INSIDE: • Roundtable XI focuses on Germany, – page 3. • Reactions to Ukraine’s local elections – page 4. • Canadian prime minister’s address at UCU – page 9.

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal Wnon-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXVIII No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 $1/$2 in Ukraine Systemic violations, falsifications reported in Ukraine’s local elections by Zenon Zawada lation providing for new elections, a request Press Bureau that was denied by Mr. Lytvyn. “The elections were conducted in com- KYIV – The October 31 local elections plete chaos and confusion,” Tymoshenko were held in Ukraine amidst evidence of Bloc National Deputy Andrii Kozhemiakin systemic violations and vote falsifications, said from the parliamentary tribune. “Now resulting in the refusal by most of the major the government is doing everything to bide political forces involved, including the its time and falsify the results for certain Communist Party of Ukraine, a coalition election districts.” partner, to recognize them as legitimate. Svoboda nationalists alleged total falsifi- Only the pro-Russian of cation in the Kyiv Oblast vote and demand- Ukraine said the elections were conducted ed arrests and prosecution of those involved. transparently and honestly, and conformed Meanwhile the Communists called for to international standards. Those parties nationwide protests, and it remained unclear hedging their bets, such as the People’s whether enough would heed the Party of Ukraine led by Parliamentary Chair call once the Central Election Commission , withheld any statement. announces final results. (Thousands of small Though the official vote counts were not businessmen were already protesting on expected to be released until November 6 November 4 in Kyiv and Lviv against the (after this issue of The Ukrainian Weekly government’s proposed tax code.) goes to press), exit polls indicated that the Ukraine’s leading independent election- Party of Regions of Ukraine, President observing organization, the Western- ’s party, was leading in financed Opora citizen’s network, issued the voting with 36 percent nationwide. The one of the most disapproving statements on Batkvischyna party, led by opposition leader the elections on November 4, based on , had 13 percent. reports made by its 1,550 election observers. Several high-profile contests were too “The local elections in Ukraine occurred Zenon Zawada close to call, such as the battle for the with violations of international standards Oleh Zinkovskyi, a precinct election commission chair in the village of Bondari, Kharkiv City Council Chair between and failure to uphold the appropriate prac- Poltava Oblast, dumps from a mobile box for counting. Hennadii Kernes of the Party of Regions tices of organization and conducting elec- and Arsen Avakov of Batkivschyna. tions,” the statement said. and the criteria and principles of democratic in Europe,” the statement noted. Batkivschyna demanded on November 2 “Opora’s conclusions are based on the elections outlined in the documents of the The chaotic, often brutal, way in which that Parliament consider and approve legis- results of short- and long-term observation [Council of Europe] Venice Commission, the elections were conducted should put to the Copenhagen Conference and the Organization for Security and Cooperation (Continued on page 5) NDI notes deterioration in Ukraine’s U.S. says elections did not meet election environment, urges improvements KYIV – The environment surrounding tional concerns, but serious problems related standards for openness, fairness Ukraine’s October 31 local elections has to timing and content remained, which com- deteriorated compared to the situation dur- bined with a shortened campaign period to The following statement by the U.S. lems on election day by election ing the earlier this year, foster confusion, NDI said. government was released on November observers and international experts. the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Most notably, the law resulted in the cre- 3 by the Public Affairs Section of the Some difficulties precipitated by the said on November 2. ation of election commissions in which the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. new law, such as blocking the partici- NDI’s concerns are based on its ongoing parties of the ruling coalition had a large, pation of new parties, were lessened or assessment of the election environment. disproportionate representation and leader- Preliminary reports from election ended by the revisions ordered by NDI said it shares the concerns of credible ship roles, fueling doubts about their ability monitors suggest that Ukraine’s President [Viktor] Yanukovych in observers such as Opora, the largest inde- to administer the elections impartially. October 31 local elections did not September. meet standards for openness and fair- However, other aspects of the law pendent election monitoring organization in State interference Ukraine. Opora observers highlighted an ness set by the presidential elections and of pre-election regulations and atmosphere of mistrust and said the new Opora and other observers reported inci- earlier this year. Domestic and inter- procedures challenged the placement local election law fostered confusion. dences in which: law enforcement and secu- national election observation efforts, of the names of some candidates on As Opora outlined in its extensive long- rity authorities pressured candidates not to most notably those led by the widely ballots, allowed for reported cases of term observation reports, legislative and run and observers not to monitor; election respected domestic, non-partisan mon- improper use of administrative itor Opora, reported numerous proce- political issues – and particularly interfer- officials barred or removed candidates from resources during the electoral cam- dural violations on election day. paign, established unbalanced elector- ence by state authorities – have had a nega- the and refused accreditation to credi- While election observers recog- al commission membership, and creat- tive impact on public confidence in ble citizen observers on spurious grounds; nized improvements in the accuracy of ed complicated registration and voting Ukraine’s electoral process. Opora also and prospective voters were subjected to intimidation and bribery. voter lists since the presidential con- procedures. noted that the voters’ lists have improved test, they also noted shortcomings, President Yanukovych has recog- since the presidential election. Further, there is little evidence to date that the authorities have conducted rigorous such as insufficient training for elec- nized the need to bring electoral legis- Legal framework inquiries into complaints of such violations, toral commission members, which lation into line with international stan- NDI said, noting that a climate character- contributed to the procedural viola- dards through a consultative process. A new local election law with significant ized by such claims can undermine voters’ tions and to organizational problems. The United States is prepared to assist flaws was rushed into service in July. Some confidence that their political rights will be Ukraine’s local election law, passed Ukraine in support of electoral code favorable amendments were made in in July, was cited as a source of prob- reform. August in response to domestic and interna- (Continued on page 8) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS

Bomb explosions hit Kirovohrad President sees no systemic violations tion bloc claims massive fraud in the elections to the Lviv and Kyiv oblast ahead of Yanukovych’s visit KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych councils, the councils of some towns in of Ukraine noted the absence of systemic the Kyiv region, as well as irregularities by ganism” and political terrorism. violations in the country’s local elections. in the elections to the city councils of Eurasia Daily Monitor Although the explosions are being inves- Speaking during a working visit to the Lviv, Ternopil and Luhansk. This fraud tigated separately, Mr. Farynnyk said he Donetsk region on November 3, he said, serves as a reason to declare the elections In the early hours of October 22, three believes they could be merged into a single “There were almost no systemic viola- illegal, the bloc noted. (Ukrinform) bomb explosions occurred in the central investigation. “If the expertise identifies that tions. This was pointed out by both inter- Ukrainian city of Kirovograd, an opposition the explosions are linked to one another national observers and law enforcement Lytvyn not ruling out rerun stronghold. President Viktor Yanukovych then we, most likely, will unite the three agencies.” The president said that the visited the city later that morning. The investigations into one case” (Ukrainski technical problems arising during the vot- KYIV – Chairman explosions targeted the Procurator General’s Novyny, October 23). “The terrorism ver- ing were related to imperfections in the Volodymyr Lytvyn said he does not rule Office, Internal Affairs Ministry (MVS) and sion also has a right to exist,” Mr. Farynnyk legislation. “We will work over it to out that the Parliament will order a rerun a court building. The bombs were crude and said. This version is the most controversial adopt appropriate legislation, which then of elections to the Lviv and Kyiv oblast consisted of artillery shells, clocks and bat- theory, as it signifies either real discontent will be compiled in the Electoral Code. It councils, as well as the Ternopil, Lviv teries (Ukrayinska Pravda, October 22). channeled into violence or the authorities will work at elections of all levels,” he and Luhansk city councils if courts issue rulings declaring the October 31 elections Mr. Yanukovych commented that, “If themselves organizing “terrorism” to justify said. (Ukrinform) of these local government bodies invalid. somebody wanted to say something, for unspecified ends. He announced this at a Parliament meet- example, to me [through these explosions], I The MVS Department on the Struggle Our Ukraine says elections valid ing on November 2. Mr. Lytvyn ordered am ready to listen. If they wanted to say it in Against Organized Crime is undertaking the KYIV – The Our Ukraine Party con- the Rada’s Committee on Rules of such a manner they will be brought to jus- investigation. If the terrorism theory siders the elections to local councils valid becomes the most prominent, the Security Procedure and Deputy Ethics to consider tice” (Ukrayinska Pravda, October 22). A and is not planning to challenge their a draft resolution on the creation of an senior MVS official told the Service of Ukraine (SBU) would take over results, the party’s honorary chairman, the investigation. After the presidential interim commission to investigate the (October 22) that the explosions were not ( possible blockage by public institutions connected to Mr. Yanukovych’s visit to the guard (UDO –– Directorate on State in 2005-2010), said at a briefing in Kyiv Protection) was informed about the explo- of the participation of opposition repre- city, but were the work of local criminal on November 1. Mr. Yushchenko noted sentatives in the election process and pro- gangs ahead of the October 31 local elec- sions it ordered the presidential route and that he was satisfied with the level of his location of meetings to be changed. Mr. vide its recommendations on the docu- tions. Vice Minister of Internal Affairs Vasyl party’s preparations for the elections. “I Yanukovych planned to open a new interna- ment. The draft resolution was submitted Farynnyk told Ukrainski Novyny on am satisfied with how the Our Ukraine tional terminal at Kirovograd airport (http:// by the . October 23, that a struggle between orga- team worked,” he said, adding that his censor.net.ua, October 23). (Ukrinform) nized criminal gangs was one of three possi- political group had demonstrated proper ble theories –– the other two being “hooli- (Continued on page 18) dynamics for two months, despite the fact CIS observers satisfied with elections that two months ago it was impossible to KYIV – A mission of observers from speak optimistically about the results that the inter-parliamentary assembly of the Our Ukraine could expect to achieve. “I Commonwealth of Independent States know and am convinced that we’ll have (CIS) said on November 1 that it believes Yanukovych’s assassination phobia deepens our mayors in many villages and towns, the violations recorded in the local elec- by Taras Kuzio supplier of every manner of goods to and in some districts we’ll even have our tions in Ukraine will not throw their Ukraine’s state elites, has purchased three own majority, or a majority that we’ll be Jamestown Foundation Blog legitimacy into question. The head of the jeeps at the cost of 4.2 million hrv. The able to form with democratic political mission, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Ukrainian President Viktor jeeps are specialized Toyota Sequoia 4 by groups,” Mr. Yushchenko said. He noted State Duma Alexander Babakov also Yanukovych’s assassination-phobia is 4s fitted out as Rescue Fast 1 vehicles to that Our Ukraine considers the local elec- noted the satisfactory organization of the reaching the level of hysteria (Eurasia provide assistance in the event of attack tions a new page in its activities and as local elections. He added that the interna- Daily Monitor, June 28). Three bomb or accident. the start of preparations for parliamentary tional community expected the strength- explosions in Kirovohrad on the eve of Anatoliy Grytsenko, defense minister elections. (Interfax-Ukraine) ening of political stability in Ukraine his visit to that city will undoubtedly from 2005 to 2007 and head of after the conduct of the elections. increase the president’s long-standing Parliament’s Committee on National Opposition wants probe into irregularities paranoia (EDM, October 26). (Ukrinform) Security and Defense, commented in a KYIV – The Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc This is the only manner in which one tongue-in-cheek response that the presi- blocked the Verkhovna Rada on the Azarov sees new political traditions can analyze recent purchases of equip- dent needs to be defended from all angles morning of November 3, demanding that KYIV – Local elections in Ukraine ment for his protection. The president is “from his own people.” a special investigative commission probe were held democratically, and people to be protected by a surface-to-air, anti- There is, therefore, a need, Mr. into irregularities at the October 31 local missile battalion of spetsnaz, who are to Grytsenko says, to purchase “two subma- elections. As reported earlier, the opposi- (Continued on page 14) use two Zenith Buk rocket complexes. rines and then to carefully camouflage There are plans for the construction of them with duckweed and conceal them a helicopter pad in central Kyiv and at somewhere in the Dnipro and Desenko Mr. Yanukovych’s suburban mansion that river bays along the route from the presi- FOUNDED 1933 would end the daily traffic jams caused dent’s house to work,” Mr. Grytsenko THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY by his 15-mile drive to the Presidential said. As for a potential attack from land, Administration in downtown Kyiv. Each An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Mr. Grytsenko recommends that one a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. day President Yanukovych races from his mechanized brigade from the Internal Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. mansion to the center of Kyiv, causing Affairs Ministy’s Internal Troops be traffic jams. The Kyiv City Council is Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. transformed into a cavalry unit. These (ISSN — 0273-9348) donating one hectare of unused land to cavalrymen would sit on horseback with build a heliport for two helicopters. automatic weapons along 50-meter inter- The Weekly: UNA: Presumably, the president’s helicopter vals guarding the entire 15-mile route Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 will be fitted with a wide array of defense between Mr. Yanukovych’s mansion and devices – in case of an attack by the office. Postmaster, send address changes to: opposition (or more likely an angry and If this advice is implemented, and Mr. The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz frustrated motorist trying to get to work). Yanukovych is therefore protected “from 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas The Directorate on State Affairs, the P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) his own people” from every possible Parsippany, NJ 07054 angle, Mr. Grytsenko will rest assured that “Yanukovych could then fully con- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] centrate on running the state.” Correction Perhaps. In the story “Ukrainian American trio President Yanukovych’s entourage, The Ukrainian Weekly, November 7, 2010, No. 45, Vol. LXXVIII presents works of Ukrainian composers” heavily penetrated by Russian security Copyright © 2010 The Ukrainian Weekly (October 24), Halyna Strilec Schatiloff, officials (see EDM, October 13), is Nestor Cybriwsky and Tom Hrynkiw undoubtedly convinced that the best way were mistakenly described as the initia- to keep him under full control is to feed ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA tors of the Music at the Institute (MATI) his assassination-phobia. This is the real Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 concert series at the Ukrainian Institute of reason for this additional equipment and e-mail: [email protected] America. In fact, the artists were the first perhaps the October 22 explosions. Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 performers to appear in an earlier music fax: (973) 644-9510 series at the UIA, the Ukrainian The article above is reprinted from the e-mail: [email protected] Composers Series directed for four years Jamestown Foundation Blog published Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 by veteran Met Opera baritone Andrij by the Jamestown Foundation, www. e-mail: [email protected] Dobriansky. jamestown.org. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 3

