For the 63 members of the Dumka The Ukraine tour is indelibly etched in Her father was the director of the Boyan Reshitnyk is among the 12 members of the Chorus, their conductor Vasyl Hrechynsky the memory of Ihor Jadlickyj, a physics Choir in Lviv and her mother and sister chorus who came to the United States as and accompanist/choirmaster Eugenia professor at Queensborough Community were musically gifted. part of the Fourth Wave immigration. Paley, the project is immense, but not College, whose association with Dumka Laryssa Lawrynenko Zarycky, a graphic overwhelming. Though the choir members Three Liteplo brothers, along with cousins began in 1969 when he flew up from the designer specializing in book design who Mary Ann Liteplo and Gloria Horbaty, certainly appreciate their annual summer ranks of the now-defunct children’s chorus joined Dumka 10 years ago, finds that break, they are quite accustomed to long comprise Dumka’s largest family group- Moloda Dumka. “We came at a very “whenever we create music, it turns into an ing. Paul Liteplo, an operations manager rehearsals; they’re also flexible about opportune time, when Ukraine was break- artistic moment.” She credits Mr. spending weekend hours in the rehearsal for the Selfreliance Credit Union, and Ron, ing away from the , and there Hrechynsky for this phenomenon – “he a Bronx dermatologist whose son William studio rather than at home with their fami- was such warmth and exuberance pouring tries to paint word pictures for us, and sets lies or attending to shopping and house- sang in the chorus during his student days out from Ukrainian citizens – it was a very the scene for the choir pictorially each time at Columbia University, have been Dumka hold chores. It’s a way of life that can be moving experience.” we tackle a new work.” understood fully only by those who love members for 25 years. Along with their Olha Hayetska, a Dumka soprano and A Dumka member for more than 40 music and song as passionately as older brother Merrill, a Massachusetts der- active board member for 30 years, also years, retired draftsman Myroslav Ukrainians do. matologist, who sang with the chorus for recalls Dumka’s tour of Ukraine with deep Kulynych vividly remembers the unveiling Singing, for Ukrainians, is a personal many years, they have been adding their emotion: “After our first concert at the of the Shevchenko monument in joy and a national treasure, and these cho- voices to Dumka’s bass section. Other Philharmonic Hall in Lviv, we were sur- Washington, when the choir participated risters, representing a wide range of occu- family groups include Bohdan Kekish, rounded by flowers; there were tears in proudly as marchers and singers. Nor has pations and professions – engineer, doctor, everyone’s eyes. Who can forget our visit he forgotten the first long-distance trip (to (Continued on page 8) machine-shop worker, photo researcher, artist, editor, bank official – have been indulging themselves while conveying the beauty of Ukrainian songs and music to audiences in the United States and Canada, as well as halfway around the world. In New York, the chorus has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Lincoln Center’s concert halls, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and at the ; in New Jersey, at the Garden State Arts Performing Center; and in Washington at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. They have carried their music north of the border to Montreal and . The Dumka tradition of singing Ukrainian Christmas carols in area church- es during the holiday season, begun some 13 years ago, brought an invitation from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to appear in that famous edifice. Every year several Ukrainian church parishes in New York and New Jersey welcome the chorus and its Christmas offerings into their midst. In 1985, celebrating Dumka’s 35th anniversary, the chorus made a European concert tour and appeared before cheering audiences in England, Austria, Germany and France. A second tour in 1988, honor- ing the millennium of Ukrainian Christianity, included performances of During a 1990 tour of Ukraine, chorus members gathered at the grave of in Kaniv to honor Ukraine’s Ukrainian religious music at the Royal national bard with a stirring “Zapovit” (Testament) and “Dumy Moyi” (My Thoughts), with Semen Komirnyj conducting. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

FOR THE RECORD THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Time to be counted NBU statement on allegations of abuse of IMF loans In view of the campaign of allegations are carried out by the National Bank of The United States is now conducting its 22nd Census of Housing and Population. organized by foreign mass media about Ukraine according to the scheme univer- (For the record, the first U.S. decennial Census was conducted in 1790.) While most the abuse of International Monetary sally accepted in the world and in the households will receive the short form of the Census questionnaire, containing six Fund (IMF) loans by Ukraine, the press operative mode using international spe- population questions and one housing question, one of out every six will receive the service of the cialized banking systems; they were not long form, which contains 26 additional population questions and 20 additional hous- (NBU) is authorized to declare the fol- connected with receipt of any private or ing questions – including significant questions about ethnicity and language. lowing. (The statement was released by political benefits. As noted by Dr. Oleh Wolowyna in our January 9 issue, Census data provide the the Embassy of Ukraine in the United In 1997, when, due to the inflow of only information for estimating the number of Ukrainians in the United States, as a States.) foreign capital, Ukrainian reserves had survey trying to capture a representative sample of all Ukrainians in the United States considerably increased, some long- would be prohibitively costly. The ancestry question (What is this person’s ancestry or The loans received by Ukraine from term deposits were placed with foreign ethnic origin?) allows respondents to identify themselves as being of Ukrainian ances- the International Monetary Fund were banks under separate agreements try or of mixed ancestry. The language question (Does this person speak a language used solely for the purposes they had secured by the pledge of the 1995 other than English at home? What is that language?) provides a reasonable measure of been directed to, namely: to support the Foreign Currency Government Bonds. the degree of language assimilation. In addition, the Census asks respondents where balance of payments, to repay external These bonds were not repurchased by they were born. debts of the country and the NBU, and Ukraine but were accepted as collateral These questions have been used in the past to estimate the total number of for interventions on the domestic mar- from non-resident banks in order to Ukrainians in this country, and to measure linguistic assimilation and assimilation due ket to stabilize the currency exchange secure the return of the deposits. All to intermarriage. Using a sample of full Census records, Dr. Wolowyna explained, it rate. the transactions were completed in full- has been possible to make quantitative analyses of U.S. Ukrainians both for 1980 The balance of the receipts from the scale; the deposits and income thereon (when a total of 730,056 persons were determined to be of Ukrainian ancestry, both International Monetary Fund and the were returned to Ukraine, and the those listing a single ancestry and those listing mixed ancestry) and 1990 (738,400). expenditures covering only the external bonds to their owners. Such transac- Since the same questions will be asked in the 2000 Census, this will be an opportu- debt repayment is evidence of the fact tions were recorded in books; they nity to update information about the status of Ukrainians in the United States – espe- that during the entire period of coopera- were transparent and exposed to inter- cially crucial now with the influx of the “Fourth Wave” of immigrants from Ukraine tion, in 1995-1999, Ukraine repaid $7.17 national audit. and other countries of the former Soviet Union. In addition, the new data will provide billion, having borrowed from the It is essential to point out that one of an update about the situation of Ukrainians in this country: geographical distribution, International Monetary Fund $3.1 bil- the reasons for the misunderstanding was assimilation, socio-economic and housing characteristics, etc. lion. In other words, IMF loans covered the fact that, up to early 1998, the bank- It is important for everyone to fill out the Census questionnaire, regardless of less than half of Ukraine’s expenditures ing system of Ukraine had been using the whether it is the long or the short form. The reason: Census data are used for a variety to carry out its external obligations. The accounting standards of the former of purposes, including allocation of federal and state funding; planning of schools, difference ($4.07 billion) was mobilized Soviet Union, which differed consider- hospitals and a community’s infrastructure; determination of the number of a state’s through currency purchase on the - ably from those applied by the representatives in Congress and definition of voting districts. An accurate count of tic market and external private borrow- International Monetary Fund. Starting potential Ukrainian voters can also be used for political lobbying. ings. from 1998, the NBU implemented inter- That said, we must underline two points: 1) Census data are confidential; 2) that In particular, in 1997 the IMF granted national accounting standards and quar- loans to Ukraine in the amount of $282 confidentiality is strictly protected by U.S. law. In accordance with Title 13, United terly international audits. Thus, the possi- million, while Ukraine paid $1.18 billion States Code, the Census Bureau cannot share the individual answers it receives with bility for the illegal use of funds is as total external debt service payments. others, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Internal Revenue absolutely excluded. Hence, $906 million were attracted due Service. It should also be noted that assistance to those filling out forms is available in In response to the allegations - to the intervention on the domestic mar- more than 40 languages – Ukrainian among them. Special guides are available at local lished in some foreign mass media, the ket and placement of external private Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers or on the Internet (www.census.gov). National Bank of Ukraine asked loans. Thus, there is no reason that Ukrainian Americans and those recently arrived in this PricewaterhouseCoopers, the renowned Thus, both during the whole period country cannot fill out the 2000 Census Questionnaire. It’s important for our country, international auditing company, to check and each year, in particular in December our local communities and our Ukrainian American community. the NBU’s transactions with its foreign 1997, expenditures to service the external exchange reserves carried out in debt of Ukraine exceeded considerably December 1997. This audit confirmed the loans received by Ukraine from the that in December 1997 the NBU did not March IMF, which is evidence of the stipulated conduct the transactions, which by their Turning the pages back... use of these loans by Ukraine. volume or nature resembled those men- Moreover, the IMF funds were chan- tioned in the publications and therefore neled to Ukraine through the NBU the allegations appeared to have no 28 account with the U.S. Federal Reserve ground. System, which also rules out the possibil- At the same time, going beyond the 1999 It was a year ago that Vyacheslav Chornovil, a Verkhovna ity of abuses and ensures the complete transactions of December 1997, the Rada national deputy, long-time leader of the national-democratic transparency of the flow of money. NBU, with the consent of the IMF, Rukh Party and a former Soviet political prisoner persecuted for Transactions on the management of his human and national rights activity, died in a car accident. foreign exchange reserves have been and (Continued on page 8) News of his tragic death in the early morning hours of March 26, 1999, reached The Weekly as the paper was going to press that morning. The catastrophe occurred just before midnight near the village of Horodysche, on the -Zolotonoshna highway close to Boryspil International Airport (located outside of U.S. comments on postponed Yuschenko visit Kyiv), when the Toyota in which the Rukh leader was traveling collided with a Kamaz trac- U.S Department of State Spokesman arranged for his visit and a meeting with tor-trailer truck. Mr. Chornovil and his driver, who was not identified, were killed instantly. James P. Rubin responded on March 16 President Clinton was being finalized. Mr. Chornovil’s press secretary, Dmytro Ponomarchuk, was hospitalized with serious to press reports that quoted a “senior While the Ukrainian government was injuries. administration official” regarding the reviewing whether or not to proceed with Traveling in a separate vehicle that was following the Chornovil car was former Minister postponed visit of Ukraine’s Prime the visit, the tragic March 11 accident at of Foreign Affairs Hennadii Udovenko, whom Mr. Chornovil’s Rukh Party was supporting Minister Viktor Yuschenko to the Barakova mine occurred, in which 80 as a presidential candidate in the October elections. The car in which Mr. Udovenko was Washington. In particular, on March 16 Ukrainian miners were killed.Prime traveling was not involved in the collision. The New York Times reported that Mr. Minister Yuschenko was appointed to Mr. Chornovil, who was born in Oblast in 1937, spent many years in the Yuschenko canceled his visit “after the head the government’s commission to Soviet gulag for his outspoken views in support of Ukrainian national aspirations. The Clinton administration told him he investigate this accident. human and national rights advocate served three terms for “anti-Soviet activity.” should come only after ‘cleaning up’ his Prime Minister Yuschenko heads a His first came after he spoke out about the 1965-1966 secret trials of leading Ukrainian government.” Following is the State government that is taking difficult and intellectuals and compiled eyewitness documentation of the proceedings. The result was a Department’s response. bold steps to reverse his country’s eco- book, “Lykho z Rozumu,” (The Misfortune of Intellect), published in English as “The Recent press reports regarding the nomic decline and advance its transition Chornovil Papers.” to a market economy. We are concerned In 1972, as the editor of the underground samvydav journal Ukrainian Herald postponed visit of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuschenko to Washington about allegations of past mismanagement (Ukrainskyi Visnyk), he was imprisoned once again during the wave of arrests that swept and misreporting of Ukraine’s reserves Ukraine. He became a member of the Ukrainian Group in 1979. In 1980, while require clarification.The visit was not and welcome the Ukrainian govern- still serving his previous term, he was rearrested and sentenced yet again by Soviet authori- canceled, but postponed. ment’s commitment to cooperate fully in ties. In 1988 he became a founding member of the Ukrainian Helsinki Union. The U.S. did express concerns to the With the beginning of glasnost, Mr. Chornovil became a key founder of Popular Ukrainian government that recent allega- the investigation. Movement of Ukraine (Rukh), an organization that called for Ukraine’s independence, and tions regarding the past use of IMF funds We also remain firmly committed to is considered a primary catalyst in the social upheaval that consumed the Soviet Union in might overshadow other important issues supporting President Kuchma and Prime the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was elected to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 1990 that were planned for discussion during Minister Yuschenko’s efforts to advance and re-elected in 1994 and 1998. In 1991 he was a candidate for . the prime minister’s visit, including the the reform agenda in Ukraine, a strategic On February 12, 1999, Mr. Chornovil was ousted by fellow national deputies as head of government’s accelerated reform efforts. partner of the United States, and are A series of meetings with Cabinet offi- hopeful that the prime minister’s visit (Continued on page 7) cers and other officials had been can be rescheduled in the near future. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

