INSIDE:• Remarks by Dick Cheney and Viktor Yushchenko in Krakow — page 3. • Metropolitan Wasyly of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada dies — page 4. • Former Canadian PM reflects on Ukraine’s “crusade for democracy” — page 9.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXXIII HE KRAINIANNo. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 EEKLY$1/$2 in Ukraine Sens.T McCain and ClintonU nominate presidents Verkhovna RadaW postpones hearing of Georgia and Ukraine for Nobel Peace Prize on nomination of new prime minister WASHINGTON – Sens. John McCain Dear Nominating Committee: by Olga Nuzhinskaya Mykola Tomenko, a Yushchenko ally, (R-Ariz) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D- We are writing to nominate for the Nobel Special to The Ukrainian Weekly blamed deputies from the Socialist Party for N.Y.) on January 24 nominated Georgian Peace Prize two men who have exhibited an negotiating over some Cabinet posts and President Mikhail Saakashvili and Ukrainian extraordinary commitment to peace: KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada ended its several oblast chair jobs, but said he is sure session on Thursday, February 3, without President Viktor Yushchenko for the Nobel Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and that “everything will be decided by Friday.” considering Yulia Tymoshenko’s nomina- Peace Prize. In their letter to the Norwegian Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. In Mr. Tomenko added that the govern- tion as prime minister amid behind-the- Nobel Institute, they praised the two presi- leading freedom movements in their respec- ment was “95 percent” formed. scenes negotiations over who would fill dents for their historic roles in the freedom tive countries, they have won popular sup- Socialist Party Chairman Oleksander port for the universal values of democracy, the Cabinet of Ukraine’s new president. Moroz backed Mr. Yushchenko in the run- movements in Georgia and Ukraine. Adam Martyniuk, vice-chairman of the Sens. McCain and Clinton wrote: “In individual liberty and civil rights. Because off for the presidency in exchange for Mr. of their efforts, the people of Georgia and Rada, said lawmakers would reconvene Yushchenko’s acceptance of constitutional leading freedom movements in their the next day as all the issues on the day’s respective countries, [these two presidents] Ukraine are now constructing new societies reforms that reduced presidential powers. based on the rule of law. At the same time, agenda were considered by the Parliament, “There is a big conflict of interests have won popular support for the universal except the main one – approving Ms. values of democracy, individual liberty and Ukrainians and Georgians are resolving between Yushchenko-Tymoshenko and peacefully the complex ethnic and social Tymoshenko as prime minister of Ukraine. the Socialist Party,” said Raisa civil rights. ... “We believe that the actions “The president is not ready to decide it of Presidents Saakashvili and Yushchenko issues that have in the past threatened to Bogatyreva, a top ally of losing presiden- divide their nations. right now,” he said as he adjourned the tial candidate Viktor Yanukovych. testify to the power of peace and human session. He added that there are “heated rights in their battle against oppression. As a key leader in the “Rose Revolution,” On the eve of the vote, Prime Minister- President Saakashvili guided Georgia to a consultations.” designate Tymoshenko dispatched a 63- Recognizing these men with the Peace The nomination vote had already been Prize would honor not only their historic peaceful change of power that ended a page, five-year government program to set back four hours after President Viktor lawmakers laying out her goals: to disman- roles in Georgia and Ukraine, but would decade of endemic, government-supported corruption. His rejection of violence was Yushchenko said he wanted to be present tle corruption, to raise living standards and also offer hope and inspiration to those critical to the success of Georgia’s move- for the session. to lead Ukraine into membership talks with seeking freedom in lands still denied it.” ment. In early 2004, President Saakashvili Many lawmakers speculated that the real the European Union. *** negotiated a peaceful resolution to the ethnic reason was the intense jockeying for posi- “Our government work would be conflict in Ajaria, and his push for wider tions in the new Cabinet of Ministers among exclusively in the interests of the peo- Following is the text of the letter sent the diverse political parties that made up Mr. to the Norwegian Nobel Institute. (Continued on page 8) Yushchenko’s campaign coalition. (Continued on page 8) Ukrainian Americans on U.S. delegation to Yushchenko inauguration comment on experience

by Andrew Nynka PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Traveling to Ukraine for the inauguration of President Viktor Yushchenko, three Ukrainian Americans watched the historic ceremo- ny from an exclusive vantage point. Led by outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell, the official U.S. delegation watched from a balcony in the Verkhovna Rada as Mr. Yushchenko took the oath of office on January 23. “It was just unbelievable,” said Vera Andryczyk, a Ukrainian American member of the official U.S. delegation. “The whole place was just so energized when Mr. Yushchenko walked into the Verkhovna Rada,” said Ms. Andryczyk, president of the Ukrainian Federation of America. While the atmosphere inside the Parliament building moments before the ceremony was triumphant, said a second member of the delegation, the mood there changed. “I was taken by the solemnity and seriousness once the ceremony began,” said Nadia McConnell, president of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. “Words are just inadequate, but there was a sense that generations had waited for this day.” Ms. Andryczyk also looked back on the moment when Mr. Yushchenko took the oath of office with a sense of awe. “Nadia and I both held hands and we just trem- bled. It was pride. I wish our ancestors who never saw this moment were there This photo of the crowds gathered in Kyiv on inauguration day was taken by Vera Andryczyk, who was a member of the (Continued on page 9) official U.S. delegation attending the inauguration of President Viktor Yushchenko. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS Yushchenko outlines desire NEWSBRIEFS PM-designate on new government will vote in the Verkhovna Rada for Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukraine’s new prime of Ukraine to “return to Europe” KYIV – Yulia Tymoshenko, whom minister if President Viktor Yushchenko President Viktor Yushchenko designated and Ms. Tymoshenko guarantee that SPU by Taras Kuzio (Ukrainska Pravda, January 25). To as acting prime minister last week, told representatives or nominees obtain one- Eurasia Daily Monitor applause and laughter Mr. Yushchenko the Ukrainska Pravda website on February sixth of the positions in the executive told PACE that, after his reforms, Ukraine 1 that she has already prepared a list of branch, Interfax reported. According to This week the European Union finally will have changed so much that the EU candidates for the posts of all Cabinet came around to the conclusion that Viktor’s Mr. Moroz, such a quota of government itself will ask, “Why are you, such a fan- ministers and regional governors for Mr. posts for the SPU was promised in an Yushchenko’s support for Ukraine “return- tastic place, not yet in the European Yushchenko’s approval. Ms. Tymoshenko ing to Europe” is no hollow rhetoric. accord he signed with Mr. Yushchenko in Union?” (Ukrainska Pravda, January 25). revealed that the list does not include any November, when the SPU pledged to sup- Former President Leonid Kuchma also The seriousness of President of the ministers or governors from former spoke of “returning to Europe” in 1998, port his presidential bid. Mr. Moroz Yushchenko’s plans was detailed by his Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych’s gov- added that the accord did not specify the when he first outlined plans for Ukraine vice prime minister for European integra- ernment. Ms. Tymoshenko has been meet- to join the EU; four years later he added number of ministerial portfolios for the tion, Oleh Rybachuk, who threatened to ing with different parliamentary groups SPU. Mr. Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine NATO membership to this goal. “undertake an Orange Revolution in for the past few days for consultations Unfortunately, neither the EU nor NATO bloc, Mr. Moroz’s SPU and the Yulia Brussels” if the EU continued to ignore ahead of the expected parliamentary vote Tymoshenko Bloc control 140 votes in ever took his declarations seriously. Ukraine (Ukrainska Pravda, January 18). on her approval as prime minister on Mr. Yushchenko’s support for the same the 450-seat legislature. Ms. Tymoshenko Mr. Rybachuk, with strong Polish back- February 3. (RFE/RL Newsline) needs at least 226 votes to be approved as policies is noteworthy because he, unlike ing, is eager to launch a two-year drive to New reform plan set with EU the head of a new Cabinet. Rada Mr. Kuchma, is believable. Speaking to fulfill the Copenhagen Criteria required the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn predicted for EU membership. “I can understand KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko on January 31 that the Parliament will of Europe (PACE), President Yushchenko Ukraine’s entry into Europe as my life’s claimed that Ukraine’s future lies inside has told journalists from The Times of confirm Ms. Tymoshenko as prime minis- aim,” Mr. Rybachuk admitted (Ukrainska London that he is going to implement a ter with a safety margin of 25 votes. Europe because, “We, along with the peo- Pravda, January 18). ple of Europe, belong to one civilization” three-year reform plan that was coordinated (RFE/RL Newsline) Yet, Mr. Yushchenko’s focus on the EU with the European Union, Interfax reported (Financial Times, January 25). is causing consternation in Brussels, as the Ukraine lukewarm on EU plan Mr. Yushchenko told PACE, “The real- on February 2, citing the presidential press EU already has a full agenda: absorbing 10 service. Mr. Yushchenko said he wants to ization of the strategy of our foreign poli- KYIV – Ukrainian Foreign Affairs new members, adopting a constitution and launch talks with Brussels on Ukraine’s EU cy aim is membership in the European Ministry spokesman Markian Lubkivskyi bringing in Turkey. As The Times of membership as soon as the reform plan is Union.” Domestic reforms in Ukraine to told journalists on February 1 that Kyiv’s London wrote on January 25: “Whether implemented. “[It is very important] that the assist integration will “become a real, and preliminary assessment of the recently Ukraine should be allowed to set foot on three-year action plan, worked out jointly not a declarative, reality,” a clear jab at upgraded EU-Ukraine Action Plan, which the empty rhetoric of the Kuchma era (Continued on page 17) by the EU and Ukraine, could lead to the inauguration of talks in 2007 on [Ukraine’s was approved by the European Union for- EU] entry,” Mr. Yushchenko reportedly told eign ministers in Brussels on January 31, British journalists. (RFE/RL Newsline) is “far from being euphoric,” UNIAN Tymoshenko to become reported. The upgraded plan offers Deputies inquire about Kuchma’s perks Ukraine closer cooperation on trade, immigration and security. Under the plan Ukrainian prime minister KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on the EU will also support Ukraine as it February 2 voted to ask acting Prime seeks membership in the World Trade Minister Yulia Tymoshenko about the Organization and make it easier for Kyiv circumstances surrounding the adoption to obtain loans from the European of a Cabinet resolution that gave former Investment Bank. The plan does not, how- President Leonid Kuchma some special ever, mention any prospect of EU mem- benefits after his departure from office, bership for Ukraine. (RFE/RL Newsline) Interfax reported. Some Ukrainian media have reported that the Cabinet led by Ms. Yushchenko sets deadline for WTO Tymoshenko’s predecessor, acting Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, decided to give DAVOS, Switzerland – In Davos, Mr. Kuchma the right to continue draw- Switzerland, at the World Economic ing his presidential salary, use a state Forum, Viktor Yushchenko said at a dacha and two cars, and have three assis- meeting with World Trade Organization tants paid from the state budget for the (WTO) Director-General Supachai rest of his life. The Parliament also sup- Panitchpakdi on January 28 that Ukraine ported a query to Procurator General “hopes to meet all requirements neces- Sviatoslav Piskun on whether he is going sary for joining the WTO by November,” to investigate Mr. Kuchma’s alleged Interfax reported. Mr. Yushchenko also involvement in the kidnapping and announced the creation of a new post of killing of Internet journalist Heorhii vice prime minister for European integra- Gongadze in 2000. (RFE/RL Newsline) tion in the new government, which will be filled by Our Ukraine legislator Oleh Socialists propose deal with Tymoshenko Rybachuk. According to a report on the Ukrainska Pravda website on January 30, AP/Sergei Chuzavkov KYIV – Socialist Party of Ukraine Mr. Rybachuk attended a lunch hosted by Yulia Tymoshenko, tapped for the post of prime minister by Ukraine’s new presi- (SPU) leader Oleksander Moroz told dent, is greeted by her supporters in Kyiv on January 24. journalists on January 31 that his party (Continued on page 26)

by Taras Kuzio of head of the presidential administration. Eurasia Daily Monitor Of the three positions, only Ms. FOUNDED 1933 Tymoshenko’s requires parliamentary One day after he was inaugurated as approval, and Verkhovna Rada Chairman HE KRAINIAN EEKLY Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Volodymyr Lytvyn said he expects her to TAn English-languageU newspaperW published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Yushchenko appointed a powerful and obtain a large majority when she is pro- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. radical triumvirate. Yulia Tymoshenko, posed this coming week. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. of the eponymous bloc, was named prime Why Tymoshenko? One reason is that a Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. minister; businessman Petro Poroshenko secret agreement between Mr. Yushchenko (ISSN — 0273-9348) as secretary of the National Security and and Ms. Tymoshenko stated that if Mr. Defense Council; and Oleksander Yushchenko won, then he would propose The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Zinchenko, the head of the Yushchenko her as his prime minister. The Yushchenko camp denied that such a document existed election campaign, as state secretary. Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Mr. Zinchenko’s position replaces that (Ukrainska Pravda, January 20), but it was leaked to the anti-Yushchenko website The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: 2200 Route 10 Andrew Nynka temnik.com.ua (January 24) by the Viktor Taras Kuzio is visiting professor at the P.O. Box 280 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) Yanukovych team. Parsippany, NJ 07054 Elliot School of International Affairs, Another reason for Ms. Tymoshenko’s George Washington University. The article nomination was that alternative candidates The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] above, which originally appeared in The were unpalatable. Mr. Poroshenko had Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily angled for the position but, as a major busi- The Ukrainian Weekly, February 6, 2005, No. 6, Vol. LXXIII Monitor, is reprinted here with permission Copyright © 2005 The Ukrainian Weekly from the foundation (www.jamestown.org). (Continued on page 17) No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 3 Sens. Levin and Lugar introduce legislation FOR THE RECORD on permanent normal trade relations for Ukraine U.S.-Ukraine Foundation zens the right and opportunity to emi- House Concurrent Resolution 16 grate; it has adopted laws protecting indi- Following is the full text of House political system have been prerequisites WASHINGTON – Sens. Carl Levin vidual liberties and prohibiting discrimi- Concurrent Resolution 16, congratulat- for that country’s full integration into the (D-Mich.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) on nation; and it held a free and fair election ing the Ukrainian people and President international community of democracies; January 24 introduced legislation to grant in 2004 in which the Ukrainian people Viktor Yushchenko, which passed the Whereas the government of Ukraine normal trade relations to Ukraine. The elected a new president. The United House of Representatives on January 25 has accepted numerous specific commit- senators contend that the Cold War-era States can help advance this young by a vote of 392 to one. The resolution ments governing the conduct of elections trade restrictions that deny “most favored democracy by repealing Cold War-era was introduced by Rep. Henry Hyde, with as a participating state of the nation” trade status to imports from restrictions and welcoming them as a full the support of Reps. Tom Lantos, Jo Ann Organization for Security and Soviet Bloc countries, which were estab- trade partner in the international econom- Davis, Dan Burton, Robert Wexler and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); lished as a tool to pressure Communist ic community.” Marcy Kaptur. Whereas the election of Ukraine’s next nations to allow their people to freely Sen. Lugar noted: “Extraordinary president was seen as an unambiguous emigrate and adopt democratic institu- Concurrent Resolution events have occurred in Ukraine over the test of the extent of the Ukrainian author- tions, are no longer applicable to last three months. A free press has revolt- Congratulating the people of Ukraine ities’ commitment to implement these Ukraine. ed against government intimidation and for conducting a democratic, transparent, standards and build a democratic society “Since re-establishing its independ- reasserted itself. An emerging middle and fair run-off presidential election on based on free elections and the rule of ence in 1991, Ukraine has demonstrated class has found its political footing. A December 26, 2004, and congratulating a commitment to creating democratic law; new generation has embraced democracy Viktor Yushchenko on his election as Whereas a genuinely free and fair institutions and a free-market economy,” President of Ukraine and his commitment Sen. Levin said. “Ukraine allows its citi- (Continued on page 18) election requires government and public to democracy and reform. authorities to ensure that candidates and Whereas the establishment of a demo- political parties enjoy equal treatment cratic, transparent and fair election before the law and that government process for the 2004 presidential election Rep. Rothman, joined by 19 colleagues, in Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic (Continued on page 20) calls for state visit by Yushchenko to U.S. WASHINGTON – Encouraged and letter that 19 of his House colleagues hopeful about the prospect of enhancing also signed. “As you well know, the out- Remarks by Cheney, Yushchenko Following are the remarks of Vice- nations stood with him as he made his just U.S.-Ukraine relations in the wake of the come of the recent Ukrainian elections President Dick Cheney and President demands that the voice of the people be recent presidential election, Rep. Steve provides the opportunity for Ukraine to Viktor Yushchenko in Krakow at the Villa heard. The free world will stand with him Rothman (D-N.J.) on January 31 led a become more closely integrated in Euro- Decius on January 26. The text was pro- once again as he works to consolidate bipartisan group of House members call- Atlantic institutions, demonstrate true vided by the White House, Office of the Ukraine’s democratic gains and adds to ing on President George W. Bush to democratic governance under the rule of Vice-President the prosperity and justice of his country. invite newly elected Ukrainian President law, and operate a genuine free market As President Yushchenko assumes his Viktor Yushchenko to come to the United economy. It is critical that at this time Vice-President Cheney: It’s a pleas- responsibilities, he and the people he States for an official state visit. we recognize the importance of the rela- ure to be here tonight and to congratulate serves can know this: the United States Rep. Rothman and his colleagues also tionship between the United States and President Yushchenko on his election and supports the sovereignty and independ- congratulated Ukraine on following the Ukraine and reach out to President inauguration as the leader of the proud ence of Ukraine and we support Ukraine’s democratic processes that ultimately led Yushchenko in an effort to enhance these sovereign nation of the [sic] Ukraine. aspirations to join the institutions that to the conduct of a free and fair election relations.” The world has been inspired by the bind the free nations of the West. for the Ukrainian presidency and the According to Rep. Rothman, with this remarkable images emanating from President Yushchenko is an ally in peaceful swearing-in of President recent election, the Ukrainian people Ukraine in recent months. We have freedom’s cause, and President Bush and Yushchenko. have demonstrated their desire to become watched as Ukrainians by the hundreds the American people stand with him. “We are writing to urge you to estab- a true democracy. The first and second of thousands converged on Kiev’s [sic] We look forward to working with lish a relationship with Ukrainian rounds of voting on October 31, 2004, President Viktor Yushchenko and Independence Square to preserve their President Yushchenko to strengthen a and November 21, 2004, respectively, freedom and safeguard their right to encourage him to schedule a state visit to were fraught with corruption and fraud, democratic Ukraine to enhance security, the White House promptly,” Rep. determine the destiny of their nation. preserve peace, and build a better world. Rothman wrote to President Bush in a (Continued on page 18) Fifteen years after the democratic rev- Once again, Mr. President, my con- olutions that swept Central and Eastern gratulations. Europe, liberty continues its steady advance in this vital area of the world. * * * With their courage, dedication and peace- President Yushchenko: Dear Mr. Sen. Brownback chairs Helsinki Commission ful determination, the Ukrainian people WASHINGTON – Sen. Sam the United States, Canada, Europe and Vice President, ladies and gentlemen, have shown a watching world the unstop- dear guests. The United States as well as Brownback on January 19 became chair- former Soviet republics. In addition, 10 pable power of the popular will. man of the Commission on Security and Mediterranean and Asian countries serve Russia, as well as the European Union, What President Yushchenko has and as well as Poland belong to the Cooperation in Europe, commonly as partners for cooperation in the OSCE. accomplished is remarkable and inspiring known as the Helsinki Commission, As the new chairman, Sen. Brownback and there are great tasks ahead. Free (Continued on page 16) which monitors human rights and democ- will help shape U.S. policy toward racy in Europe. Ukraine and neighboring Russia and, by “Now more than ever, it is important to extension, take part in efforts to curb ensure democracy and human rights are nuclear-weapons proliferation, global ter- protected throughout the world,” Sen. rorism and arms and drug trafficking. Quotable notes Brownback said. “I am pleased to assume In the coming years, the Helsinki “The Orange Revolution also vindicates America’s long-standing support for the chairmanship of this important commis- Commission – with the White House, the Ukraine’s independence and democracy. Here, Washington pushed principles, sion. The Helsinki Commission was created State Department and other foreign-poli- not individuals. Too often in dealings with Russia, the reverse is true. Which pol- to build cooperation between the U.S. and cy-makers on Capitol Hill – will be icy pays better dividends should be clear by now,” Europe on issues critical to both continents involved in discussions surrounding and to the world. I look forward to expand- Ukraine’s possible entry into NATO and – Wall Street Journal in its December 28 editorial titled “The Orange ing that cooperation moving forward.” the European Union. Revolution.” Sen. Brownback, who currently serves Serving as the commission’s chief of on the Helsinki Commission, was appoint- staff will be Sean Woo, who currently is “I am happy that I lived to see the hour when the president of Ukraine was ed chairman by Senate Majority Leader general counsel and foreign policy advisor elected not in Moscow or Washington, but in Ukraine by the people of Ukraine.” Bill Frist, who made the announcement on to Sen. Brownback. Mr. Woo is a graduate – Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yushchenko on January 23, during a meet- January 19. The commission, an inde- of Harvard University and Widener ing with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, as quoted by an RFE/RL corre- pendent federal agency, monitors and University School of Law. Mr. Woo has spondent and cited by RFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report. encourages progress in implementing pro- worked as counsel to Sens. Peter Fitzgerald, visions of the Helsinki Accords. Chuck Grassley and the late William V. The election in Ukraine is a triumph of democracy and the rule of law over the Created in 1976, the commission is com- Roth, Jr., as well as to Rep. Frank Wolf. forces of a bygone Soviet era. The people of Ukraine stood up for their demo- posed of nine senators, nine representatives Sen. Brownback was first elected to the cratic rights, and I look forward to working with the leaders they have and one official each from the Departments Senate to fill the unexpired term of Bob chosen. This remarkable saga had many heroes: Poland and other newly demo- of State, Defense and Commerce, and was Dole in 1996. He was returned by the vot- cratic nations stood up for Ukrainian democracy, and Ukrainian Americans and created to monitor and encourage compli- ers of Kansas for a full term in 1998, and other members of the Ukrainian diaspora rallied international support for the ance with the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and re-elected this past November. He served democratic rights of the people of Ukraine. I hope now that Ukraine’s democrat- other OSCE commitments. in the U.S. House of Representatives in ic election will serve as an inspiration for those who seek freedom. The commission monitors violations 1994-1996. Sen. Brownback serves on the of individual liberties in the 55 states Appropriations, Judiciary and Joint – Statement issued on January 20 by Sen. Jon S. Corzine (D-N.J.). belonging to the OSCE, encompassing Economic committees. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6 OBITUARY: Metropolitan Wasyly, primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada

WINNIPEG – Metropolitan Wasyly, becoming one of the most developed also became a member of the Canadian archbishop of Winnipeg and primate of parishes in the UOCC. Council of Churches. In 1995 he initiated the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of For his dedicated service, the Church the establishment of the Permanent Canada (UOCC), died on January 10, at awarded him all priestly honors, includ- Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox the age of 95, following a prolonged ill- ing the honor of protopresbyter in 1977. Bishops Beyond the Borders of Ukraine. ness. His activities went beyond his parish He participated in creating a Conference Metropolitan Wasyly was born Wasyl responsibilities. For 20 years he was the of Orthodox Bishops of Canada and an Fedak on November 1, 1909, in the vil- national chaplain of the Canadian Orthodox-Roman Catholic Dialogue in lage of Kadobivtsy, Bukovyna, Ukrainian Youth Association. For his Canada. Ukraine, into the family of Wasyl and tireless service he was inducted into the As metropolitan he worked closely Anastazia Fedak. He was brought to Hamilton Gallery of Distinction and with the World Congress of Free Canada by his parents in May of 1912 received honors from the Province of Ukrainians and the Canadian Ukrainian and settled in Sheho, Saskatchewan. Ontario. Congress. Following completion of his secondary Two years after the passing of his In 1993 Metropolitan Wasyly led a education he completed a course for devoted wife, Dobrodiyika Paraskeviya, delegation to visit Ukraine, which had teachers and assumed his teaching in April 1976, an Extraordinary Sobor of proclaimed its independence and sover- assignments in the Saskatchewan the UOCC in 1978 chose Father Wasyl as eignty in 1991. This was an opportunity school system. its candidate to the episcopacy. to become better acquainted with the In 1932, he married Paraskeviya On Sunday, July 16, 1978, at Holy hierarchs and complex situation in Tymoffee. He commenced theological Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg Orthodoxy in Ukraine. He felt it his duty studies in 1941 in the seminary of the Archimadrite Wasyly was consecrated to contribute to the establishment of one, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, into the episcopacy with the title of bish- recognized, local Orthodox Church in his which he completed in 1944. He was op of Saskatoon, vicar of the Central ancestral homeland and he was uplifted ordained into the diaconate on Eparchy, by Metropolitan Andrew of to see his brothers and sisters choosing Metropolitan Wasyly September 27, 1944, and into the priest- Winnipeg and All-Canada, Archbishop an open and democratic form of govern- hood on October 1, 1944. Following Boris of Edmonton and the Western ment and society. ordination Father Wasyl Fedak served Catharine’s, Ontario. Due to his efforts, Eparchy, and Bishop Mykolai of Toronto Among the many honors bestowed parishes in the area of Sandy Lake, the parish in Welland joined the UOCC. and the Eastern Eparchy. upon Metropolitan Wasyly were an hon- Manitoba, and travelled to Menzie, Vista, He also travelled to Ottawa and Kirkland Following the passing of Archbishop orary doctorate of divinity from St. Angusville, Glen Elmo, Oakburn and Lake in Ontario, and Rouin and Noranda Mykolai in 1981, Bishop Wasyly became Andrew’s College, an honorary doctorate Rossburn, Manitoba. He organized new in Quebec. acting bishop of the Eastern Eparchy, and in canon law from the Ukrainian Free parishes at Oakburn, Sandy Lake, Sich In September 1951 he was appointed in November 1983 he was elevated to University in Munich, the Centenary and Angusville, Manitoba. to St. Vladimir’s Parish in Hamilton, archbishop of Toronto and the Eastern Medal and the Shevchenko Medal from In 1948 he was assigned to Grimsby, Ontario, where he served for 29 years. Eparchy. The 17th Sobor of the UOCC in the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Ontario, but also served parishes in His pastoral dedication resulted in the 1985 chose Archbishop Wasyly as its Governor General’s Medal in honor of Oshawa, Long Branch, Waterford and St. parish growing from 47 to 500 families – metropolitan and primate with the title Canada’s 125th Anniversary, the Queen “His Beatitude,” and chancellor of St. Elizabeth II 50th Anniversary Medal and Andrew’s College. the highest award of the Governor During his service as metropolitan, General of Canada, the Officer of the Vladyka Wasyly led the Church in cele- Order of Canada Medal. Kuropas’s inclusion on U.S. delegation brating the Millennium of the Baptism of The Orthodox rite of burial of a hierar- Ukraine, the centenary of Ukrainian ch took place at the Holy Trinity All- to Ukrainian inauguration is questioned Immigration to Canada and the 75th Canada Metropolitan Cathedral in PARSIPPANY, N.J. – As reported last 12 years and received an award in 1979 anniversary of the UOCC. Winnipeg. The hierarchical funeral serv- week, Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, a member of from the American Jewish Committee. He established eucharistic union with ice commenced on Friday, January 21; the official U.S. delegation to the inaugura- Soon after the story broke, Lynn Sweet the Patriarchate of Constantinople, in the hierarchical divine liturgy and com- tion of President Viktor Yushchenko, came of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that 1990, and oversaw the UOCC’s member- pletion of the funeral rite were held under fire on January 26 when the Knight Northern Illinois University “acknowl- ship in the Standing Conference of Saturday, January 22, followed by the Ridder newspaper chain published a story edged that the school is reviewing its rela- Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the (Continued on page 11) by Warren P. Strobel and Jonathan S. tionship with Myron Kuropas, a faculty Americas. During this time, the UOCC Landay headlined “Activist critical of Jews member accused of making anti-Semitic was part of U.S. delegation to Ukraine.” statements.” The action came in response Dr. Kuropas, an adjunct professor at to a January 27 letter from Reps. Rahm Northern Illinois University’s College of Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Henry Waxman (D- Statement by Myron B. Kuropas Education, was a member of the official Calif.) that called on NIU President John Below is the text of a January 29 ognizing the injustice perpetrated U.S. delegation to the inauguration of Peters to “re-evaluate the university’s statement by Myron B. Kuropas against Japanese Americans during President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine. association with Prof. Kuropas” and dis- regarding allegations of anti-Semitism. World War II. The Knight Ridder story, which included avow any association with him. In 1979 I received an award from quotations taken out of context from two The Daily Chronicle of DeKalb wrote In light of the recent publication of the American Jewish Committee “for commentaries by Dr. Kuropas – one written on January 29 that, “in particular, they news stories that grossly distort my recognizing and respecting the diversi- in 1996 and the other in 2000 – and from a [the congressmen] pointed to a 2000 integrity and malign my character, I ty of all groups within our society; for news report about a speech he delivered in written remark by Kuropas that “Big wish to set the record straight. helping to bring these groups together Toronto in 1998, described the commenta- money drives the Holocaust industry. To I have spent all of my adult life for the betterment of all mankind; for tor as “a Ukrainian American activist who survive, the Holocaust industry is always working to bring America’s ethnic working together in responding to the has accused Jews of manipulating the searching for its next mark. Ukraine’s groups together in a spirit of fraternity needs of these diverse groups; for help- and understanding. I was a founding Holocaust for their gain and blamed them turn is just around the corner.” ing forge links among all groups, board member of the National Project for Soviet-era atrocities in Ukraine.” (See Melanie Magara, NIU assistant vice- knowing that each group has an impor- on Ethnic America (a Ford Foundation- editorial on this topic on page 6.) president for public affairs, told the Sun- tant place in a pluralistic society…” funded institute administered by the The story went on to quote “a White Times on January 28 that “Certainly the I also received awards from the American Jewish Committee). I was House official who refused to be identified university disavows any connection to Japanese American Citizens League, also an active board member of the by name,” as saying: “We were not aware of any remarks by anyone that are prejudi- UNICO, an Italian American organiza- National Center for Ethnic/Urban his previous statements. Had we been aware cial or in this case anti-Semitic.” tion, as well as letter of commendation On January 29, however, the Daily Affairs. from numerous ethnic leaders. of such comments beforehand, we would When I was the Great Lakes not have invited Dr. Kuropas to be a mem- Chronicle reported that NIU President In 1985 I was a special guest of the Peter “declined to acquiesce to a sugges- Regional Director of ACTION, I devel- American Jewish Committee (AJC) on ber of the delegation.” [The Sun-Times of oped Project Senior Ethnic Find, a fed- Chicago later attributed similar comments to tion from two congressmen that the uni- a trip to Israel where I met with Jews versity formally renounce the allegedly eral, anti-poverty outreach program for from Ukraine who were working to White House spokesman Jim Morell, who ethnic seniors in Chicago, Gary, told the paper on January 26 that Dr. anti-Semitic remarks made by part-time improve relations between Ukrainians instructor Myron Kuropas.” According to Detroit and Cleveland. and Jews. One of them, Jakov Kuropas wouldn’t have been part of the del- I was a special assistant for ethnic egation if his writings had been known.] the Chronicle, Mr. Peters wrote to Reps. Suslensky, came to the United States. I Emanuel and Waxman that the university affairs to President Gerald R. Ford in was involved with introducing him to Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice- the White House. It was during my chairman of the Conference of Presidents “does not condone anti-Semitism or dis- our Ukrainian American community crimination in any form,” but pointed out tenure in the Ford administration that I of Major American Jewish Organizations, and working with him to improve rela- that Dr. Kuropas does not teach “any organized White House conferences for told Knight Ridder: “It’s disturbing to tions between Ukrainians and Jews in courses related to Ukrainian history or American ethnics devoted to such top- give him credibility and to put him on the the United States. Ukrainians here that would require him to express any ics as urban neighborhood revitaliza- delegation.” lauded his efforts. Jews here largely viewpoint related to Ukrainian history.” tion, the 1980 census and the unique Knight Ridder reported that Dr. ignored him. Ms. Magara told the Chronicle that health needs of ethnic Americans. I Kuropas said he was “dismayed” at the I was involved in a Ukrainian-Jewish there is not enough of a connection was also instrumental in having controversy and that he said in a tele- dialogue group for five years. between Dr. Kuropas’s private affairs and President Ford issue a proclamation in phone interview that he worked with 1976 – “An American Promise” – rec- (Continued on page 27) Jewish leaders toward reconciliation for (Continued on page 19) No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM “Ukrainian-American Citadel”: from the pages of UNA history

Following is part of a series of ty of Dr. Lev Dobriansky, who after more leadership that since they were the most excerpts from “Ukrainian-American than two decades as UCCA president, had active segment of the community, they, Citadel: The First 100 Years of the come to believe that he, and he alone, was and they alone, should lead the UCCA. Ukrainian National Association,” by Dr. the sole spokesman for Ukrainian Wholly dependent on the Liberation Myron B. Kuropas, published in 1996 by Americans in Washington, and the emerg- Front for his support within the UCCA, East European Monographs of Boulder, ing belief among the Liberation Front (Continued on page 21) Colo. The excerpts are reprinted with the permission of the author. The book is available from the author for $25, plus $2.50 shipping, by writing to: Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, 107 Ilehamwood Soldier sends thank-you to UNA Drive, DeKalb, IL 60115. Also available is Following is the text of a letter sent on 1/69th Inf being my unit back home. I a newly released Ukrainian edition of the January 17 to the Ukrainian National have just graduated high school this past book; price: $25 (including shipping). Association by PFC Nicholas Dubovici, June, where I attended a Ukrainian one of the Ukrainian American soldiers Catholic high school by the name of St. who received packages during the holi- George Academy in Manhattan, N.Y. I Chapter 12 days from the UNA. have attended St. George School for 13 The Best of Times, years, from kindergarten until 12th The Worst of Times My name is Private First Class grade. During my high school years, I Nicholas Dubovici, and I recently was an intern for the Ukrainian Congress Trouble within the Ukrainian Congress received a package from your organiza- Committee of America, working under Committee [of America], brewing for tion. First and foremost, I would like to Tamara Gallo and alongside Elizabeth years, came to a head in 1980. There were thank you all for taking time out to rec- Szonyi. Miss Szonyi was also my history two major causes, the growing insensitivi- ognize the many Ukrainian American teacher during my high school years. soldiers currently deployed overseas. I am proud to call myself a Ukrainian It was a heart-warming surprise to American soldier trying to help the peo- know that your organization put together ple of Iraq, especially knowing that I a Christmas package understanding that have support from so many people back the holidays are some of the hardest in the states and around the world. Young UNA’ers times to be away from home, family and Thank you and God Bless. friends. I am a 19-year-old soldier from the PFC Dubovici, Nicholas New York National Guard, with the PS: Keep up the good work! ìäêÄ∫çëúäàâ çÄêéÑçàâ ëéûá, ßÌÍ. THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Inc. The largest and oldest Ukrainian fraternal, founded in 1894.

P.O. Box 280, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 tel: (800) 253-9862; fax: (973) 292-0900; website: www.unamember.com; e-mail: [email protected]

The Ukrainian National Association cordially invites the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church and the community to attend a UNA archival photo exhibit.

Roman and Alexander Swiatkiwsky, sons of Stephan and Kelly Swiatkiwsky of North Tonawanda, N.Y., are new members of UNA Branch 360. They were enrolled by their grandparents Harry and Emilia Swiatkiwsky.

Mission Statement

The Ukrainian National Association exists: I to promote the principles of frater- nalism; I Sunday, February 13, 2005 to preserve the Ukrainian, After the first and second liturgies Ukrainian American and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Ukrainian Canadian heritage and UNA representatives in attendance: culture; and I Christine Kozak - National Secretary to provide quality financial servic- Oksana Trytjak - National Organizer es and products to its members. Other UNA representatives and secretaries will be present As a fraternal insurance society, the and will be happy to answer questions relating to the UNA. Alexander Daniel Deputat, son of Jurij Ukrainian National Association reinvests and Kathy Deputat of Longmont, its earnings for the benefit of its members We invite you to visit the photo exhibit Colo., is a new member of UNA Branch and the Ukrainian community. and hope you take part in our raffle. 360. He was enrolled by his parents.

THE UNA: 110 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

COMMENTARY THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY A spurious attack on Kuropas Neo-McCarthyism is alive and well

A little over a week ago, the Knight Ridder chain released a news story titled by Dr. Bohdan Vitvitsky some things that some consider “contro- “Activist critical of Jews was part of U.S. delegation to Ukraine.” The activist is Dr. versial” and all of a sudden the White It started with a newspaper article on Myron B. Kuropas, identified as an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University, House is “embarrassed” and some Jewish January 25 by Warren Strobel and who also happens to be one of the columnists whose writings regularly appear in this leaders are “dismayed.” Jonathan Landay for the Knight Ridder newspaper. (See story on page 4 of this issue.) The recipe for an article like the one I have a confession to make. I have on chain of newspapers titled “Delegate’s circulated by Knight Ridder is really quite simple: go online, do a search, piece many occasions found myself strongly Remarks Embarrass White House.” The together quotes – taking them out of context makes the writing easier – and voila! disagreeing with various things Dr. Thus, the Knight Ridder reporters found (or were given) two articles by Dr. first sentence of the article read: “A dele- Kuropas has written, mostly relating to Kuropas, one from 1996 and the other from 2000 (both published in The Weekly), gation sent by President Bush to the virtues he has imaginatively attrib- and one story about a speech he delivered in Toronto in 1998 (from Ukrainian Ukraine’s presidential inauguration last uted to the current administration and to News of Edmonton). Never mind that these are three pieces in a long and distin- weekend included a Ukrainian American his misreading of what happened during guished career, and that you can’t judge a person’s oeuvre by these few samples. activist who has accused Jews of manip- the Vietnam War. What do I do when I In the 1996 column, Dr. Kuropas writes about “the ethnocide perpetrated by the ulating the Holocaust for their gain and encounter a view with which I passion- Bolsheviks against the Ukrainian people” and the crimes of Soviet Communists. blamed them for Soviet-era atrocities in ately disagree? I do what any civilized Among the many topics that he mentions as “worthy of further exploration” – Ukraine.” person in American is expected to do, I including the Famine-Genocide, the killing fields of Vinnytsia, the destruction of The article identified the purported write in response and rebuttal and do my the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church sinner as Myron B. Kuropas. It went on best to explain why Dr. Kuropas is dead – is the “inordinate role played by Jews in bringing Bolshevism to power.” to explain that in 2000 Dr. Kuropas had wrong. In the article from 2000, Dr. Kuropas reviews a book titled “The Holocaust written: “Big money drives the Pray tell, since when is that not what Industry: Reflections on the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering” by Prof. Norman Holocaust industry.” And that in 1996 we do in this democracy? Since when is G. Finkelstein of the City University of New York. It is his citations of the and on other occasions, he wrote that it acceptable for someone who doesn’t author’s writing that are now being presented as Dr. Kuropas’s anti-Semitism. Jews played a major role in the rise of like what someone else says instead to And finally, there is the 1998 news story about a presentation by Dr. Kuropas. Once Bolshevism in the Soviet Union. About smear that other person by suggesting again, the quotations cited are taken totally out of context. Dr. Kuropas’s speech cen- this an “unnamed” White House official anti-Semitism and, through innuendo and tered on Ukrainophobia, but you wouldn’t know that by reading the stories that have said: “We were not aware of his previous implication, try and turn him into a pari- cited the talk. To be sure, Dr. Kuropas did criticize three specific Jewish groups for statements. Had we been aware of such ah? Since when are such intimidation their consistent efforts to portray Ukrainians as anti-Semites and to discredit the comments beforehand, we would not tactics politically kosher? Are we back in Ukrainian community, but he did not address those comments to Jews as a whole. In have invited Dr. Kuropas to be a member the early 1950s? Are we living in an era fact, the focus of his talk was on defending the Ukrainian nation from defamation. of the delegation.” of new McCarthyism? Since the original news story was published, the Kuropas “scandal” has been Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice- What was objectionable about picked up by other news media, and members of Congress have stepped forward to chairman of the Conference of Presidents McCarthyism is not that Sen. Joseph voice their opinions. In the process, the descriptions of Dr. Kuropas have escalated of Major Jewish Organizations, was McCarthy made Americans aware of the from “critical of Jews” to “accused of anti-Semitism.” Next, the accusations of apparently one of the Jewish-American danger posed by Communist influence in anti-Semitism were transformed into statements of fact. Thus, Rep. Rahm Emanuel leaders who was “dismayed” by Dr. the United States during and after World of Illinois referred to Dr. Kuropas as “a known anti-Semite,” while Rep. Jerrold Kuropas’s presence in the delegation to War II. The influence was real and danger- Nadler of New York called him “one of this country’s most vocal anti-Semites.” A Ukraine. Mr. Hoenlein stated: “It’s dis- ous enough. What was objectionable were letter writer in a local newspaper in DeKalb, Ill., went even farther, saying Dr. turbing to give him credibility and to put the bullying tactics employed indiscrimi- Kuropas was engaged in “anti-Semitic and Holocaust-denial activities.” him on the delegation.” He added that Dr. nately and the smear tactics used indis- As a result, Dr. Kuropas has found it necessary to issue a statement to the Kuropas’s argument that Jews played a criminately to destroy people’s reputations. press in hopes of telling the truth about his background and his writing. As a sign prominent role in the Soviet Union during We are apparently seeing a revival. of how far this smear campaign has gone, consider the fact that the first sentence its first few decades “is one of the great in a story in the Daily Chronicle of DeKalb, Ill., reads: “Myron Kuropas wants What is simultaneously the most inter- anti-Semitic canards in Ukraine today. esting and frightening part of the people to know that he is not a Holocaust denier or an anti-Semite.” The next day, at the daily State The truth is, Dr. Kuropas’s columns have always elicited strong reactions. Kuropas saga is its genesis. Given that Department briefing, the index for the Dr. Kuropas neither did nor said anything There’s nothing new about that. There are readers who don’t like what he says, there briefing listed a question about the are those who don’t like how he says it, and there are those who love his column. In prior, during or after his participation in Kuropas trip as “Reports of Anti-Semitic the delegation to the Yushchenko inaugu- short, he’s a columnist who is not afraid to express his opinion. And, just like the Member of U.S. Delegation to ration, how is it that he suddenly found columnists in any major newspaper (when was the last time you read The New York Inauguration.” Two days later, the himself in the glaring spotlight? The only Times or the Washington Post and agreed with every columnist’s opinion?), he has Chicago Sun-Times reported that two possible answer is that some organization his supporters and his detractors. He has written, and spoken, on a variety of topics congressmen, Rahm Emanuel of Illinois or person has a dossier on Dr. Kuropas – and he has criticized a range of people, organizations, institutions and govern- and Henry Waxman of California, had and then some people decided that his ments, including Ukrainian leaders and groups (our own publisher, the Ukrainian written to the president of Northern participation in the delegation was an National Association, among them). Dr. Kuropas has had plenty of time during his Illinois University, where Dr. Kuropas opportune time to teach Dr. Kuropas a career as a polemicist to make many people angry. has long taught in the College of lesson. What’s the lesson? If we don’t The Ukrainian Weekly has a history of running letters and commentaries from all Education, asking that this university like what you say, we can shut you up. quarters – including representatives of the Jewish community. Many of these have “re-evaluate” its relationship with Dr. Few allegations have as devastating an been reactions, pro and con, to Dr. Kuropas’s writing. Yet, we continue to publish Kuropas. In their letter, the two congress- effect as an allegation of anti-Semitism. them because we feel strongly about the need for a free press and the importance of men wrote: “as a participant in that dele- It’s the political analogue to an accusation freedom of speech. We believe our newspaper’s pages demonstrate that. gation, Mr. Kuropas refused to withdraw of being a child molester. If someone is We also know that Dr. Kuropas has been unfairly branded by the latest wave of anti-Semitic remarks he made as recently accused of anti-Semitism, our natural reac- attacks that has surfaced in the news media. We can only surmise that besmirching as the year 2000, when he stated: ‘Big tion is to cringe and move away from any his reputation is an attempt by someone to silence him. We also wonder: why now? money drives the Holocaust industry. To (Among the articles cited, the newest is nearly five years old!) There are many possi- association with that person. Anti- survive, the Holocaust industry is always ble explanations and myriad interpretations. But, we’ll leave that to the pundits. Semitism is moral leprosy. That’s why a searching for its next victim. Ukraine’s Right here and right now, however, we must underscore that Dr. Myron B. Kuropas specious charge of anti-Semitism is such turn is just around the corner.’ ” is no anti-Semite. The worst accusation one could reasonably make against him is an effective tool of character assassination. Let me get this straight. A man has for that, like many other commentators, he’s opinionated, acerbic and strident. Life must be good at the Conference of many years served the Ukrainian Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations American community in various leader- if the good folks there spend their days ship capacities. He has contributed time, worrying about whether Dr. Kuropas Feb. effort and money to help Ukraine. He has should have attended the inauguration in been a long, vociferous and uncritical Turning the pages back... Ukraine. News flash: if you don’t like cheerleader for the Bush administration. what he writes, how about taking the trou- The Bush White House understandably 6 ble to explain how and why he’s wrong? invites him as one of three representa- And, if new research has disclosed that tives of the Ukrainian American commu- Exactly five years ago, The Ukrainian Weekly published a Leon Trotsky, Lazar Kaganovich and 2000 nity to attend the presidential inaugura- news story by Interfax-Ukraine with the dateline of some of their friends who helped run the tion in Ukraine. He attends and comports Stockholm that reported on the Ukrainian government’s sup- Soviet secret police were really Irishmen himself appropriately. There is not even a port of the initiative by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine in disguise, please, don’t keep that a secret suggestion by anyone that this man did to set up a Holocaust museum in Kyiv. The story also noted that Kyiv was counting from us. (Of course, what relevance, if or said anything in the slightest that was on cooperation in that matter with the world’s Jewish organizations. any, any of this has to do with our lives inconsistent with his role as one of the The initiative was announced on January 27, 2000, in Stockholm, Sweden, by today is altogether another story.) community representatives at the Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko in his speech at the International Forum on the Various writers have expressed differ- Yushchenko inauguration. Then, some- Holocaust. ent views about how organized Jewry one “discovers” that this man has written “The Ukrainian people strongly take to heart the suffering of the Jews for they also treats the Nazis’ victimization of the experienced such horrors as war, famine, fascism and Stalin’s repressions. The very Jews. They include leading historians existence of our nation, its language and culture, were denied,” the prime minister Bohdan Vitvitsky is an attorney, writer such as, for example, Peter Novick in and lecturer who holds a Ph.D. in philos- (Continued on page 22) ophy. (Continued on page 16) No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 7 NEWS AND VIEWS Faces and Places