Ukraine Roundtable XI spotlights relations with Germany and Russia WASHINGTON – Washington was the take on the role of objective observers/side- venue on October 20-21 for the 11th annu- line commentators, included an impressive al convening of the “Ukraine’s Quest for cast of speakers: Deputy Assistant Secretary Mature Nation Statehood” roundtable of State Dan Russell, Taras Kuzio (Johns series. This year’s forum focused its atten- Hopkins), William Courtney (CSC Corp.), tion on two bilateral relationships – Sam Charap (Center for American between Germany and Ukraine and Progress), Bruce Jackson (Project on between Russia and Ukraine – that have, Transitional Democracies), Nadia Diuk for better or for worse, helped shaped (National Endowment for Democracy), Ukraine’s past and present and are bound Orest Dechakiwsky (Commission on to influence its future. Security and Cooperation in Europe), Steve The location for the first day of the gath- Blank (U.S. Army War College), Judge ering, sponsored by Sen. Richard Lugar, Bohdan Futey, Ilan Berman (American was Russell Senate Hearing Room 325, the Foreign Policy Council), Ariel Cohen walls of which have witnessed everything (Heritage Foundation) and Steven Larrabee from the Watergate investigations to the (RAND Corp.). Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings. The The sense of the conference was per- location for the second day, sponsored by haps best expressed in the remarks deliv- Sen. John Kerry, was Dirksen Senate ered by the last named presenter. Dr. Hearing Room G50, home to many of the Larrabee, a highly respected expert on activities of the Senate Foreign Relations European security, who began by noting A view of the proceedings during the Ukraine Roundtable XI conference. Committee. two facts. Fact one was that Ukraine had To appropriately conduct a discussion recently badly stumbled on its “road to about the subject on hand, the forum was democracy.” Fact two is that Ukraine divided into several proceedings: opening remains a key geo-political pivot point in remarks, six plenary sessions, three keynote the world, capable of having potentially focus sessions and closing remarks. critical impact on regions extending from The Ukrainian side of the discourse dis- Eastern and Southern Europe to the Near played a remarkable spectrum of opinions East and Central Asia. due to the participation of many of its lead- Dr. Larrabee commented that the ing political lights: Hryhoriy Nemyria and were exclusively interested in the Yuri Shevchuk (Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc), second fact (they had absolutely no interest Valentyn Nalyvaichenko (Our Ukraine), in the first) and were therefore fully engaged Borys Tarasyuk (Rukh), Oleh Rybachuk in creating deeper ties with Ukraine. (Novyi Hromadianyn), Yuri Shcherbak The Germans – and with them, the West (Committee in Defense of Ukraine), Yuri generally – were instead focused on the first Myroshnychenko (Party of Regions), Vice and hence were in the process of distancing Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleksander themselves from Ukraine; indeed, they were Horyn and Ambassador to the U.S. succumbing to “Ukraine fatigue.” Oleksandr Motsyk. In the short term Dr. Larrabee noted that German discussants included noted the German approach might have something historian Dr. Andreas Umland and Nico to recommend for itself and the Russian Lange, director of the Konrad Adenauer approach might warrant censure as callous Foundation in Ukraine, while the Russian cynicism. But in the longer term, German Dr. Yuri Shcherbak (right) participates in the Washington conference. speakers included noted constitutional (and generally Western) disengagement specialist Dr. Alexander Berdnikov and might prove more censurable; Ukraine Committee and the Ukrainian Embassy in York Federal Credit Union, Cleveland Gennady Shorokhov, Senior Advisor to might just “prove to be too important to Washington hosted a patrons reception to Self Reliance and the Ukrainian Defense the Russian Duma Committee on CIS lose” – especially to the “tender embrace” honor the supporters of the Quest round- Consulting Group spoke to the assembled Affairs. of Russia. table series. Representatives of perennial audience and were, in turn, feted by the The American participants, who asked to After the forum, the event’s Steering donating entities like Self Reliance New participants for their generosity.

NEWS ANALYSIS: Europe concerned about democracy, while Kyiv prefers to focus on trade by Pavel Korduban cratic and that the principle of the rule of nomic reforms and political stability in open its energy and transportation markets; Eurasia Daily Monitor law should be observed” (Interfax-Ukraine, Ukraine, expressed concern at reports of the the EU’s unwillingness to either lower October 6). “deterioration in respect for fundamental import duties or increase agricultural import The European Union is ready for com- Nonetheless, the Parliamentary Assembly freedoms and democratic principles” in quotas; and Ukraine’s reluctance to remove promises with Ukraine in all matters except of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Ministry export duties on agricultural commodities. democratic freedoms, EU Enlargement European human rights watchdog, adopted hailed the EP’s decision as “a victory of The situation is exacerbated by the EU’s Commissioner Stefan Fuele has stated a tough resolution on democracy in Ukraine common sense” and expressed hope that EP suspicions that Ukraine may opt in favor of (UNIAN, October 25). on October 5. PACE warned that the consol- would eventually pass “a balanced resolu- the customs union of Russia, and Such words from an EU official, who is idation of power by the presidency should tion” (Interfax, October 21). Kazakhstan. The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs viewed as friendly in Kyiv, confirmed that not lead to the monopolization of power by A tough resolution may spoil the Ministry tried to dispel these suspicions, the condition of democracy after Viktor Mr. Yanukovych’s party. November 22 summit in Brussels for saying in a statement on October 12 that Yanukovych’s February election as presi- PACE opined that the current political Ukraine. Even without that, Kyiv will not Ukraine had no intention of joining the cus- dent may spoil Ukraine’s European integra- stability in Ukraine is fragile and that the achieve at the summit as much as it hoped. toms union. Mr. Pyatnytsky noted in the tion. Even without this factor, talks on an government has been implementing reforms Prime Minister , speaking in interview that membership of the EU and of association agreement and free trade with “in a hasty manner.” PACE denounced Brussels on October 13, admitted that a the customs union would be mutually exclu- the EU have been difficult. The October 31 “pressure on journalists and party and civil free-trade agreement would not be signed sive goals. local elections, which the opposition claims society activists and their relatives” by the on November 22 (Kommersant-Ukraine, Free travel is an issue on which Kyiv will not be fair, will be a serious test for security service, and expressed its concern October 14), and a week later he said the may progress at the summit. For its part, Kyiv ahead of the Ukraine-EU summit over reports of possible electoral fraud agreement would not be signed this year Ukraine cancelled visa requirements for EU scheduled for November 22. ahead of the local elections (Kommersant- (RIA Novosti, October 25). citizens in 2005. A readmission treaty aimed The recent reversal of the 2004-2006 Ukraine, October 7). Messrs. Azarov and Yanukovych had to combat illegal migration was concluded constitutional reform by President An unabashed President Yanukovych, hoped that the document would be signed with the EU in 2008, and Ukraine is ready Yanukovych (Eurasia Daily Monitor, addressing French scholars and business- this year, but talks with the EU have been to make biometric passports as required by October 15), a reform which had been men in Paris, reaffirmed Kyiv’s bid to join difficult. Speaking to the Russian govern- the EU, so Kyiv believes it is up to the EU among the main achievements of the pro- the EU. Moreover, “Ukraine has the right to ment news agency RIA Novosti on October to adopt a political decision on free travel democratic 2004 , alerted expect more from the EU,” he suggested 25, Mr. Azarov noted that Ukraine is more for Ukrainians. Europe to the fact that democracy is in dan- (Interfax-Ukraine, October 8). interested in compromises than the EU, However, another problem which is ger in Ukraine. The (EP), unlike given the fact that the EU accounts for 30 played down by Kyiv is the existence of a Mr. Yanukovych went out of his way to PACE, decided to adopt its own resolution percent of Ukraine’s foreign trade, while the transparent border with Russia. dispel this concern in personal meetings and on Ukraine after the October 31 local elec- share of Ukraine in the EU’s trade is only Consequently, much will depend on the out- telephone conversations with the leaders of tions. Following heated debates on October around 1 percent. come of visa talks between Brussels and the United Kingdom, France and Germany, 20, in which European leftists opposed the Ukrainian Vice-Minister of the Economy Moscow. as well as EU officials in early October. For center right’s intention to take a tough line Valery Pyatnytsky, in an interview with example, he told UK Prime Minister David on Kyiv, the EP limited itself to hearing a Zerkalo Nedeli on October 16, listed the The article above is reprinted from Cameron that he was “interested more than statement authored by Mr. Fuele and the most difficult issues in the trade talks. These Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission anyone that the [election] processes in EU’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton. are: EU sanitary norms, which Ukraine has from its publisher, the Jamestown Ukraine should be transparent and demo- The statement, while praising recent eco- been slow to adopt; the EU’s reluctance to Foundation, www.jamestown.org. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