that one can be moral only if one agrees Leonid Kuchma’s pro- with Dr. Kuropas’ right-wing views and policies, the Russophiles in the military About ‘pyrohy ladies’ Rectification of facts considers people such as Thomas Sowell, re-initiated the Russification policies of about Division Clarence Thomas and Alan Keyes to be the Soviet Union. and Canadian perogies Dear Editor: enlightened. Since 1997 Ukrainian interpreters in Dear Editor: Surely it is possible to be a moral per- the U.S. military have had to battle The article, “Philatelic vestiges of the son, a good Ukrainian, and a good Ukrainian versus Russian language use. Re “Magazine spotlights ‘pyrohy Galicia Division” by Ingert Kuzych American without subscribing to the pol- The use of language has now become an ladies’” (February 13): It’s about time (March 5) describing one of the diverse itics of George W. Bush, during whose issue of geopolitical strategy. another mainstream magazine featured facets of the division’s past, while being short tenure as governor of over In my opinion, if Ukraine loses its lan- varenyky/pyrohy. In Canada, especially in very interesting, contained several inac- 120 persons were killed by that state. guage it will cease to exist as an inde- the Prairies and out to British Columbia, curacies that need to be rectified. First of Surely, one can support affirmative pendent state. For many this is a difficult they are a staple, a genuine Canadian food. all, the translation of the division’s action and freedom of speech, can concept to grasp – how could the use of a But they are not called “pierogies” here Ukrainian name “Striletska Dyviziia’ as believe that Gen. Augusto Pinochet was particular language determine independ- by anyone (other than the ). They are “Sharpshooter Division” was quite awk- not the savior of Chile, can consider pro- ence? For the Russophiles, the Ukrainian perogies (pl.), perogy (s.), a “Canadian” ward. A sizable amount of English lan- grams on the History Channel about the language denotes freedom, patriotism term. And they are definitely now a main- guage literature about the division exists evils of to be important, and democracy. Russian denotes perma- stream Canadian food. I was surprised to and an acceptable translation “Riflemen can support the rights of gays, can nent dependence on and rele- see “pierogies” on the menu at the Future Division” is already being used. believe that Elian Gonzalez belongs with gates Ukrainians to the status of second- Bakery deli in Toronto. Surely a Ukrainian The statement that the division’s com- his father, and can still be a moral per- class citizens. Russia has always seen restaurant in eastern Canada should know mand corps consisted entirely of German son. Ukrainian as a threat to its imperial aspi- the Canadian spelling of the term. officers is inaccurate. Most of the com- Surely a person who holds some or all rations. At least two companies mass produce pany commanders, platoon commanders of the above-mentioned views could, at To chauvinistic Russians, Ukraine and them and, on the prairies, perogies are and a few battalion commanders were the same time, consider Stalin to have the must be subordi- found in practically every supermarket in Ukrainians. Even in the divisional com- been an incarnation of evil and could nated and not allowed to flourish. the frozen food section. Personally, I would mand staff there were Ukrainian officers support the efforts to make the world It is in the United States national not buy these, although there seems to be a like Paliiv, Makarushka, Ferkuniak and aware of the tragedy of the Great Famine interest that Ukraine remain a free, inde- big market. One company’s perogies are Tys-Krochaliuk. of 1932-1933. pendent state. passable, the other one’s are an embarrass- After one full year of training, the Surely there is no one set of political When we send Ukrainian interpreters ment, sheer cardboard. division was deployed on the eastern views that a person must hold to be moral to Ukraine, this sends a strong message In Winnipeg, there are two restaurants, front and contrary to statements in the or to be a worthwhile member of the to the Russophiles and underlines that Alycia’s and Savela’s, which sell tons of article, was at that time fully trained, and Ukrainian community. And most assured- the U.S. supports a free and independent fresh ones by the dozens. The latter supplies equipment and weapons were adequate ly, columnists damage our community Ukraine. However, when we send Costco, and can barely keep up with the and in many cases superior to some when they indulge in name-calling. Russian interpreters to Ukraine, this sig- demand. Throughout the city you have German divisions. Unfortunately the nifies to the Russophiles that the United Ann’s Perogey , Perogy House, Tatiana B. Durbak deployment happened during the largest States may not be all that committed to Karen’s Home Cooking (“perogies, cab- Albany, N.Y. Soviet offensive of the war and against Ukraine’s continued independence. bage rolls, perishky”) and others. the overwhelming superiority of Soviet Ukrainian patriots become demoralized. The Ukrainian churches have been built armor, aviation and manpower. It ended The hypocrisy of Russia in demanding and maintained on varenyky – thousands of in a disaster. Language is crucial “equal rights” for its citizens in Ukraine dollars fill church coffers from the weekly To learn more about the Galicia Division defies the realities of the past 300 years. sale of fresh perogies. St. John Suchavsky the reader is referred to the webpage: Russia, whether tsarist or Communist, Cathedral or, as Winnipeggers know it, the http://www.infoukes.com/galiciadivision/. to Ukraine’s survival Bukovynska church, is legendary for Dear Editor: demanded and implemented policies for the total elimination of the Ukrainian varenyky with a variety of fillings, includ- Roman Hawrylak ing sauerkraut, which usually sell out. New York The issue of language is crucial to the language. Now Russia is protesting future of Ukraine’s independence. Ukraine’s implementation of policies its One innovation is the golden, or orangey The letter writer is a member of the Although Ukraine is independent, the state language. filling that may surprise Ukrainian executive of the Brotherhood of Veterans fight for Ukraine’s soul continues in full Today, Ukraine is under great pressure Americans visiting western Canada. Rarely of the 1st Division of the Ukrainian force. Ultimately the Russophiles in to implement Russian. To a great degree, will you find the potato/farmer’s cheese fill- National Army. Ukraine want Ukraine to become a Russian is being used in military circles ing here. The most popular one is the pota- “Russian Ukraine,” totally eliminating and in the diplomatic arena. How long to/cheddar cheese filling. Yes, indeed, the Ukrainian language and that for should a nation wait to make its language sometimes CheezeWhiz is used! Culinary which it stands. a national language? progress, go figure. Political viewpoints The U.S. military has been visiting Roman G. Golash Orysia Tracz Ukraine since 1993. Currently over 100 Winnipeg do not denote morality missions per year are planned with Palatine, Ill. Dear Editor: Ukraine, dealing from combat arms to medical training. From 1993 to 1997, the On occasion, I find the writing of Dr. Turning the pages... Ukrainian military attempted to use Myron Kuropas to be interesting; at Ukrainian in most situations. Since 1997, times, I agree with some of what he says. (Continued from page 6) however, there was a shift to Russian. Unfortunately, his column has recently Ukrainian interpreters in the U.S. mil- the Rukh faction in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada and 16 days later was removed as Rukh become offensive. In his March 5, col- itary noted the change, but initially this Party chairman in what he described as an illegitimate Rukh Congress. A week later, how- umn Dr. Kuropas uses epithets against appeared as confusion or lack of policy ever, a separate regularly scheduled congress of Rukh reasserted Mr. Chornovil’s position at those who disagree with his world view implementation. the top of the organization (then dubbed Rukh-I) he had led for nearly a decade. and calls “alternative lifestyle” a perver- During 1997, I saw first hand that the Tens of thousands of people bid a final farewell to Mr. Chornovil on March 29 in an sion. Possibly, Mr. Kuropas is not aware shift to Russian was obvious. The rea- emotional display of respect for the former political dissident and Rukh leader. As Ukraine of the fact that resorting to name-calling sons for the change varied. The Russians observed a , people from all over the country traveled to the and to hate speech is usually indicative in the Ukrainian military felt that nation’s capital to join with tens of thousands more Kyivans in what many consider the of one’s inability to convince others Russian was the “language of diplomacy, largest funeral this city has ever seen. through logic and clear argument. while Ukrainian was not.” Others in the Officially, Ukraine was represented by President Leonid Kuchma, who arrived with I will not address the many outrageous Ukrainian military assured us that this is Prime Minister Valerii Pustovoitenko and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Oleksander and inaccurate statements in the column a “temporary” phenomenon and that Tkachenko to pay his respects. Official delegations from the United States, led by of March 5, nor the many false parallels Ukrainian will become the national lan- Ambassador Steven Pifer, and Poland, which included members of the Polish Parliament, that Dr. Kuropas draws, such as suggest- guage. also paid their respects and offered condolences to the bereaved. ing that left-wing theory is somehow The assurances given are not in sync Mr. Chornovil’s fellow former dissidents were present in abundance, among them Lev based on Nietzche’s ultra right-wing fas- with the feelings of patriotic Ukrainians Lukianenko, Ivan Hel, Yurii Badzio, the Horyn brothers and Iryna Kalynets. cism. Suffice it to say that I have not in Ukraine. A former commander of the The common people lining the streets – some 50,000 turned out – best expressed the read such a hodge-podge of half-truths stated that ini- love that the Rukh leader evoked in a large portion of the populace. They tossed flowers and baseless accusations in a very long tially most Russians used Ukrainian and sang hymns as the casket proceeded up from the Teacher’s time. because they feared repercussions. Once Building (once the headquarters of the Central Rada) to St. Sobor, where Dr. Kuropas’ March 5 column implies the fear was alleviated by President Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate led the funeral serv- ice, and afterwards along the route from the cathedral to , the historic final resting place of many of Ukraine’s cultural, religious and political elite. The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a Then, as the casket was lowered into the ground, the army orchestra struck the first notes variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian of the Ukrainian national anthem and a seven-gun salute went off in honor of the man about Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators whom Mykhailo Horyn had said just moments before: “History will show that without him and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of today’s independent Ukraine would not have been possible.” either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Sources: “Chornovil killed in car accident,” by Roman Woronowycz (with Roma Hadzewycz), The Association. Ukrainian Weekly, March 28, 1999, Vol. LXVII, No. 13; “Ukraine mourns Chornovil,” by Roman Woronowycz, The Ukrainian Weekly, April 4, 1999, Vol. LXVII, No. 14. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