Pope speaks about Auschwitz, by Myron B. Kuropas but blunders on Soviet role by Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk tion, in 1991, Moscow’s men changed their tune, chanting about “20 million He was not speaking ex cathedra. Russian war dead.” More recently those My greatest orange moment “Absolutely” was the answer. “But as Catholics would be obliged to accept his losses were inflated to “27 million Like most Ukrainians I’ve had many statement as infallible if he had. Russian war dead” by the former KBG orange moments during the past two I’m sure you know,” he added, “there’s So, thank God, he wasn’t. For the holy Colonel who rules Russia, Vladimir Putin. months. They began with the orange tent only so much we can do. Success in the father was wrong. Undeniably, the Soviet military suf- city. Then there was the orange Supreme end will depend on the Ukrainian people His words were delivered on January fered enormous casualties, for which Court declaring the first election fraudu- themselves.” Right. 27, the 60th anniversary of the liberation Stalin was much to blame. He ignored lent. Next came the orange call for a new “Ukraine will be a reliable partner in of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Underscoring credible evidence of Hitler’s plans for election. Finally there was the second the fight against old and new threats: the importance of historical accuracy, the invading the USSR. He had most of the election ending in the orange victory of tyranny, war, poverty, natural disasters pope remembered not only the horrors Red Army’s senior officers executed in Viktor Yushchenko. and terrorism,” President Yushchenko that befell Jews but recalled how the 1937-1938. More telling is how, when My greatest orange moment, however, declared during his remarks. “We set Roma, the Gypsies, were also singled out Operation Barbarossa began, June 22, was in Kyiv. I sat in the parliament before us ambitious tasks. I am fully con- for extermination. Likewise, he paid 1941, millions of Soviet soldiers surren- gallery as Mr. Yushchenko was sworn in vinced in the very fiber of my being that attention to his own nation, the Poles. dered or defected rather than fight for as Ukraine’s third president. Later, I was soon they will be turned into glorious Despite their great sacrifices in the strug- Stalin. Some even volunteered to serve in a VIP section on the maidan listening deeds ... This square is the symbol of a gle against the Nazis he noted they were alongside the Germans, to free their to Ukraine’s new president addressing free nation that believes in its power and “sold into slavery to another destructive homelands from communism. They were the people of Ukraine, thanking “God creates its future on its own.” Amen. ideology ... Soviet communism.” Indeed remarkably naive. Most Soviet POWs who gave us faith, hope and love. We Standing there on the maidan I was they were, although they were not the were murdered. In Nazi eyes all Slavs won a great victory with these gifts,” he proud. Proud of being of Ukrainian only nation so betrayed. were “untermenschen,” subhumans. True, said, “I am praying that we will always descent. Proud of being an American, a Then the pope blundered, badly, not some were to be reserved from slaughter. treasure them in our hearts.” citizen of the greatest nation in the world. once, but twice. He wrote that “the histo- Helots were needed to till the land and Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians Proud of President Bush who in his inau- ry of the Soviet Union’s role in [the war] create a “lebensraum,” living space, for stood in the square and listened as President gural address re-committed our country to was complex” and that “it must not be the Aryan Master Race setting out to con- Yushchenko thanked them for the great trust spreading democracy throughout the forgotten that ... the Russians had the quer, racially cleanse, then colonize the they had placed in him. It was a spiritual world. “The survival of liberty in our highest number of those who tragically East, particularly Ukraine. The majority of moment for all of us. We stood there, listen- land,” said President Bush, “increasingly lost their lives.” the indigenes were not, however, sched- ing, barely moving. We were solemn, almost depends on the success of liberty in other Complex? Has His Holiness truly for- uled to survive that project. They were as if we were in church. Some of us were lands.” Ukraine is on its way. Iraq’s recent gotten that by the time Auschwitz’s infa- regarded as just so many useless mouths. crying, tears of joy. Hope was in the air. election suggests that Baghdad is as well. mous aperture opened, in June 1940, In defense of historical accuracy, as Earlier, as the American ambassador’s car As many Ukrainians know by now, Hitler’s legions, in cahoots with the Red championed by John Paul II, let us agree, went by, one could hear shouts of “USA, some malcontents decided to rain on my Army, had already dismembered Poland, evermore, that “Soviet” military losses USA.” We were in the new Europe. Truly. orange moment. Ukrainophobes and their that France had fallen, and that Norway, will not be equated with “Russian” ones, Much of the credit for the Orange Ukrainian fellow-travelers attempted to the Netherlands, and Belgium had, too? for not every Soviet solider was ethnical- Revolution, of course, belongs to the Bush smear my integrity and character. Shame on Indeed, the Battle of Britain was about to ly Russian. And, as the distinguished administration. The United States pumped Bush for sending an “anti-Semite” to Kyiv, begin. Before it was over, mid-May British historian, Prof. Norman Davies, some $58 million into Ukraine during the they said. The White House, they argued in 1941, 43,000 British civilians were recognized, let us remember that no past two years. The money was well spent. effect, had not vetted the American delega- killed, another 139,000 injured. nation suffered as many civilian losses in Quietly and without a lot of fanfare, the tion. This entire tawdry affair had one pur- There are still veterans about, even some Nazi-occupied Europe as did Ukraine, a money went to democracy-building organ- pose: smear President Bush. of the pontiff’s fellow Poles, who can con- catastrophe added on to the many mil- izations which spent it well. Enough said. One Ukrainian, demonstrating “politi- firm the war began September 1, 1939, that lions who perished during the genocidal What happened in Independence Square cal brilliance” of a rare variety, wrote the Soviet Union was allied to Nazi Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Soviet was not a spontaneous event. It was planned that according to his “grapevine,” two Germany then, and that, as the blitzkrieg Ukraine, the Holodomor. and orchestrated long before the November Democrats were scheduled to go on the unfolded, the Red Army backstabbed the I am sure the Pole who became pope election. Pora had worked out the logistics. trip, not two Republicans. Wow! No collapsing republic, on September 17, always understood that Ukrainians were The tents were ready to go. Everything fell grapevine here. Just sour grapes. into place like clockwork, surprising and 1939, intervening to supposedly protect the not Russians, not then, nor now. As for I was soaked by the downpour but not throwing the old guard off balance. Before Ukrainians and Belarusians of eastern President Putin, he was certainly remind- drowned. Many Ukrainians called or sent the bad guys could react, hundreds of thou- Poland. NVKD executioners soon ed of that by Ukraine’s Orange me e-mails, expressing their support. No sands of Ukrainians were in the square. butchered their Polish POWs, at Katyn, Revolution. Perhaps he even thought of words can adequately express my gratitude. Vladimir Putin fumed. Leonid Kuchma and began to liquidate the very peoples these things as he stood beside a demo- When two Jewish Democratic congress- flew to Moscow for advice. Some they had ostensibly arrived to free, continu- cratically elected president, Viktor men (one from California, for Pete’s sake) thought was given to creating another ing their bloody work in Bessarabia and Yuschenko, a second-generation went to the press and demanded that the Tiananmen Square, but that idea fizzled then in the Baltic states. Even after the two Holocaust survivor whose father, Andriy, president of Northern Illinois University quickly when it became apparent that the dictators fell out, their killers continued was once a POW at Auschwitz. Bigots fire me for being an anti-Semite, the presi- killing. Understandably, many eastern who have stereotyped Ukrainians as noth- Ukrainian police and military were not prepared to shoot their own people. dent refused. That took incredible courage. Europeans welcomed the Wehrmacht as ing more than collaborators or camp Am I wounded? Probably. Am I dead? liberators, not realizing until too late that guards went dumb for a day at Auschwitz, During the return flight I had an opportu- nity to talk with Secretary of State Colin No. Will the calumny stop? No. Bullies the Nazis were bent on the exploitation, although their handicap cannot be counted are still out there. Those who thrive on enslavement and even extermination of upon to last, unfortunately. Powell. He came to the front of the plane, all smiles, clapped me on the back and said, hate will continue their evil work, but many of those they subjugated. The holy father is probably thinking, they won’t triumph. During and after the war Soviet apolo- even now, of other war-related dates he “Did we put on a show or what, professor?” gists downplayed Stalin’s collaboration may be asked to mark this year. For We chatted a while and then I asked, with Hitler, instead highlighting their loss- example, 65 years ago, June 10, 1940, “Will the U.S. continue to support Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is: es in the struggle against fascism, “The Mussolini’s fascist Italy attacked Great Ukraine?” [email protected]. Great Patriotic War.” Once upon a time Britain and France, just as the doors of they claimed “20 million Soviet war hell opened at Auschwitz. On that day dead.” Soon after the USSR’s disintegra- Adolf’s other ally, “Uncle Joe” Stalin, cheered from the sidelines, witnessing Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of Western Europe’s great powers fall upon political geography at the Royal Military each other. How the bishop of Rome will College of Canada. celebrate that anniversary I cannot divine.

The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. Letters should be typed (double-spaced) and signed; they must be originals, not photocopies. The daytime phone number and address of the letter-writer must be given for verification purposes. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Dr. Myron B. Kuropas en route to Kyiv. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

UCCA delegation meets Tymoshenko, participates in inaugural festivities by Tamara Gallo Olexy vibrant woman, on whose shoulders lies the 2006, which will be critically important in investment opportunities. At the end of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America immense responsibility of building the terms of new democratic reforms. meeting, which lasted over an hour, Mr. future of Ukraine, the country she loves so The UCCA board members informed Tarasyuk expressed profound gratitude to NEW YORK – On the invitation of much. She embraced us as old friends,” Ms. Tymoshenko about UCCA activities the international election observers who the Organizational Committee of the commented Ms. Duplak. The UCCA dele- and its upcoming business forum in New participated in the presidential election in Inauguration of the President of Ukraine, gation discussed ways of strengthening York City in March, to which govern- Ukraine as part of the UCCA delegation in several leaders and members of the U.S.-Ukraine cooperation in the near future, ment officials of the new Ukrainian various regions of the country. Ukrainian Congress Committee of and the role of the Ukrainian American administration, as well as the business The UCCA delegation members were America (UCCA) arrived in Kyiv on community in these relations. community in Ukraine, will be invited as guests at the inaugural concert at the January 21 to participate in the inaugura- “I was struck by Acting Prime Minister participants. Ms. Tymoshenko expressed Ukraina Palance concert hall and the tion of President Viktor Yushchenko. Tymoshenko’s attention to transparency keen interest in the planned forum. “I “Black Tie and Orange Ball” in honor of Among them were Michael Sawkiw Jr., in government, as well as her stated com- want to thank you for your continuous President Yushchenko and his wife, president; Marie Duplak, executive secre- mitment to developing and supporting work to benefit our Ukraine, our people,” Kateryna, which was held at the tary; and Roksolana Stojko-Lozynskyj, small and medium businesses in Ukraine concluded the acting prime minister. Ukrainian Home. During the ceremony, member of the UCCA Executive Board. and of her recognition of the necessity of Earlier that day, the UCCA delegation the UCCA members had a chance to con- Within the framework of inaugural festivi- bringing Ukraine’s legal structures up to also held a meeting with Borys Tarasyuk, gratulate the new president, wishing him ties, the UCCA members took part in the European standards,” said Ms. Stojko- a member of the Parliament of Ukraine health, fortitude and success in his work inaugural ceremonies that took place on Lozynskyj. “Further, I was heartened by and chairman of its Committee on for the benefit of independent Ukraine. Sunday, January 23, on Independence the acting PM’s support of the diaspora as European Integration. The discussion cen- Witnessing the multitudes of people in Square along with approximately 1 mil- critical to Ukraine’s future success.” tered on issues of cooperation between the Independence Square in Kyiv, Mr. Sawkiw lion Ukrainian citizens. Ms. Tymoshenko underscored that the new Ukrainian administration with reflected: “This is a new independence day While in Ukraine, members of the UCCA presence of a large number of international Ukrainian diaspora, and prospects for for Ukraine as these people stood in this delegation on January 24 met and congratu- elections observers had played a signifi- U.S.-Ukraine relations in the nearest square for weeks on end, holding out hope lated Yulia Tymoshenko on her appointment cant role in ensuring free and democratic future, especially regarding issues such as for a true democratic electoral process. as the acting prime minister of Ukraine. “In election and stated that Ukraine will con- graduation from the Jackson-Vanik This inaugural day is about Viktor her office, we were greeted by a smiling, duct new parliamentary elections in March amendment, recognition of Ukraine as a Yushchenko, the Ukrainian people and market economy, and increased trade and their resilient spirit to overcome adversity.”

Journalists comment on role during Orange Revolution stands as his country’s president. Sens. McCain and Clinton... Both presidents have displayed a com- WASHINGTON – A panel of four The few journalists who relinquished (Continued from page 1) mitment to peace and the rule of law in Ukrainian radio journalists told a recent their fears of reporting the truth produced political freedoms has positioned Georgia as removing authoritarian governments. RFE/RL audience in Washington that the optimism among the Ukrainian popula- a stabilizing force in the Caucasus region. Their leadership has allowed millions in refusal of many Ukrainian journalists to tion, according to Kyrylo Bulkin, chief During the presidential campaign in Georgia and Ukraine to reclaim their buckle under government pressure and editor of NART Radio in Kyiv. He said democratic system and to build a society Ukraine, Mr. Yushchenko’s calls for full lie to listeners was a key factor ensuring that the actions of a few journalists and based on law and individual rights. democracy and an end to corruption met the victory of pro-Yushchenko forces the Ukrainian people helped save its We believe that the actions of obstacles from the government, including during the recent Orange Revolution. independence and democracy, overturn- Presidents Saakashvili and Yushchenko the denial of media access, official dis- This journalistic assertion of independ- ing decades of government corruption testify to the power of peace and human crimination and an alleged poisoning ence was a “mirror image” of the civil and repression. rights in their battle against oppression. society that was created during the crisis. According to Mr. Bulkin, the attempt. When Ukraine’s Central Recognizing these men with the Peace Prior to the election campaign, the Ukrainian government underestimated the Electoral Commission declared Prime Prize would honor not only their historic media was required to follow strict gov- power of the Internet. The Internet, Minister Victor Yanukovich [sic] the win- roles in Georgia and Ukraine, but would ernment guidelines in its reporting, said according to Mr. Bulkin, not only provid- ner in the November run-off election – also offer hope and inspiration to those Olesya Sadova, program director of ed information, it allowed Ukrainians to after massive and coordinated vote fraud seeking freedom in lands still denied it. Nezalezhnist Radio in Lviv. These guide- organize resistance to government efforts – Mr. Yushchenko urged peaceful resist- lines guaranteed favorable coverage for to falsify the election results. Internet sto- ance. By channeling the people’s aspira- Sincerely, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Ms. ries were reproduced in newspapers and tions for freedom and democracy into John McCain Sadova said that these restrictions caused were widely read. He said the Internet non-violent protest, Viktor Yushhenko Hillary Rodham Clinton an information blockade in eastern was especially important in western sparked the Orange Revolution, and now U.S. Senate Ukraine, which had little media access to Ukraine, an area where more people, par- independent sources of information. ticularly youth, had access to the Internet. Television contributed to challenger Stanislav Zaychenko, the director of changing the nation’s image abroad. Viktor Yushchenko’s victory, said Ms. Radio Three in Zaporozhia said that, Verkhovna Rada... Regarding Ukraine’s relations with Sadova. She said that Ukraine’s Channel although Mr. Yushchenko currently (Continued from page 1) Russia, Ms. Tymoshenko’s proposals call 5 reported “complete and honest” stories enjoys the support of approximately one- ple,” she wrote in the program, titled for “real and active dialogue” and deep- about the campaigns of both candidates. half to two-thirds of the population, he “Toward the People.” ening Ukraine’s role as the main transit Every region of Ukraine, according to personally remains concerned about two “New government policies would be route for Russian gas to Western Europe. Ms. Sadova, showed Channel 5 during things: that the government will once constructed on a clear set of principles: Ukraine must “define the level of its the Orange Revolution – either live or on again begin to give orders to journalists; honesty, openness, patriotism, profes- cooperation” with the Single Economic distributed CDs, despite the fact that and the possibility that the current eco- sionalism and effectiveness,” she wrote. Space that Russia is seeking to create access to that station was prohibited in nomic situation may still allow journal- Ms. Tymoshenko said that if she is among some ex-Soviet republics, the eastern Ukraine. ists to be bought. approved, President Yushchenko will program says – a significant step back immediately sign an order naming his from former President Leonid Kuchma’s Cabinet. pledge to link up with the group. The goals laid out in Ms. It notes that Ukraine should deepen Yushchenko’s mother dies Tymoshenko’s program follow the cam- its integration with Western organizations and continue to participate in NATO’s KYIV – Varvara Yushchenko, the children. paign promises that helped propel Mr. Partnership for Peace program, but mother of newly inaugurated Ukrainian She was the subject of a documen- Yushchenko to victory in this country’s makes no mention of seeking member- President Viktor Yushchenko, died on tary aired on January 31 on UT-1 tele- most disruptive election campaign ever. ship in the military alliance. January 31 at the age of 86. vision. The special was titled “Varvara Ms. Tymoshenko pledged to separate News reports said Mrs. Yushchenko Yushchenko of Khoruzhivka.” business from government and said that if Ms. Tymoshenko was the most visible passed away after “a long and serious Messages of condolences were sent Ukraine’s economy experiences growth – of Mr. Yushchenko’s allies during the illness.” She had been hospitalized in to President Yushchenko from around such as its tremendous 12.3 percent jump Orange Revolution. Side-by-side with Kyiv for the last few months, accord- the world, including the United States last year – the people should also notice a Mr. Yushchenko – and more than anyone ing to a statement from the president’s and Russia. change in their pocketbooks. else – Ms. Tymoshenko was the political press office. In his inaugural address on January The main tasks will be overcoming face of the mass movement. After funeral rites in Kyiv, which 23, President Yushchenko spoke of his poverty, creating more jobs and ensuring Ms. Tymoshenko will need to win a included a liturgy at St. Volodymyr mother: “I thank my mother, Varvara “secure and comfortable conditions for simple majority of 226 votes in the 450- Cathedral, Mrs. Yushchenko was laid Tymofiyivna, for her love and her life” for the nation of 48 million. Ms. seat legislature. Many lawmakers said to rest at the village cemetery in her prayers, which have protected me. I Tymoshenko also said the government she should easily get the necessary sup- hometown of Khoruzhivka, in the beg her forgiveness for all the pain that would strive to “realize the European port and expressed regrets about the Sumy Oblast of northern Ukraine. her maternal heart has had to endure, choice” – a reference to President delay in her approval Mrs. Yushchenko was born on especially in the past four months.” Yushchenko’s pledge to find a place for “I am embarrassed for the new author- November 27, 1918. She survived the Mrs. Yushchenko was predeceased Ukraine in the EU. ities, I apologize to the Ukrainian people Famine-Genocide and World War II, by her husband, Andriy, also a teacher Among specific proposals in the pro- for it,” said Yanukovych ally Nestor and was a teacher of mathematics in in Khoruzhivka, who was a survivor of gram were: ensuring access to free med- Shufrych. “I think that today the new Khoruzhivka. Widowed since 1992, the Auschwitz, Dachau and ical care, protecting intellectual property government should have shown its unity, she is survived by two sons, seven Buchenwald Nazi camps, where he rights, converting the military to full con- but they showed their greed for official grandchildren and three great-grand- was held as a prisoner of war. tract service by 2010, reforming positions and the country’s resources,” Ukraine’s corrupt judicial system and the national deputy added. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 9 Former Canadian PM reflects on Ukraine’s “crusade for democracy”

by Christopher Guly good time with him – I was very side Ukraine’s Consulate General in of “such a critical and, ultimately, suc- Special to the Weekly impressed,” Mr. Turner said recently in a Toronto on November 23 to condemn the cessful moment” in the history of a coun- telephone interview from his law office results of that vote. try he first visited as an Oxford law stu- OTTAWA – Former Canadian Prime in Toronto. In the end, though, all of the members dent in the early 1950s, Mr. Turner Minister John Turner still has many for- He added that he hopes that Canadian of the Canadian mission – 10 times larger admitted that it wasn’t easy deciding to eign elections to observe before he catch- Prime Minister Paul Martin (like Mr. in number than any previous Canadian spend Christmas away from his family. “I es up to former U.S. President and Nobel Turner, also a Liberal) will invite contingent sent to monitor a foreign elec- talked it over with my wife and my four Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter, who President Yushchenko to visit Canada tion – were paragons of impartiality, said children, and they felt there was a good regularly criss-crosses the globe to moni- soon, and Ambassador Maimeskul con- Mr. Turner proudly. “They did a remark- democratic purpose and that I ought to tor voting. firmed that such an invitation was in the ably good job. We didn’t have a single go.” But just weeks after heading the works. incident involving our delegation.” On December 24 he met with Canadian delegation that monitored the In Mr. Turner’s view, the friendship In his interim report, released the day Oleksander Zinchenko, manager of Mr. repeat second round of Ukraine’s presi- between Canada and Ukraine was after the final round of voting on Yushchenko’s campaign, and was sup- dential election on December 26, the 75- “enhanced in a remarkable way” through December 26, Mr. Turner noted “a num- posed to also meet that day with Mr. year-old Mr. Turner is a man in demand the interest shown by Canadians in ber of irregularities and infractions.” Yanukovych’s campaign manager, Taras for the role he played in what he dubbed “sponsoring democracy” in a country he Some complaints were minor: polling Chornovil. “I showed up at his office, but “a crusade for democracy.” hopes has now begun “a new era.” stations without ballots or voter lists, or he got called away to a meeting,” said Over the past month, he addressed More than 4,000 Canadians were will- both, the night before the election. Other Mr. Turner. nearly 1,000 guests who attended a din- ing to spend Christmas in Ukraine. But issues raised were more serious, includ- The next day the former PM also had a ner, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian only 463 were selected to be official ing the “most egregious example” of 90-minute meeting with Yaroslav Congress, at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. observers by CANADEM, the Canadian harassment in a poll in the mainly Davydovych, head of Ukraine’s Central Before that, in Winnipeg, he was asked to government-funded, Ottawa-based inter- Russian-speaking, eastern Ukrainian city Election Commission to discuss election spend about 10 minutes talking about national peace and security organization. of Donetsk, where voters were forced “to procedures and the Canadian mission’s recent events in Ukraine at the Manitoba Mr. Turner said that before members reveal how they had voted prior to purpose and concerns. Historical Society’s annual dinner, of the Canadian mission left Ottawa to be depositing their ballots” while an election But Mr. Turner didn’t miss celebrating though the main focus of his speech was deployed to monitor voting in 17 of official stood by and did nothing. the Yuletide season. Canadian the 190th birthday celebration of one of Ukraine’s 25 regions – or, in the case of However, Mr. Turner said that based Ambassador Andrew Robinson and his his predecessors, Sir John A. Macdonald. 110 observers, dispatched to work with on what he saw when he visited several wife, Regina, invited him to share If he hadn’t a previous commitment the Organization for Security and polling stations in Kyiv, as well as in a Christmas dinner with them in Kyiv. opening Christian Unity Week at the Cooperation in Europe – he gave them town and a village in the Chernihiv And, earlier in the day on December Anglican Cathedral Church of St. James some advice. “My caution to them was Oblast, the mood was “positive, upbeat, 25, Mr. Turner went to the English- in Toronto, Mr. Turner would likely have this was a Ukrainian election, not a disciplined and well-organized,” and speaking Roman Catholic Cathedral of been back in Ukraine on January 23 to Canadian election, and our invitation was polling clerks were “very competent and St. Alexander to attend a “great English attend the newly elected Ukrainian presi- to be observers only,” he explained. knew what they were doing.” mass, with a great choir and a priest from dent’s inauguration in Kyiv. Mykola Mr. Turner said he asked that everyone As he explained in his report: “These Ireland – Father Paul Roche. How do you Maimeskul, Ukraine’s ambassador to remain “neutral and impartial and silent.” polling stations would have done credit like that?” Canada, told The Ukrainian Weekly that That message was especially relevant to Elections Canada in any of the eight Not ruling out making a fourth visit to President Viktor Yushchenko had invited to those observers who felt that Mr. campaigns that I contested.” Ukraine, Mr. Turner said he would also Mr. Turner to be present for the historic Yushchenko was the rightful victor in the As it turned out, some Ukrainians consider heading up another Canadian moment. second round of voting on November 21, were aware of Mr. Turner’s place in his- election observer mission. “It would The former Canadian prime minister 2004, when Ukraine’s Central Election tory as Canada’s 17th prime minister. “In depend where and under what circum- and the future Ukrainian president know Commission declared that his opponent, some of the polling stations, there were stances,” he explained. each other; they first met at a Ukrainian now former Prime Minister Viktor people who had relatives in Canada and “I was confident there was a reason- Canadian community event in Toronto in Yanukovych, had won despite reports of knew who I was,” he explained. “I think able chance for [the December 26 vote] May 2003, when Mr. Yushchenko also massive fraud. they were pleased that we’d sent some- working well as a free and open election visited Ottawa. Indeed, Mr. Turner was among the body of some prominence,” he added. in Ukraine. “That might not be the case in “I sat next to him at lunch and had a nearly 2,000 protesters who gathered out- Though he was glad to have been part other parts of the world,” he commented.