UKRAINE’S LOCAL ELECTIONS Joint statement by the opposition: Elections ‘neither democratic, nor free’ The following joint statement on the the voting date was driven by the desire to nizations was proved in courts, but it According to Part 2 of Article 66 of the October 31 local elections in Ukraine was finalize the formation of administrative changed nothing. As a result, the largest law on local elections, ballot papers are lim- issued on November 2 by 10 opposition par- resources, to take control over law-enforce- opposition party, Batkivschyna, and other ited-issue documents. Paragraph 17, Article ties: Batkivschyna, the Reform and Order ment structures, to subordinate the judicial opposition forces were effectively barred 9 of the law “On Licensing of Certain Types Party, Rukh, People’s Self-Defense, system and to rewrite legislation to satisfy from running in Kyiv, Lviv, Kirovohrad, of Economic Activity” clearly states that the Motherland Defenders Party, Ukrainian the needs of the Party of Regions and its Ternopil and some other regions. Thus, mil- production of securities and limited-issue Platform Party, Party, allies. lions of citizens were deprived of their right documents is subject to obligatory licensing. Ukrainian Republican Party Sobor, the For The adoption of the law “On Elections of to choose. The ballot papers were printed at 487 print- Ukraine Party and United Center. The state- Deputies of the Supreme Council of the Furthermore, for the first time in the his- ing houses. However, the website of the ment appeared online in the Kyiv Post. Autonomous Republic of , Local tory of Ukraine’s independence, the mass Ministry of Finance confirms that only four Councils and Villages, Town and City printing of false ballot papers was organized The local elections that took place on Heads” was the next stage in the process for throughout the country. (Continued on page 8) October 31 were neither democratic nor systemic vote-rigging. It was designed in free. They do not conform to the generally the interests of the Party of Regions that accepted European standards, and their acted under the principle of “playing with results are deliberately disfigured. rules” rather than “playing by the rules.” Today it is already obvious that the offi- The law facilitated the flagrant dispropor- UCCA concerned about elections: cial election results will have nothing to do tional representation of the composition of with the real mood of the people, nor reflect the territorial and district election commis- Ukrainian democracy in danger their real choice. The vote-rigging in sions. In practice, it permitted the president Ukraine has been a long process that has to grab control of the territorial election Editor’s note: The statement below, dated Oblast, the Territorial Election Commission embraced every stage of the election cam- commissions and their heads, and form October 29 was e-mailed on October 30, on (TEC) today is poised to unregister and paign. exclusive district election commissions that the eve of Ukraine’s local elections. It is remove candidates from the Nasha Ukraina The new government began the erosion became a major element in facilitating vote- being published here for the historical [Our Ukraine] and Front Zmin [Front for of democracy with the elimination of elec- rigging. The completely subordinated law- record as part of our coverage of the Change] parties. The TEC is also poised to tions and then attacked a major component enforcement agencies provided a mecha- October 31 elections. remove all oblast commission members of the democratic process by curtailing free- nism for protecting vote-rigging facilitated from these two opposition parties. dom of speech in all its manifestations. As a by the commissions at different levels. KYIV – The Ukrainian Congress 3. In the Kyiv and Lviv oblasts, and other result, the international media watchdog With the law on local elections, the Party Committee of America (UCCA), an organi- , the authorities are for- Reporters Without Borders downgraded of Regions deliberately prohibited party zation with long-term experience in observ- bidding the electorate from exercising their Ukraine by 42 places in its 2010 annual blocs from taking part in the electoral pro- ing elections, is taking an active part in the constitutional right to vote as Batkivshyna index of media freedom. There is no need to cess two months before the elections. It was upcoming local elections in Ukraine slated party lists were not registered by the author- add anything. a conscious act of discrimination against the for Sunday, October 31, by hosting a dele- ities despite numerous requests by both All opposition forces were discriminated largest opposition force, the Yulia gation of international election observers. domestic and international political leaders in their right to be present in the national Tymoshenko Bloc. Due to the short period As one of the few non-governmental and organizations. and many regional media. The main reason of time available before the elections, and organizations, and the only Ukrainian 4. There has been a return to pre-2004 behind the situation is the total control of the because of the deliberate blackout of party American community organization, regis- usage of administrative resources. In some mass media by the clan groups in the presi- information in the national media, it was tered with Ukraine’s Central Election regions such as Cherkasy, the Governor dent’s circle. The people’s understanding of impossible to inform all of Ukraine’s citi- Commission (CEC), the UCCA has been (who is also a candidate for mayor) is bla- the real situation in the country, in all zens about the change of name of the largest actively involved in sending international tantly making use of administrative resourc- spheres of life, is deliberately and signifi- opposition force. election observers to Ukraine since 1991. es to try to win the election in spite of cantly distorted because of the manipulation In the elections, the government used a The UCCA supports Ukraine’s commit- President [Viktor] Yanukovych’s decree of the media. new technique for vote-rigging: the creation ment to OSCE [Organization for Security prohibiting such usage. The violations that give us grounds to of bogus opposition party organizations. and Cooperation in Europe] standards for 5. It has been reported that several conclude that the elections were biased and This was realized on the president’s order free and fair elections that accurately reflect Territorial Election Commissions have undemocratic arose before the election cam- by the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the will of the electorate. Therefore, we are printed more ballots than Ukrainian election paign with the unlawful postponement of Internal Affairs, and by the subordinated concerned and troubled by these recent law permits. All ballots in excess of 110 the elections, which, according to the courts and territorial election commissions. reports from around Ukraine: percent of the number of voters in a region Constitution, should have been held in May. On the night before election day, the ille- 1. That the ruling party has been stacking should be immediately destroyed, and Today it is obvious that the postponement of gality of the bogus Batkivschyna party orga- local election commissions and the authorities should openly and transparently Territorial Election Commissions with their allow independent verification of the actual people in an effort to manipulate the elec- number of ballots. tion results. This is being done in collusion We cannot allow fraudulent elections to Quotable notes with “technical parties,” political parties return to Ukraine. And thus, as in the past, “These local elections are the dirtiest elections in Ukraine since independence.” existing on paper only. The most troubling the UCCA will be observing in cities – Hryhoriy Nemyria, Yulia Tymoshenko’s top aide, as quoted by The Associated reports are from the city of Odesa. throughout Ukraine, to ensure free and fair Press on November 1. 2. It has been reported, that in the Lviv elections.

“There were so many violations that we cannot say that it was democratic, fair and open.” – Opora spokesman Dmitry Hnap, as quoted by the Associated Press on November 1. Preliminary statement of the UCCA’s “I am deeply concerned with the continuing deterioration of the domestic situation international Election Observer Mission in Ukraine, particularly in light of the local elections scheduled for Sunday, October Following is the text of the preliminary 31. Despite the strong and clear messages of the European People’s Party (EPP) to enced by the UCCA Election Observer statement issued on November 2 by the Mission was that several members were President [Viktor] Yanukovych and Ukraine’s government, anti-democratic actions Ukrainian Congress Committee of America threatened, intimidated and even not continue and have already become systematic. State authorities failed to remedy the (UCCA), which took an active part in the allowed into polling sites to monitor the seriously flawed legal framework and implement urgent measures needed to ensure October 31 local elections by hosting a del- election process. transparency and build voter confidence.” egation of international election observers. The UCCA’s delegation of international “The most obvious and outrageous examples include unbalanced composition of election observers believe that the above- election commissions with clear domination of the ruling party, creation and support Having registered 29 individuals with mentioned violations are cause for concern, of bogus party structures and refusal to register legitimate branches of the Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, the could have a systemic character, and may Batkivschyna party in a number of regions, most notably in Kyiv and Lviv. These UCCA deployed teams of international elec- have influenced the outcome of the October unacceptable developments make practically irrelevant the voting day, as both – the tion observers to monitor the local elections 31 local elections. The UCCA supports questionable legal basis and the fraudulent electoral process – make it impossible to in the following oblasts: Cherkasy, Crimea, Ukraine’s commitment to OSCE standards conduct free and fair elections that correspond to European standards.” Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Poltava. for free and fair elections that accurately – Elmar Brok, member of the European Parliament and the European People’s After monitoring the elections at more reflect the will of the electorate, and sincere- Party coordinator on foreign affairs, in a press release circulated by the EPP press than 100 polling stations in six oblasts, the ly hopes that any and all violation com- service on October 29. UCCA Election Observer Mission made plaints will be reviewed and resolved objec- preliminary observations and is concerned tively. “Did Yanukovych pass the test? As far as the process of voting is concerned – Yes. with several systematic violations witnessed The UCCA’s final Observer Report will As far as the legislation changes – rather not. And we still have to wait for the third on election day: insufficient number of bal- be issued in the coming days. For further phase to be completed [vote counting].” lots delivered to many polling stations, bal- information about the UCCA’s international “If you intensively work for two months, September and October, on making the lot boxes missing seals, unstamped ballots, election observer program please contact the life of your opponents hard, then two weeks of eased pressure do not matter.” pre-signed protocols and many candidates National Office, either by email at ucca@ – An unnamed official of the European Union, as cited by euobserver.com on being unlawfully excluded from election ucca.org or telephone at 212-228-6840 or November 2. lists. The most troubling violation experi- the Kyiv Office at [email protected]. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 5