directed the chorus for 17 years, was suc- The Dumka Chorus... ceeded in 1991 by Mr. Hrechynsky, a for- UKRAINIAN TV (Continued from page 5) mer choirmaster at the Lviv Theater of UKRAINIAN TV Selfreliance Credit Union president, and Opera and Ballet and an instructor of con- his brother Borys, both of whom have ducting at the Lviv Conservatory. NETWORKNETWORK been signing as tenors for over 40 years. Mr. Hrechynsky, the youngest member Founded as a male chorus in New York of the chorus when he took over as in 1949 with the express purpose of culti- Dumka’s artistic director at age 30, has Watch KONTAKT on the WEB: www.infoukes.com vating the rich secular and religious musi- infused a new energy and enthusiasm in cal heritage of Ukraine, the Dumka Chorus the chorus with his intensity and commit- KYIV, LVIV, Philadelphia, , Sacramento made its first public appearance the fol- ment to a high standard of musical per- lowing year with a concert of traditional formance. Toronto, Montreal, Alberta, Manitoba Ukrainian Christmas carols. With new works and fine discipline In 1959 Dumka became a mixed cho- mastered, the Dumka Chorus, assisted by rus. The name Dumka (meaning thought Metropolitan Opera tenor Volodymyr or idea) was chosen as a reference to the Grishko as soloist, is sure to excel in its “duma,” a form of epic song about events program or religious, operatic and folk in the Kozak period of the 16th to 17th music and win bravos from The Cooper centuries, performed by minstrels in recita- Union audience on April 9. The concert tive to bandura or accompaniment. begins at 2 p.m. in the Great Hall. The ensemble has nurtured four singers who went on to make a name for them- selves outside the Ukrainian community. National Bank... Bass/baritone Andriy Dobriansky, who (Continued from page 6) toured the United States, Canada and Mexico with the Metropolitan Opera decided to conduct a more comprehen- Company for two seasons, joined the sive audit of transactions with foreign Met’s permanent roster in 1969 and sang exchange reserves. The first stage of more than 30 roles during his 25-year Met auditing will include the period from career. Baritone George Bohachevsky, a July 1997 to January 1998. It is to be longtime member of the completed by the end of March or in Opera chorus, was often assigned solo early April. Its results will be made pub- roles in NYCO productions, and lyric lic. The second stage will cover a longer soprano Svitlana Vasilaki (Tonkoschkur) interval and will be executed upon the was a member of the NYCO chorus for completion of the first stage. In order to three years. Ihor Krawciw, a tenor, has ensure a reliable audit, the National Bank appeared with regional opera companies in of Ukraine has forwarded permission for send us your community announcements and videos! the United States. its 27 bank partners to disclose to audi- 2118A Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont. M6S 1M8 Dumka has had a number of dedicated tors any information concerning their and talented musical directors, beginning relations with the NBU for the period tel: 1 800 KONTAKT - fax: 416 762-4880 with Leonty Krushelnytsky. His work was under review. e-mail: [email protected] continued by Mykytiuk, Therefore, the National Bank of Alexander Bernyk, Ihor Sonevytsky, Ukraine confirms its commitment to an Roman Stepaniak, Ivan Zadorozny and open and transparent policy in financial Ihor Zukowsky. Semen Komirnyj, who and monetary relations with its creditors. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 9