Ukrainian-Americans... (Continued from page 1) with us,” Ms. Andryczyk said. “It was an honor and a privilege. I wanted to remem- ber the moment. I wanted to remember the atmos- phere,” Ms. Andryczyk said of the scene inside the Verkhovna Rada. Both outgoing President Leonid Kuchma and former President Leonid Kravchuk – pres- ent during Mr. Yushchenko’s inauguration in the Verkhovna Rada – appeared “extremely uncomfortable” during the ceremony, she said. “Kravchuk’s applause was very meager and he looked very restrained,” Ms. Andryczyk added. Following the official ceremony inside the Parliament, the festivities moved outside to Independence Square, where Mr. Yushchenko addressed a crowd, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. A third member of the delegation, Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, called it one of the highlights of his life. Leslie Lautenslager “Standing in Maidan [Independence Square] I felt it Secretary of State Colin Powell (second from right) with Ukrainian American members of the official U.S. was a metaphor for a cathedral of hope because every- delegation to the inauguration of President Viktor Yushchenko, (from left) Myron Kuropas, Vera Andryczyk one was so still and reverent,” said Dr. Kuropas, an and Nadia McConnell. adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University. The professor also described being stirred emotionally ahead for Ukrainians. “There is obviously so much work for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky. during the event. “I was moved to tears,” Dr. Kuropas still ahead, but the sense there is that the shackles are The delegates traveled by motorcade to the center of said. “Seeing the joy on the faces of the people – it was a off,” she observed. the city, where they attended a number of pre-inaugura- feeling that I know I’ll never have again. I don’t think the And much of that enthusiasm could be seen in the tion functions and after the official ceremony traveled to people have ever been so united as they were on that day.” streets of downtown Kyiv just prior to Mr. Independence Square to listen to President The delegation left from Andrews Air Force Base in Yushchenko’s inaugural address on Independence Yushchenko’s inaugural address. Maryland on January 22 and flew with all of the regalia Square, members of the U.S. delegation said. “Secretary Powell and his wife stood through the cold accorded the secretary of state. Although the three “Everything clicked. It was like a big party,” Ms. and stayed for the entire address,” said Ms. Andryczyk, Ukrainian American members of the U.S. delegation Andryczyk said. “The sun came out, the sea of orange, who, together with Ms. McConnell, stayed for the inau- were seated in a separate area from Mr. Powell while on the people everywhere. It was incredibly friendly and gural ball later that night while the remainder of the dele- the flight, the retired diplomat did make his way to the very cordial. I never smiled so much in my life. There gation traveled back to the United States that night. delegation, where the four members of the delegation was so much pride.” Members of the delegation said they were honored to spoke about the situation in Ukraine. The U.S. delegation landed at Kyiv’s Boryspil airport have been chosen to represent the United States and said Dr. Kuropas said he asked the secretary whether the on the night of Saturday, January 23, and was greeted at they learned of being selected only days before the United States would continue to support Ukraine. Mr. the airport by U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst. January 23 inauguration. Powell said absolutely, but that the final decision on U.S. Following State Department protocol, the three “To have been given the privilege to participate when support for Ukraine rests with the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian Americans came off the plane just behind Mr. so many other people could have been there – I was Ms. McConnell also acknowledged a difficult road Powell and his wife, Alma, and Undersecretary of State really very touched,” Ms. McConnell said. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

flict. The ribbon of the 36mm silver Cross, introduced by the queen in 1854 medal was pale blue with yellow edges for conspicuous bravery in the presence (very reminiscent of the Ukrainian col- of the enemy. Unlike the other two FFOOCCUUSS OONN PPHHIILLAATTEELLYY ors) and shows a profile of the queen on medals it is not composed of shiny silver, by Ingert Kuzych, Roman Dubyniak and Peter Cybaniak the obverse. On the reverse, a Roman instead it is cast from the bronze of the soldier, armed with circular shield and cannons captured from the Russians dur- short sword, is crowned by a flying ing the siege of Sevastopol. Today the Victory. Special clasps could be affixed Victoria Cross is recognized as the for each of the major engagements: British Commonwealth’s highest military Crimean conflict collectibles Alma, Inkerman, Azoff (Azov; for the decoration for bravery. Part II British cigarette manufacturers had an navy), Balaklava and Sebastopol Last year the Canada Post honored the interesting custom in the past of includ- 150th anniversary of the V.C. with a pair Stamps (Sevastopol). Medals with one and four ing little collectible cards in their ciga- clasps respectively are represented in of stamps depicting the medal (in old and Although Crimea and Sevastopol have rette packages depicting topics that Figure 18. new designs; Figure 20). Sixteen stamps been commemorated on many stamps would be of interest to their (mostly Another award is the Turkish Crimea made up the border of the stamp pane in (both Soviet and Ukrainian), only a few male) customers. This practice was a Medal prepared in 1855 by the Ottoman a unique arrangement (Figure 21) that depict the Crimean War specifically. In clever scheme to encourage brand loyal- Sultan for the troops of the three allied allowed the central portion to be used in 1954, on the centennial of the conflict, ty, as well as cigarette consumption. We armies: British, French and Sardinian listing all 94 Canadians who have won the USSR issued a three-stamp set have been able to locate five such cards (Figure 19). These 36mm silver medals – the award. Conspicuous among the win- with a crimson ribbon bordered in green ners is Sgt. Filip Konowal, whose – depicted a cannon, weapons and the exploits were recorded in several articles four allied flags on the obverse, and an published in The Ukrainian Weekly last Arabic design on the reverse. Three types year and who won his decoration during were prepared that differed on the World War I. obverse in the arrangement of the flags – Concluding statement each flag prominently displayed for one of the three allies. The above-described items represent The third decoration is the Victoria only a sampling of the many types of

Figure 9. Set of Soviet stamps from 1954 issued on the centennial of the siege of Sevastopol.

(Figure 9) titled “Heroic Defense of illustrating Crimean War action scenes. Sevastopol.” The 40-kopek low value More such cards likely exist. Figure 13 depicts the Monument to Sunken Ships shows the fierce fighting that took place that stands in the harbor to this day. The at the Battle of Alma, 1854. The inscrip- 60-kopek value presents five heroes from tion on the back mentions that “A cap- the yearlong siege. The figure in the cen- tured Russian general said he expected to ter is Petro Kishka (1828-1882). Born a fight brave men, but he found red devils serf in the village of Ometyntsi, ... The Russians were utterly routed and Vinnytsia Oblast, he was forced to enter threw away arms and knapsacks in their the Russian navy by his landlord. He dis- headlong flight.” played outstanding courage during the Figures 14 and 15 show scenes from defense of the city. The two figures to his the Battle of Balaklava. In the first, Sgt. right have surnames of I. Dymchenko Major J. Grieve saves the life of an offi- Figure 12. A follow-up commemorative cancellation from September 4, 2004, and F. Zaika, respectively, and are likely cer surrounded by Russian cavalry in the (enlarged) again mentions the 2,500th anniversary, but displays ruins of the siege also Ukrainian, but we know nothing fur- charge of the Heavy Brigade. In the of Balaklava. ther about them. The high value 1-ruble other, Lt. A. R. Dunn saves the life of a stamp shows Admiral P.S. Nakhimov, comrade by cutting down three Russian who led the city’s defense. lancers who were attacking him from the Just last year Great Britain issued a set rear during the charge of the Light of six stamps showing six heroic individ- Brigade. For these actions both men won uals from the Crimean War (Figure 10). the Victoria Cross (V.C.), first awarded They were photographed by Joseph during the Crimean War. Cundall and Robert Howlett of the The card in Figure 16 shows Sgt. G. Photographic Institution of London. Walters saving the life of a brigadier During June and July of 1856, as troops general surrounded by the enemy at the returning from Crimea congregated at Battle of Inkerman. The final card Aldershot for a grand London parade, the (Figure 17) depicts Pvts. Hampston and photographers set up a temporary studio Bradshaw, who in daylight stormed and at Aldershot Camp, and it was here that captured a Russian rifle pit. They, too, most of their images were captured. received the V.C. Ukraine released a 45-kopiyka Medals Balaklava commemorative stamp in August of 2004, but it honored the 2,500th We know of two medals prepared anniversary of the founding of the city and especially for participants of the Crimean not the events of the Crimean War (Figure War and a third decoration that was first 11). A subsequent special cancellation from awarded during this conflict for conspic- September 4, 2004, indirectly honored the uous bravery. Figure 18 shows two fighting at Balaklava by showing ruined examples of the Crimean War Medal pre- buildings from the siege (Figure 12). pared by order of Queen Victoria in 1854 for all ranks and forces – British Army, Figure 11. Ukrainian first day cover of August 14, 2004, honoring the 2,500th Collectible cigarette cards Navy and Marines – engaged in the con- anniversary of Balaklava.

Figure 10. British stamps from 2004 showing returning members of the British Crimean expeditionary force. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 11

Figure 13. Cigarette card showing Figure 14 and 15. Cigarette cards depicting cavalry action during the Battle of Figure 17. Cigarette card of the auda- fighting at Alma. Balaklava. cious storming of a Russian rifle pit.

Figure 20. The Victoria Cross stamps issued by the Canada Post last year.

Figure 16. Cigarette card showing the rescue of a British general at the Battle of Inkerman.

Crimean War collectibles that are avail- able to the collector. We welcome infor- mation from others on different items they may have discovered related to this often-overlooked but extremely impor- tant chapter of Ukrainian history. The senior author of this article may be reached at the e-mail and postal address- es given below.

Ingert Kuzych may be contacted at P.O. Box 3, Springfield, VA 22150 or at his e- mail address: [email protected].

Figure 18. Examples of the British Metropolitan Wasyly... Crimean War medal. (Continued from page 4) interment at Glen Eden Cemetery. Following the interment, a memorial luncheon was held at the Holy Trinity Auditorium. The main celebrant of the funeral services was Archbishop John, archbish- op of Edmonton and the Western Diocese, acting primate of the UOCC. Concelebrants were Archbishop Yurij of Toronto and the Eastern Diocese, and visiting hierarchs and clergy of the UOCC. The passing of Metropolitan Wasyly has impoverished his brother bishops, together with the Rt. Rev. Mitred William Makarenko, chair of the Presidium of the Consistory of the UOCC, the members of the Presidium and Full Consistory of the UOCC, and Figure 21. Full pane of the Victoria Cross stamps. Ukrainian Canadian war hero his spiritual children – the clergy and Figure 19. The Turkish Crimea medal. Filip Konowal is among the 94 recipients listed in the center of the pane. laity of the UOCC. Metropolitan Wasyly’s loss is felt most deeply by his sons by marriage to Attention, Students! Paraskeviya (née Tymoffee) Fedak, who Throughout the year Ukrainian student clubs plan and hold activities. The Ukrainian Weekly urges predeceased her husband in 1976: Justice students to let us and the Ukrainian community know about upcoming events. Eugene Fedak; Jaroslaw Fedak, and Emil Fedak, along with their families; and his The Weekly will be happy to help you publicize them. We will also be glad to print timely news sister, Irene Melnyshuk; his niece and stories about events that have already taken place. Photos also will be accepted. care-giver, Nadia Hudyma; and his per- MAKE YOURSELF HEARD. sonal secretary, the Rev. Fr. Cornell Zubritsky. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

My team was a handful of rugged grant Sevastopol de-facto autonomy from individualists. Roman is a biomedical the rest of Crimea. “But people continue The scene in Sevastopol inventor from New Jersey who left to tune into Moscow, not Kyiv. Mr. Putin by Paul de Zardain Bureaucracy was of the surrealist genre Ukraine as a child refugee. Masha is a promised them visas and Mr. and payoffs for services were common journalist working at Moscow’s last Yanukovych promised to make Russian On New Year’s Eve, Kyiv’s from the polyclinic all the way to high- independent radio station, Echo an official language,” explained Ms. Independence Square might as well have er education. Moskvy. Viola is a German agricultural Bogdanova. been Tibet. Snowflakes were falling on Neither East nor West, Ukraine was economist specializing in Eastern During the day, people walked over to the maidan as hundreds of orange ban- stuck with a template of oligarchic capi- European development. Donat is a offer snacks and chat me up. The local ners fluttered in the wind. Children talism, followed by a plate of managed Fokker pilot from Luxembourg with a marriage market was a recurring topic, marched down Institutska Street with democracy à la Putin. Russians felt sorry second home in Odesa. Richard is a but so was the amount of money I flags strapped to their fishing poles. for their southern cousins, casting them political science professor from allegedly was being paid by U.S. authori- Further down on the Khreschatyk, Kyiv’s as rough-hewn peasants. A popular Sacramento, with a hankering for Yalta. ties to “secure” Sevastopol. I explained main boulevard, student protesters roast- restaurant in Moscow displays Ruslan, our team leader, is a strong- that I had paid my own way from ed chestnuts in an improvised tent city. Ukrainians in theme-park style, with a willed financial analyst from Edmonton. Moscow. The Ukrainian Canadian Kyiv was entranced by its commitment live granny caring for her chickens. Then there was Robert, a resettled Congress (UCC) was covering meals and to a cause. Were these the architects of Meanwhile, President Kuchma Manitoban with a love interest in Kyiv. our hotel expenses downtown, but the revolution? Yes – and they could hardly presided over a fiefdom in which clans As for myself, I work as an economics rest was out of my pocket. Then I must believe they had won. had a stab at policy-making in the analyst in Moscow. All of us flew to be of western Ukrainian descent, they The maidan, a popular name for Verkhovna Rada. Only in this environ- Crimea after two days of chaotic train- concluded. Independence Square, has been at the ment of corruption could assets like ing. With a cursory look at my last name, center of Ukraine’s democratic revolu- Kryvorizhstal, a giant steel mill, be sold On December 26 I was assigned to the conversation quickly reverted to capi- tion. Bright orange is the color of Our to his son-in-law. In 2000, a tape polling station No. 41, a public school tal flows. Ukraine, the party of Viktor Yushchenko. recording also linked Mr. Kuchma to outside of Sevastopol. District 224, for- In the logical warp of post-Soviet Since November, politicians have the killing of investigative reporter merly a string of villages on the road to democracies, election rigging is accepted stepped onto a techno stage here to Heorhii Gongadze. His body was later Balaklava, has grown into a charmless as a way to counteract the power of denounce the election fraud that would found by a roadside. Ukrainians housing project for former civil servants. money. Forget civil society or the human have handed the presidency to Viktor rebelled against this model, best exem- The side streets are cratered and reflect drive to adopt the innovations of others. Yanukovych. After considering 11,000 plified by the cult of the black the level of infrastructure you might Money is the kingmaker. election violations, Ukraine’s Supreme Mercedes-Benz. Given a choice expect in eastern Turkey, just south of Marina, a middle-aged Yanukovych Court ordered a rerun on December 26. between systems, they opted for here. The previous day our team had supporter, wondered whether internation- This time, Mr. Yushchenko managed a European liberal democracy. decided to keep an eye on this precinct al observers should not be dispatched to 7.8 percent lead over Yanukovych – an This is a hard pill to swallow if you because of its group dynamics. Observers Ohio instead of Crimea. She had a point, ample margin of 2.27 million votes. are a former naval officer from develop a sixth sense after visiting an but her comments reflected Kremlin Homo Sovieticus was on his deathbed, Sevastopol, Crimea. That is where I average of three polls per hour. Some tip- propaganda rather than reasoned criti- said an analyst. With him, on the night was posted with a group of seven other offs include lukewarm welcomes or cism. Russian PR men like Gleb table, was the ossified regime of Leonid international observers on December brusque movements, as when we stum- Pavlovsky have accused Washington of Kuchma. 26. Sevastopol is almost 750 kilome- bled into two commission members bankrolling agitators on the maidan. At dusk, the insignias of Georgia ters south of Kyiv and far from the copying lists from a previous election. At Moscow has been rife with speculation began to converge on the stage. The high-flying chants of the Orange my poll, the young secretary, Irina about how much they get paid per hour. presence of President Mikhail Revolution. Founded as a naval strong- Sulimenko, seemed easy prey for Olga Fed ad nauseam through Russian-lan- Saakashvili, Georgia’s reformist leader, hold in the days of Catherine the Great, Zabyamova, a commandeering commis- guage TV stations, Sevastopol needed lit- had been announced on large video it entered Russian lore for resisting an sion president. tle convincing. screens. Mr. Yushchenko himself was Anglo-Gallic siege in 1855. Soviet Taras, our regional leader, had told us The only serious violation at Ms. due to address the crowd ahead of the leader Nikita Khruschev transferred the that election observing is like playing Zabyamova’s polling station was when I midnight fireworks. His name was whole of Crimea to Ukraine in April spy. I began election day at 7:15 a.m by noticed she had not posted the campaign already being chanted in bursts of spon- 1954. checking the names of the first and last platforms of both candidates. According taneity. Close to the loudspeakers, a Today, 19th century limestone build- entries on the voting lists. No names can to Ukrainian election law (Article 74.5), group of Iranian teenagers soaked up ings grace the embayed harbor and tree- be added or marginal notes annotated. the official material should hang at the pop music, yelling at each other in lined promenades. The strategic city has According to the list, 2,056 people were entrance to each poll. A series of snap- Persian slang. Flags from several coun- evolved into a balmy seaside resort entitled to vote and the Territorial shots on my camera show the school jan- tries were captured by a camera panning despite its aura of secrecy. This is, after Electoral Commission had provided itor, a former naval officer, running away the audience: Canadian maple leaves, all, the main base for Russia’s Black Sea 2,092 ballots. I then tested the pens for with the posters to cut them up in a room half-moons from Azerbaijan, blue fields Fleet. The population of 400,000 is pre- invisible ink. Documenting each step on down the hall. “We do things differently from the European Union, dragons from dominantly ethnic Russian, an anomaly an official checklist can help back up any here,” he said. “Go back to America.” Wales and a grizzly bear from in a peninsula long a melting pot for allegations of fraud. Part of my job was That was the only ugly incident during a California. Greeks, Tatars, Jews and Genoese. What to remind the commission to stick to the day in which I visited 11 other precincts Kyiv had never been so hip. Last makes the city truly different, however, is regulations drawn up by the Central in District 224. November it taught the world a lesson. its legal status. Sevastopol is an inde- Election Commission in Kyiv. Checking The tedious process of counting By rejecting a rigged election, it found pendent metropolitan district on par with IDs is also important in Sevastopol, unused ballots, control ballots, spoiled a new national consciousness. Kyiv. where 73 percent of the population ballots and valid ballots lasted until 2:30 Following independence in 1991, A record 12,400 international retains Russian citizenship. Although a.m. Ms. Zabyamova developed a transi- Ukraine’s 48 million citizens had been observers turned up in Ukraine for the technically illegal, dual citizenship has tory speech impediment after pronounc- conditioned to think like a monolith. rematch between Messrs. Yushchenko proven a useful hedge against post-Soviet ing the word “Yanukovych” so many and Yanukovych. Many were Canadians insecurities. times. Yes, Yanukovych won in my dis- Paul de Zardain works as an econom- with family roots in Ukraine. Others, A local OSCE consultant, Liubov trict by 88.52 percent. The final tally at ics analyst in Moscow. He was an inter- with experience at polling stations in Bogdanova, said voters here see Mr. polling station No. 41 was 1,426 for Mr. national election observer in Sevastopol transition states, were sent by the Yushchenko as a usurper of their inalien- Yanukovych and 107 for Mr. with the delegation organized by the Organization for Security and able rights. After years of scuffles over Yushchenko. Thirty-seven people voted Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Cooperation in Europe from Sweden. sovereignty, Moscow and Kyiv agreed to against both candidates.