UKRAINE’S LOCAL ELECTIONS

Bankova Street in Kyiv to the smallest, election observers were either forbidden to Systemic violations... remote villages. enter polling stations, or expelled either in (Continued from page 1) For instance, Poltava Oblast State the day or during the overnight vote count, rest any remaining misconceptions – largely Administration Chair Oleksander Mr. Hnap added. held by Western governments and officials Udovichenko was immediately informed The Weekly was expelled from Precinct not closely monitoring Ukraine – that the when The Ukrainian Weekly arrived to Election Commission No. 11005 in the vil- administration of President Yanukovych is observe the elections in the village of lage of Bondari in the Poltava Oblast at committed to building democratic institu- Bondari in the Poltava Oblast. about 5:30 a.m. on November 1, accused of tions and Western values in Ukraine, partic- [Editor’s note: Ukraine’s state oblast interference after this reporter made a sec- ularly the rule of law, said Ivan Lozowy, a administration bureaucracy is a holdover ond attempt to draw closer to the counting Kyiv lawyer. from the Soviet era that enables the of ballots that was occurring on the far end “We haven’t seen this type of violence Ukrainian president to promote his policies of the table. since 2004,” said Mr. Lozowy, president of in the nation’s regions.] Minutes earlier, this reporter made his the Institute of Statehood and Democracy in The most contentious election battles first attempt to squeeze through a narrow Kyiv, referring to the presidential vote of were fought in the central Ukrainian oblasts, aisle to video-record the vote count, acci- 2004 in which the current president, Mr. which the Party of Regions was desperate to dentally brushing against and displacing 10 Yanukovych, was determined by the bring under its command after consolidating ballots placed along the aisle, and drawing to have falsified control in its traditional stronghold regions the first warning from the commission chair the election. of eastern and . to not attempt to draw closer. “The number and frequency of reported “Eastern Ukrainians are used to fear and All the observers in the polling station at violations presents a spike as compared to intimidation, and largely buckled over,” Mr. the time – except for the commission mem- previous elections. That in itself is suffi- Lozowy said. “They live in an atmosphere bers themselves – were denied the ability to Zenon Zawada ciently worrisome. These elections were sig- of constant fear and intimidation there, view the ballot count from up close. Interfax reported that EU-Ukraine nificantly worse and reversed a general which is an extension of life in the . Thousands of voters were denied their Parliamentary Cooperation Committee trend towards a slow improvement,” Mr. In the Kyiv Oblast, however, people feel right to cast votes in secret because of poor Chairman Pawel Kowal of said at Lozowy added. their power as citizens, and protest and take organization and a remarkable lack of vot- a November 1 press conference that the The U.S. State Department issued a care- action.” ing booths to accommodate the number of elections were conducted in a “calm fully worded statement on November 3 that Indeed, in the weeks leading to the vote, voters, Mr. Hnap said, referring to this tech- atmosphere.” declared the October 31 elections “did not intense legal and even physical fighting nique as “managed chaos,” which was cre- meet standards for openness and fairness set erupted throughout cities and towns of ated by the poor election law. by the presidential elections earlier this Ukraine’s central regions – Kyiv, Cherkasy, Those not interested in waiting, particu- year.” Poltava and Vinnytsia. larly the elderly, cast their votes while lean- ing on windowsills. The biggest violations it cited were Systemic violations “adminresurs” (abuse of government Several observers of the Ukrainian resources), unbalanced election commis- The leading independent election obser- Congress Committee of America said thou- sions, and complicated registration and vot- vation group in Ukraine, the Opora civic sands of ballots were missing at certain poll- ing procedures. network led by board chairman Olha ing stations, particularly in the Cherkasy All that the European leadership could Aivazovska, confirmed systemic election Oblast. They also noted missing ballot box offer was deafening silence in the four days violations during the 50-day campaign seals in the Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts; after, with the European Parliament decid- stretch, on election day itself, as well as in commissioners reported they didn’t receive ing to delay its resolution on the election. subsequent days. these basic supplies. Visibly concerned, Verkhovna Rada In the weeks leading up to the vote, the Mr. Hnap charged that the Yanukovych Vice-Chair Mykola Tomenko made a public most egregious systemic violations included administration intentionally cut the cam- plea to the press on November 4 – before a the creation of more than a dozen clone par- paign season short to 50 days in order to hearing of the Parliamentary Committee on ties that were registered instead of the real create the “managed chaos,” in which a lack European Union-Ukraine Cooperation – parties, especially Batkivschyna; and the of supplies or poor organization would that the European Parliament’s resolution be denial to hundreds of Ukrainian citizens of appear accidental, not international. “objective and realistic, not political.” their constitutional right to compete in the Initial reaction “If it doesn’t objectively reflect what elections, whether ahead of time or at the happened in the local elections, then the last minute. As early as three hours before the 10 p.m. next parliamentary elections, which will be It’s likely the Yanukovych administration closing time for the polling stations, Zenon Zawada held as a mixed system more than likely, issued vote quotas per oblast and district, Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU) An elderly villager in the Poltava Oblast won’t adhere to democratic standards,” said which commissioners were eager to fulfill Board Chairman Oleksander Chernenko casts her ballot during the October 31 Mr. Tomenko, a leader in the Batkivschyna or exceed, often at the expense of abiding had already declared that the local elections local elections. party. by the law, Mr. Lozowy said. were conducted in a “free atmosphere,” “Today, like never before, it’s necessary The groundwork for systemic violations with no more violations than the presidential the time, and enabled Presidential to stop this process that characterized these was laid when Parliament approved election elections and not of a “systemic character.” Secretariat Chair to gain a local elections, in which anyone could have law amendments just weeks ahead of the He also said, again before the polls faction in the Ternopil Oblast Council for become a deputy with the help of power and campaign’s September 11 start – a violation closed, that the election results couldn’t be the Single Center party that he launched. money,” he stated. of European norms – and with provisions rejected at any level except individual elec- Ihor Popov, the CVU board chairman at Building Western political institutions that were often vague, incomplete or contra- tion commissions. the time and a close partner of Mr. and values isn’t a priority for the European dictory. These statements contradicted all objec- Chernenko, was hired to work in the leadership, and Mr. Tomenko’s own party The election law also granted the three tive accounts prepared by independent elec- Presidential Secretariat soon after the vote leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, is partly to coalition parties – the Party of Regions, the tion observers, as well as statements issued and currently serves as the head of the blame, Mr. Lozowy said. Communist Party and the People’s Party of several days later by Opora, the European Single Center party. “There’s a fixation on stability after the Ukraine – nine out of 15 local elections People’s Party (the largest party in the EU), Mr. Chernenko’s positive statements on Yushchenko-Tymoshenko chaos,” he said. commission seats, enabling them to domi- the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Kyiv the 2010 local elections also conflicted with “They’ve got a team in the Yanukovych nate decision-making and to make rules in led by Niko Lange, and the U.S. State those of his Odesa Oblast organization administration that can communicate and their favor when the rules weren’t clear. Department. chair, Anatolii Boiko, who said the viola- organize well, and that’s good enough for a In those commissions where conflicts Mr. Chernenko’s premature statements tions and conditions in his city were even lot of people in the West who look at surfaced among the three parties, the Party became merely the latest in a string of con- worse than during the 2004 presidential Ukraine superficially and aren’t terribly of Regions had commission members from troversies that have plagued the CVU ever vote. concerned about Ukraine.” other parties who were chosen to vote in since it lost funding from the National Another controversial statement was The elections gained little notice beyond their favor, said Dmytro Hnap, Opora’s Democratic Institute in 2007. allegedly made by Pawel Kowal, the chair- Ukraine because the Yanukovych adminis- press secretary. [Editor’s note: the NDI is currently man of the European Union-Ukraine tration decided to hold them, for the first On election day itself, Opora received among the main financers of Opora, which Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, who time, separate from the major votes, namely scores of reports of election commissioners is widely accepted as the legitimate election- stated the elections were conducted in a for president and Parliament. rewriting election protocols after they had monitoring organization.] “calm atmosphere, with generally positive As a result, only about 500 international been completed and submitted. Both sides of the conflict, including Mr. impressions from observers.” The statement observers arrived, with Poland sending the [Editor’s note: Election protocols are Chernenko, refused to comment on what the was reported by Interfax at a morning press most at 36, Opora reported. The Russian documents submitted to the territorial elec- conflict with the NDI was about, yet politi- conference on November 1. Federation sent the second-most, 29, and 28 tion commissions (TEC) that tally the final cal insiders told The Weekly it involved Meanwhile, 10 opposition parties – observers arrived from the U.S., most of vote count in detail.] alleged financial misdealings. Batkivschyna, the Reform and Order Party, whom represented the Ukrainian Congress In the Cherkasy, Kyiv and Vinnytsia The CVU was also responsible for rub- Rukh, People’s Self-Defense, Motherland Committee of America (UCCA). oblasts, hundreds of candidates arrived at ber-stamping the highly scandalous March Defenders Party, Ukrainian Platform Party, The local elections were critical for Mr. polling stations to find stamps next to their 2009 pre-term elections to the Ternopil Civil Position Party, Ukrainian Republican Yanukovych as the final lap in a 10-month names – placed the night before – that indi- Oblast Council, which involved numerous Party Sobor, For Ukraine Party and United race to solidify authoritarian rule in Ukraine, cated their expulsion from the election con- violent incidents and attempts at sabotage. Center – issued a joint statement on the building a strict chain-of-command of loyal tests, said Mr. Hnap. The final vote count in that race was reject- elections, characterizing them as “neither bureaucrats that extends from the Scores, if not hundreds, of journalists, ed by the Tymoshenko Bloc, which was democratic, nor free.” (The text of the state- Presidential Administration building on party-affiliated observers and international warring with the Presidential Secretariat at ment appears on page 4 of this issue.) 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Elections and authoritarianism Siberian nationalists seek alliance Perhaps the still unsolved disappearance of Kharkiv journalist Vasyl Klymentyev wasn’t convincing enough. Neither were the scores of incidents in which Security with ethnic Ukrainians in Far East Service of Ukraine (SBU) agents stormed government offices, arrested unsuspecting by Paul Goble at the end of the 19th century when the officials and incarcerated them without bail. Or the scores of media organizations raid- tsarist authorities provided free transpor- A group of Siberian nationalists has ed, their property confiscated. Or the droves of politicians suddenly joining the Party tation and free land to Ukrainians suffer- called on ethnic Ukrainians living in the of Regions during the election campaign. Maybe even the Constitutional Court’s sud- ing from famine. Several hundred thou- Far East – a community the Siberians den declaration that the 2006 was null and void wasn’t con- sand Ukrainians took advantage of that note that currently has fewer opportuni- vincing enough. offer and called the land they settled in ties to preserve its national culture than In which case, the October 31 local elections made painfully obvious what many of the “Zelenyi Klyn,” or Green Triangle. do the indigenous Siberian peoples – to us in the had feared ever since President Viktor Yanukovych took The population grew rapidly, and by join the Siberian nationalist movement. office in February. His administration has no intention of supporting Western political the time of the first Soviet census in 1926 In an indication of seriousness, the institutions such as free and fair elections and the rule of law, which contribute to ethnic Ukrainians formed almost half of Siberian Popular Assembly, fresh from its peace and harmony in society. Nor does the Yanukovych administration have any the population in the area within the tri- effort to have people east of the Urals interest in individual rights, including the rights to run for office and to vote. angle formed by , Nakhodka declare “Siberian” as their nationality in This weekend’s election was the worst in Ukraine since the 2004 falsification deba- and , and in the years of the the just-completed Russian Federation cle that laid the groundwork for the Orange Revolution. It’s no coincidence that the , it played a key role. census, has published an appeal to the man in charge of both elections was Mr. Yanukovych and his Party of Regions. Indeed, one of the causes of the defeat Siberians of the and “He’s a person who’s pathologically not capable of honest elections,” as opposition of the Russian White Movement in the done so in the Siberian, Ukrainian and leader Yulia Tymoshenko aptly put it. “He hasn’t led a single honest campaign Far East was the opposition of its leaders Russian languages. throughout his lengthy political career, which began when he was appointed governor to any concessions to the non-Russians “Brother Ukrainians,” the appeal [oblast state administration chair] in Donetsk in 1997. And he consistently falsified all and especially to the Ukrainians, who begins, “at this historic moment of the the elections along his life path.” most of the White leaders refused to awakening of the Siberian nation, we It was already evident from the unreasonably short 50-day election campaign that acknowledge were a separate and distinct Siberians extend to you the hand of these elections were predetermined to be mired in what some Kyiv journalists are call- nation. friendship. There are scarcely any other ing “managed chaos.” The last-minute rewrite of the election law itself was wholly The exploited that and peoples closer than we are by their histor- inadequate, consisting of too many vague provisions and blatant contradictions. It promised the Ukrainians in the Far East ical fate,” one of colonization, persecu- ensured the Party of Regions and its coalition partners would dominate most, if not all, native language schools and broad cultur- tion, and Russification. election commissions throughout the country. Hundreds of polling stations reported al autonomy. But, having defeated the The appeal continues by saying that not receiving the necessary number of ballots, seals for ballot boxes and voting Whites, the Soviet government reneged “we intend to build our future in peace booths, exacerbating the chaos. and promoted the thorough-going and cooperation with all peoples, respect- Both domestic and international observers reported widespread intimidation and Russianization and Russification of the ing the right of every nation to self-deter- bullying carried out by election commissioners against anyone who tried to observe ethnic Ukrainians. mination,” and that includes respecting on a serious level, ask questions and report violations. Hundreds of observers and As a result, by the end of the Soviet the “many-thousand-strong” Ukrainian journalists were denied entry to polling stations, or expelled at some point. This sharp- period, the percentage of people in the diaspora in the Far East, known histori- ly contrasted with the relatively transparent presidential vote earlier this year. Russian Far East who declared them- cally as “Gray and Green Ukraine.” The systemic violations had begun during the campaign. Among the most signifi- selves to be Ukrainians as opposed to At the present time, the appeal states, cant of them was the fact that hundreds of candidates were improperly denied their Russians had declined to the single digits Ukrainians there are “deprived of the constitutional right to run for office or vote. At least five of these candidates were in most places, but the share of the popu- right even to education in their native lan- thrown in prison. And, fake political parties, or “clones,” were created in key battle- lation in that region as a whole with guage, not to speak of the use of their ground contests in the cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Ternopil. Violent assaults were carried Ukrainian roots is certainly more than tongue in business and legal affairs.” out against campaigners, mostly from pro-Western parties. half. That is because, the appeal says, “the The reaction from Europe – or should we say no reaction – was disappointing, but The Zelenyi Klyn Ukrainians, howev- Russian powers that be consider any citi- we have to face the reality, no matter how disconcerting it is, that Europe is still feel- er, even at that time did claim one zen of the Russian Federation ‘a ing Ukraine fatigue after the Yushchenko-Tymoshenko debacle. Thus, the West is sac- remarkable distinction. In the mid-1980s Russian.’” In this respect, Ukrainians and rificing the promotion of its values – rule of law and individual rights and freedoms – for a brief time, the United States broad- Siberians are in the same boat. in the quest for stability and as part of a reset policy that appeases Russia. cast to them in Ukrainian – the only time The self-proclaimed Council of the Also distressing was the fact that Oleksander Chernenko, chair of the Committee of during the Cold War when the West Siberian People, the appeal says, is “a Voters of Ukraine (CVU) – once a highly respected NGO – offered a full, ringing broadcast to an area not defined by the political organization which seeks the endorsement of the vote on election day itself, even before the polls had closed. At the Soviet system as being of that language establishment of a future flourishing same time, he stated unequivocally that the elections can’t be overturned or redone. community, at least formally. and the happiness of all Siberian The post-election performance of Adrian Karatnycky, the New York native who as In the wake of the collapse of the peoples, including the Ukrainians and the president of Freedom House was a defender of Western values and institutions in , some Ukrainians in Kyiv Siberians themselves,” and insists on the Ukraine, was disgraceful. Today, as a senior fellow of the Atlantic Council, he has attempted to reach out to the Zelenyi right of Siberian Ukrainians to have become an apologist for the Yanukovych administration. “Despite widespread anxiety Klyn and some Ukrainians there orga- schools in their native language. about massive fraud, intimidation of opposition parties and massive media manipula- nized, but little came of either effort – the And the appeal concludes with an tion, Ukraine’s most recent vote — while a step back in terms of best practices – was victim of more pressing immediate prob- appeal to the Ukrainians of the Far East hardly a descent into managed democracy or political tyranny,” he wrote in a lems and the enormous distance separat- to disseminate further information about November 4 commentary. ing Ukraine proper from the Ukrainians this cause and to join with the Siberian Mr. Karatnycky’s statement conflicts with the reality on the ground, where at least in the Far East. nationalists in this cause. To that end, it four incumbent mayors were thrown into prison and scores, if not hundreds, of candi- The new Siberian nationalist appeal calls on the Far Eastern Ukrainians to get dates were prevented from registering or eliminated from ballots on the eve of the may not be crowned with immediate suc- in contact with the Siberian nationalists elections. He claims that’s not “managed democracy,” and neither is stacking election cess, but this effort to form a supra- via the e-mail address, sibveche@gmail. commissions with Party of Regions officials and coalition partners, who took advan- national Siberian identity represents a com. tage of the rigged registration process so that they could ensure the Regions were No. challenge to the way Moscow has been The Ukrainians of the Far East came 1 on most ballots. doing business for almost a century. As a into existence as a distinctive community It is hoped that all of Ukraine’s political parties wronged by the elections are busy result, it is likely that this move by the preparing for their next move after collecting falsification evidence and filing thousands Siberians will provoke a greater response of lawsuits. There could be a mass demonstration in Kyiv if there’s enough momentum Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on from the center than anything the to sustain the rightful outrage. Then we’ll have a better idea to what extent Ukrainians ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Siberians have yet done. have lost their constitutional rights under Mr. Yanukovych’s authoritarian fist. who has served in various capacities in the U.S. State Department, the Central * * * Intelligence Agency and the International Author’s note: The most important Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the study of the Ukrainians of the Zelenyi Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/ Klyn is Ivan Svit’s “Zelena Ukraina. Radio Liberty and the Carnegie Korotkyi Istorchnyi Narys Ukrainskoho Nov. Turning the pages back... Endowment for International Peace. Mr. politiychnoho i Hromadskoho zhytiia” in Goble writes a blog called “Window on Ukrainian, New York, 1949. For an Eurasia” (http://windowoneurasia. English-language introduction, see espe- blogspot.com/). This article above is cially John J. Stephan’s “The Russian Far 12 Last year an influenza epidemic swept over Ukraine, claiming reprinted with permission. East,” Stanford, 1994. 2009 the lives of 117 people between November 5 and 12, 2009. The death total at 213 was a 120 percent increase from the week prior. More than 1.2 million Ukrainians were infected with the flu or acute respiratory virus infection (ARVI). Authorities at Ukraine’s Health Ministry explained that the situation was the result of two seasonal flu strains in addition to the H1N1 virus. Ukraine had 32 confirmed H1N1 cases by November 6, 2009. Visit our archive online: Approximately one-quarter of those hospitalized with influenza or ARVI in Ivano- www.ukrweekly.com (Continued on page 8) No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 7