nomic program should work together. The Government threatens... economic program is set for floor debate on (Continued from page 1) April 6, with a vote expected the following Although neither Mr. Volkov nor Mr. day. Medvedchuk has given a specific explana- Cabinet ministers, along with Prime tion for his remarks, some political experts Minister Yuschenko, have carried out an intensive lobbying effort in the halls of the Easter Greetings believe the criticism of the government and Parliament in the last two weeks to assure its plan is due to the program’s call for an passage of their program. Mr. Tyhypko said overhaul of Ukraine’s energy sector. Firms Continue Your Tradition... that government ministers had held meet- owned by Mr. Volkov, and particularly Mr. ings with most of the factions and 25 com- Use the UNA publications to send Easter greet- Medvedchuk, are major players in the coun- mittees regarding problems lawmakers fore- ings to family and friends. Please note, to accom- try’s oil and gas markets. saw with the working document. He said President Kuchma stepped into the fray that substantial changes suggested by the modate all of our advertisers and the many holi- to state his support for the Yuschenko gov- national deputies had already been incorpo- day obligations and deadlines, we must strictly ernment on March 22 and expressed sur- rated. prise over the statement by Mr. Tyhypko. The Cabinet of Ministers program, titled observe the following dates... He explained that the Constitution of “Reforms for Prosperity,” contains five sec- Ukraine does not envisage the resignation PUBLICATION DATES & DEADLINES tions and 22 quantitative targets to be Holy T of the government should its program not

achieved by 2004. Each year the govern- rinity Ukrainian Catholic Church at Soyuzivka • Ker receive Parliament’s approval. He said he ment will submit an economic memoran- Holiday Issue Advertising believed that lawmakers would ultimately dum along with its annual budget, which approve the package. will explain how the program is to develop Publication Date Deadline Date Evidence that the economic program was during that fiscal year. If fully carried out, in trouble withered to an extent on March the program envisages an eventual 1.3-1.4- 23 when the Verkhovna Rada passed a reso- fold rise in real incomes for Ukrainians and lution approving a memorandum of cooper- an annual average increase of 6.5 percent to The Weekly April 16, 23 April 7 ation between the executive and legislative the country’s begin- branches. The government had suggested ning in 2002. For the fiscal year 2000, it honkson, NY - 1983 • by V Rates: $7.50 per column/inch earlier that the memorandum and the eco- forecasts a GDP increase of 1 to 2 percent. 1/8 page – $50; 1/4 page – $100; 1/2 page – $200; full page – $400

Holovatyi of having a personal political italiy Lytvyn, T All advertising correspondence, reservations and payments should be directed Ukraine’s April 16... agenda, adding that Mr. Holovatyi failed to to Mrs. Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager, tel. 973-292-9800, ext. 3040,

(Continued from page 4) present all the facts. or or Walter Honcharyk, administrator, tel. 973-292-9800, ext. 3041. onto, ON, Canada parliamentary body from outside influences, “Mr. Holovatyi, unfortunately, often says Kindly make checks payable to The Ukrainian Weekly. and should not be called into question. only what supports his convictions,” said Please send payment to: The experts had no problems with the Mr. Martynenko. “He did not mention that The Ukrainian Weekly, P.O. Box 280, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 fourth issue presented in the national refer- the Venetian Commission also said that only the Constitutional Court is to deter- endum, on reducing parliamentary seats mine whether there exists a sufficient legal from 450 to 300, but questioned the need basis for holding the national referendum.” for the fifth, which asks citizens’ opinions The presidential spokesman criticized the on a bicameral parliament. According to publication of the initial findings of the Mr. Holovatyi, since Ukraine is a unitary Venetian Commission and said that using state, the Venetian Commission experts did the mass media to put pressure on Ukraine not see the need for a bicameral legislature “brings into question the ethics of those in a democratic society, especially one in efforts.” Mr. Martynenko added that, should which the second house might be appointed the Constitutional Court declare the referen- by the president rather than elected. dum illegal, the president readily would And on the last question, whether the cancel it. Constitution of Ukraine should be ratified President Kuchma, however, has main- by the nation, the commission experts tained that if the national referendum is can- decided that it is obviously unconstitutional celed it would lead to the break-up of the since that is not prescribed in the recently formed parliamentary majority and Constitution, explained Mr. Holovatyi. further political conflict and instability in It is highly unlikely that President the country. Kuchma, who signed the executive order Two separate petitions have been filed by scheduling the All-Ukrainian National Ukrainian lawmakers asking that the Referendum, as it is officially called, will Constitutional Court render a judgment on take into consideration the preliminary find- the legality of the national referendum. ings of the Venetian Commission, or for that Ukraine’s highest constitutional authority is matter its final rendering. He has called the currently reviewing the various documents Venetian Commission nothing more than an and was to have issued its findings by advisory body. March 18. That date has now been pushed Mr. Kuchma and the PACE have been at back, with a decision expected in the first loggerheads ever since a monitoring com- week of April. The court cited protracted mission from the inter-parliamentary open hearings in the case as the reason for assembly recommended to the larger body the delay. to suspend Ukraine’s membership should Meanwhile, the Venetian Commission is the country hold a referendum. The scheduled to meet on March 31, when it Ukrainian president has said the only body will formally render its decision on the that is capable and duly authorized to deter- Ukrainian national referendum. Mr. mine the constitutionality of the plebiscite is Holovatii said he believes that the prelimi- the Constitutional Court of Ukraine nary decisions of the individual members of On March 22 Oleksander Martynenko, the expert panel will be supported by the the president’s spokesman, accused Mr. entire commission at that time.

In honor of Mother's Day the Ukrainian National Association invites our younger children to greet their mothers in both our weekly newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly.

We encourage children age 12 and younger to participate in the UNA’s special tribute to all mothers in our two publications by sending in art or poetry. The UNA will publish all their good wishes on the pages of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly.

All entries must be postmarked no later than April 19, 2000, and mailed to: UNA Corporate Headquarters, Att’n: Oksana Trytjak, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Need a back issue? If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, Parsippany, NJ 07054. (Rules for submissions appeared in The Weekly on March 19.) For information please call Oksana Trytjak, UNA Special Projects Coordinator, at 973-292-9800 (ext. 3071). send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