Fata Morgana travels to Ukraine to support the Orange Revolution by Lidia Hawryluk from the Yushchenko campaign to per- founder and leader, was featured on a put into words. “To be a part of history form on the maidan, their decision was Channel 5 Television interview. can’t be defined,” Mr. Kerekesha under- NEW YORK – On December 22, made. Travel arrangements were set and As the only musical ensemble repre- scored. 2004, Oleksij Kerekesha and the Fata the group began its adventure. senting the U.S. diaspora, members of Fata Morgana expressed thanks to Morgana band arrived at Boryspil Airport Fata Morgana was created by Oleksij Fata Morgana had the privilege of per- supporters who made this historic trip in Kyiv full of pride and enthusiasm for Kerekesha in 1988 in Kyiv. Since 1991 forming at the tent city before their his- possible: the Ukrainian Fraternal the Orange Revolution. Feeling the need the group has made its home in the United toric appearance on the central stage on Association, Self Reliance Credit Union to support the energy manifesting itself in States, playing at festivals, concerts, Independence Square in front of tens of of Jersey City, Self Reliance Credit Kyiv, the group felt that by performing dances and weddings. The members thousands of Yushchenko supporters. Union of New York, Ss. Peter and Paul their original musical compositions they include Ihor Shablovsky, Andrij The original compositions of Mr. Ukrainian Catholic Church of Jersey could show their support and help ignite Solodenko and Serge Kolomiets (the only Kerekesha echoed through the crowds as City, N.J., Stepan Maksymczuk, Stefka the cause. member not able to make the trip due to “Okean,” “Hamalia” and “Kyiv” created Maciach, Halyna Hawryluk, Ihor The decision to travel to Ukraine to family obligations). an atmosphere of pride and patriotism on Danylko, the Voskobijnyk family, support Viktor Yushchenko was a spon- During their visit to Kyiv, Fata the evening of December 26. Volodymyr Kozicky and Dunwoodie taneous and emotional one for the Morgana gave numerous radio inter- The pride and awe felt by the mem- Travel, Orysia Salak and Andrij group. Upon receiving an invitation views and Mr. Kerekesha, the group’s bers of Fata Morgana simply cannot be Cihovlyas. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 13

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

coffee to the tent city. She thanks them for ple start lining up to vote. Their passports their work, and they thank her. Young and have to be checked against their registra- From Kyiv to Irpin old, rich and poor in the spirit of this tion. Problems arise when some of the by Ulana Baluch Mazurkevich Ukraine. It is a very welcoming atmos- Orange Revolution are working together. voters who are not on the list insist that phere. People express kindness toward The tent city has its own hierarchy. There they registered. At this point they are sent I arrived in Kyiv on December 23, one another, and everyone is eager to are guards who are identified by their arm- to the courthouse to resolve this problem 2004, to be an international election help. I am told that since the Orange bands who keep control in the city, as well and to bring back documentation to allow monitor for the December 26, run-off Revolution the crime rate in the city of as patrol the perimeter of this encampment. them to vote. The courthouse is opened presidential election between Viktor Kyiv has dropped drastically; the Orange These “police patrols” are also used to pre- specifically for these elections. It is so Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych. Revolution has captured us, it has vent any incidents outside the tent city. very icy and cold outside that I am sur- Arriving at the center of the Orange enthralled us, it has changed us. I see a group of 50 or so elderly prised these people have the fortitude to Revolution, I am immediately caught up in In the middle of the wide Khreschatyk women and men carrying icons and plac- keep going back and forth between the the almost carnival-like atmosphere. boulevard stands the tent city. It is next to ards with signs denouncing Mr. polling station and the courthouse. They Everyone walking the streets of Kyiv is Independence Square, currently referred to Yushchenko: “Yushchenko is a Nazi,” are determined to make their vote count. swathed in the orange color, there is as the “maidan.” The tent city is a city onto “Yushchenko is the death of the At our polling station we are joined for orange everywhere: orange scarves, orange itself; it is closed off to cars as well as to Orthodox Church.” a short time by another international mon- caps and orange ribbons tied as arrn bands. pedestrians. Because of this blockage of one They are accompanied on both sides by itor, a deputy from the Russian Duma, Some of the women have elaborate orange of the main arteries of the city there are hor- orange-ribboned policemen” from the tent Nikolai Kurianovich. In the Duma, Mr. fringes tied around their boots, and in their rendous traffic jams, but no on complains. city. I find out that this is done to prevent Kurianovich is on the Committee on hair. As one Ukrainian actress there said to Everyone accepts this with a big smile. any incidents or any aggression by the National Security. He belongs to the LDP, me, “orange is such a happy color, and it is The tent city is fortified and encircled Yanukovych supporters and to prevent any a party headed by Vladimir Zhirinovsky. so becoming to both men and women.” with graffiti poster boards proclaiming: clashes between the two opposing sides. Mr. Kurianovich tells me ”I am here to Music is blasting everywhere. There “Yushchenko is the truth,” “Ukraine is and So the demonstrators are allowed their make sure that the elections are according are smiles on peoples’ faces. I have never will be,” “Ternopil for Yushchenko”; “Yes! freedom of expression, and this freedom is to law.” He further tells me that he wants seen so many smiling faces – and this in Yushchenko,” “Putin out of Ukraine,” etc. protected by the very side that they are Zhirinovsky to become president of There is only one entrance to this encamp- protesting against. Democracy is at work! Russia. I comment, “you want a Russian Ulana Baluch Mazurkevich, is presi- ment. To be granted entrance, appropriate empire.” He responds, “Ukraine should * * * dent of the Ukrainian Human Rights identification must be presented, and only be with Russia, with Belarus, with Committee, was an election monitor in if the administration of this city grants you Election day, December 26, 2004: It’s Kazakstan – we would all be in an eco- Kyiv on December 23-30, 2004. In 1991 entrance can you enter. At the entrance to the day of the presidential run-off elections nomic partnership.” He continues, “we, she traveled with members of Rukh to the tent city stands a chalk board and between Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor don’t want to be under the influence of campaign for the pro-independence ref- requests for the day are written on it. Yanukovych. We international election America and Europe.” Furthermore, he erendum. Ms. Mazurkevich is a former Today’s request: “We need coffee.” I see observers have all been assigned a region says, “tell America and her 50 states, as public member of the United States an elderly woman, who herself looks like to monitor. I am assigned to Irpin, 60 kilo- well as the 51st state of Israel, to stay out Commission on the Ukraine Famine. she needs assistance, donating a bag of meters north of Kyiv. of Ukraine’s and Russia’s business.” It’s We arrive at our destination, a former obvious which candidate he supports! factory. It is bitterly cold outside, the We leave the polling station at 11:30 p.m. streets are icy and the sidewalks have not However, the day is not ended. We been swept. It is difficult walking on the arrive at the Yushchenko campaign head- sheet of ice. Inside the polling place it is quarters, which are located at Kyiv- just as cold. Electric heaters have been Mohyla Academy at 1 a.m. The headquar- plugged in in an effort to heat the long ters is packed with the world media. They row of election officials. But the room have all set up their cameras in anticipa- never warms up. Outside the polling tion of Mr. Yuschenko’s victory place hangs a Ukrainian flag, there are no announcement. At 1:30 a.m. Victor posters espousing this or that candidate, Yushchenko appears on stage and and no campaign material is being passed declares victory. The hall goes absolutely out. At the polling station both candidates wild, chanting “Yushchenko,” have their representative. The electoral “Yushchenko.” Everyone is euphoric. Mr. commission that sits at each polling sta- Yushchenko addresses the assembled, and tion is headed by the commission head. thanks them for their support, then asks The election commission decides if a everyone to join him in going to the vote is valid or not. We, as international maidan to thank the “narod” – the people. observers, are there only to monitor; we I get a chance to speak to Katya cannot vote on the validity of a ballot. As Chumachenko Yushchenko, Mr. international election monitors, however, Yushchenko’s wife, and I ask her – “Is we bring a certain legitimacy to this elec- there anything that you need us to do?” toral process, and it seems that our very She replies, “Just enjoy yourself – Ulana Baluch Mazurkevich with a young “policeman” at the tent city on Kyiv’s presence keeps everyone on their toes. “zabavliaytesia.” This we all do until the Independence Square. The doors open and the masses of peo- wee hours of the morning.

apple orchard had grown. The village was that the polling boxes were sealed and not burned to the ground in late 1943, part of tampered with before the voting started. On assignment in Vasylkiv Hitler’s scorched earth policy as the The 16-member local election board at by Katya Bowers hand when the United States opened its German eastern front withdrew behind the polling precinct No. 1 in the Cultural Embassy in 1992. I served as a regional My husband, Hank, and I were observers Dnipro River to the west bank before an Center at Vasylkiv was very cooperative. director in Kyiv for one of the USAID assis- advancing Red Army. I was hoping to see for the December 26 elections in Ukraine The head of the board, Olha Hryhorivna tance programs to Ukraine from 1993-1994. Plysova again and to show my husband my under the auspices of UCCA. I was an Blyzniuk, explained carefully every step Therefore, I had to be there on ancestral village. observer for the parliamentary elections in she was taking in a procedure that was December 26, 2004, to observe the elec- At the UCCA headquarters, located at spelled out by election law. She invited us 1991 when Ukraine was still a Soviet social- tion of the first democratic president in the corner of Prorizna Street and the and the Ukrainian observers in the room, ist republic. I was there as an observer later Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko. I was happy Khreschatyk, the staff reassigned us to an representing each candidate, to examine that year on December 1 when the people of to have my husband participate with me, area close to Kyiv. Leaving the building, the four sealed polling boxes, the ballot Ukraine went to the polls to cast their votes also as an official UCCA observer. He is we had our first chance to take a closer forms and the pens – making sure they in a referendum on independence and to a non-Ukrainian, but firmly supportive of look at the tent city clearly visible from the were not filled with disappearing ink. She elect the country’s first president, Leonid his Ukrainian-born wife. foot of Prorizna. It looked like a permanent also allowed us to inspect each of the six Kravchuk. I was in Kyiv to lend a helping Our desire to be present at the historic encampment, with a press center, posted polling booths where voters would cast elections was almost thwarted by the late sentries and stoves inside the tents to fend their ballots in secret. There were 2,318 Katya and Henry Bowers, MD., live in arrival of our visas from the Ukrainian off the bitter cold. Later that day, December registered voters in that precinct. Hank Sanibel, Fla. Dr. Bowers is a retired Embassy in Washington. They finally came 25, we celebrated my birthday with our carried his camcorder and was able to pathologist who was the director of labora- 24 hours before our flight to Ukraine. Our longtime friends, the noted Ukrainian artist film the entire opening of the polling sta- tories at Mount Vernon Hospital in late arrival in Kyiv meant that we could not Oleksander Dubovyk and his wife, Iryna. tion. as well as the first voters to arrive. Alexandria, Va. Ms. Bowers is a Soviet go to Kharkiv as planned, because the team All in all, it was a full but happy day. From there we went on to other polling expert with 20 years’ experience in of observers to that eastern oblast had On the 26th we met our driver, Aleksei, places in the town: to precinct No. 9 locat- Washington, most recently as the WESTNIS already departed. It was a disappointment. I a Russian, at 6 a.m., in order to arrive at our ed in a factory with 2,236 registered voters, Regional Director in Kyiv for the was born south of that city in a village first polling station in Vasylkiv no later than and precinct No. 4 in a school with over Counterpart Foundation, a not-for-profit called Plysova. In 1993, 50 years after the 7:15. Vasylkiv is a small town just outside 800 registered voters. We encountered no organization funded by the U.S. Agency for Nazis drove us off our land, I stood where Kyiv on the same side of the Dnipro River. problems. Several times we found our- International Development to provide pro- our house once stood and walked along the We were instructed to be present before the grams to help the civil sector in Ukraine. rows of sugar beets where my father’s polling station was open at 8 a.m. to certify (Continued on page 23) 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

and evening. countryside swept by, but elated by the Our pair continued to visit various fact that we made sure democracy In the town of Kupiansk polling places, some more difficult to worked and that the people were able to by Yaromyr Oryshkevych possible cutting of electrical wires to the find than others, and I continued to film vote for the candidate of their choice. polling place, and that we were to video- the facilities and the conditions under Our presence possibly prevented the 6:1 Now it can be told. Ukraine had the third tape any and all such occurrences. which people voted. Some people had to margin from becoming a 10:1 margin (as (and final) round of its presidential elec- At about 5:30 a.m., our vehicles travel quite a distance in the snow – happened on November 21 in many tion, and democracy won. When the call stopped for a “smoke break” literally in many walked, some took public trans- places). By the time we arrived in went out from various monitoring organi- the middle of nowhere, with half a foot portation – to vote, but the voting com- Kharkiv, we found out that Mr. zations that they needed monitors to be at of snow covering the countryside and not mission provided buses for invalids who Yushchenko had already been declared the polls during the election on December another person or car in sight. After the wanted to come to vote (if they didn’t the winner (by CNN exit polls) by about 26, yours truly (and many of my friends, break, a couple of people got switched; have a physician’s certification, no vehi- 54 to 46 percent, but that the final results including Dr. Roman Serbyn, who became we had a new passenger, and we received cle would be sent to collect their vote, so wouldn’t be available for several more my traveling partner) heeded the call, made a repeat of the previous precautions. they had to come to the polling place to days. The Orange Revolution succeeded, reservations, and flew to Ukraine. By about 6:45 a.m., we arrived in vote in person), and they came. One eld- even though when we were in the eastern I found out upon arrival that there Kupiansk, got oriented and proceeded to erly lady who couldn’t even walk, was part of Ukraine we could show no colors were over 12,000 foreign election the first polling place, which I expected assisted by two burly men, cast her bal- observers, most from the U.S. and nor express any opinion. to be guarded by black-jacketed burly lot, and, when asked for whom she voted Canada, and that we would be sent into Several challenges by random individ- men with axe handles and ski masks. admitted that she voted for Viktor “hostile” areas, where the greatest fraud- uals at the polling places proved that we Instead, a smiling gentleman in a suit Yanukovych. Even though Mr. ulent occurrences were detected in the came as impartial observers, and that escorted us in, and a line of ladies at the Yanukovych was not thought of well by previous election. made other observers present feel at ease. sign-in tables welcomed us with smiles people in the western part of the country, On the evening of December 25 sever- At one polling place, an elderly gentle- and friendly greetings. (So far so good.) he was still the candidate of the east. al of us took a train from Kyiv to man came up to us and started to tell us We observed the entire procedure from Several more polling places later, my Kharkiv, found our hotel and located the what he thought of Mr. Yanukovych the opening of the safe, distribution of partner Constantine and I arrived at a site individuals for whom we carried “spos- (mind you, as a Yushchenko supporter he the ballots and signed petitions, the we visited previously and spent the was in a 5:1 minority, and he felt “safe” terihach” certificates which allowed them assembly and sealing of the voting boxes, to function as official election observers. remainder of the evening here, watching in expressing himself to us); our videog- to an explanation of what to do with indi- the last vote being cast, witnessing the rapher continued to film while this gen- I was then rousted out of bed at 4 a.m. viduals who cannot identify themselves – on December 26 and told that two vehi- closing of the doors, the announcement tlemen continued his diatribe; when he everyone needed a passport. Well, now of the procedures to be followed and the asked us what we thought, we empha- cles would carry a group of seven of us we’re getting better. (The bad guys must (plus two drivers) to a smaller city, opening of the voting boxes. Then the sized that we wanted to make sure that be hiding). counting began. I thought the woman the voices of the people of Ukraine Kupiansk, about two hours to the east, We left a couple of our people there, near the Russian border, where we would who repeated Yanukovych’s name 1,500 would be expressed through their vote, and after visiting another polling place, times would be in a straight jacket by the and that democracy would be the winner. do our poll watching. our cars split up, and we paired up and We were also told by people who had end of the evening, but she did well. Mr. He then quieted down, went back to his visited several more polling places. Yanukovych beat Viktor Yushchenko by place and we continued to observe. visited the area the day before that we Everywhere the poll workers were quite would be approached by burly men, ver- about 5:1; again, democracy at work. The black-jacketed burly men kept a friendly, the leaders were quite coopera- We followed the vehicles carrying the low profile, we were followed much of bally or even physically assaulted, our tive, with an occasional resistant one, and lives possibly threatened, our badges sealed packages of the certified ballots the time, cell phones announced our we filmed anything which could have and final counts to the central election departure from one place and approach to stripped from our jackets (we were told been remotely out of place. The occa- to put them away), and to be aware of the bureau, where we were to witness 170 another, but the foreign eyes that we lent sional black-jacketed burly guys were polling places post their results. By about to the proceedings, and the video cam- few and far between, and I certainly did- 7:30 the next morning all 170 reported, eras that recorded many of the events Yaromyr Oryshkevych volunteered to n’t see any axe handles. and Mr. Yanukovych had at least a 6:1 helped to maintain the principles we be an observer under the auspices of the We visited a local establishment that margin. The people were expressing their were trying to guarantee: free speech, UCCA. A resident of the suburbs of supplied us with delicious ethnic food will. one person one vote, majority rules, no Washington and a dentist in Waldorf, (the waiter could have used a little Dale By about 8:15 a.m. our remaining five verbal or physical intimidation – all Md., he was born in Zolochiv, Carnegie refresher), and over the meal some (the others left earlier) drove west spelling democracy for a newly emerging Halychyna. we plotted our strategy for the afternoon to Kharkiv, drooping and dozing as the country.

ent at the polling stations. In our case we nized by the CEC. visited nine villages. As an election observer, I have to On the ground in Khmelnytskyi In each case, we witnessed extraordinary admit that I couldn’t help but be by Andy J. Semotiuk country. The result was that on December poverty and a very hard life, but a very impressed by the importance of an honest 19, 2004, I became one of some 100 warm and friendly welcome from the per- election, the power of the ballot box, and In early December 2004 I sat in my observers from the United States who office in Los Angeles and watched on my sons in the village. Despite temperatures the extraordinary importance of a nation came to Ukraine to observe the election. below zero, the village halls where voting choosing its leader. While 12,000 computer as, day after day, news from Indeed, it was remarkable that the interna- Ukraine reached us. I was impressed by took place were not heated. People stood observers couldn’t help but influence and tional community would ultimately send around in winter coats and gloves. There educate the population of Ukraine in the discipline of the opposition and the 12,000 people to Ukraine to guarantee the fact that 2 million people were out in the were no washrooms, only outhouses in the proper electoral procedures, I am positive honesty of the presidential vote. The logis- middle of nowhere. This was particularly that each one of us also took home with streets of Kyiv demanding democracy. tical effort was very impressive indeed. Though I was busy, and didn’t exactly difficult for women, especially late at night us the realization that the very essence of Upon our arrival in Ukraine, each of us when one had to go out in sub-zero weather democracy is the expression of the will expect to welcome these developments was credentialed as an observer, briefed into my life at that moment, I began to in total darkness. Needless to say, hygienic of the people through the ballot box. extensively on Ukrainian election laws conditions were not of the highest quality. Furthermore, I have no doubt that realize that the events taking place in and our duty to be impartial, and sent to Ukraine were of historic significance. I In some instances, toilets basically consist- democrats in Russia have carefully been some region of Ukraine. In my case, I ed of a hole in the ground. There was no observing the results of the Ukrainian resolved that I should do what I could to was sent to the city of Khmelnytskyi support the efforts to democratize that medical care, no dental plan, no social pro- Orange Revolution, and have been along with another observer from Canada, grams – in short, none of the trappings of inspired by it. As President Jimmy Carter’s Prof. Maureen Marchak from Vancouver. modern-day life in the United States. The former National Security Advisor Andy Semotiuk is a lawyer from Los Typically, there were two observers, one value of human life in that society was sig- Zbigniew Brzezinski stated, if Ukraine Angeles. driver and one translator who were pres- nificantly less than it is for most of us in the goes democratic, Russia will have no

United States. There is a brutality about life choice but to follow. Bearing in mind that