NEWS AND VIEWS Yanukovych’s personal war PERSPECTIVES against the by Andrew Fedynsky by Askold S. Lozynskyj membership to this day. Mr. Soldatenko has not only stated the Encyclopedia of the resistance movement On October 4 President Viktor Holodomor is not a genocide of the Yanukovych issued a decree regarding Ukrainian people, but has on more than I never thought I’d be in an encyclope- Lukianenko or mathematician Leonid Ukraine’s Taras Shevchenko State Prize, one occasion mentioned that draft legisla- dia, but there I am on page 681 of Plyushch, as well as more obscure ones like Oleksander Nazarenko, an electri- which is recognized as the most presti- tion is ready to be introduced in the “Resistance Movement in Ukraine 1960- cian, Mykola Kucher, a humorist, Ivan gious award for creative work in the area Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to repeal 1990,” edited by Osyp Zinkewych and of cultural development. The decree was just released by Smoloskyp Publishers in Konevych, a construction worker... The Ukraine’s law from November 2006, largely unnoticed, except perhaps by Kyiv. There’s even a picture: 1970s book has their photographs and hundreds which declared the Holodomor to have those who continue to expect the worst wide-rim glasses, long hair and a beard, more, many in color, along with bibliog- been genocide. from Mr. Yanukovych. and young. Allow me to explain. raphies of the writings for which people Mr. Yanukovych’s denouncement of New presidents in Ukraine routinely This Ukrainian-language encyclopedia were sentenced. the Holodomor has been tendentious and redact the procedural issues regarding the documents an extraordinary period when There are also articles about the gratuitous. Were he simply passively award upon coming to office. Viktor a small group stood up to totalitarianism defense committees and the people who intellectually opposed to characterizing Yushchenko made amendments to the and changed the course of history. volunteered their time and talents – many the Holodomor as genocide, he would not award process in force during President In 1960, the Holodomor, the Great are friends I grew up with or met work- have acted as expeditiously in deleting ’s administration. Since Terror and World War II were still vivid ing for the cause: the Deychakiwsky the website reference; he would not have additions/deletions are generally of a pro- memories. In the wake of such trauma, brothers from Cleveland, Ulana made a special effort to address PACE cedural nature, there was no alert when Ukraine as a nation was dying. The Mazurkevich from Philadelphia, George only to denounce the Holodomor; and, Mr. Yanukovych issued his revisions. Kremlin – in total control of every aspect Sajewycz from Washington, Kateryna certainly, he would have replaced Dr. Except with this one difference: Mr. of society (hence the term totalitarian- Chumachenko from Chicago, the late Yanukovych went beyond procedure. In Yukhnovsky with a moderate. However, ism) – was waging a campaign to erase Ihor Olshaniwsky from New Jersey, the December 2007 President Yushchenko in all these instances he went out of his cultural and linguistic differences among late Sen. Paul Yuzyk from Saskatchewan expanded the subjects for the Shevchenko way to manifest that he was waging an the Soviet peoples and merge them into a and many, many more. And, there’s Osyp Prize consideration by inserting the fol- unconditional war on the Holodomor. new “Soviet” identity with the Russian Zinkewych, founder and head of lowing language, “works which serve to Over the past few years Ukraine, language serving as the unifying glue. It Smoloskyp. Now 85, he’s still working enlighten the topic of the Holodomor together with the Ukrainian World was driven by all-encompassing censor- hard on behalf of Ukraine. 1932-1933...” Apparently this was a Congress (UWC), has been organizing ship and suffocating pressure to conform, I first met Mr. Zinkewych in 1973 at a major problem for his successor. Mr. Holodomor commemorative events at the enforced by a network of informers and forum about the resistance movement. Yanukovych decreed to strike the United Nations in New York. This year backed by an army of secret police. He immediately asked me to translate an Holodomor reference. He did not address the UWC received no signal of any inter- And just then, a literary-cultural essay. I agreed and, as soon as I’d fin- any other substantive issues in the award est in this topic from Ukraine as it had in movement emerged, challenging the sys- ished, he gave me another assignment criteria. the past. tem: “Shestydesiatnyky” (the Sixtiers), and then another. I got to know him as a Certainly Mr. Yushchenko’s initiative The UWC, on its own, then attempted creative young people, led by poet Vasyl tireless and selfless organizer, fund-rais- can only be perceived as part of an agen- to reserve a conference room at the U.N. Symonenko, who assertively and unapol- er, editor and author who put together a da to enhance the study of the headquarters in New York for such an ogetically expressed themselves as network of volunteers to smuggle dissi- Holodomor. Likewise, Mr. Yanukovych’s event. Going back and forth over several Ukrainians. Caught by surprise, the dent literature out of Ukraine to the West reaction three years later can only be weeks, the U.N. Economic and Social authorities soon adjusted censorship for publication and distribution, even as interpreted as an attempt to undermine Council, with which the UWC has con- rules and cut off their access to print. he inspired and coordinated defense that initiative. sultative status, declined the UWC’s Undeterred, the most assertive of the groups which were publicizing the dissi- Mr. Yanukovych’s personal war request, ostensibly based upon its opinion Sixtiers turned to a new form of publish- dents’ message and letting them know against the Holodomor has become leg- that commemorating the Holodomor does ing: “samvydav.” Authors typed their their sacrifice was making a difference. endary in Ukraine and beyond its borders. not fall within its purview and suggested poems and essays with three to four car- In 1975 the United States, the USSR A week ago he bizarrely and rudely did that the UWC seek the sponsorship of a bon copies and then passed them along, and more than 30 other countries signed not accompany Canadian Prime Minister U.N. member-state. It should be noted asking readers to make additional copies the Helsinki Accords, recognizing Stephen Harper to the Holodomor that the head of the Department of and pass those along in turn. Soviet-imposed post-World War II bor- Memorial in Kyiv. Is all this simply syco- Economic and Social Affairs NGO office The regime struck back, first with ders and political systems, in return for a phantic pandering to Moscow? is a Russian. harassment and eventually mass arrests. promise to respect human rights and President Yanukovych’s opening salvo The UWC turned to Ukraine’s perma- The names of the victims became engage in citizen exchanges. Almost against the Holodomor was delivered on nent representative to the U.N. bywords in the West, synonymous with immediately, so-called “Helsinki groups” the very day of his inauguration, when Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev, who courage, defiance, integrity: Chornovil, were set up in Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania reference to the Holodomor was deleted responded: “The Permanent Mission Moroz, Karavansky, Strokata, Dzyuba, and elsewhere to press their governments from the presidential website. On April together with individual activists from Shumuk, Grigorenko, Stus, etc. They to honor the provisions of the accords. 27, in Strasbourg, Mr. Yanukovych stated Ukrainian organizations in the United were “dissidents,” nearly all of whom Predictably, the authorities responded to the Parliamentary Assembly of the States for several months now have been ended up in jail cells, psychiatric prisons with arrests, which only served to further Council of Europe: “We consider it incor- preparing a commemorative assembly at or labor camps for so-called “anti-Soviet discredit their rule. Bolstered by an inter- rect and unjust to consider the the U.N. to honor the memory of the vic- agitation and propaganda.” national agreement and encouraged by Holodomor a fact of genocide of a certain tims of the Holodomor, as had been done That was 1972 and I was just 24. pressure groups, Western governments people.” He then proceeded to replace the in prior years. Representatives of the Growing up in the Ukrainian community, for the next decade put human rights on highly respected Dr. Ihor Yukhnovsky as UWC, the UCC [A], WFUW [O], I was in Plast Ukrainian Scouting the agenda of every meeting with Eastern chair of the Institute of National Memory Ukrainian National Association, New Organization, attended Saturday school Bloc officials. with communist Valeriy Soldatenko, who Wave will be invited for this event.” and was inspired by song and verse to The rest of the story is well-known. not only dates his Communist Party The ambassador did not include the work for Ukraine’s liberation – only no Recognizing that the old ways were lead- membership well into the period of UWC, the Ukrainian Congress one had a formula on how to do that. A ing to disaster, Mikhail Gorbachev Leonid Brezhnev and Volodymyr Committee of America, the World generation of Ukrainian diaspora kids adopted glasnost and perestroika in a Scherbytsky, but also flaunts the fact that Federation of Ukrainian Women’s had similar experiences. last-ditch effort to save the Soviet Union. he has not renounced his communist Organizations or the Ukrainian National And that’s when committees began To no avail: the movement launched 30 Association in the planning, leaving us to springing up to organize letter-writing years earlier had entered the mainstream Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney presume that it, i.e., the administration of campaigns, demonstrations, vigils, etc., and huge demonstrations forced the based in New York City. He is a former President Yanukovych, will handle all of directed toward the media, public offi- break-up of the Soviet empire and inde- president of the Ukrainian World the arrangements. We’ll see what hap- cials, professional groups and others with pendence for Ukraine and other “repub- Congress. pens. Hope springs eternal! the aim of defending the dissidents in lics.” Ukraine and promoting their cause. Smoloskyp, which did so much to cre- It could not have been easy in Ukraine ate and drive the resistance movement, has done a great service publishing an to write and distribute an essay, a petition encyclopedia documenting the era when or a poem, knowing that a visit from the Opinions in The Ukrainian Weekly people across four continents came KGB would inevitably follow. People together in a 30-year campaign to defeat who did had a high sense of purpose and Opinions expressed by columnists, commen- one of the most evil regimes in history steely determination; only a very small and fulfill a dream Ukrainians had held tators and letter-writers are their own and do percentage were willing to make that sac- for centuries. rifice, yet numerically many did. not necessarily reflect the opinions of either Still, impressive as the encyclopedia The newly released encyclopedia doc- is, at 800 pages it cannot possibly cap- uments their lives, most of which were The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the ture the full scope of the activity. punctuated with five, 10, sometimes 15 Fortunately, Smoloskyp is considering a Ukrainian National Association. or more years of imprisonment. These include familiar names like attorney Lev (Continued on page 20) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