Winter mountaineering camp held in Lake Placid region by Dorian Yurchuk LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Zymovyi Mandrivnyi Tabir (ZMT) is the name of an annual winter mountaineering excursion initiated by members of ’s Lisovi Chorty fraternity. The excursion is held annually between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. It all began eight years ago when a group of friends rented a cabin near the village of Lake Placid. Some came for the downhill skiing at Whiteface Mountain, others to try the luge and bobsled (others still for the shopping and nightlife). But the main draw was the state ’s backcountry, with its high peaks and picturesque valleys. During the first few years organizers learned the skills required to access these areas: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking with crampons (steel spikes that attach to one’s boots for traction in icy con- ditions). Later they also delved into winter camping and ice climbing, and began to bring along their younger siblings. Soon the group of Plast friends realized that this was a wonderful opportunity for skills and leadership training for other young members of Plast. For the last three years the trip has been open to all older Campers and instructors at the 1999 Zymovyi Mandrivnyi Tabir held near Lake Placid, N.Y. “yunatstvo” on a first-come-first-served basis. All ZMT participants receive in- On the third day the whole camp packed Upon arrival campers quickly lit the Hampshire. The landscape at this altitude depth instruction on first aid, clothing sys- up and set out into the backwoods interior. propane lanterns and fired up the wood- consisted of ice-covered tree branches that tems and nutrition as they pertain to the ZMT’ers carried their personal gear in burning stove. Water was collected at a sparkled brilliantly in the sunshine. winter environment. A brief geological and backpacks; the group’s food and other sup- brook and boiled on the propane stove. This Campers posed for group photographs and cultural history of the Adirondacks is also plies were distributed among the individual was an Alpine-style hut, where supplies are descended. provided. Finally, ZMT includes instruction packs and also loaded onto a home-made flown in and and waste flown out by heli- Back at the lodge, preparations were in the history, theory and practice of cross- gear sled that campers affectionately named copter so as to keep the surrounding wilder- made for nightfall. Almost all the partici- country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, ice “Tymotei.” All took turns pulling the sled ness area as unpolluted as possible. Dinner pants spent that night in their winter “vil- climbing and winter camping. along the seven-mile trail to the John’s was especially appreciated after the long lage.” Unfortunately, a sudden change in the This year 14 campers from the United Brook campsite. journey, and all slept well in the relatively weather caused overnight temperatures to States and Canada took part in the trip, The first leg of this trip required some rustic accommodations. soar to 33° F, creating rather moist condi- along with an assortment of guest lecturers bushwhacking through a frozen swamp. On the following day the ZMT’ers split tions by morning. and fellow enthusiasts. This was a complicated task, especially with up into three groups. One group chose to The campers quit the lodge early that When ZMT’ers arrived at the southern a heavy sled. When the group reached the stay near the lodge and began to construct a day, splitting up into groups once again. The edge of Adirondack State Park, they were wooded terrain on the other side, the trail small “village” of tents, tarpaulin shelters first group collected ropes, helmets, ice axes dismayed to find no on the ground, became increasingly difficult. Hurricane and quinzee huts. The latter are structures and crampons, and set out for ice climbing. even as far north as the town of Keene. Floyd had wreaked considerable damage in shaped similarly to an igloo, but constructed The second group was fitted for cross-coun- However, as they ascended towards the this park, and hikers had to maneuver their by hollowing out a large mound of snow try skis and hit the trails. High Peaks Region, conditions improved: beloved Tymotei over, under and around from within. Final wall thickness is gauged Campers concluded the day (and the there was a six-inch base of snow. dozens of fallen trees. by tens of short twigs of equal length that short week) with the traditional, albeit For the first two nights the group stayed Although there was very little net gain in are inserted into the outer surface of the indoor, bonfire and went to sleep once again at a large cabin not far from the Lake Placid altitude along the way, there were many snow mound. in the comfort of that first, luxurious cabin. Olympic Authority’s ski-jumping facilities. small hills, dips, turns and rocks in the trail The other two groups hiked up to the The next morning ZMT’ers left the Accommodations included indoor plumb- and our progress was slow. The weather was summit of Upper Wolf Jaw and then to the Adirondacks behind and headed in various ing and electric heat. The evening hours ideal: 20 degrees F, and no wind. It was cold summit of Mount Armstrong. The view directions, ready to ring in the new year. were spent indoors discussing the various enough to keep the snow from melting and from these peaks was stunning as visibility topics mentioned above. During the day to keep campers from overheating from car- was exceptional. From one face they could * * * there were short hikes to Mount Jo, Indian rying their loads, but warm enough to keep see the forbidding profiles of Mount Marcy Similar activities are planned for winter Falls and Wright’s Peak. These allowed the them from freezing during frequent breaks. and Algonquin Mountain. From another, 2000. “Yunatstvo” should consult newspa- campers to familiarize themselves with Hikers arrived at the lodge around 5 they saw several other mountain ranges, per announcements and Plast publications some of the equipment and techniques of p.m., having traveled the last mile by flash- including the Green Mountains in Vermont for information regarding dates, locations winter travel. light. and the White Mountains in New and age requirements for future ZMT trips.

Above, some of the Zymovyi Mandrivnyi Tabir’s organizers and instructors. On the right, a group of ZMT hikers atop snow-covered Mount Armstrong in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, in the Lake Placid region. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 11 Carpathian Ski Club sponsors annual ski races in upstate New York

WINDHAM, N.Y. – The annual ski races of the Carpathian Ski Club (KLK) were held at Ski Windham on March 11. Fifty-six racers from six dif- ferent states and one from Ukraine competed on the NASTAR-sanctioned course. The races were held at Ski Windham in the Catskills in New York, while the awards banquet was held at nearby Hunter Mountain. The events were co- sponsored by the Selfreliance Credit Union of Philadelphia and Brewery of Ukraine. Trophies, funded by the credit union, were awarded for the top three places in the six youth divisions. Medals were awarded for all older age brackets. In addition to these awards, two spe- cial trophies were awarded. The transi- tional trophy, presented to the best all- around skier posting the best time among all age groups and sexes (skiers cannot win this trophy more than once) this year was awarded to Severin B. Palydowycz, who turned in a time of 30.68 in the men’s age 35-49 group. A special trophy was awarded to Dr. Valeriy Hrebeniuk, consul at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, who competed in this year’s races. (Continued on page 16) Youths who won trophies and medals at the KLK ski races at Ski Windham.

Chernyk sports club holds annual ski trip in Michigan by Roma Tobianski “Millennium Malanka,” co-sponsored organized by Lesia Lawrin, who has put an outdoor barbecue luncheon, prepared with three other Ukrainian youth organi- a great deal of effort into making this at the Heather Warming Hut. Coordinated DETROIT – The year 2000 marks the zations, Plast, the Ukrainian American event a great success. This year’s jubilee by Zenia Prybula and assisted by George 50th anniversary of the Detroit’s Youth Association (SUM) and the ski trip had 220 registered participants Nordstrom, Bernard Tobianski, Daria Ukrainian Sports Club Chernyk. Founded Organization of Democratic Ukrainian plus many others who booked rooms pri- Hreha and many other volunteers, the by 35 sports enthusiasts, Chernyk has Youth (ODUM). The Detroit malanka has vately. Each member was given blue and luncheon was a big hit among the partici- grown into a viable organization dedicat- become an ever increasingly popular yellow ribbons to wear for the weekend; pants. It gave them an opportunity to ed to sponsoring and promoting the par- affair in the Detroit area, and this year’s as a result, Boyne Highlands became a meet with friends and eat lunch without ticipation of Ukrainian athletic teams in event attracted over 600 guests. sea of blue-and-yellow. having to leave the slopes. Between noon various sports activities. Its members The winter sports of skiing and hockey Boyne Highlands was more than will- and 2 p.m. skiers and non-skiers alike range in age from 4 to 94 and its interests are among the most popular in the club. ing to accommodate the club’s needs in hurried to the warming hut for knock- range from soccer and golf to chess and During the weekend of February 4-6, USC preparing a special celebration. A special wurst, potato salad, drinks, fruit and anything in between. Chernyk sponsored its annual ski trip to conference room was set aside for vari- friendly conversation. A jubilee committee has been formed Boyne Highlands in Michigan’s northern- ous displays and exhibits, prepared by Each year, Chernyk members meet in with Wolodymyr Kizyma as chairman. The most area of the Lower Peninsula. This Roman Maziak, refreshments and friend- front of the lodge in the late afternoon on committee has established the year 2000 as yearly outing was first organized in the ly conversation. A 50th anniversary ban- Saturday for a group picture. Once the pic- a year of celebration, scheduling many 1950s and has become an event anticipat- ner was hung from the balcony of the ture is taken, the entire group heads for the activities throughout the community. ed by the entire community. lodge for everyone to see. The first jubilee affair was the In recent years, the trip has been A highlight of this year’s outing was (Continued on page 16)

Participants of the Chernyk sports club’s 50th anniversary ski trip in Michigan’s Boyne Highlands. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