901125 W IVAN SERNA 30 MONTGOMERY STREET JERSEY CITY NJ 07302 in Ukraine that emerges from the harsh eco- Russia holds some 20,000 nuclear nomic and social conditions that exist there. weapons, this is indeed a positive prospect. Don’tHelp yourself let andyour the Subscription subscription Department of Thelapse! Ukrainian Despite these stark conditions we encoun- Let me conclude by saying that when I Weekly by keeping track of your subscription expiration date (indicat- tered human warmth everywhere. We were traveled to Ukraine I carried with me a letter ed in the top left-hand corner of your mailing label (year/month/date) treated with great respect, and each village signed by Ken Petrulis as president of the and sending in your renewal fee in advance of receiving an expiration put forward its best in dealing with us. Beverly Hills Bar Association, expressing

notice. As far as the elections themselves the solidarity of the executive and entire This way, you’ll be sure to enjoy each issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, M 0000999 were concerned, by and large this time board of directors of the association with and will keep yourself informed of all the news you need to know. we found the elections were run honestly the members of the Supreme Court of and properly. Voter lists were prepared Ukraine and the courageous step they took Subscription renewals, along with a clipped-out mailing label, should be sent to: The Ukrainian Weekly, Subscription Department, 2200 listing each of the individuals entitled to in reversing the decision of the Central Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. vote. Votes were collected and counted Election Commission calling for a new properly and then reported accurately to presidential run-off election to take place on Subscription fees are: $45 for members of the Ukrainian National the Central Election Commission. Viktor December 26, 2004. This letter, together Association, $55 for all others. Please indicate your UNA branch num- Yushchenko ended up winning by an 8 with a translation, was passed onto the asso- ber when renewing your subscription. percent margin over his opponent. In ciate chief justice of the Supreme Court of subsequent days the result was recog- Ukraine, who welcomed it warmly. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 15 Virlana Tkacz receives literary fellowship for poetry translation

appeared in over 60 American literary Experimental Theater Festival. Yara also Serhiy Zhadan to read journals, is the author of the books performed the complete poem in a new “Wake-Up Calls: 66 Morning Poems” theater piece titled “Swan,” which works at Bowery Poetry Club (Soft Skull Press), “Lunch Poems” played at La MaMa and Harvard in the NEW YORK – Virlana Tkacz, found- (BOOG Literature), “Your Last Illusion or summer of 2003. Yara’s “Song Tree” ing director of the Yara Arts Group, a res- Break Up Sonnets” (Situations) and (2001) was based on their translations of ident company at La MaMa Experimental “Zither Mood” (a Faux Press CD-Rom). traditional songs from Poltava, Polissa Theater in New York, recently received She is a contributing editor for the and Pokuttia. the National Endowment for the Arts Internet journal Big Bridge and has served Contemporary Ukrainian poetry in the prestigious Poetry Translation Literary on the literary board for the New York original and in translations by Ms. Tkacz Fellowship to translate the recent work of City – based literary magazine Lungfull! and Ms. Phipps served as the base for the Serhiy Zhadan – the most popular poet of Her work can currently be found in “Poetry in Performance” workshops Yara the post-independence generation in the anthologies “The Portable Boog conducted at Harvard Summer School Ukraine – from Ukrainian into English Reader” (BOOG Literature), “Oblek: for 11 years. Every summer Ms. Tkacz with her long-time collaborator, African Writing from the New Coast” (Oblek directed students in an evening of per- American poet Wanda Phipps. Editions), “The Unbearables” formances created using contemporary Ms. Tkacz was born in Newark, N.J., (Autonomedia), and “Verses That Hurt: Ukrainian poetry as texts. and educated at Bennington College and Pleasure and Pain from the Poemfone Yara has also produced 10 major poet- Columbia University. She first started Poets” (St. Martin’s Press). ry and art events at the Ukrainian translating Ukrainian poetry with Ms. As a founding member of Yara Arts Institute of America on East 79th Street Phipps in 1989, when the two were work- Group Ms. Phipps has collaborated on in Manhattan. For instance, 20 transla- ing together on Yara’s first theater piece, numerous theatrical productions present- tions by Ms. Tkacz and Ms. Phipps were “A Light from the East,” which included a ed in Ukraine and Siberia, as well as in Vitali Horbonos interpreted in 1999 as installations by number of poems by Pavlo Tychyna. Ms. New York City at La MaMa, E.T.C. Virlana Tkacz visual artists for the festival “Poetry Phipps and Ms. Tracz have continued Previously, Ms. Tkacz and Ms. Phipps Installations and Performances.” The working on translations of contemproary were awarded the Translation Prize given Ukrainian poems about Chornobyl for installations included an experimental Ukrainian poetry ever since, and recently by Agni Review and Boston University, Yara’s production of “Explosions.” Agni film by Joel Schlemowitz inspired by have also started translating traditional as well as the National Theater Review published their translation of Atilla Mohylny’s “Bridge Crosses the folk songs and incantions. They first trans- Translation Fund Award. They are recipi- Natalka Bilotserkivets’s “May” from this Pond”; an assemblage by Watoku Ueno lated poems by Serhiy Zhadan in 2002 for ents of seven translation grants from the show. Their translations of Vasyl based on Oleh Lysheha’s “Mountain”; Yara’s “Kolo Nas” (Around Us) series of New York State Council on the Arts for and a series of striking black-and-white new poetry, art and music in Kyiv. Yeroshenko, a blind Ukrainian poet who traveled to Japan in 1914 and wrote in photographs by Margaret Morton that Mr. Zhadan’s work speaks to the disil- were a response to Oksana Zabuzhko’s lusionment, difficulties and ironies of life Japanese, became the basis of “Blind Sight.” Next, they translated one of the “Letter from the Summer House.” that the collapse of the Soviet Union has Ms. Tkacz’s and Ms. Phipps’s transla- brought to the country. Once, the enfant best-known Ukrainian dramas, Lesia terrible of Ukrainian letters, now 30, he Ukrainka’s verse play, “Lisova Pisnia” (Continued on page 21) is acknowledged as the most important (The Forest Song). Yara’s “Forest Song” poet of the current decade, as well as one was based on this work and also included of the leading voices of the last century. a number of their translations of contem- The anthology “A Hundred Years of porary poetry. The piece opened in Lviv Youth: Bilingual Anthology of 20th (May 1994) and at La MaMa in New Century Ukrainian Poetry” (Litopys: Lviv, York (June 1994) to excellent reviews. 2000) which included the 100 best poets of Yara’s next piece, “Waterfall/ the 20th century, concluded with a selection Reflections,” incorporated ancient of Mr. Zhadan’s work. His most recent pub- Ukrainian songs and incantations, as lished poetry book, “History of Culture at well as contemporary poetry by the Turn of This Century” (Kyiv, 2003), has Ukrainian women in translations by Ms. been the talk of literary circles in Ukraine. Tkacz and Ms. Phipps. Mr. Zhadan’s audience is young and “Waterfall/Reflections” premiered at La vocal, filling up large auditoriums for his MaMa (January 1995) and played at the readings and snapping up his books. Mr. Vitali Horbonos festival of experimental theater in Kyiv Zhadan has also earned deep respect Serhiy Zhadan (April 1995). The New York Times among fellow poets and literary critics. called it “a theatrical enchantment.” Mr. Zhadan will read his new work at their work with Ukrainian poetry, as well Yara’s projects “Virtual Souls” (1996- the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (at as three for their work with Buryat mate- 1997) and “Flight of the White Bird” First Street) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, rial. They have also received numerous (1997-1999) were inspired by Oleh February 17, with Ms. Tkacz and Ms. awards for their translations with Sayan Lysheha’s long poem “Swan,” and Phipps reading their translations of the Zhambalov of Buryat shaman chants. included translated sections of the poem. poet’s recent verse, in a program that is Their translations have been integral These projects were performed at La free and open to the public. to all the theater pieces created by Yara MaMa, at the Buryat National Theater in Joel Schlemowitz Ms. Phipps, whose poems have Arts Group. In 1991 they translated Ulan Ude and in Kyiv at the Wanda Phipps Specialist discusses contemporary Ukrainian jazz by Yaro Bihun jazz is on the rise – in Ukraine. Special to The Ukrainian Weekly The fourth hit on the Ukrainian jazz search happened to be a lengthy report on WASHINGTON – If one were to do a www.jazzhouse.org written by Larry Google search on the Internet for articles Appelbaum, a jazz specialist and senior stu- that contained the words “Ukrainian” and dio engineer at the Library of Congress “borshch” on the one hand, and “Ukrainian” who recently visited Ukraine to discuss that and “jazz” on the other, which would be art form with jazz musicians, composers, expected to get more “hits” (resulting article technicians, journalists, students and fans in links)? Kyiv and Lviv. His visit on November 7-13, Most Ukrainian Americans would bet on 2004, was organized by the U.S. Embassy the borshch (or its Manischewitz spelling in Kyiv to launch its 2004-2005 “Open “borscht” or its other variant “borsch”). Lands” music project. They would be wrong – very wrong. A week ago, on January 27, Mr. In a recent test, the “Ukrainian” and “bor- Appelbaum shared his experiences and shch” combination got 21,800 hits, played some examples of contemporary “borscht” got 9,020, and “borsch” came in Ukrainian jazz during a lecture and discus- last with 3,560. “Ukrainian” and “jazz” got sion at the Ukrainian Embassy in 157,000 hits – almost five times more than Washington organized by the Cultural Fund all of the borshch varieties combined. of The Washington Group. How could there be so many instances To introduce the audience to the jazz of of Ukrainian jazz on the Internet? Ukraine, Mr. Appelbaum played a piece by While our knowledge of the subject may Library of Congress jazz expert Larry Appelbaum (left) discusses his recent visit guitarist Enver Izmailov as an example of be limited to the Ukrainian Canadian jazz to Ukraine following his lecture about jazz in Ukraine. Listening in are Larysa pianist John Stetch and his music, Ukrainian Kurylas (center) and Svitlana Shiells, director of the TWG Cultural Fund. (Continued on page 23) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

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explain Britain’s position. Under the logic of positive direction. There is a widespread relations with Russian President Vladimir Yushchenko outlines... “deepening” versus “widening,” Britain view in the West, as echoed in the media and Putin, continue to look at Ukraine (Continued from page 2) should promote Ukraine after Turkey. Yet, among government ministers, that Ukraine through Russian eyes. They also continue the path that leads to membership is a ques- London isn’t, and Britain’s policy is contra- has now “earned” its place in Europe. to see Russia as a useful counterbalance tion diplomats try hard to avoid.” But now dictory. The Times (January 25) explains As EU External Affairs Commissioner to an American hyper-power. that the EU has agreed to admit Turkey, it this paradox in three ways. Benita Ferrero-Waldner admitted, “We President Yushchenko is keen to quick- has a more difficult time rejecting Ukraine. First, there is greater support for have to recognize this new political reality ly follow through on both the momentum Britain, a key supporter of Turkish mem- Ukraine joining the EU than there is for in Ukraine” (Financial Times, January 25). of the Orange Revolution and his plans for bership, is now in a quandary. An EU that is Turkey. Agreeing to let Ukraine in might, On January 13, the European Parliament Ukraine to “return to Europe.” Ukraine is “widened” to the borders of Iran, Iraq and therefore, upset plans for Turkey. issued an appeal to the European to formally apply for EU membership this Syria is one that is never likely to be “deep- Second, many EU members believe Commission and EU Council calling upon year, a step that Mr. Kuchma never under- ened” in the manner that France and there should be a period to “digest” the 10 the EU to review the EU-Ukraine Action took. “The new president and government Germany desire. A “wider,” as opposed to a new members. After the latest expansion, Plan, which currently does not provide for of Ukraine will do everything in its “deeper,” EU could never become a super- there is little appetite for new members. Ukraine’s future membership. power” towards this aim, Mr. Rybachuk declared (Ukrainska Pravda, January 22). power rivaling the United States. This would Third, “At the same time, Britain does Ukraine’s allies in the EU include all The EU founding treaty states unequiv- mean that Europe would continue to dele- not want to be seen to undermine Mr. eight of the new post-Communist mem- bers, led by Poland. Austria, Finland and ocally that any country geographically gate security issues to NATO, rather than Yushchenko’s heroic bid to lead his country Sweden also support Ukraine’s EU mem- situated in Europe can join the EU. The build up its own independent force. While in a different direction,” said The Times. bership. Poland, which had backed EU, therefore, will be in an extremely this explains why France and Germany were The Orange Revolution fundamentally Turkish membership, has broken ranks uncomfortable position if it formally always lukewarm about Turkey, it does not changed Ukraine’s international image in a with London by lobbying for Ukraine to turns down Ukraine’s application. be invited to join at the same time as Thus far, President Yushchenko has not negative for Russia. I think that is absolutely Turkey. Poland sees a Ukraine inside the discussed Ukraine’s plans for NATO, Tymoshenko... wrong” (Financial Times, January 25). EU and NATO as the best way to secure because it is a more sensitive issue inside (Continued from page 2) Mr. Markov’s apparent shift might be stability on its eastern flank and provide Ukraine and regarding Russia. But, if the attributed to Ms. Tymoshenko’s confusing a buffer between itself and Russia. EU snubs Ukraine’s membership applica- nessman, this would have undermined Mr. France, which always was cool to tion, Kyiv will have greater incentive to Yushchenko’s policy of separating business politics. In an op-ed piece written for the Russian newspaper Viedomosti (January Turkish membership, is even colder focus on NATO membership, which is far and politics. Mr. Poroshenko is often labeled towards Ukraine, because it fears harm- easier to achieve, has broad U.S. support, as the “oligarch” in the Yushchenko camp. 11) she talked in language that ought to make Ukrainian nationalists shudder. ing relations with Russia. France and and is a step where Russian concerns are A third, more pertinent factor rests on Germany, whose leaders have very warm less likely to be taken into account. President Yushchenko’s policy aims. Ms. Ukrainian-Russian relations are “rooted in Tymoshenko is ideally suited to be a rad- our common history,” she said. Both peo- ical prime minister during the short peri- ples belong to the “same civilization” and od between now and the implementation the “same geo-economic zone.” of constitutional changes either in Furthermore, she wrote that President September 2005 or March 2006. Vladimir Putin and Mr. Yushchenko have Ms. Tymoshenko has anti-oligarch cre- similar goals in removing oligarchs from dentials. In the Yushchenko government of power and that both states will re-join 2000-2001 she was instrumental in efforts Europe together. Ukraine may join NATO but only with Russia, with whom Ukraine to eliminate loopholes in the energy sector With deep sorrow we announce that on January 17, 2005, that had been exploited by the oligarchs; should unify its military-industrial complex. the move returned over $2 billion to the Despite these Russophile views, Ms. at the age of 93, entered into eternal life our beloved husband, father, budget. She has stated, “The oligarchs are Tymoshenko remains the darling of the right grandfather and great-grandfather cowards. As soon as they realize that the populist and nationalist camps. Crowds system has changed, they will be forced to numbering tens of thousands rallied in Lviv change their methods or go to jail” (The in support of her bid to be nominated prime Independent, December 7). minister. Yet, her radical, anti-Kuchma, and Finally, Ms. Tymoshenko was chosen to anti-oligarch views outweigh both her own TEOFIL KULYK (FILKO) reward the maidan, the protesters in oligarch past and her Russophile views. born on December 19, 1911, in Yarychiv, Ukraine Independence Square who supported the Ms. Tymoshenko first entered politics Orange Revolution. Many of its young with the dissident oligarch Hromada participants are ideologically closer to the Party, led by Pavlo Lazarenko. After Mr. In deep sorrow: more radical Ms. Tymoshenko than to the Lazarenko fled Ukraine in early 1999, wife Joanna Maksymiw Kulyk more moderate Mr. Yushchenko. During she created her own Fatherland Party, son Teofil and Barbara with children the Orange Revolution she was labeled the which merged in 2002 with the populist- daughter Ola and Erko Palydowycz with children and grandchildren “goddess of revolution” (AP, December 3). right Conservative Republican Party led daughter Mary Wengryn with children and granddaughter by Stepan Khmara. Her newfound hero-like status com- daughter Christina and Kenny Kuzmuk with children and grandchildren Ms. Tymoshenko took a leading part pletes the evolution of her image. The nephew Oleh and Mary Maksymiw with children and grandchildren process began in February 2001 when, as in the anti-Kuchma protests during the vice prime minister responsible for energy Kuchmagate crisis, when the opposition issues in the Mr. Yushchenko government, created the National Salvation Front Eternal Memory she was arrested. She was later released, (NFS). At that time, then-Prime Minister and in subsequent years some courts Yushchenko opposed the anti-Kuchma attempted to indict her while others dis- protests. Most of the political parties that missed the charges. Ms. Tymoshenko’s made up the NFS, apart from the future rested on a Yushchenko victory. If Socialists, later joined the Yulia Mr. Yanukovych won the elections, she Tymoshenko Bloc, which finished fourth would have to flee abroad or go to prison. in the 2002 elections with 7.26 percent. Government attempts to remove this key Ms. Tymoshenko has views similar to Yushchenko ally came to a head in mid- those of Mr. Yushchenko and Socialist July, one week into the presidential cam- Party leader Oleksander Moroz on the need paign, when pro-presidential parliamentary to implement radical democratic reforms, factions began discussing a motion to have remove the oligarchs from power and com- her arrested. The entire pro-presidential bloc bat corruption. But she will differ with In memory of supported the motion, including moderates President Yushchenko on some aspects of who now seek to ingratiate themselves with economic reform because, as she pointed President Yushchenko (Ukrainska Pravda, out, “I am not a market fundamentalist” July 16, 2004). The Procurator General’s (The Independent, December 7). Alexander Damian Pronchick, Sr. Office then issued fresh indictments Her parliamentary faction was the only (Ukrainska Pravda, September 15, 2004). one to vote against the December 2004 Also in July 2004, Russia issued a search compromise package that includes consti- past president of the Ukrainian Youth League warrant for Mr. Tymoshenko and placed her tutional changes. Ms. Tymoshenko has on Interpol’s wanted list (Interpol.org). always supported strong executive powers. of North America and past national commander This step backfired, because now Prime In contrast, Mr. Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine of the Ukrainian American Veterans Minister-designate Tymoshenko cannot trav- differed from the left and the pro-presiden- el to Russia. Russian political technologist tial camp only in the schedule for introduc- Sergei Markov, who worked for the ing constitutional changes (i.e., immediate- on the 45th anniversary of his passing Yanukovych side, predicted that Russian ly after the 2004 presidential elections or November 15, 1924 – February 2, 1960 prosecutors would soon drop their case after the 2006 parliamentary elections). against Ms. Tymoshenko. Mr. Markov also Ms. Tymoshenko’s nomination will has changed course, asserting: “People have send shivers down the spines of Ukraine’s Vichnaya Pamiat! said Ms. Tymoshenko is a radical politician, oligarchs, particularly those who are that Russia is at war against Ms. grouped around Viktor Medvedchuk’s Tymoshenko and that her nomination will be Social Democratic Party – United. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

mitted to the democratization of Ukraine Sens. Levin and Lugar... in the areas of emigration, religious free- (Continued from page 3) dom, restoration of property and human and openness. A society has rebelled rights. against the illegal activities of its govern- “In addition to welcoming the ment. It is in our interest to recognize and Ukrainian government to the family of protect these advances in Ukraine.” Sen. democracies, we must also honor the Lugar served as President George W. Ukrainian people for displaying their Bush’s personal representative during the commitment to democracy through presidential run-off election in peaceful demonstrations,” Sen. Levin November. said. “Free and fair elections were con- The Jackson-Vanik amendment was ducted only because of the courage and included in the 1974 Trade Act to pres- hard work of the Ukrainian people.” sure Communist states to permit emigra- “The United States has a long record tion and adopt democratic economic and of cooperation with Ukraine through the political practices. Since 1992 Ukraine Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat has been certified annually as meeting Reduction. Ukraine inherited the third the Jackson-Vanik requirements, and the largest nuclear arsenal in the world with United States and Ukraine have had a the fall of the Soviet Union. Through bilateral trade agreement in place. The the Nunn-Lugar Program the United Levin-Lugar bill would make this trade States has assisted Ukraine in eliminat- relationship permanent and, in doing so, ing this deadly arsenal and joining the would stimulate further market reforms Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non- and encourage Ukraine’s continued com- nuclear state,” said Sen. Lugar, chair- mitment to safeguarding individual liber- man of the Senate Foreign Relations ties. Committee. In addition to granting Ukraine perma- A companion bill was to be introduced nent normal trade relations, the Levin- in the House of Representatives by Rep. Lugar bill urges the U.S. to remain com- Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and others.

State] Colin Powell delivered an official Rep. Rothman... invitation for a state visit to President (Continued from page 3) Yushchenko at his swearing-in ceremony including reports of government-run on January 23, 2005. We believe that media bias, abuse of absentee ballots and with this recent election, Ukraine has voter intimidation. Taking a step which indeed demonstrated its commitment to demonstrated Ukraine’s elected represen- being a true democracy. The first and tatives’ commitment to the rule of law second rounds of voting on October 31, 2004, and November 21, 2004, respec- and democratic governance, the tively, were fraught with corruption and Ukrainian Parliament responded by fraud, including reports of government- approving a resolution that called the run media bias, abuse of absentee ballots, elections invalid. This action was later and voter intimidation. Taking a step reinforced when the Ukrainian Supreme which demonstrated Ukraine’s elected Court invalidated the election and called representatives’ true commitment to for a third round of voting on December democracy, the Ukrainian Parliament 26, 2004. Following weeks of protests responded by approving a resolution that and debates, 77 percent of the population called the elections invalid. This action turned out to vote in the election held on was later reinforced when the Ukrainian December 26, 2004. Supreme Court invalidated the election “As a demonstration of American and called for a third round of voting on solidarity with the Ukrainian people December 26, 2004. and its newly elected leader, and in an Following weeks of protests and effort to further strengthen U.S.- debates, an impressive 77 percent of the Ukraine relations, we believe it is population turned out to vote in the elec- important for you to urge President tion held on December 26, 2004. We Yushchenko to come to the White congratulate Ukraine on following the House for a state visit in the near democratic processes that ultimately led future,” Rep. Rothman wrote. to the conduct of a free and fair election Rep. Rothman is an active member of for the Ukrainian presidency and the the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, an peaceful swearing-in of President organization that focuses on issues relat- Yushchenko. ed to Ukraine and Ukrainian Americans. As a demonstration of American soli- *** darity with the Ukrainian people and its newly elected leader and in an effort to Below is the full text of the letter sent further strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations, on January 28 to President George W. we believe it is important for you to urge Bush by a group of members of President Yushchenko to come to the Congress. The letter was initiated by White House for a state visit in the near Rep. Rothman. future. We thank you in advance for your kind attention and ask that you please Dear Mr. President: inform us as to how you intend to pro- ceed on this matter. We are writing to urge you to establish a relationship with Ukrainian President Steven R. Rothman Viktor Yushchenko and encourage him to Marcy Kaptur schedule a state visit to the White House Roscoe G. Bartlett promptly. As you well know, the outcome Curt Weldon of the recent Ukrainian elections provides Maurice D. Hinchey the opportunity for Ukraine to become Christopher H. Smith more closely integrated in Euro-Atlantic Dan Burton institutions, demonstrate true democratic Eliot L. Engel governance under the rule of law and Robert Wexler operate a genuine free market economy. It James R. Langevin is critical that at this time we recognize Luis V. Gutierrez the importance of the relationship Louise M. Slaughter between the United States and Ukraine Dana Rohrabacher and reach out to President Yushchenko in Nita M. Lowey an effort to enhance these relations. Anthony D. Weiner To your credit, the United States has Joseph Crowley consistently worked with Ukraine to Michael G. Fitzpatrick encourage the conduct of free and fair Thomas H. Allen elections in the former Soviet state. We Donny K. Davis were pleased to learn that Secretary [of Susan A. Davis No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 19

during your tenure as Secretary of State.” Kuropas’s inclusion... [Copies of all three congressional let- (Continued from page 4) ters were obtained by The Weekly.] his teaching at NIU to warrant a review of Writing on January 31, the Jewish his writings and statements. Education Telegraphic Agency (JTA) cited Dr. Department Dean Christine Sorensen said Kuropas’s purported accusations of there was no indication Dr. Kuropas “Holocaust manipulation” and reported brought his politics into the classroom. that Dr. Kuropas “also raised money for “He’s always had good evaluations from the defense of John Demjanjuk, a death students,” she added. The paper also noted camp guard who faces deportation.” that NIU officials described Dr. Kuropas The JTA noted that the National Jewish as a valued instructor who has never been Democratic Council said the appointment accused by any student of making racially showed an “embarrassing” lack of judg- or ethnically inappropriate comments. ment. “That the Bush White House put this On January 31 Reps. Waxman and man on a plane to Ukraine with our secre- Emanuel and nine other members of tary of state, even as Europe was commem- Congress, identified by Washington Jewish orating the Holocaust, is inexcusable,” the Week as “11 Jewish Democratic members council wrote, according to the JTA. of the House of Representatives,” sent a Rep. Nadler was quoted by the JTA as letter to President George W. Bush saying, “It’s completely unfathomable expressing “disappointment with the that at this moment in history, as the White House’s irresponsible decision to world reflects on the tragedy of invite Myron Kuropas to represent the Auschwitz, the administration would United States in the official delegation sent send one of this country’s most vocal to Ukraine’s presidential inauguration.” anti-Semites on an ambassadorial assign- The letter noted that “there is no excuse ment anywhere – much less to a celebra- for the White House’s failure to examine tion of the triumph of democracy.” the anti-Semitic nature of his repeated and On February 2, the New York Sun well-documented statements diminishing published an editorial titled “Good the atrocities of the Holocaust.” Question,” which led off with a quotation In addition to Reps. Waxman and from Rep. Emanuel: “How does a known Emanuel, the letter’s signatories were: anti-Semite walk onto a U.S. government Robert Wexler (Fla.), Janice D. plane with the secretary of state, as a Schakowsky (Ill.), Anthony D. Weiner member of the president’s delegation – (N.Y.), Howard L. Berman (Calif.), representing the United States of Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.), Gary L. Ackerman America – without anyone knowing how (N.Y.), Adam B. Schiff (Fla.), Tom Lantos he got there or who recommended him?” (Calif.) and Nita M. Lowey (N.Y.). The newspaper underscored that the Rep. Emanuel also sent a letter to White House had “committed another Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, failure of vetting,” adding, “The Kuropas requesting that she “investigate and report appointment isn’t the most important to to me and other Members of Congress the come across the president’s screen. But circumstances behind his [Dr. Kuropas’s] the process is important and, if it isn’t inclusion [on the U.S. delegation to improved, Mr. Bush is going to be in for Ukraine], which might help prevent any a tough second term.” repetition of this kind of embarrassment – compiled by Roma Hadzewycz 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