Some regional political parties were observers and the media. In some instances, Electoral Systems] survey; they consider the Joint statement... barred from participation in the elections in the latter were removed from polling sta- elections rigged and that is why they did not (Continued from page 4) the same way – only because they had a tions by unidentified persons of criminal vote. According to the same survey, only 8.5 of 487 printing houses had licenses, which good chance to be elected to local councils appearance. percent of citizens think that the elections is less than 1 percent of the total amount. as a counter to the ruling party. We have the The current government has put an end to are fair. Ukrainian society has issued its ver- The ballot papers were produced without detailed lists of all candidates and parties the tradition of fair elections established dict. sufficient control and protection, as provid- illegally deprived of their right to participate after the Orange Revolution. It is rolling These local elections are training for ed by the law. This was proved when repre- in the elections, as well as the illegal court back democracy in Ukraine and, in the pro- and a trial of systemic vote-rigging to be sentatives of different parties and interna- decisions that formalized this lawlessness. cess, is consciously dismantling the mecha- used during the next parliamentary and tional observers discovered large batches of We are going to publish them. nism of free and fair elections which it will presidential elections. If we, Ukrainian false ballot papers in different regions The abuse of home voting, without prop- replace with regular farces offering a fore- and international forces, do not take action (Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi, er cause, was also widespread. It is an gone result. now, at this early stage, the government Odesa) several days prior to the elections. It instrument of vote-rigging in Ukraine that We consider these elections to be unfair, will take it as carte-blanche for further leaves no doubt that the technique was used first emerged before 2004, and which has and held with mass and systemic vote-rig- attacks against democracy, human rights nationwide. Ukraine’s law enforcement now been restored by the government. In ging that violates the fundamental rights of and freedoms, and for the establishment of agencies, instead of putting an end to the some regions, the number of people voting Ukraine’s citizens for free choice. Fifty-nine authoritarian rule in Ukraine – rule that is process, took it under their control. The at home sharply increased even in compari- percent of citizens agree with us, according alien both to Ukraine’s people and the opposition has the evidentiary materials and son to the second round of the presidential to an IFES [International Foundation for whole of Europe. videotapes confirming this large-scale elections in 2004. crime. One could only describe the local elec- The campaign itself was marked by tions as “fair and democratic” if unduly • The president’s statements calling for strong pressure applied to the opposition biased or in an information vacuum. NDI notes... strict adherence to electoral laws and demo- parties, their candidates and representatives The organization of voting on election (Continued from page 1) cratic norms should be scrupulously fol- on election commissions. day and afterwards deserves separate assess- respected. lowed for all future elections. Employees of The most widespread trick against unde- ment. As of 10 a.m. on November 2, there is These elections were seen as a test of the the government must refrain from interfer- sirable candidates was intimidation of elec- no official information published on the new administration’s commitment to demo- ing in the elections, influencing the courts or tion participants by law enforcement agen- turnout. This is again indicative of the vote- cratic reforms, the NDI noted. President exercising administrative pressure. All can- cies, and threats to those opposition candi- rigging taking place at full pelt all over the Viktor Yanukovych pledged repeatedly and didates must be accorded equal access to the dates working in the state sector (doctors, country at the level of uncontrolled district forthrightly that the elections would be dem- ballot and equal rights to campaign without teachers, functionaries) to deprive them of and territorial election commissions. In all ocratic, abuses of state resources and viola- interference. Individuals responsible for vio- their jobs. previous elections there were no such viola- tions of the law would not be tolerated, and lating laws or infringing voters’ rights In some towns, there were cases of the tions. state authorities would be held accountable should be prosecuted to the full extent of the authorized detention of mayoral candidates The opposition forces have thousands of for conducting a fair and transparent pro- law. A mechanism for publicly tracking who had a good chance to defeat Party of evidentiary reports drawn up in accordance cess. complaints and their resolution should be Regions candidates. In many cases, opposi- with Ukrainian legislation. They confirm the These are commendable goals that, while established. tion candidates were pulled out of the elec- availability of final protocols in the commis- not realized in the local elections, provide a From October 28 through November 2, toral race as a result of decisions made by sions, with or without signatures, filled in foundation for future improvements, the NDI participated in a joint expert mission to commissions that had an overall majority of before the election campaign started; NDI continued. In addition, representatives the October 31 elections. That mission plans government representatives. In general, over numerous cases of excessive ballot papers at of the government and ruling party have to issue its findings in the coming weeks. 2,000 candidates for deputies, candidates for polling stations; and the stuffing of ballot expressed interest in revising Ukraine’s NDI’s ongoing assessment of Ukraine’s village, town and city heads were barred papers into ballot boxes or them being election laws and introducing a unified elec- local election process has also included from participating in the elections because thrown onto tables for vote counting after toral code. analysis of the legal framework, which was of repressions by law enforcement agencies, the voting was over. All these abuses were NDI therefore urged that: issued jointly with the International or as a result of ordered court decisions, or taking place simultaneously with the closing • Any electoral law revisions should Republican Institute (IRI), and a pre-elec- illegal actions by the subordinated territorial of district and territorial election commis- ensure partisan balance in the composition tion assessment issued jointly by NDI and election commissions. sions to escape the control of election and leadership of election commissions at the International Foundation for Electoral all levels and provide an adequate time- Systems (IFES). These efforts were support- frame for administrators and observers to ed by the U.S. Agency for International prepare, parties and candidates to campaign, Development (USAID). and voters to inform themselves. All revi- * * * sions should be conducted through a process that is participatory, transparent and deliber- The National Democratic Institute is a ative, with the aim of rebuilding public con- non-profit, non-partisan organization work- fidence in the Ukrainian . ing to support and strengthen democratic Only a process that allows for meaningful institutions worldwide through citizen par- input from the full spectrum of Ukrainian ticipation, openness and accountability in political parties, as well as civil society government. More information is available organizations, will be successful. at www.ndi.org.

it’s activity directed against Ukraine when Turning the pages... the president doesn’t sign – consciously for (Continued from page 6) eight days – the law to allocate money to Frankivsk were children. “Children, current- fight the epidemic, when it was supported ly on recess, are walking the streets without by almost the entire Parliament, more than anyone watching after them,” said Zoya 400 national deputies. The president holds Tsykhon, a health official at the Ivano- the personal responsibility for every person Frankivsk State Oblast Administration. who falls ill or dies.” Conflicting information came from the The delays in funding, Mr. Yushchenko government as well. Health Minister said, was due to a lack of printed money. “To perform a [currency] emission means Mykola Polischuk dismissed the outbreak as officially announcing today that we are pro- largely a typical seasonal flu outbreak, no ceeding with further devaluation of the worse than in prior years. Others insisted national currency,” the president said. “I that Ukrainians be vigilant and wear masks won’t be the author of such politics. When in public places. the National Bank gave the government 32 Vaccinations for seasonal flu, which were billion hrv for the third quarter and our scheduled to be offered the following hryvnia deeply suffered, the cost was a drop month, were received from Canada and the in real wages by 13 percent.” Russian Federation, but the medicine was The U.S. donated 25 million doses of not yet registered in Ukraine, said vaccines valued at $10 million to the World Oleksander Bilovol, Ukraine’s chief state Health Organization. Ukraine was sched- medical doctor, on November 11. uled to receive 930,000 doses of H1N1 vac- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko cine in early December 2009, the U.S. demanded that President Viktor Yushchenko Embassy reported in a press release. sign legislation for 1 billion hrv, and over- The U.S. also offered equipment and test whelmingly passed by Parliament, to buy supplies to improve the diagnostic and medical equipment to combat the flu. response capabilities of Ukraine’s Central “Until the law is signed and the govern- Sanitary Epidemiological Station. ment receives the necessary financial resources, we can’t sign a single contract Source: “Flu continues to spread in and fight the epidemic,” Ms. Tymoshenko Ukraine: Over 1.2 M ill from flu, respiratory said on November 11, 2009, during a infections,” The Ukrainian Weekly, Cabinet of Ministers meeting. “We believe November 15, 2009. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 9 French priest documents the “Holocaust by Bullets” by Orest Zakydalsky Since 2002 Father Desbois, who is riography presented the war through the president of the Yahad-In Unum organi- lens of the suffering of the Soviet people, MONTREAL – When one thinks of zation, has identified more than 800 mostly disregarding the specific plight of the Holocaust, which saw the murder of extermination sites and interviewed 1,550 Soviet Jewry. In the 19 years since inde- some 6 million European Jews, one eyewitnesses; he has covered more than pendence, the Ukrainian state has contin- thinks first and foremost of images of the 60 percent of the territory of Ukraine. In ued the Soviet line and has done little, if gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau and his addresses in Canada, Father Desbois anything, to identify and memorialize the Belzec, and of the ghettos of Warsaw. described his work and spoke of the evi- sites of mass executions of Ukraine’s Yet there is another side of the dence collected through his efforts. Jews. Holocaust: the killing fields of Ukraine, This chapter of the Holocaust, Father Belarus and Russia. Before the gas cham- His methods are simple: Father Desbois arrives in a Ukrainian village Desbois realized, had been largely bers and crematoria at Auschwitz roared, ignored. “This is, to me, one of the great some 1.5 million Jews were shot in occu- with his team, which includes a transla- mysteries in Eastern Europe: it has been pied Soviet territory by German killing tor, a cameraman and a ballistics expert, my repeated experience that things per- squads. Centuries of Jewish culture and and knocks on the doors of villagers, ask- taining to the war are officially invisible,” Jewish life in Ukraine were destroyed. ing them if they know what happened to he said. It is this side of the Holocaust, the the village’s Jews. When Father Desbois asked one wit- “Holocaust by Bullets,” that the Rev. The responses are mixed; some of the ness if this was the first time she had spo- Patrick Desbois, a French Roman elderly don’t want to talk about what they ken about what she saw, she answered Catholic priest, has dedicated the last saw, but many, who have been silent for Oksana Zakydalsky “yes.” When he asked her why this was, eight years of his life to documenting. decades, readily show Father Desbois the The Rev. Patrick Desbois she said that before Father Desbois came, Father Desbois visited Canada recent- sites of mass graves and describe how the nobody had asked. He was overcome ly, speaking in Sidney Smith Hall at the Jews of their village were murdered. with a sense of obligation to make known University of , the Beth Tzedec In the last years of their life, the wit- of one eyewitness, who said that after the to the world the facts about this Congregation in Toronto on October 4, nesses to these crimes are grateful for the pit where the Jews had been shot was “Holocaust by Bullets.” and the Centre Mont Royal in Montreal opportunity to describe what they have covered, the earth moved for three days. And so he has worked tirelessly to on October 5, at the Azrieli Foundation’s seen. Much of the testimony is harrow- Because of a Wehrmacht order to save launch of its third series of Holocaust ing. ammunition, only one bullet per person document the extermination of Soviet Survivor Memoirs. Father Desbois recalled the testimony was used – so many of those who fell Jewry. Speaking with this writer after his into the pits were buried alive. address in Montreal, Father Desbois men- Why has a French Catholic priest spent tioned that he is very interested in meet- the better part of eight years documenting ing with and discussing possibilities for and collecting evidence on the murder of cooperation with the Ukrainian diaspora The killing fields of Ukraine Ukrainian Jews? His grandfather was a in North America. Our community should by Oksana Zakydalsky French POW sent by the Germans to a take this opportunity to assist the work of prison camp in Ukraine, in the town of this extraordinary French priest. TORONTO – “Holocaust by Bullets (A Rava Ruska not far from Lviv. During the Not only we Ukrainians, but indeed Priest’s Journey to Uncover the Truth priest’s youth, his grandfather spoke very the entire world owes Father Desbois a behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews)” little about his experiences in the camp debt. For we cannot hope to build a civi- was published in English in 2008 and writ- and what he saw, saying only that outside lized, humanist Ukraine without learning ten by the Rev. Patrick Desbois, a Catholic the camp it was much worse. of, acknowledging and remembering the priest born in France in 1955 and ordained When Father Desbois went to Rava terrible crimes that were committed on in 1986. An encounter with the fate of the Ruska, he could not find a single memo- Ukrainian soil. As Father Desbois said in Jews during the war in Eastern Europe rial to the Jews murdered in the vicinity his address in Montreal, “A war is over occurred when he went to Poland in 1990 to of the town. Soviet propaganda and histo- when the last victim is buried.” prepare for a gathering of young people convened by Pope John Paul II. In the subsequent years, he studied Jewish history, learned Hebrew and attend- ed seminars at Yad Vashem. In 1999 he was appointed Secretary of the Episcopal Committee of French Bishops for Relations with Judaism. In June 2002 Father Desbois went to Rava Ruska and started asking about the fate of the 10,000 Jews who had once lived there, but he received no cooperation from the mayor or the people he asked. He went back to Rava Ruska a year later, this time, he writes, he had made up his mind to find detector to search for cartridges and record out what had happened to the Jews of the distances between the cartridges and the town. A chance encounter with a man who burial pits. This method confirmed that the was interested in the former Jewish inhabit- graves could only have been created via ants of the region set him on the journey of executions. locating the mass graves of Jews in Ukraine. Before venturing into a specific region in “Holocaust by Bullets” weaves together Ukraine, Father Desbois’ group did prepara- the story of Father Desbois awakening to tory research: they searched the archives the plight of the Jews in Ukraine during the and gathered preliminary information about war, and plotting out the methodology of the the region. The Holocaust took different German operations to annihilate the Jews. forms according to whether it was in one or The book contains excerpts of testimonies another German district. The Germans of witnesses who fill in many details of the behaved differently in the regions into process. which they had divided the Ukrainian terri- The Holocaust Memorial Museum in tories. The largest territory was the Washington estimates that 1.5 million Jews Reichskommissariat Ukraine; the eastern perished on Soviet territory during World edge was under military rule; western War II (most of them in Ukraine). Until Ukraine became part of the Father Desbois’ search for their graves, they Generalgouvernement; Romania occupied seemed to have disappeared from human the Odesa region and Hungary occupied consciousness. Carpatho-Ukraine. It was important to pro- His understanding of the extent of the vide the proper German context. massacres grew gradually – at first he The investigators researched other thought he would explore at most 100 vil- details: whether the front had crossed the lages in the region of Lviv and he went to region, whether the villages were bombed Ukraine with only an interpreter and a jour- or burned, which German units were based nalist friend who took photographs and there. Thus, when meeting with witnesses, filmed the witnesses. they approached them with a framework But as his task became bigger – they already in place. In the interviews, Father located 800 sites and interviewed over 1,500 Desbois writes, they tried to evoke and rec- people – he assembled a bigger team which reate the atmosphere of the time and stuck included an interpreter, ballistics expert, to a very concrete account of the events in photographer, researcher, transcribers and drivers. The group also acquired a metal (Continued on page 22) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45 GENERATION UKE