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has no power either. Belarusian Popular Front... And if there is no presidential pres- Ç 40-ËÈ ÑÖçú ëåÖêíà (Continued from page 12) sure, but normal power, then it is a mat- ̇¯Óª ̇ȉÓðÓʘӪ åÄåà, ÅÄÅìëß, ëÖëíêà, íßíéóçé∫ ëÖëíêà, ëÇÄïà Rukh is now obliged to share the responsi- ter for debate. What should be the basis: bility. Unfortunately, even people who on the Constitution of 1994 or the hybrid ·Î. Ô. the one side were for independence and on constitution? Or should there be a new the other for future prosperity tried to find constitutional council that will elaborate forces and politicians other than Rukh. step by step the principles of new elec- ëíÖîÄçß∫ ãÖòäé They believe that when Rukh was in tions? There can be no elections without power nothing happened. It was strange to common agreement between the govern- Á ‰ÓÏÛ ÅéãúéÇëúäÄ me that nationalists such as Slava Stetsko ment and the opposition. And this agree- supported the ex-KGBist [Yevhen] ment can be reached only after precondi- ÔÓ‚¥‰ÓÏÎflπÏÓ ·ÎËÊ˜Û ¥ ‰‡Î¸¯Û ðÓ‰ËÌÛ ‚ ÄÏÂðˈ¥ ¥ ìÍð‡ªÌ¥ Marchuk. tions have been fulfilled: the release of Ú‡ ‚Ò¥ı ÔðËflÚÂÎ¥‚, ˘Ó all the political prisoners; an end to all It was also odd that western the politically motivated criminal cases; ÅéÉéëãìÜÅà Á èÄçÄïàÑÄåà Ukrainians supported [Leonid] Kuchma. and real access to the media. Normal ·Û‰ÛÚ¸ ‚¥‰Ôð‡‚ÎÂÌ¥ Á‡ ªª ‰Û¯Û conditions. Yes, but what about us? From the very I am rather skeptical, but the hot spring ‚ ÔÓ̉¥ÎÓÍ, 27 ·ÂðÂÁÌfl 2000 ð. beginning typologically we were similar will put pressure on the regime to agree to Û ÒÎ¥‰Û˛˜Ëı ˆÂðÍ‚‡ı: to those types of movements in the three the negotiations. That is our prognosis. Baltic states and in Ukraine. The move- And so we will participate in the coalition, ment was smaller in Belarus and not so together with the United Civil Party and Ò‚. ûð‡ ‚ 縲-âÓðÍÛ, Ó „Ó‰. 9-¥È ð‡ÌÍÛ; influential because of the comparative the Social Democrats. Ò‚. íðÓȈ¥ ‚ Ñðӄӷ˘¥, ìÍð‡ªÌ‡; weakness of self-identity here, but it was a real force and in 1991 we did not OK. The last question I have is Ò‚. ß‚‡Ì‡ ïðÂÒÚËÚÂÎfl, ‚ ëËÌ‚ˉҸÍÛ ÇËÊÌ¥Ï, ìÍð‡ªÌ‡; exploit this enough. We could have done about the expansion of NATO and the ‚ ͇Ú‰ð¥ Ò‚. ûð‡, Û ã¸‚Ó‚¥, ìÍð‡ªÌ‡. everything, as I understand now, but European Union to the border of there was insufficient experience, there Belarus. This surely puts a lot of pres- é „Ó‰. 11-¥È ð‡ÌÍÛ, Ó. åËÚð‡Ú ëÂð„¥È çÂÔðÂθ ‚¥‰Ôð‡‚ËÚ¸ è‡Ì‡ıË‰Û Ì‡ ÏÓ„ËÎ¥ was not the readiness to go to the nomen- sure on Belarus to turn in one direc- èÓÍ¥ÈÌÓª, ̇ Ôð‡‚ÓÒ·‚ÌÓÏÛ ˆ‚ËÌÚ‡ð¥ Ò‚. Ä̉ð¥fl, ‚ ë. Ň‚̉ ÅðÛÍÛ, ç. ÑÊ. klatura and dictate what must be done. tion or the other: either toward Russia, The only thing we achieved was or toward Europe, or NATO. My [Stanislau] Shushkevich. Shushkevich impression at the moment is that ÒËÌ – üêéëãÄÇ Á ‰ðÛÊËÌÓ˛ Äããéû was placed in his position [as chairman Belarusians are in favor of the EU but ‚Ì͇ۘ – ÄÑêßÄçÄ of the Supreme Soviet] thanks to the opposed to NATO. It is difficult to dis- ÒÂÒÚð‡ – åÄêßü äêìóÄâ Á ðÓ‰ËÌÓ˛ BPF, thanks to the people in cern, but do you think it is a case of Ú¥ÚӘ̇ ÒÂÒÚð‡ – íÖéîßãßü ÉÄçìòÖÇëúäÄ Independence Square demanding change. one or the other alternative, will it take Ò‚‡ÚË – Ó. åËÚð‡Ú ëÖêÉßâ ¥ çÄÑßü çÖèêÖãß ¥Á ÒËÌÓÏ But the BPF cannot be accused of shar- some time before Belarus decides ÄãÖäëÄçÑêéå ing power. There was a very good chance which way to go? in 1992 when we collected half a million signatures in support of new elections, From a historical perspective, we have but we did not collect people in no choice but to join European structures. Independence Square to demand this ref- We have been neighbors of Russia for a erendum. It is history. thousand years and we know that it is very DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS Then there were several years of self- dangerous to be a neighbor of such a state. sufficiency of our organization and only To this moment the BPF has not declared to be published in The Ukrainian Weekly – in the Ukrainian now are we changing our image to be that its aim is to completely join up with or English language – are accepted by mail, courier, fax, phone or e-mail. more open, to be ready to create coali- Western structures. tions. It is senseless to be afraid of coali- But on the other hand, the typical Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. tions in our situation. We are a strong attribute of our marches here is the slogan: (The Weekly goes to press early Friday mornings.) organization, so for us and others there is Lukashenka to prison! Belarus to NATO! Rate: $7.50 per column-inch. a chance to multiply our resources – not What about the younger generation of merely add to them. And now we avoid Belarusians? It is natural for them to iden- Information should be addressed to the attention of the Advertising Department the unrealistic scenarios. We want realis- tify themselves with all the Western insti- and sent to: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 (NB: please tic proposals. For example, now we hope tutions, including NATO. But we here live do not include post office box if sending via courier), Parsippany, N.J. 07054; that the spring of 2000 should be rather in a monopolized information space. We fax, (973) 644-9510; telephone, (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040; tempestuous because we will try to com- have only one Belarusian TV channel that e-mail, [email protected]. I hope you have had the experience to bine social protest with purely political Please include the daytime phone number of a contact person. protest against pro-Moscow dictatorship. watch. And sadly we have ignored the social component of protest. This was our mis- Oh yes. take – not strategic, but important. And we have from two to six Russian I want to ask you about your goals channels. And the Yugoslav war was Full Financial Services for the year 2000. If there are parlia- shown here only in a propagandized form mentary elections, for example – I don’t from one channel to another. There is no at our Jersey City Branch know to which Parliament there would pluralism of the media here and this had be elections – would the BPF take part an impact on the attitudes toward NATO. 558 Summit Ave., Jersey City, NJ (201) 795-4061 in them? Thus it will take some time to change pub- lic opinion. This is the point. Elections to which What about NATO? The neutrality of body? If the present law remains or the our country was an important point of the election code elaborated by the upper first program of the BPF. It was the only house remains, we will not take part in way to stress that we were separate from the elections. The BPF was the first to the Warsaw Pact, from the ìÍð‡ªÌҸ͇ î‰Âð‡Î¸Ì‡ treaty, and all the other treaties initiated SELFRELIANCE ignore the local elections last spring. äÓÓÔÂð‡Ú˂̇ ä‡Ò‡ Several other democratic parties declared by Moscow. This position of our program Ukrainian Federal that they would participate because it was only partially fulfilled in the Credit Union "ëÄåéèéåßó" provided an opportunity to visit apart- Constitution of 1994. The striving for ments, to propagandize and so on, but neutrality was written in the Constitution after several decrees that completely – a very interesting formula that allowed Main Location: 2351 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 restricted the possibility to participate, pro-Russian forces here to make military Tel (773) 489-0520 Toll Free: (888) 222-UKR1 (8571) then they agreed with us. And the inter- agreements with Russia. Link to Chicagoland’s Ukrainian Community: www .selfreliance.com national community did not recognize the I think that the steps should be in sever- results of these local elections, so the al stages: first, real neutrality from Russia; move was a success. Even those elected second, dissolving the treaties, and then – several Communists and LDP members gradually joining Western structures. But I – can do nothing within these bodies. stress that this is all for the future, it is not They have no power. And the assembly our current slogan. Notice to publishers and authors It is The Ukrainian Weekly’s policy to run news items and/or reviews of newly published books, booklets and reprints, as well as records and premiere issues of periodicals, only after EARN EXTRA INCOME! receipt by the editorial offices of a copy of the material in question. The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for advertizing sales agents. News items sent without a copy of the new release will not be published. For additional information contact Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, Send new releases and information (where publication may be purchased, cost, etc.) to: The Ukrainian Weekly, (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. The Editor, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 15 CCRF launches new webpage 5-Year Level Term Life Insurance SHORT HILLS, N.J. – The Children paign, which will be launched this fall. of Chornobyl Relief Fund launched its The fund’s first airlift was launched in Ukrainian National Association, the oldest and largest new webpage on March 13, featuring the 1990. Since then, the CCRF has complet- Ukrainian fraternal society, is proud to offer to its members, latest CCRF activities and updated infor- ed 24 air and eight sea shipments, deliv- mation on the Chornobyl aftermath. ering more than 1,200 tons of medical readers of The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda Designed by Mark Ciapka and Michael aid and humanitarian assistance valued at our new 5-Year Level Term Life Insurance Plan. Baresh of ADS Solutions based in more than $40 million. Warren and Short Hills, N.J., the website Last fall, the fund’s partner hospitals in Life is a most precious gift – protect it. At these low rates can you afford not can be accessed at www.childrenof- , Lviv and Dnipropetrovsk reported to be insured? chornobyl.org. significant reductions in infant mortality The new site includes financial infor- as a result of technology and training they AGE FEMALE NON-SMOKER MALE NON-SMOKER mation, photographs of children who received from the New Jersey-based have benefited from CCRF shipments, a organization. The CCRF is planning its $100,000 $175,000 $250,000 $100,000 $175,000 $250,000 map of Ukraine showing the locations of next major shipment for this spring, with 25 $11.19 $17.94 $24.69 $12.19 $19.16 $27.19 CCRF partner hospitals and , supplies destined for hospitals in , 35 $11.19 $17.94 $24.69 $12.19 $19.16 $27.19 as well as a detailed outline of the Slavutych and . 40 $13.19 $21.44 $29.69 $15.19 $24.94 $34.69 CCRF’s track record and ongoing pro- “All of us at CCRF are very grateful to 45 $17.19 $27.00 $39.69 $21.19 $35.44 $49.69 grams. Mark Ciapka and Michael Baresh who “We see this not as a static document, donated many hours of their time to 55 $34.19 $58.19 $82.19 $45.19 $77.44 $109.69 but as a dynamic process,” said Ksenia design this powerful new resource for Based on monthly premium schedule. Other insurance plans and quotes Salewycz, who coordinated the develop- our foundation,” said Alex Kuzma, the available upon request. ment of the website for the CCRF staff. executive director of CCRF. “This web- For a personal quote, please call 1-800-253-9862. “In the next few weeks, we will be site will help us to present a more com- adding new articles, a spring calendar plete picture of our programs and our and an exciting new feature that will plans for the future. It will enable us to allow our supporters to make tax- reach out to new supporters, to interact deductible donations by e-mail and credit with new constituencies and to build card. We invite our subscribers to visit grassroots involvement in the CCRF’s the site and to send us their feedback and medical mission.” recommendations as to how the site For more information, contact the CCRF might be further enhanced.” at (973) 376-5140; by e-mail at info@ccrf- The website is part of the CCRF’s iccf.org; or visit the CCRF’s new website at preparation for its 10th anniversary cam- www.childrenofchornobyl.org.