multi-party representation on election political campaign took place throughout Kiev [sic] and elsewhere to protest the House Concurrent... commissions, and unobstructed access by Ukraine during the entire 2004 presiden- unfair election and the declaration by the (Continued from page 3) candidates, political parties, and domes- tial election campaign without condem- Ukrainian Central Election Commission resources are not employed to the advan- tic and international observers to all elec- nation or remedial action by the govern- that Viktor Yanukovich had won a major- tion procedures, including voting and ity of the votes; tage of individual candidates or political ment of Ukraine; vote-counting in all areas of the country; Whereas on October 31, 2004, Ukraine Whereas the Ukrainian Supreme parties; Whereas efforts by national and local held the first round of its presidential Court blocked the publication of the offi- Whereas a genuinely free and fair officials and others acting at the behest of election and on November 21, 2004, cial run-off election results, thus prevent- election requires the full transparency of such officials to impose obstacles to free Ukraine held a run-off presidential elec- ing the inauguration of the next president laws and regulations governing elections, assembly, free speech, and a free and fair tion between the two leading candidates, of Ukraine until the Supreme Court Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and examined the reports of voter fraud; opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko; Whereas on November 27, 2004, the Whereas a consensus of Ukrainian Parliament of Ukraine passed a resolu- and international election observers tion declaring that there were violations 79 determined that the run-off election did of law during the run-off presidential Á‡ ÙÛÌÚ¢ not meet international standards for dem- election on November 21, 2004; ocratic elections, and these observers Whereas on December 1, 2004, the specifically declared that state resources Parliament of Ukraine passed a no confi- dence motion regarding the government Ç Ì‡¯Ëı Íð‡ÏÌˈflı ÏÓÊ̇ Ôðˉ·‡ÚË ‡‚¥flÍ‚ËÚÍË ‚ ìÍð‡ªÌÛ were abused in support of Viktor Ú‡ Á ìÍð‡ªÌË, ÁðÓ·ËÚË ‚¥ÁË ‰Ó ìÍð‡ªÌË. Yanukovich, and that illegal voting by of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich; ÑÓ ‚Ë·ÓðÛ 99 ‚Á¥ðˆ¥‚ ıÛÒÚÓÍ! absentee ballot, multiple voting, assaults Whereas European mediators and cur- íÂÎÂÙÓÌÌ¥ ͇ðÚÍË: 100 ı‚. ðÓÁÏÓ‚Ë ¥Á ìÍð‡ªÌÓ˛ Á‡ $10. on electoral observers and journalists, rent Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and the use of counterfeit ballots were began discussions on December 1, 2004, NEWARK, NJ CLIFTON, NJ PHILADELPHIA widespread; to attempt to work out a resolution to the 688 Sanford Ave 565 Clifton Ave 1801 Cottman Ave Whereas following the run-off presi- standoff between the supporters of both íÂÎ.: (973) 373-8783 TÂl.: (973) 916-1543 Tel.: (215) 728-6040 dential election on November 21, 2004, presidential candidates; Whereas on December 3, 2004, the (888) 336-4776 tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Ukrainian Supreme Court ruled that the run-off presidential election on November 21, 2004, was invalid and ordered a new presidential election to take place on December 26, 2004; Whereas on December 8, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine passed laws to reform the Ukrainian electoral process, including to reform the Ukrainian Central Election Commission, and to close loopholes for fraud in preparation for a new presidential election; Whereas on December 26, 2004, the people of Ukraine again went to the polls to elect the next president of Ukraine in what the consensus of domestic and international observers declared as a more democratic, transparent, and fair election process with fewer problems than the previous two rounds; Whereas on December 28, 2004, the election victory of opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was certified by the Ukrainian Central Election Commission; and Whereas the run-off presidential elec- tion on December 26, 2004, signifies a turning point for Ukraine which offers new hope and opportunity to the people of Ukraine: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress: (1) commends the people and govern- ment of Ukraine for their commitment to democracy and their determination to end the political crisis in that country in a peaceful and democratic manner; (2) congratulates the people and gov- ernment of Ukraine for ensuring a free and fair run-off presidential election which represents the true choice of the Ukrainian people; (3) congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as President of Ukraine; (4) applauds the Ukrainian presiden- tial candidates, the European Union and other European representatives, and the United States government for the role they played in helping to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis; (5) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine, and expresses its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people and the new government of Ukraine to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights; and (6) pledges its assistance to the strengthening of a fully free and open democratic system in Ukraine, the creation of a prosperous free market economy in Ukraine, the reaffirmation of Ukraine’s independence and territorial sovereignty, and Ukraine’s full integration into the international community of democracies. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 21

A Ukrainian Weekly editorial argued “Ukrainian-American Citadel”... that America’s Ukrainian fraternals had UKRAINIAN (Continued from page 5) played a vital role in the UCCA since the 1940s when they revived the newly estab- SELFRELIANCE Dobriansky refused to participate in the NEW ENGLAND lished umbrella organization, then drifting ë‡ÏÓÔÓÏ¥˜ 1977 Human Rights Day hosted by Sen. FEDERAL CREDIT UNION [Robert] Dole because the UNA and not the into oblivion as a result of the defamation UCCA sponsored the event. Confident of campaign. “Fraternals form the base of the Ukrainian American community because MAIN OFFICE: 21SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY, WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109-1238 his re-election, Dobriansky would often PHONES: 860-296-4714 • 800-405-4714 FAX: 860-296-3499 leave the UCCA convention floor during they have been around the longest, they are dedicated to the ideal of self-determi- BRANCH OFFICE: 103 NORTH ELM STREET, WESTFIELD, MA 01085 heated debates between the Liberation Front PHONE: 413-568-4948 FAX: 413-568-4747 and other groups, returning only to attend nation for Ukraine, their membership is the banquet and to accept his re-election by broad-based, and they have a tradition of THE UKRAINIAN SELFRELIANCE NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION acclamation on the last day of deliberations. service to their members. Without them, HAS PROUDLY SUPPORTED AND SERVED THE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1959. The 13th Congress of the UCCA was a our ‘community levers’ including the disaster. In an attempt to totally control the umbrella organizations, would simply dan- national executive of the 40-year-old gle in midair,” declared the paper. We offer the following services: Ukrainian coordinating body, the Criticism of the UCCA continued to Liberation Front mobilized a clear majori- build in the UNA press. In an editorial ty of delegates and pushed through a list of titled “Democracy in Action?” The SHARE SAVINGS candidates that did not include an execu- Ukrainian Weekly opined: PERSONAL & SHARE LOANS “The intolerance for differing view- tive vice-president from any Ukrainian SHARE DRAFT (CHECKING) points, as well as the rather crude politi- fraternal. According to a provision in the SECURED LOANS by-laws passed at the previous convention, cal thinking of some delegates and the the UCCA executive vice-presidency was ultrazealousness of others, blinded them MONEY MARKET to be rotated among the four fraternals. to such a degree that they sought only MORTGAGES victory for their own political grouping. Until 1976, the position was automatically IRA’S assumed by the UNA supreme president. “The majority’s abuse of power extend- HOME EQUITY LOANS When the majority refused to budge, 20 ed even to the by-laws and the accepted tra- organizations including the UNA, the ditions governing the structure of the TERM SHARE CERTIFICATES (CD’S) UWA (now called the Ukrainian Fraternal UCCA’s executive bodies. Without the nec- AUTOMOBILE LOANS essary amendment of the by-laws, the exec- Association, UFA), ODVU, Zarevo, the ATM/DEBIT CARDS Gold Cross, the UNWLA, Plast, ODUM, utive board of the UCCA was expanded in the Ukrainian Professional Society of size from 21 to 26 members. ... With noth- AUTO REFINANCE Maryland, and the Ukrainian Engineers’ ing more than a statement of one man – the VISA CREDIT CARDS chairman of the UCCA auditing committee Society left the convention hall. In a mem- STUDENT LOANS orandum addressed to the UNA members, – that the rotational basis of the executive President Flis later explained: vice-presidency had not been effective (no “The reasons for the walk-out were the reasons for this evaluation were ever DIRECT DEPOSIT continued effort by certain elements to offered) this rotation system was rescinded, NOTARY PUBLIC and the fraternal associations which tradi- ignore the wishes of the minority, the impo- TOLL FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS sition of a gag rule on the minority, and the tionally held the office were demoted to relegation of the UNA to a position of lesser positions. The four fraternals were BI-LINGUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE insignificance in the official organs of the never consulted about the move. AUDIO RESPONSE UCCA by the arbitrary cancellation of the “On the way to its ‘victory,’ the major- Visit our website at: www.usnefcu.com UNA’s traditional right to the office of the ity also approved congress rules that executive vice-presidency of the UCCA, made it all but impossible for delegates Give us an opportunity to assist you in your financial matters. which office the UNA has consistently held themselves to ask for and obtain a secret- for many years, albeit on a rotational sys- ballot vote. ... As a result of the majori- tem with the other three Ukrainian frater- ty’s abuse of power and a virtual stam- nals during the past four years. pede of the congress, the UCCA is no Share The Weekly with a colleague. “The UNA has not resigned its mem- longer an organization of organizations. Order a gift subscription by writing to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, bership in the UCCA. This question will At best, it may evolve into a coordinating 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Cost: $55 (or $45 if your colleague is a UNA member). be considered by our Supreme Assembly. body for ideologically affiliated groups.” For reasons stated above, the UNA has not named representatives to the posi- tions reserved for the UNA in the gov- The Friends of the Ukrainian Stage Ensemble erning bodies of the UCCA. “We urge all UNA’ers to close ranks under the sponsorship of and defend the interests of the UNA against all attacks, internal and external, Self-Reliance (N.Y.) Federal Credit Union and assist your governing bodies in their attempts to retain in our communities our earned position of integrity and respect. ... invite former and current Ensemble members Let our effort be instrumental in bringing and the Ukrainian community to a about a healthy rebirth of unity in our communities and a revival of the spirit on which we built the democratic foundations luncheon celebrating of the Ukrainian National Association.” the 90th Birthday of Virlana Tkacz... (Continued from page 15) Lidia Krushelnytsky tions have been read at St. Mark’s Poetry Project, the Poetry Society of America, the and New York Public Library and the Ukrainian Consulate in New York. A segment of Yara’s poetry event, “Silver Threads,” was the 40th Anniversary of the broadcast on WNYC-TV. Yara has also per- formed poetry at the Music and Art Center Ukrainian Stage Ensemble of Greene County at the Grazhda in Hunter, N.Y., and at the Ukrainian National April 17, 2005 Association estate Soyuzivka in Kerkonkson, N.Y., as well as at events and conferences on the East Coast. The Pierre The translators are currently working on ancient winter solstice songs, or koli- Fifth Avenue at 61st Street ady, from the Carpathians to be used in New York Yara’s next show, “Koliada: Winter Songs,” at La MaMa Theater, slated for March 4 to 20. For information call Yara, To arrange for tickets ($125 per person) please call: Marta Kichorowska-Kebalo (718) 291-4166 (212) 475-6474, or e-mail yara@prodi- All proceeds wil benefit the Ukrainian Stage Ensemble and its theatrical productions in 2005 gy.net. For more information and updates visit www.brama.com/yara. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union is seeking a NOTESNOTES ONON PEOPLEPEOPLE General Manager to manage the daily operations of a multi-branch $120+ million credit union. Sawchak wins Qualifications: Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance Administration Computer skills including Windows based programs seniors’ title Credit Union managerial experience desirable PHILADELPHIA – George Sawchak Knowledge of Ukrainian language desirable Location: New York City/New Jersey recently won the Seniors’ Tennis Salary: Negotiable Championship and a gold medal in the Contact: Mr. Vsevolod Salenko, President/CEO consolation finals of the International Toll Free: (866) 859-5848 Tennis Federation World Championship, held in the fall of 2004 in Philadelphia. Mr. Sawchak is a well-known Ukrainian tennis player from the Tryzub sports club Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union of Philadelphia, and director of tennis tournaments and tennis camps at is seeking an Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National Association’s estate in Kerhonkson, N.Y., and the Tryzub Sports Center in Accountant Horsham, Pa. He is a member of UNA Branch 45. George Sawchak Qualifications: CPA or Bachelors degree in Finance Computer skills including Windows based programs Credit Union accounting experience desirable Notes on People is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of mem- Knowledge of Ukrainian language desirable Location: New York City/New Jersey bers of the Ukrainian National Association. All submissions should be concise due to Salary: Negotiable space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch number. Items will be Contact: Mr. Vsevolod Salenko, President/CEO Toll Free: (866) 859-5848 published as soon as possible after their receipt, when space permits.

strong Jewish community for the better, Turning the pages... which would contribute largely to the (Continued from page 6) emergence of this newly independent said. state.” Mr. Yushchenko recalled that the epit- Interfax-Ukraine noted that as of the ome of Nazi crimes to the Ukrainians is year 2000 about 300 Jewish organiza- the tragedy of Babyn Yar, near Kyiv, tions and over 70 synagogues were func- where over 100,000 people of different tioning in nearly 100 cities in Ukraine. nationalities were executed, more than half of them Jews. Source: “Yushchenko voices support He assured his audience that the cur- for Holocaust museum,” from Interfax- rent reforms in Ukraine “would change Ukraine, The Ukrainian Weekly, the living conditions of its 480,000- February 6, 2000, Vol. LXVII, No. 6 No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 23

them was a small village called Liubianka. voting rules designed to intimidate the brating, singing, enjoying the fireworks. On assignment... The polling precinct was located in the observers and the voters. According to Hank and I were staying in an apartment (Continued from page 13) village council building, or silrada, and election law, only the election board, the on Mykhailivskyi Provulok, just a block selves in a polling station with other inter- had only 225 registered voters. The entire voters and the observers are allowed in away from Independence Square. We went national observers, from the Organization village was relocated to the area just out- the room where voting is taking place. down there every night to admire the for Security and Cooperation in Europe or side Kyiv from the 30-kilometer contami- It was the only instance of intimidation Christmas tree, enjoy professional and the European Parliament. Then one or the nated zone around Chornobyl in 1986, we encountered. We had more fear of falling more spontaneous entertainment, absorb other group would quickly leave and move shortly after the nuclear plant exploded. on the slicked walkways leading to the the energy and spirit of the crowd, and on to the next precinct. There was a lot of Curiously, it was the only voting place polling stations than of physical harm from hear Mr. Yushchenko address the people. ground to cover in one day. where a uniformed militiaman tried to any individual. Clearing roads of snow and That was the best. That was unforgettable! Leaving Vasylkiv, we moved on to intimidate us. He took our observer cre- ice appears not to be a priority in Ukraine. Toward the end of our stay I got sick nearby villages in the direction of dentials from the head of the local board Back in Kyiv that night, as every night with the flu and was too weak to travel to Obukhiv Raion. We went to Pohreby and and reported both of us to someone over since November 21, the maidan was filled Kharkiv before leaving for home. That Barakhty. One of the most memorable of the phone. It was a clear infraction of the with thousands of cheering people, cele- trip has to wait for another day.

While in Kyiv and Lviv, he visited jazz over the past seven years. music,” as he termed it, but only for the Specialist discusses... clubs, attended jazz concerts, gave lectures, While in Kyiv, he gave interviews to the money. (Continued from page 15) met with people and talked about whatever “Jazz-Peak” radio program and other jour- In the report posted on the Internet, Mr. what he characterized as “jazz born else- they wanted to talk about. nalists, visited the Lemma recording studio Appelbaum singled out a few Ukrainian where, not in America” – Ukrainian jazz. Mr. Appelbaum’s first stop on arrival in and heard a “very good” jazz quintet, Skhid groups and soloists for developing “their While Ukrainian jazz musicians are well- Kyiv was at a smoky basement jazz club Side. He also discussed another of his spe- own sounds, based on their own traditions cialties, digital preservation of recorded and experiences”: The Black Sea Trio versed in American jazz classics, they are called Art Club 44, which happened to be presenting 44 bands in 44 hours non-stop. music, with his counterparts at the Ukrainian (which includes the guitarist Mr. Izmailov), taking the genre in their own unique direc- Later he spoke about contemporary National Library, who, he said, were doing Skhid Side, pianist Leszek Mozdzir, vocalist tion. And their original music, not widely developments in jazz at the National “remarkable things on a scarce budget.” Sasha Belina, an acid jazz group called “aby known outside jazz aficionado circles at University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, After a long overnight train ride to Lviv, mc,” and the “adventurous, creative impro- home, is almost completely unknown here. where, among other questions, he was asked Mr. Appelbaum had a session with a very vised work” of Alexander Nesterov and Mr. The interest in it is developing, however. about “politics and jazz.” It may have been engaging group of music students at the Yaremchuk. Enver Izmailov, for example, has performed appropriate in their environment, he said, Lviv Music Academy. Later that evening he Mr. Appelbaum’s trip to Ukraine hap- at the jazz festival in Moscow, Idaho, and is but, unfortunately, American jazz artists do heard a group of them performing some sec- pened to fall between the presidential votes due to return there, Mr. Appelbaum said. He not get involved politically. ond-rate music at a jazz club. They had good in October and November, which launched added that when he played Mr. Izmailov’s During a meeting with a group of journal- technique, he said, but they still had to learn the Orange Revolution. In the conclusion of and other Ukrainian artists’ CDs on his radio ists who write about jazz, one of the prob- “the difference between hip and corny.” He his report he fondly recalled the conversa- jazz show, “The Sound of Surprise,” on lems that came up was the lack of official or expects that, in time, they would. To help tions he had late into the night with friends WPFW-FM, he got phone calls from his lis- other forms of support for jazz in Ukraine. them, he made copies of some of the CDs he on train rides between Lviv and Kyiv. teners. Unfortunately, when they asked He later learned that this was an old Soviet- recorded of selected leading contemporary “I learned a lot from them,” he wrote, where they could buy these CDs, he had to era malady – waiting for the someone from American jazz musicians. “not only about the music scene in Ukraine, admit that there was no outlet for them here. on-high to provide direction and funding. His visit to Lviv had a special meaning but about life and the changes their society is Even in Ukraine, access to these record- Mr. Appelbaum said his recommendation to for Mr. Appelbaum, as his grandmother going through since the fall of the Soviet ings is spotty, and, more often than not in them was to stop waiting for sponsorship came from that area of Ukraine – from Union. I worry what might happen if the will that part of the world, people listen to pirated “and just do it,” whatever it was that they Mostyska, a town about 40 miles west of of the people is thwarted in the upcoming copies of CDs. There was an indication that wanted to do. He cited as an example a non- Lviv, near the Polish border. election, as the majority of Ukrainians are this may be changing, albeit slowly, Mr. profit collective he helped found in the While in Lviv, he also got to know avant- neither docile nor ignorant.” Appelbaum said. Buying and possessing Washington area that, without any backing garde saxophonist and composer Yurii “And if jazz represents freedom,” he legitimate CDs was becoming “a new status or financial resources, has presented more Yaremchuk, who on occasion played Duke added, “Ukrainians clearly want more of symbol” in some quarters, he explained. than 100 concerts of improvised jazz music Ellington blues and other “commercial both.” 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6 No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 25 “Joy to the World” concert benefits Ukraine’s orphanages by Bohdan Malaniak Christmas) by Yuriy Oliynyk, and three traditional carols, ness of the two musical organizations to work together, and Alexander Rivney “Oy Vysoko Nad Poliamy” (Up in the Hills), “Try Slavniyi the numerous and generous sponsors, support from the Tsari” (Three Kings), and “Dyvnaya Novyna” (Wonderful entire community, the augmentation of singing voices LOS ANGELES – Never before has an event such as Tidings). The audience was mesmerized. For the many in from San Diego (15) and Chicago (two), the beautifully this happened in the Ukrainian community of Los attendance it was the first time they heard the sound of the designed programs by Maria Oharenko, the masterful Angeles. On December 18, 2004, through the collabora- Ukrainian national instrument. Not only the audience, but presentation of the program by the master of cere- tive efforts of the Ukrainian National Choir Kobzar of also the members of the orchestra watched with amaze- monies, the taping crew from Chicago, and the good Los Angeles and the Pasadena Community Orchestra, a ment the bandura soloists’ performance. will on the part of every member of the Kobzar Choir. presentation of Christmas carols from around the world The remaining six carols were performed with the The older members of the choir nostalgically remi- became a reality. This event was held to benefit the accompaniment of the orchestra. They were “Joy to the nisced about Kobzar Choir’s performance on this very orphanages of Ukraine. The concert was featured under World” by G.E. Handel, “Walking in the Air” by Blake, same stage 22 years ago, with Metropolitan Opera star the motto “Joy to the World.” “The First Noel” (traditional English carol), “Silent Paul Plishka and composer and piano virtuoso Virko As the audience entered the lobby of the historic Night” by Gruber, “O Come All Ye Faithful” by John E. Baley. Like the concert 22 years ago, this concert lived Wilshire Ebell Theater, they encountered a three-foot- Wade, and “I Believe in Father Christmas,” based on up to the expectations of the Ukrainian community and by-four-foot sign reading “Joy to the World,” with a Troika from the “Lt. Kijé Suite” by Sergei Prokofiev. restored pride in the Ukrainian heritage. border composed of poinsettias. Upon entering the the- It was during this segment of the program that the The concert benefited everyone, but the biggest bene- ater hall, the thing that immediately stood out was a audience was joyfully engaged and responded with an factors will be the orphanages in Ukraine, which the large three-foot-by-15-foot sign, stretching across the explosive ovation, which in effect was a demand for an community so generously supported. center of the stage. The sign featured carolers and the encore. message, “Joy to the World,” once more. But perhaps Next, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. the most striking effect on the mood of the observers Antonovich gave some words of praise and encourage- was the sea of orange ribbons displayed by the entire ment by presenting the two musical directors with beau- ensemble in support of a just and democratic election tiful scrolls. A congratulatory message from Jack process in Ukraine. Palance was read by Luba Keske. After the presentation the audience was rewarded with an encore of “Shchedryk” (Carol of the Bells) by Mykola Leontovych. This evoked an equally strong enthusiastic response from the concert-goers in atten- dance. There are several factors that contributed to this suc- cessful performance by the two musical organizations. First of all, the Kobzar Choir’s young and energetic musical director, Mr. Hallick-Holutiak, conceived the idea of the concert. He presented this idea to the Pasadena Orchestra’s musical director, Mr. Reinecke, to which he immediately agreed. Secondly, the Kobzar Choir was pleased to have the Ukrainian Culture Center as its sponsor. Other factors that were also helpful were the willing- Gregoy Hallick-Holutiak, Kobzar choir conductor.