Edited and compiled by Matthew Dubas and Yarema Belej Champion dancer Denys Drozdyuk wins “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Denys Drozdyuk, a native of Ukraine and resi- dent of Toronto, won the title of Canada’s Favorite Dancer in the third season of CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” dance competition on Sunday, October 24. Another dancer of Ukrainian descent, Jeff Mortensen, won third place. “I didn’t think it was going to be me,” the 25-year-old Mr. Drozdyuk said after the show. After 1.5 million votes, the Ukrainian edged out runner up, Amanda Cleghorn, a 19-year-old dancer from Mississauga, . Mr. Drozdyuk was awarded $100,000 and a new car, while Ms. Cleghorn received $10,000 and a new car. “I couldn’t believe it. It was kind of like an out-of-body experience,” Mr. ctv.ca Drozdyuk said. “Suddenly, all of the Denys Drozdyuk is hoisted by his fellow competitors after being named Canada’s things that you’ve done on the show and Favorite Dancer on October 24. all of the hard work that you’ve done in the past is being rewarded.” began in August, for excelling in every He said he will use the prize money to “If [Drozdyuk] wants a career, he’s style he danced, not only the genres he pay off his student loans and to treat him- already going to get the jobs,” said Mary was familiar with, such as tango and paso self to more dance training courses. “My Murphy, ballroom dance expert and guest doble, but unfamiliar ones such as house. treat for me would be to take a little vaca- judge. “I’ve seen some [dancers] who Highlighting the dancer’s ability to fil- tion and not work but just take class.” decided that it was best to go off to con- ter all of the praise, Mr. Dozdyuk said, “I Both dancers work professionally. Mr. ventions and teach for a year when they take it in a way as it just proves to me Drozdyuk is a Juilliard graduate and had other opportunities made available to that I am on the right path in the kind of world champion ballroom dancer, and Denys Drozdyuk them. You see their time come and go. discipline and the work that I’m doing … Mr. Mortensen, has performed with the The top four really need to capitalize on It doesn’t mean that you stop doing any- Shumka Ensemble of fourth season, with auditions already this moment and do whatever they can.” thing you’ve done. You just have to work Edmonton. In the second season of the being held on November 6 in St. John, (www.nationalpost.com) harder.” (www.thestar.com) show, Mr. Mortensen advanced to the Top New Brunswick, and at the Metro Mr. Drozdyuk won high praise, the Mr. Drozdyuk said he is set to begin 40 before being eliminated from the com- Toronto Convention Center on November newspaper The Toronto Star noted, from training for a ballroom dance competition petition. 20. Readers can visit www.dance.ctv.ca the show’s judges all season long, which in the United Kingdom in January 2011. The show has been renewed for a for more information.

Second annual Social Awards set to be bigger and badder by Yarema Belej egories and an international superstar from in attending, you must RSVP.) mous winner of that award. a small village in Ukraine. It’s going to “We’ve been getting a lot of positive This kind of good humor is what the PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Awards, speech- blow the roof off the place.” feedback about the awards,” says Mr. evening is all about. This large group, es, skits and plenty of laughs are on the Attendance to the event is expected to Lukiw. “Seeing how eager our friends are made up mostly of , horizon as Verkhovyna Mountain View increase as well, with over 100 people to attend this year’s awards really moti- is set on getting a ton of laughs, making Resort is set to host the second annual slated to attend this year. The organizers – vates us to continue having the Social fun of their dearest of friends and having Social Awards on November 13. This Mr. Lukiw, Marko Kindrachuk and Awards and to produce an amazing show. I an overall good time at Verkhovyna. event will build on the success of the inau- Danusia Chernyk – are eager to make the think we can continue having the awards The organizers are very quick to thank gural installment that really exceeded everyone’s expectations. show even bigger and better than last as long as we are all friends and we don’t the management at Verkhovyna for their “Normally award shows are organized year’s, which awed the more than 70 lose our immaturity… hopefully forever.” eagerness and support in hosting the eve- to reward certain professions, skills or life- attendees. This is very true as there has been con- ning. “Verkhovyna is a great venue for the time achievements,” said Roman Lukiw, Some of the new categories this year stant chatter about last year’s event, with Social Awards,” said Mr. Lukiw. the chief organizer of the Social Awards. will include: “Funniest Female,” “Best much attention and suggestions continuing “Verkhovyna adds an elegance to the “We realized to achieve such success can Laugh,” “Most Tolerant Boyfriend” and from Thanksgiving 2009 through awards that really creates a great atmo- take a long time and a lot of effort. We “Most Tolerant Sibling.” The more than 20 Halloween this year. Many of the winners sphere.” decided to reward each other for funny categories and their nominees were decid- have displayed their trophies and often “I feel like we really beat the system flaws, bad habits and just plain silliness.” ed by an Academy, which is composed of gloated about their honors. here. It is much easier to be bad at some- With a formal dress code, high produc- a select group within those friends men- “I didn’t realize how much I deserved thing than to be great at something,” noted tion elements, set scripts and roles for over tioned. The winners, however, are voted this award,” said Ula Tatunchak, 2009 Mr. Lukiw. Indeed these Social Awards are 50 people to play, the event is something on by friends from all over the United winner of “Most Tolerant Girlfriend.” a great way to highlight the funny and not truly unique and in a league all unto its States, many of whom will attend the “That was until my boyfriend rushed the so glamorous moments that often go unno- own. However, this night is actually meant event. stage and pushed me out of the way to ticed by many. Luckily, for this group of to make light or even poke fun and embar- Readers can cast their votes online at: receive the award himself.” friends, the Academy does not forget your rass. www.surveymonkey.com/s/ Another winner still boasts about his embarrassing traits or moments. “This event was created for our group SocialAwards2010. Facebook users can win: “It was hard to show how happy I For information about accomodations at of friends,” said Mr. Lukiw. “Our friends’ RSVP to the event at: http://www.face- was for winning the award because my Verkhovyna, readers may call 845-856- wit and comedy make the awards as funny book.com/#!/event. smile was covered by the ‘Best Moustache 1105, or visit the Verkhovyna website, as they are. This year we have all new cat- php?eid=12126818459547. (If interested for 2009,’” said Taras Puzyk, the unani- www.mvmanor.com. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 11 Ukrainian Canadian Congress launches Holodomor awareness campaign WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Ukrainian initiated by the Ukrainian World Congress Minister Stephen Harper in reference to the Canadian historian Dr. Roman Serbyn Canadian Congress has launched a new titled “Svichka Molinnia” (Remembrance Holodomor: “…remembering those who has written: “Stalin’s efforts to transform campaign to ensure that the 1932-1933 Candle). The Remembrance Candle, which died, and why they died, is our best hope conquered Ukraine into a ‘fortress’ lead to Famine in Ukraine is remembered and prop- began its journey in Kyiv in June, is current- against history repeating itself.” the genocidal Famine against Ukrainian erly recognized as a genocide of the ly travelling through all regions of Ukraine peasants and the extermination of Ukrainian people. and 33 countries worldwide to raise Backgrounder Ukrainian cadres who opposed it.” “We must never waiver in our commit- Holodomor awareness in a display of global The artificial Famine of 1932-1933 in British historian Donald Rayfield stated: ment to the memory of the millions of vic- unity. In Canada, the Remembrance Candle Soviet Ukraine orchestrated by the totalitar- “One’s conclusion is that the word geno- tims of Stalin’s campaign of terror and a will be introduced during the 23rd Congress ian government of Joseph Stalin resulted in cide has to be applied to the Ukrainian deliberate attempt to destroy the Ukrainian of in Edmonton in the deaths of 5 million to 10 million Famine, the Holodomor, for if it is not, than nation,” stated UCC National President Paul November and will be an integral part of Ukrainians. the word genocide loses all useful mean- Grod. “What Ukraine, Canada and many local commemorations later that month. With the de-classification of documents ing.” other governments around the world have • Launching the third annual National Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada voted in in Ukraine and eyewitness accounts, the recognized in legislation is intended to Holodomor Awareness Week on November 2006 to recognize the Ukrainian Famine of world has learned of a horrific crime ensure no one forgets.” 22-28, including a range of commemorative 1932-33 as an act of genocide by enacting against humanity about which little was The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will activities throughout the country. the law “On the 1932-1933 Holodomor in be marking the 77th anniversary of the • Completion of the documentation of previously known or officially confirmed. Ukraine.” Holodomor with several initiatives, includ- Holodomor survivor testimonies, excerpts The confirmation was made by Ukraine Following Ukraine’s lead, supported by ing: of which are the focus of a website called itself in its quest for historical truth and the wealth of information available, the • An information and advocacy campaign “Sharing the Story,” located at http://www. national identity. It is fact that the international community joined in recog- targeting deputies of Ukraine’s Verkhovna holodomorsurvivors.ca/. Holodomor: a) occurred; b) was deliberate; nizing the Holodomor. Rada, where legislation has been introduced • Support for the new documentary film and was c) designed to destroy a nation. The government of Canada recognized to diminish the tragedy of the Holodomor about the Holodomor, “Genocide Ukrainian historian Yuriy Shapoval the Holodomor in May 2008 with an act by removing any references to its genocidal Revealed,” by renowned Canadian film pro- wrote, “The deliberate destruction of declaring the Famine an act of genocide, nature. The campaign highlights the interna- ducer Yurij Luhovy. Ukrainian peasant farmers, intellectuals, and it established a national Ukrainian tional support for Ukraine in its endeavor to Mr. Grod noted that “The organized government officials and anyone accused of Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) carve out a national identity and forge ahead death by starvation of the Ukrainian people provides additional Memorial Day. Similar legislation was a with democratic initiatives. is an unfathomable crime against humanity, grounds to consider the Kremlin’s actions passed by the provinces of Saskatchewan, • Participation in the international project and he cited the words of Canada’s Prime as genocide.” Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. NEWS AND VIEWS: Canadian PM’s visit to Kyiv and Lviv by Jurij Klufas ernment side were politicians of Ukrainian background Sen. Raynell Andreychuk, LVIV – As all who read the reports in Member of Parliament (MP) Marc Warawa, earlier issues of The Ukrainian Weekly chair of the Canada Ukraine Parliamentary would agree, the visit of Canada’s Prime Friendship Group; and MP James Bezan, Minister Stephen Harper to Ukraine was a secretary of the Canada Ukraine resounding success. Parliamentary Friendship Group and also In the article I would like to provide the author of Canada’s parliamentary bill on more detail to the Lviv part of the trip and the Holodomor as genocide. outline the key involvement of Canada’s Leading the community portion of the Ukrainian community in this success. delegation were Mr. Grod of the Ukrainian In Kyiv, the focus of the trip was on Canadian Congress; Eugene Czolij, presi- Canada’s partnership with Ukraine and the dent of the Ukrainian World Congress; and message to Ukraine was that the doors to Bohdan Onyschuk, president of the Canada the West are open. Mr. Harper’s emotional Ukraine Foundation. Other members of the visit to the Holodomor Memorial, with official delegation included Taras Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine Daniel Pidzamecky, CEO of the Ukrainian Credit Caron, made it clear that Canada considers Union and president of the Ukrainian the Holodomor a genocide. National Federation; Zenon Potichnij, presi- Office of the Prime Minister of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a visit to the crypt in St. George It is quite important to point out that dur- dent of the Canada Ukraine Chamber of Cathedral, where leaders of the Ukrainian Catholic Church are buried. ing his meeting with the prime minister of Commerce; Borys Potapenko, executive Canada the prime minister of Ukraine, director of the League of Ukrainian on uncovering Soviet crimes committed in brief provided by the Prime Minister’s Mykola Azarov, spoke in Russian and dis- Canadians; Margareta Shpir, president of that very prison, upon the arrival of a new Office to the accompanying news media. played the old Soviet “lack of interest in the Canadian Friends of Ukraine (CFU); government in Ukraine was arrested and Backgrounder being here demeanor.” The man is a danger- Lesia Shymko, also of the CFU; and a few detained for allegedly betraying state ous has-been. The contrasting warmth and members of the Ukrainian Youth secrets. This has become a cause célèbre for Memorial Museum Dedicated to Victims attentiveness displayed by opposition leader Association (known by its Ukrainian acro- those concerned about the return of Soviet- of Occupying Regimes “Tiurma na Yulia Tymoshenko in the subsequent meet- nym as SUM). Traveling with the Prime era tactics or the Putinization of Ukraine. Lontskoho” (Prison on Lonstkoho Street, ing with Mr. Harper was quite palpable. Minister were members of the Canadian The overall success and international sig- Prison No. 1) In Lviv, the point of the prime minister’s Press, including Serhiy Kostyuk, editorial nificance of this visit to Ukraine by 1 Bandera Street visit was to demonstrate Canada’s commit- assistant at the Ukrainian News of Canada’s Prime Minister Harper lies in the The Prison on Lontskoho Museum in ment to support the development of democ- Edmonton, and Andrij Rawlik and Jurij fact that it pointed out that the doors to the Lviv was established in June 2009 in mem- racy and defend the freedoms of speech and Klufas of Kontakt Ukrainian TV Network. West are open to Ukraine as long it heeds ory of those detained and killed there during the press around the world. The points of interest selected for the international concerns about human rights the Soviet and Nazi occupations during and It is hard to overestimate the role of the Lviv part of the trip for the Ukrainian and freedom of speech. after WWII. It was designated a national Ukrainian community as far as identifying Catholic University, the National Memorial The trip underlines the fact that the lead- museum in October 2009. the symbolic foci for this part of the trip. On Museum Prison on Lontsky, St. George ership of the Ukrainian community in Unchanged since the secret police vacat- one hand, we have the Prime Minister’s Cathedral and the Taras Shevchenko monu- Canada, having earned the trust of the Prime ed it in the early 1990s following Ukraine’s Office that is willing to engage the ment in the city center. Minister’s Office was able to contribute in a independence, the prison displays the condi- Ukrainian community in Canada in the As, Lubomyr Markevych, a Canadian significant way on an intergovernmental tions in which detainees were kept and planning of this visit. On the other side we now residing in Ukraine, wrote in an e-mail international level. where mass executions took place. Of the have a community leadership headed by the commentary: “The visit to the UCU and The visits to the Ukrainian Catholic prison’s 3,638 detainees, the museum president of the Ukrainian Canadian Tiurma na Lontskoho in Lviv was a stroke University and the Prison on Lontsky believes that 1,700 were executed in June Congress, Paul Grod, that was ready to step of genius and will be sure to reinforce moral Museum underscored Canada’s commit- 1941 by Soviet secret police during the first up to the challenge, prepared all the con- and national backbone among the locals in ment to the issue of human rights and free- Soviet occupation (1939-1941). When the vincing documentation supporting that city. Given that the Ukrainian govern- dom of speech. Germans took Lviv, they used the massacres Ukrainian diaspora concerns about the dete- ment was less than enthusiastic about The Rev Borys Gudziak, rector of the as propaganda and allowed the International rioration of human rights and freedom of Harper’s choice of Lviv venues, his appear- Ukrainian Catholic University, and Museum Red Cross and other agencies to document speech in Ukraine, and ultimately earned the ance at these locales was as significant as Director Zabilyi had access to the Canadian them. However, the Germans soon began respect of the Prime Minister’s Office. [Canadian Prime Minister Brian] press that is denied to them on a local level. their own executions of Ukrainians, Poles When you match this planning to Prime Mulroney’s visit to Kyiv in 1989, or Pope In turn, the Canadian press had direct vali- and Jews at the prison. Minister Harper’s deep mistrust of totalitari- John Paul II’s visit to the Bykivnia forest dation of the human rights and freedom of After Soviet power was consolidated in an regimes as demonstrated in his fiery outside of Kyiv in 2001. In both cases the speech issues brought forth to them by the in 1944, the prison became speech, at the Ukrainian Catholic University challenge to the regime was obvious, and a Ukrainian community in Canada. a center where Ukrainian nationalists were in Lviv, (see page 13 of this issue) and you new line in the sand was drawn.” detained before being shipped to Siberian * * * have a winning combination. The Prison on Lontsky Museum of par- labor camps. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Other than the prime minister, the leaders ticular significance since the director of the For readers’ understanding of Canada’s prison housed some of Ukraine’s leading of Canada’s official delegation on the gov- museum, Ruslan Zabilyi, who was working deep commitment to this issue, I include the dissidents.” 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45 No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 13