Serbia, they may not change anything at Freedom March... all. The Belarusian opposition still faces ìÍð‡ªÌÒ¸ÍËÈ ıÓð ◊ÑìåäÄ“ ‚ 縲-âÓðÍÛ (Continued from page 3) the task of finding how to merge its polit- because it allegedly needs a bugbear to ical demands with some economic pro- ‚ Î ‡ ¯ Ú Ó ‚ Û π frighten the population and persuade posals that could elicit a broader public Belarusians that there are people in response and build a real social force to Belarus more unpredictable and harmful confront the regime. ûÇßãÖâçàâ than President Lukashenka. For the time being, however, the oppo- ûÇßãÖâçàâ Whatever the true reason for the ban sition parties seem to be unable to find on marches, it is clear that Mr. any significant sympathy among Belarus’ Lukashenka is not going to comply with industrial workers or peasants. ääééççññÖÖêêíí the international community’s appeal to At the same time, they have virtually sit at the negotiating table with the oppo- no option but to practice street democra- sition and resolve Belarus’ political cy. “Demonstrations can be avoided Á ̇„Ó‰Ë 50-Î¥ÚÚfl Ò‚Ó„Ó Á‡ÒÌÛ‚‡ÌÌfl standoff in a peaceful way. It seems that when a country guarantees free access to permanent and controlled confrontation ‚ ̉¥Î˛, 9 Í‚¥ÚÌfl 2000 ð., Ó „Ó‰. 2-¥È ÔÓ ÔÓÎ. the media, when it holds free and demo- in Belarus suits the president’s authoritar- ‚ ‡‚‰ËÚÓ𥪠ian rule as the country and its people sink cratic elections. When all this is non- deeper and deeper into economic poverty existent, the authorities should allow and political isolation. street demonstrations,” opposition leader COOPER UNION No one should expect that opposition Mikalay Statkevich commented. ÔðË 3-¥È Ä‚ÂÌ˛ ¥ ëı¥‰ 7-χ ‚ÛÎ. ‚ 縲-âÓðÍÛ protests will change the political It seems that the Lukashenka regime is in Belarus any time soon. Indeed, simi- bent on denying its opponents even that ä‚ËÚÍË Ì‡·Û‚‡ÚË ÔðË Í‡Ò¥ – 20 ‰ÓÎ. larly to last year’s massive protests in possibility. ÑËðË£ÂÌÚ ıÓðÛ – ÇÄëàãú ÉêÖóàçëúäàâ

ÄÍÓÏԇ̸flÏÂÌÚ – ∏ÇÉÖçßü èÄãÖâ THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY ëÓÎ¥ÒÚ-ÚÂÌÓð – ÇéãéÑàåàê Éêàòäé, ÒÓÎ¥ÒÚ ä˪‚Ò¸ÍÓª éÔÂðË Visit our archive on the Internet at: Ú‡ åÂÚðÓÔÓΥڇθÌÓª å¥Ò¸ÍÓª éÔÂðË Û ç¸˛-âÓðÍÛ http://www.ukrweekly.com/ è¥ÒÎfl ÍÓ̈ÂðÚÛ ÁÛÒÚ𥘠Á ıÓðËÒÚ‡ÏË ‚ ç‡ðӉ̸ÓÏÛ ÑÓÏ¥, 140-42 !-„‡ Ä‚Â. ÇÒÚÛÔ $10 ‰ÓÎ. á‡ÏÓ‚ÎflÈÚ ÌÓ‚¥ ÍÌË„Ë ‚ˉ‡‚Ìˈڂ‡ êéÑéÇßÑ (ä˪‚)

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E-mail: [email protected] (914) 626-7119 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

Thursday and skiing an extra day. Chernyk sports... The popularity of the Chernyk ski trip (Continued from page 11) has spread to other Ukrainian communities. outdoor heated pool, which was reserved Guests from Chicago, New York and other for Chernyk participants at 5-6 p.m. cities attend the trip yearly. This excursion Though it is not easy to walk out into is so successful that facilities to accommo- the snow and freezing weather clad only date 200 people have already been reserved in a bathing suit, the warm water soon for the first weekend of February 2001. made up for the discomfort. Members In addition to preparing a 50th bring snacks and drinks to share and the anniversary banquet in November, USC pool area became one big Chernyk party. Chernyk is preparing for the annual After dinner, some avid skiers went Great Lakes Cup Tournament during back out onto the slopes for some night Memorial Day weekend at Dibrova skiing, while others relaxed with friends Estates in Brighton, Mich. The competi- in the lounge or over a friendly card tions will include soccer, volleyball, golf game. Ice-skating and video games were and chess. Invitations are being sent out available for the children. to participating clubs throughout the No matter where you go during the United States and Canada. annual ski weekend, there is always a The club will also hold its annual pic- friendly face – someone with whom to nic at Dibrova in June and participate in ski, eat, play or talk. Many families have the Ukrainian Diaspora Olympics in resorted to extending the trip by arriving Philadelphia July weekend.

35 to 49 Carpathian Ski Club... 1. Andrey Sonevytsky 31.96 (Continued from page 11) 2. Yuriy Kucher 33.81 Trophies were presented by two-time 3 . Peter Strutynsky 33.86 world downhill champion Karl Plattner 50 and up and KLK’s current president, Erko Palydowycz. 1. Orest Fedash 35.90 Alexander Motyl Though the ski races are open to all 2. Eugene Stakhiv 37.73 skiers, most of those who competed this 3. Andrei Kachala 37.83 year were members of KLK and several FEMALES were members of KLK in Lviv. 12 and under Slopes and Windows and Other Things MALES 1. Lida Doll 44.01 12 and under 2. Adrianna Skalchuk 48.76 1. Severin A. Palydowycz 49.53 3. Larisa Kobziar 51.67 Paintings 2. Paul Hadzewycz 59.01 13 to 15 3. Siokalo 65.60 1. Melasia Doll 38.35 13 to 15 2. Roxanna Kobziar 38.88 3. Laryssa Rybak 40.34 1. Adrian Rybak 33.18 www.PainingsDirect.com 2. Alex Tkacz 35.40 16 to 18 3. Markian Hadzewycz 35.85 1. Dianna Shmerykowsky 49.09 16 to 18 19 to 34 1. Roman Hankewycz 33.30 1. Talia Fedash 36.28 2. Darian Fedash 34.10 2. Orysia Loutsevych 43. 10 3. Alex Shandor 43.91 3. Irene Staniv 57.57 19 to 34 35 and up 1. Marco Shmerykowsky 38.16 1. Roma Hadzewycz 38.19 2. Roman Khmil 38.34 2. Volodymyra Hankewycz 41.9 3 Valeriy Hrebeniuk 52.38 3. Zoriana Siokalo 49.13

Valeriy Hrebeniuk accepts his special trophy from Erko Palydowycz, KLK president. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 19