Bandurist Ola Herasymenko-Oliynyk The concert opened with “A Christmas Festival,” an orchestral medley composed by Leroy Anderson. The audience was pleasantly delighted, and the orchestra, some 70 members strong, and its conductor, Wayne Reinecke, received a standing ovation. After welcoming remarks by the master of cere- monies, Luba Keske, the choir opened with “Dobriy Vechir Tobi” (Good Evening), arranged by conductor Gregory Hallick-Holutiak. Again the audience respond- ed with equal pleasure. The next two numbers, “Oy na Richtsi, na Yordani” (On the River Jordan) by Kyrylo Stetsenko and “Oy Dozvol, Pan Khaziayin” (Let us Carol) by Vasyl Stupnytsky, were received with equal enthusiasm. These carols were followed by the orchestra featuring the “Introduction March and Shepherd’s Dance” by The Pasadena Community Orchestra with the Ukrainian National Choir Kobzar. Gian Carlo Menotti from “Amahl and The Night Visitors” and the “Polonaise” from “Christmas Night” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The next three carols were sung by the choir; “Boh Sia Rozhdaye” (God is Being Born) by Stetsenko, “Schedrivka Dzvony” (The Bells) by Dmytro Kotko, featuring the pleasant baritone voice of Mykola Zlydenny, and “Oy Syvaya ta i Zozulenka” (The Gray Cuckoo) by Stetsenko. The orchestra’s rendition of “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson con- cluded the first half of the concert. The audience’s standing ovation, that imme- diately followed, instilled a high level of confidence in all the performers. After the intermission, the orchestra fea- tured “It’s Christmastime” by Calvin Custer. It also featured guest performer Ola Herasymenko-Oliynyk, a native of Ukraine and the first professional bandurist to have been featured as a soloist with American Symphony orchestras. Her contribution featured “Ukrainske Rizdvo” (Ukrainian 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

ization of Ukraine,” the goal of which Belarusian seeks political asylum January 27, citing the presidential press NEWSBRIEFS will be a “cardinal renewal of the author- service. Mr. Udovichenko, 47, had been (Continued from page 2) ities,” the lustration of cadres and the MIENSK – Alyaksandr Vauchanin, an governor since June 2003, while Mr. activist in Zhodzina, east of Miensk, for Interpipe owner and former President increase of the authorities’ transparency. Kompaniets, 50, spent less than a year in Meanwhile, Ukrainian Television report- the opposition United Civic Party, has office, according to Ukrayinski Novyny. Leonid Kuchma’s son-in-law, Viktor applied for political asylum in Ukraine, Pinchuk, at which he answered questions ed on January 28 that Pora activists threw Mr. Yefremov, 60, has served in his post eggs at the Uzhorod mayor, who ambu- Belapan reported on January 27. Mr. since April 1998. (RFE/RL Newsline) from businessmen and Western journal- Vauchanin charged that an unnamed ists about European integration. (RFE/RL lance doctors said sustained a facial injury. (RFE/RL Newsline) secret-service officer told him that the Kirpa’s death ruled a suicide Newsline) authorities may orchestrate his killing in KYIV – Law-enforcement officials Fighting corruption a priority President taps lawmaker as aide retaliation for his political and human rights activities. He added that he has have decided that the December 27, DAVOS, Switzerland – At a meeting KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko faced increased pressure since taking part 2004, death of Ukrainian Transport with representatives of major multina- has appointed Oleksander Tretiakov, a in protests supporting Viktor Yushchenko Minister Heorhii Kirpa, 58, was a sui- tional corporations in Davos, lawmaker from the Our Ukraine faction, in Kyiv in 2004. Mr. Vauchanin said that cide, UNIAN reported on January 27, cit- Switzerland, on January 30, President as his first aide, UNIAN reported on he supported President Alyaksandr ing the Kyiv-based daily Segodnya. Mr. Viktor Yushchenko said that if any busi- January 28. Mr. Tretiakov, 35, is member Lukashenka in 1994 and 2001, and Kirpa fired one shot that killed him nessmen enter the government they will of the Fuel and Energy Committee of the helped collect signatures to get him “on instantly. (RFE/RL Newsline) Verkhovna Rada. He also served as a the ballot as an opposition candidate,” have to declare not only their own EU membership a priority income and expenditures but also that of treasurer for Mr. Yushchenko’s election despite government harassment. “Years their close relatives, UNIAN and the campaign. (RFE/RL Newsline) have passed since then and now Mr. KYIV – Viktor Yushchenko said in a presidential press service reported. They Lukashenka treats his opponents in the Berezovskii plans move to Ukraine BBC interview on January 26 that will also have to refrain from any entre- same manner,” Mr. Vauchanin said. “Has Ukraine may submit an official applica- preneurial activities during their govern- LONDON – Former oligarch Boris he forgotten everything?” (RFE/RL tion for membership in the EU in just a ment service. President Yushchenko Berezovskii, who has been living in exile Newsline) few weeks. He said that “as soon as the assured world business leaders that his in London since 2000, told gazeta.ru on Court stops Kryvorizhstal privatization government” and the department dealing administration’s top priorities will be the January 28 that he plans to move to with European integration policy is battle with corruption and separating Ukraine within a few months. Mr. KYIV – A district court in Kyiv has established, “We will have a separate business from politics. He also Berezovskii explained that he wants “to blocked the final transfer of a 93.02 per- vice prime minister premier dealing with announced that he will create an invest- be closer to Moscow and to the culture in cent stake in Kryvorizhstal steelmaker to European affairs. As soon as [this] is ment council that will begin a fresh dia- which I grew up.” He added that the Investment-Metallurgical Union done...we will raise the question at logue between businesses and the new although he hasn’t spoken with (IMU), Interfax and the Ukrainska Pravda once.” On the same day, he told reporters government. (RFE/RL Newsline) Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko website reported. Investment- in Strasbourg that he hopes Ukraine will Pora declares new campaign or acting Prime Minister Yulia Metallurgical Union represents the inter- start negotiations with the EU on its asso- Tymoshenko, he is confident that the new ests of Interpipe corporation, which is ciative membership in 2007, according to KYIV – The youth organization Pora Ukrainian authorities will not hand him owned by former President Leonid Interfax-Ukraine. (RFE/RL Newsline) held a ceremony in Kyiv on January 30 over to Russian law-enforcement agen- Kuchma’s son-in-law, Viktor Pinchuk, Ukraine’s shares EU stand on Belarus to mark its transition from a civic cam- cies. Asked about Mr. Berezovskii at a and the System Capital Management paign to a public organization and analyt- press conference in Davos, Switzerland, company, which is controlled by Rynat KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko ical center, Ukrainska Pravda and President Yushchenko said it was too Akhmetov, a longtime associate of former noted in Strasbourg on January 26 that his Ukrainski Novyny reported. At the cere- early to comment but that he is sure Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. In country shares the European Union’s mony, State Secretary Oleksander Ukraine will “act in strict accordance August, then presidential candidate Viktor views on the situation in Belarus under Zinchenko read a letter of thanks and with domestic and international laws” if Yushchenko said that his Our Ukraine the government of Alyaksandr congratulations from President Viktor Mr. Berezovskii’s plans are realized, kor- bloc considered the Kryvorizhstal privati- Lukashenka, UNIAN reported. He added Yushchenko. According to a January 27 respondent.net and Ukrainska Pravda zation illegal. He said that the company that he was happy to see Belarusian flags press release, Pora’s next stage of activi- reported on January 30. (RFE/RL was worth $4 billion to $5 billion but was during the Orange Revolution in Kyiv. He ties will be devoted to the “de-Kuchma- Newsline) bought by IMU for only $800 million, said that he spoke with some “interesting despite other bids of up to $1.2 billion. and courageous young Belarusians” who IMU has 15 days to appeal the court deci- had their own pro-Yushchenko tent. Mr. sion. Kryvorizhstal employs some 52,000 Yushchenko stressed that despite the dif- people and produces roughly one-third of ferent ideological platforms of the Ukraine’s steel, according to the dpa Ukrainian and Belarusian governments, news service. (RFE/RL Newsline) relations must remain “neighborly.” Yushchenko meets world leaders (RFE/RL Newsline) Medvedchuk explains SDPU’s plans... KRAKOW – During a visit to Krakow, Poland, on January 27, KYIV – Former presidential adminis- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko tration head and leader of the Social met with the leaders of Poland, Belgium, Democratic Party-United (SPDU) Viktor Bulgaria, France, Luxembourg, the Medvedchuk told reporters in Kyiv on Netherlands, Norway and the Czech January 26 that his party is now in oppo- Republic, as well as U.S. Vice-President sition to the new government and will not Dick Cheney, Ukrainian Television and accept any posts in the government or the Interfax reported. President Yushchenko Verkhovna Rada, Interfax reported. In was in Poland to commemorate the 60th connection with the party’s new policy, anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi two ministers, acting Labor Minister Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. The Mykhailo Papiyev and acting Education newly inaugurated Ukrainian president Minister Vasyl Kremen, have left the recalled that his father, Andriy, was a party, according to the Ukrainska Pravda camp inmate, and he vowed to fight anti- website. Mr. Medvedchuk said that his Semitism and xenophobia in Ukraine. party’s key priority in terms of foreign Following his meeting with Mr. Cheney, policy is to pursue Ukraine’s entry in the Mr. Yushchenko said that he assured the Single Economic Space with Russia, U.S. vice-president that Ukraine “has Belarus and Kazakstan, Donetsk Ukraina changed a lot over the past few months” Television reported. He added that his and is “capable of pursuing an effective, party opposes attempts to hasten responsible policy.” According to the Ukraine’s integration into the European Associated Press, Mr. Cheney, wearing a Union and the World Trade Organization. bright orange tie, declared that “the (RFE/RL Newsline) world has been inspired by the remark- able images from Ukraine in recent ...comments on reports of his wealth months.” The meeting between the two men lasted twice as long as scheduled, KYIV – Viktor Medvedchuk also told according to the agency. (RFE/RL reporters that he “regretfully” is not a Newsline) dollar billionaire as some foreign media press reports have maintained, Interfax President dismisses three oblast chairs reported. “I am a law-abiding citizen. I have been and will remain one,” he KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko declared, adding that if any criminal has accepted the resignations of three investigations are launched against him oblast chairmen: Oleksander Yefremov of he will consider them “political repres- Luhansk, Oleksander Udovichenko of sion against the opposition,” the Poltava and Vasyl Kompaniets of Kirovohrad, Interfax-Ukraine reported on (Continued on page 27) No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 27

by 250 percent. Mr. Tsalko also said Tolkachev disassociated himself from his was conducted among 1,600 respondents NEWSBRIEFS that, as of early 2004, the incidence of earlier remarks. However, tsereteli.ru in Russia and 2,000 in Ukraine. Replying (Continued from page 26) malignant tumors was 13.9 cases per reported on December 6, 2004, that to a question about the fate of the Soviet Ukrainska Pravda website reported. He 100,000 children, while the incidence of Zurab Tsereteli planned to create a com- Union, 67 percent of Russians responded said that he has no plans to leave endocrine system diseases in radioac- position devoted to Yalta for the palace in that they regret its collapse, while 50 per- Ukraine, nor does former President tively contaminated areas is 20 percent Crimea – as well as a column dedicated cent of Ukrainians felt the same. On the Leonid Kuchma. He declined to answer higher than the country’s average. to the Leningrad, Belarus and Ukraine other hand, 26 percent of Russians and reporters’ questions about whether (RFE/RL Newsline) fronts that would be located in 39 percent of Ukrainians said they do not Poklonnaya Gora park. (RFE/RL regret its demise. Asked about their per- defeated presidential candidate Viktor Statues of Stalin are planned Yanukovych was in Egypt. (RFE/RL Newsline) ception of Ukraine, 13 percent of Newsline) MOSCOW – The Federation Council Russians’, Ukrainians’ attitudes surveyed Russians replied “very good,” 66 percent representative for the city of Moscow, “rather good,” 14 percent “rather bad,” Chornobyl children’s treatment ineffective Oleg Tolkachev, told Ekho Moskvy on MOSCOW – Most Russians favor the and 3 percent “very bad.” Ukrainians were more positive toward Russians, MIENSK – Uladzimir Tsalko, head of January 19 that a monument to Soviet restoration of the Soviet Union and relate with 37 percent saying their perception the Belarusian government’s Chornobyl dictator Joseph Stalin will be unveiled at to Ukrainians worse than Ukrainians do of Russia is “very good” and 46 percent Committee, said that the medical treat- the city’s Poklonnaya Gora park by May to Russians, according to a poll conduct- “rather good,” while 8 percent replied ment and recuperation of children resid- 9 in connection with the 60th anniversary ed in December in both countries by the ing in the country’s areas affected by the of the end of World War II. According to Levada Analytical Center, gazeta.ru “rather bad,” and 4 percent “very bad.” fallout from the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear Mr. Tolkachev, the monument is not a reported on December 24, 2004. The poll (RFE/RL Newsline) accident has been inefficient, Belapan monument to tyranny but to the wartime reported on January 25. According to leaders who defeated Hitlerism. He Mr. Tsalko, only 40 percent of children added that sculptor Zurab Tsereteli will in affected areas are treated at children’s create a monument to Stalin, Churchill health establishments, while the rest are and Roosevelt at the Livadia Palace in sent to poorly equipped facilities. He Yalta by the 60th anniversary of the Yalta revealed that since 2001 the incidence conference next month. The station’s of thyroid cancer among children resid- website noted that in a later interview ing in contaminated areas has increased with Russian news agencies, Mr.

I am not a Holocaust denier. I am not Statement... an anti-Semite. I have responded, howev- (Continued from page 4) er, to certain behaviors and comments of Responding to concerns from our Jewish certain Jews, especially those who seem dialogue partners in 1990 that an inde- to take pleasure in defaming the pendent Ukraine would lead to pogroms, Ukrainian people. I realize that some of I traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, to my views are not always in the main- investigate. The man our Jewish dialogue stream but I believe I have the right to partners told me to contact was one Marc exercise my First Amendment rights and Kotlyar, a refusenik, who told me that fairly comment on issues that are of sig- nificance in our community, especially in fear of pogroms was more real in Russia The Ukrainian Weekly. than in Ukraine. Not only were there no Never in my 18 years at NIU have I such fears in Ukraine, but Jewish families allowed any of my personal differences in Russia were sending their children to with certain Jewish behavior to influence relatives in Ukraine for safekeeping. A my teaching in any way. I pay great few months later Marc made his way to attention to cultural differences on cam- Chicago, where the Ukrainian dialogue pus and I celebrate diversity. Student partners treated him and our Jewish part- evaluations have been consistently posi- ners to a meet-and-greet dinner. tive. I received the coveted David Roth I was shocked and dismayed to read in Community Relations Award from the a Chicago Sun-Times column by Lynn Illinois Coalition (an AJC administered Sweet on January 28 that two congress- organization) in 1996 in recognition of men (one from Illinois, the other from my continued service on behalf of ethnic California) sent a letter to NIU President bridge-building. John Peters urging him to “ ‘re-evaluate Unfortunately, as some Ukrainian dia- the university’s association with Prof. logue partners and I became more Kuropas and disavow any association involved with the defense of John with him because of certain anti-Semitic Demjanjuk, accused of being “Ivan the statements attributed to him.” I have Terrible of Treblinka,” our dialogues never met either of these gentlemen, and became more strained. Soon it was obvi- to the best of my knowledge, neither of ous to all of us that we were getting them has a clue regarding my academic nowhere, so we decided to issue a state- record at NIU. ment in which we essentially agreed to Finally, let me conclude by saying that disagree. The Ukrainian-Jewish dialogue not only have I always welcomed a dia- was postponed. logue between Ukrainians and Jews but After spending six years in an Israeli that I continue to do so. However, dia- jail, Mr. Demjanjuk was found not guilty logue can only be effective if it is based by the Israeli Supreme Court and he on frankness and a willingness to appre- UKRAINIAN BUILDERS OF CUSTOM HOMES returned to the United States, where his ciate that not every historical event or WEST COAST OF FLORIDA citizenship was restored. When our personality is necessarily seen in the Jewish partners remained adamant that same way by observers who bring their TRIDENT DEVELOPMENT CORP. Mr. Demjanjuk must be guilty of other own perspectives and heritages to bear. • Over 25 years of building experience crimes against the Jews, any hope of fur- There are likely some issues on which • Bilingual ther dialogue ended. Today, I continue to Ukrainians and Jews will not agree, ever, • Fully insured and bonded support Mr. Demjanjuk and it appears and however sad or unsatisfying that may that certain members of the Jewish com- • Build on your lot or ours be, there is little that either side can do to • Highest quality workmanship munity have never forgiven me for my change that reality. When such differ- beliefs in this regard. ences arise it would be better, in my Ihor W. Hron, President Lou Luzniak, Executive V.P. All of the statements attributed to me view, if both sides respected each others’ (941) 270-2411 (941) 270-2413 regarding “the Holocaust industry” were right to freedom of expression and free- Zenon Luzniak, General Contractor taken out of context from my biweekly dom of the press rather than resorting to Serving North Port, Venice, South Venice and area columns in The Ukrainian Weekly. The innuendo and character assassination in particular quotations in question were order to silence those of contrary opin- actually part of a review of the book ions. We should not tolerate bigots of “The Holocaust Industry: Reflections on any ethnic, religious or racial heritage, Notice to publishers and authors the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering” by but we should also not stifle the free Prof. Norman G. Finkelstein of City expression of contrary opinions and It is The Ukrainian Weekly’s policy to run news items and/or reviews of newly published University of New York. Another col- beliefs, honestly and openly given. books, booklets and reprints, as well as records and premiere issues of periodicals only after umn of mine was a review of “The America was forged in protest, and our receipt by the editorial offices of a copy of the material in question. Holocaust in American Life” by Peter founding fathers enshrined freedom of Send new releases and information (where publication may be purchased, cost, etc.) to: Novick. All of my commentaries can be speech as one of the basic safeguards we Editorial Staff, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. accessed at www.ukrweekly.com. have against tyranny. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 No. 6

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Sunday, February 6 Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (at First Soyuzivka’s Datebook Street) The event is free. For information WASHINGTON: The Washington Group call Yara, (212) 475-6474, or e-mail February 4-6, 2005 Road Rally Weekend - an Epicurean, Cultural Fund, in cooperation with the [email protected]. For more information Church of Annunciation Family motorized scavenger hunt Embassy of Ukraine, invites the public to and updates visit www.brama.com/yara. Weekend, Flushing, N.Y. an encore performance by Mariana April 9, 2005 Sadovska, who will perform ancient folk Saturday, February 19 February 6, 2005 SUNY New Paltz Alpha Kappa Phi songs from various regions of Ukraine. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Superbowl Party on big screen TV Sorority Formal Banquet The audience will be able to meet the artist at a reception following the performance. Society invites the public to a literary with games, prizes and poker evening featuring the renowned Polish poet April 15-17, 2005 The concert will take place at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Old Town Dr. Anna Frajlich-Zajac, recipient of the February 12, 2005 Plast Kurin “Chortopolokhy” Alexandria, Va. Admission: $20; students, Polish literary prize of the Koscielski Valentine’s Day Weekend - Annual Meeting free. The premises are handicapped accessi- Foundation of Switzerland (1981) and lec- Five-course dinner and dance ble. For more information, contact Svitlana turer in Polish, Slavic department, Columbia featuring Askold Buk Trio, $24.95+ April 16, 2005 Fedko Shiells, (703) 506-4745. University. Introductory remarks and Rochester Fire Company Banquet Ukrainian translation of selected poems will February 18, 2005 Thursday, February 10 by Prof. Vasyl Makhno. The literary evening April 20-22, 2005 will take place at the society’s building, 63 Kerhonkson/Accord First Aid NEW YORK: SUNY at New Paltz, Migrant The Ukrainian Film Club at Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th streets) Squad Banquet Columbia University will screen “A Friend Education Program and Retreat at 5 p.m. For additional information call the of the Deceased,” a full-length feature film society, (212) 254-5130. February 18-21, 2005 by Viacheslav Khrystofovych (1993). This Family Winter Weekend and Ski Trip, April 23, 2005 fiction crime story, with screenplay by the NEW YORK: The “Music at the Institute” Three-Night Package - TAP New York Beer Festival at renowned Andriy Kurkov, invites the public chamber music series will present the $125/per person, double occupancy Hunter Mountain, round trip bus to take a sober view of Ukrainian society as Cerberus Piano Trio – Mykola Suk, piano, from Soyuzivka, special room it enters the first days of the Yushchenko Byron Tauchi, violin, and Andrew Smith, February 26, 2005 rate - $60/night presidency. Introduction by Dr. Yuri cello – in a program of works by Ildebrando Napanoch Fire Company Banquet Shevchuk, lecturer of Ukrainian language Pizzetti, Myroslav Skoryk and Anton May 1, 2005 and culture, Columbia University. The film Arensky. The concert will be held at the will be shown in the original Russian-lan- March 5-6, 2005 Traditional Blessed Ukrainian Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E. 79th guage version, with English subtitles, at St., at 8 p.m. Donation: $25; senior citizens Plast Kurin “Khmelnychenky” Easter Day Brunch, doors open 7:30 p.m. in Room 717, Hamilton Hall. The at 11:30 a.m. and students, $20. For additional informa- Annual Winter Rada screening will be followed by a discussion. tion and reservations call (212) 288-8660. For more information or to RSVP, contact March 27, 2005 May 20, 2005 Diana Howansky, (212) 854-4697, or ADVANCE NOTICE Traditional Ukrainian Easter Day Ellenville High School Junior Prom [email protected]. Brunch, doors open at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 4-Sunday, March 20 May 27-30, 2005 Tuesday, February 17 NEW YORK: Yara Arts Group’s new April 1-2, 2005 Memorial Day Weekend BBQ NEW YORK: Yara Arts Group and the show – “Koliada: Winter Songs” – will be UNA District Meeting and and Zabava Bowery Poetry Club present Serhiy Zhadan, staged at La MaMa Experimental Theater, Secretarial Course Adoptive Parents Weekend, sponsored one of hottest young poets writing in 74A E. Fourth St. For more information on by the Embassy of Ukraine and Ukraine today, who will read his new work. Yara Arts Group and the events visit the April 8-10, 2005 the UNA Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps who are website: www.brama.com/yara. For tickets Grace Episcopal Church, translating his new work into English, will to the Koliada theater piece call La MaMa Madison, N.J. – Men’s Retreat read their translations. Time: 7 p.m.; place: Box Office, (212) 475-7710. PLEASE NOTE REQUIREMENTS: Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per submission) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long; all submissions are subject to editing. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Please include payment of $20 for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, please include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by The Weekly dur- ing daytime hours. Information should be sent to: Preview of Events, The HE KRAINIAN EEKLY Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Visit our archive Ton theU Internet at: http://www.ukrweekly.com/W Items may be e-mailed to [email protected].

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