PREVIEW OF EVENTS (Continued from page 20) featured artists will be Christina Holowchak brilliant, jewel-like icons reflecting both his Debarry, Laryssa Martyniuk, Bohdan love for his homeland of Ukraine and his Borzemsky and Slava Gerulak, as well as deep spirituality. “Gifts: The Icons of Taras new artists from Ukraine. As always, Yuri Snihurowycz” is on view at The pysanky and traditional Ukrainian crafts will Winnipeg Art Gallery through June 4. The be available, along with Ukrainian CDs and public opening of the show is on Thursday, videotapes. Prospective vendors may contact , at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Snihurowycz the chairperson of the event, Sonya Capar, refers to his works as “Ukrainian-Canadian” (973) 473-8755. icons, associating them with the freedom he found in Canada to explore his spiritual con- Saturday, May 13 nection with his homeland where the making and creation of religious objects was banned WARREN, Mich.: The School of Ukrainian for many years. On Wednesday, April 5, at Studies (Shkola Ukrainoznavstva) in Detroit noon, as part of the WAG’s Art for Lunch will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a ban- program, Dr. Snihurowycz will give public quet at the Ukrainian Cultural Center at 4 talk and tour of his exhibition. For informa- p.m. Tickets: $20, adults; $15, children. A tion call (204) 786-6641. commemorative book, providing a detailed history of the school will be available for ADVANCE NOTICE purchase. Contributions (tax-deductible) FRESH MEADOWS, N.Y.: from former students and friends of the Classes in school are welcome. For further information English as a Second Language are being offered by certified New York City teachers contact: Svitana Leheta, (313) 640-8257; at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Marta Korol Skalchuk, (810) 582-9057; or e- Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 171-21 mail: [email protected]. Underhill Ave. These free classes are not for Annual meeting of UNA Branch 320 ONGOING credit and are open to adults who are resi- will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2000, at 12:30 p.m. dents of Queens and Long Island. Days and at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD WINNIPEG: Taras Yuri Snihurowycz com- time will be determined by responses. If you bines centuries-old tradition with the skills are interested, call Teklya, (718) 353-0242 All members are asked to attend. mastered in his career as a dentist, to create (evenings).

changes and it will have a happy future,” TRADE REPRESENTATIVE/MARKETING MANAGER Newsbriefs the Associated Press quoted oppositionist (Continued from page 2) Yury Khadyka as saying. “We come out in Intn’l trading company seeks a Trade Representative for Zhitomir (Ukraine) confectionery factory to bring its products to local markets in Ukraine and rescheduling plan offered by Kyiv last favor of Belarus’s return to Europe instead month. The acceptance of the rescheduling of dragging it into the empire which is Russia. Must be self-motivated English/Russian/Ukrainian speaking person plan reduces the threat of a Ukrainian bogged down in war and corruption,” with at least 3 years production/marketing/sales proven exp. Will develop default and increases Kyiv’s chances of another oppositionist, Vintsuk Vyachorka, and execute marketing plans in conjunction with factory’s production output, was quoted as saying. (RFE/RL Newsline) receiving further support from the act as liaison with national distributors, undertake special sales initiatives International Monetary Fund and the World ... gets support in European capitals driving sales growth in above countries. Salary and benefits commensurate Bank. (RFE/RL Newsline) – Sweden’s Social with experience. Fax resume to: 718 437-4295 Chornobyl project meets in Slavutych Democratic Party held rallies in Stockholm KYIV – The assembly of donor-coun- and Kiruna on March 15 to coincide with tries for the Chornobyl reactor shelter proj- Freedom March-2 and opened a website to ect will take place in Slavutych this week- raise public awareness of the opposition NOTICE end. Fuel and Energy Minister Serhiy Tului movement in Belarus, the Associated Press stated that $383 million (U.S.) is in the shel- reported. RFE/RL’s Belarusian Service The Regular Annual Meeting ter fund, out of the planned total $758 mil- reported that rallies of solidarity with the of the Miensk march took place in front of the lion. The Ukrainian portion of the fund is Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union set at $50 million. Vice Prime Minister Belarusian embassies in Brussels, Warsaw stated that the Cabinet of and Kyiv. The Kyiv picket, which was of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ministers is working on the draft decree to organized by Rukh Youth activists, also shut down the third energy block of protested the Ukrainian authorities’ inten- will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2000, Chornobyl plant. The draft tion to hold a constitutional referendum and at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, decree is to be discussed at the governmen- warned against “repeating the Belarusian Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, tal meeting next week, after which the final scenario” in Ukraine. (RFE/RL Newsline) 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown, Pa. date of the shutdown will be announced. Rada announces factions and groups Registration will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Economist) Please bring your passbooks. KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ivan Belarusian opposition marches ... Pliusch announced changes in the MIENSK – An estimated 20,000 oppo- Parliament’s factions and groups as of nents of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s March 14. Currently the Communist Party regime on March 15 participated in faction is the biggest with 115 deputies, fol- Freedom March-2 in Miensk, which ended lowed by the Revival of the Regions with peacefully with a rally and rock concert. 36; Social Democratic Party (United), 34; Protesters shouted slogans urging Mr. Batkivschyna, 35; Trudova Ukraina, 30; Lukashenka’s resignation, demanding polit- National Democratic Party, 25; Ukrainskyi ical freedom and calling for Belarus’s inte- Narodnyi Rukh (Kostenko), 20; Left gration with Europe. A resolution adopted Center, 20; Narodnyi Rukh Ukrainy by the rally appealed for negotiations (Udovenko), 18; , 17; Reformy- between the opposition and the regime to Kongres, 14; the newly created Solidarnist resolve the country’s political and economic group, 16; and Independent, nine. The Rada deadlock. “We are sick and tired of the consists of 440 deputies – 389 of whom are empty promises of the man who was elect- members of deputies’ groups and factions. ed president by mistake. Belarus needs (Eastern Economist)

SPRING DISTRICT SEMINARS OF UNA BRANCH SECRETARIES, ORGANIZERS AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN SALE OF LIFE INSURANCE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MARTHA LYSKO, NATIONAL SECRETARY OF THE UNA DISTRICT CHAIRMAN DATE PLACE TIME Detroit Alexander Serafyn, (248) 646-5882 3/26/00 Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Rd., Room 10, Warren, MI 48091 12:00 Chicago Stefko Kuropas, (847) 923-7458 4/1/00 St. Volodymyr & Olha Cultural Center, 2247 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 1:00 Toronto Rev. Myron Stasiw, (416) 531-9945 4/2/00 Protection of The Mother of God, 18 Leeds St., Toronto, ON M6G-1N7 1:00 Albany Mykola Fil, (518) 785-7596 4/8/00 Soyuzivka, Kerhonkson, NY 1:00 Woonsocket Leon Hardink, (401) 658-1957 4/8/00 Soyuzivka, Kerhonkson, NY 1:00 Larissa Dijak, (617) 344-7075 4/8/00 Soyuzivka, Kerhonkson, NY 1:00 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2000 No. 13

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Friday, March 24 – Sunday, April 9 presents “The Myth of Antaeus and Ukrainian Literature in Diaspora: How NEW YORK: La MaMa Experimental Applicable? A View from Ukraine” with Theatre and Yara Arts Group present Mykola Soroka, assistant professor of “Circle,” a performance music and dance Ukrainian literature, Kyiv Shevchenko piece in which spirits of ancient Buryat National University, and visiting scholar at myths descend upon a modern Siberian nup- HURI. The lecture will be held in the HURI tial feast. The evening features traditional Seminar Room, 1583 Massachusetts Ave., at Buryat music performed by artists from the 4-6 p.m., and will be followed by an open Buryat Republic in Siberia and Yara actors. discussion. For further information contact Shaman chants mix with post-Soviet reality Lubomyr Hajda, (617) 495-4053. and the new music of Gogol Bordello, an explosive Ukrainian Gypsy punk band, to Friday, April 7 create an outrageous picture of contemporary life in Siberia. Shows begin at 8 p.m. NEW YORK: The of Thursdays through Sundays, with an addi- America invites the Ukrainian community to tional performance at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. view a film based on the novel “Ogniem i Tickets: $15 for Thursday and Sunday; $20 Mieczem” by -winning Polish for Friday and Saturday. For information call author Henryk Sienkiewicz and produced by (212) 475-7710. La MaMa ETC is located at Zodiak Jerzy Hoffman Film Production. 74 E. Fourth St. For information visit the “” is a love story that website: http://www.brama.com/yara. takes place in the 17th century on the Polish- Ukrainian border during the Kozak uprising. Saturday, April 1 Performing the role of Bohdan NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Khmelnytsky, the leader of the revolution, is Society is sponsoring a lecture, illustrated the highly acclaimed Ukrainian actor Bohdan with slides by Lubomyr S. Onyshkevych, Stupka. The program begins at 8 p.m. The editor of Trident-Visnyk, a publication of the institute is located at 2 E. 79th St. For infor- Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic mation call (212) 288-8660. Society, on the topic “Miniature Treasures of Art and Culture – Postage Stamps of Sunday, April 16 Contemporary Ukraine.” The lecture will be PASSAIC, N.J.: Ukrainian National held at the society building, 63 Fourth Ave., Women’s League of America Branch 18 is at 5 p.m. planning an Easter Yarmarok (bazaar) to be Monday, April 3 held at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall, 106 President St. Among the CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute Seminar Series (Continued on page 19)

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