FOR THE RECORD: Harper address at Ukrainian Catholic University Following is the text of remarks delivered When Ukraine first declared indepen- by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on dence in 1991, the first Western country to As Canadians, October 26 at the Ukrainian Catholic recognize your status as a sovereign inde- University in Lviv. The text was provided by pendent country was Canada. And you we believe that a the Office of the Prime Minister. might ask why were we so quick to do that? What was the hurry? For we didn’t wait government must Well, thank you very much, everybody, very long. You affirmed your independence for that really warm welcome. Thank you, on December 1. On December 2, we recog- work in the inter- Father [Borys] Gudziak, for allowing me to nized your government and your statehood. come and be here today. It’s a pleasure to be Even before, in fact, the Soviet Union had ests of its people, with all of you here. officially ceased to exist. not the other way I would also like to just begin by recog- Why? Now, some of you here certainly nizing some of my parliamentary friends won’t remember the Cold War. But I can tell around. We be- and colleagues who have come from you, certainly tell those of us who do, we Canada to be with us today. First of all, Sen. heaved an enormous sigh of relief when lieve that countries Raynell Andreychuck, who led an observer Soviet communism was finally and irrefut- mission in the last Ukrainian election. The ably discredited. The communist ideology which respect the chairman of the Canada-Ukraine had purported to be the cure for all that ails Parliamentary Friendship Group and humanity. It had just one problem. Before it rights of their own Member of Parliament Mark Warawa, and could work its miracles, it had to jail or kill people are more secretary of the same group, Member of every living soul who disagreed. And so Parliament James Bezan. millions were murdered and millions more likely to respect the Now as Father Gudziak mentioned, there were starved. It is a past that must not be are strong people-to-people links between forgotten, that must never be swept under rights of other na- our two countries. the carpet. Ukrainians have been emigrating to Yesterday, I visited the Holodomor Office of the Prime Minister of Canada tions and to be good Canada for more than 100 years and one memorial. Prime Minister Stephen Harper of and a quarter million Canadians have Holodomor was of course officially rec- Canada speaks at the Ukrainian world citizens. Ukrainian roots. That’s about 4 percent of ognized as a genocide by Canada’s Catholic University in Lviv. the total population. And that percentage is Parliament two years ago, largely thanks to much higher on the Canadian prairies where the work of my caucus colleagues, in partic- guard was a parliamentarian from Toronto, rule. If peace is your goal, then a free and I reside. It’s a part of Canada that looks like ular James Bezan, who in fact introduced named Yuri Shymko, a descendant of Ivan democratic society is the way to go. parts of Ukraine and where you would rec- the legislation. Now as you know, almost as Franko who I know is revered in this city Therefore, the cornerstone of Canada’s ognize many of the surnames, as you would many or as you may know almost as many and throughout western Ukraine. foreign policy is the promotion of such val- for members of the distinguished Ukrainian Ukrainians died in the Holodomor during So, yes, Canadians did rejoice when we ues: freedom, democracy, human rights and delegation that is travelling with me here. the 1930s as there were Canadians alive at saw that ideology of Soviet communism the rule of law, and all the institutions that So this is like a homecoming for them. that time. To contemplate an act of malevo- consigned to history’s scrap heap. And come with them: property rights, an impar- And, of course, everywhere we go, we are lence on that scale truly focuses one’s mind when Ukraine reclaimed its freedom, we tial judiciary, and above all, freedom of seeing that wonderful hospitality for which on the nature of this evil. So much for com- were more than ready to reach out to those expression and a free press. The freedom for Ukrainians are rightly famous. munism’s supposed ideals. who had lived under communism for all which [Heorhii] Gongadze became a hero. Now we’ve had some productive talks Of course, through it all for years, for those horrible years. In fact, we do not believe that you can with your government. I will come to one decades, thousands of Ukrainian Canadians Besides the bonds of kinship that exist have any one of these things: freedom, part of those discussions that may be of par- demonstrated at every reasonable opportuni- between Canada and Ukraine, there are democracy, human rights and the rule of ticular interest to you a little later. But before ty to raise awareness in the West of Soviet important values and principles to promote. law, without the others. But the first is free- that, I’m really here to speak to you about oppression. They did so because they knew As Canadians, we believe that a government dom. So that when Ukraine rejoined the some other things, deeply important things, all too well that their brethren back in must work in the interests of its people, not brotherhood of the free, we in Canada were values and principles that Canada and Ukraine had no such freedom. And among the other way around. We believe that coun- among the first to cheer. Ukraine share. the leaders of this Ukrainian Canadian van- tries which respect the rights of their own And we have tried to be more than mere people are more likely to respect the rights spectators. As a friend of Ukraine, we have of other nations and to be good world citi- done a few things intended to widen your zens. road to democratic reform. These have been UCC thanks Prime Minister Harper And we believe that countries where citi- both done at the governmental level and zens know what their governments are informally through community and trade WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Ukrainian thing that we hope to see in Ukraine doing and can hold them accountable are organizations. First was the establishment of Canadian Congress congratulated Prime soon.” less likely to make war on their neighbors embassies and consulates immediately after Minister Stephen Harper on a successful trip Ukrainian World Congress President than those were power is the possession of Ukrainian independence. It tells you some- to Ukraine and for his commitment to Eugene Czolij pointed out: “In addition to an exclusive ruling class responsible to thing about your Canadian cousins, that human rights, democratic development and the working meetings with government nobody. There are exceptions. There have when the Ukrainian Embassy opened in free and fair elections in Ukraine as leaders, Prime Minister Harper acknowl- been exceptions. There always will be. But (Continued on page 20) expressed during his recent official visit to edged the horror of the Ukrainian Genocide the exceptions of anything prove the general Kyiv and Lviv. of 1932-1933 at the Holodomor memorial “The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the tragic events at Babyn Yar.” wishes to thank Prime Minister Harper for “This was not a case of a politician going accepting our advice to travel to Ukraine through the motions – the prime minister Quotable notes and for working with the congress to devel- was deeply touched at the monument com- “This is a grim and moving symbol of Ukraine’s oppression. op the itinerary and messaging which were memorating the millions of Ukrainians who “It is important that the terrible things here not be forgotten or repeated. transmitted to the government and people of perished during the Holodomor, and “We are reminded that the heart can be broken, the body can be destroyed, but Ukraine,” stated UCC National President expressed the solidarity of Canadians with the spirit of the oppressed is eternal and grows stronger.” Paul Grod. the longstanding struggles of the Ukrainian “The prime minister spoke with convic- people against the Soviet and Nazi totalitari- – Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, writing on October 26 in the tion and authority to the government of an regimes,” Mr. Czolij added. guestbook of the National Memorial Museum of Victims of Occupation Regimes, Ukraine. He underscored our long friend- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has Prison on Lontsky, in Lviv, as reported by Canada’s Honorary Consul in Lviv ship, but insisted that friends must be able to advocated for a strategy by the government Oksana Wynnyckyj. speak honestly with one another in address- of Canada to engage Ukraine, and the visit ing concerns about local elections, by Prime Minister Harper is an important Ukraine’s democratic development and step in this process. The UCC strategy for eroding freedom of speech, freedom of engaging Ukraine will be further discussed assembly and clampdowns on media and and elaborated at the Triennial Congress of academics,” Mr. Grod noted. Ukrainian Canadians taking place in The UCC president also noted the role Edmonton, Alberta, on November 5-7. of the news media: “Hats off to all the The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is the Canadian journalists who travelled with voice of Canada’s Ukrainian community. the Prime Minister for providing the The congress brings together under one Ukrainian media a lesson in independent umbrella all the national, provincial and journalism. They posed tough questions local Ukrainian Canadian organizations. to both Prime [Viktor] Minister Harper Together with its member-organizations, the and President Yanukovych, investigated UCC has been leading, coordinating and the various human rights violations and representing the interests of one of Canada’s addressed the difficult issues facing largest ethnic communities – 1.2 million Ukraine,” said Mr. Grod. “The Canadian Ukrainians – for 70 years and has been Office of the Prime Minister of Canada media were an outstanding example of instrumental in shaping Canada’s social, Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Prison on Lontsky Museum. the value of a free mass media, and some- economic and political landscape. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

sonalities.” (Ukrinform) ambassadors and heads of observer mis- against Trafficking in Human Beings, the NEWSBRIEFS sions in Kyiv, he said, “Today I see no press service of the reported Ukraine invites experts from U.S., EU (Continued from page 2) difference on the TV or on the columns on October 15. The objectives of the con- were able to cast their votes for a candi- KYIV – Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign of newspapers between what had been vention are to prevent and counter human date or a political force they liked most, Affairs, on behalf of President Viktor the last five years, and what is now.” He trafficking, while ensuring gender equali- Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said at Yanukovych, invited American and added that politicians from different ty, human rights protection for trafficking the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on European experts to join efforts to devel- political parties are on TV just as before. victims, development of a comprehensive “Why is there the issue of freedom of November 3. “People trust the policies of op and improve the Ukrainian legal framework to protect victims and wit- speech in Ukraine? Is there a general nesses, effective investigation and prose- the president and the government, and framework within the working group on warning? I would say: yes, there is. And cution, as well as international coopera- trust the policy of the coalition. This is the improvement of electoral legislation, are there examples that freedom of which was created by a presidential tion in combating human trafficking. The the most important result of these elec- speech is suppressed in Ukraine? I would decree of November 2. The Foreign convention applies to all forms of traf- tions,” Mr. Azarov said. He noted that the say: no. If you have such information, ficking in people, both national and trans- Affairs Ministry said it expects that in the results of exit polls roughly corresponded please give it to me,” he said. The presi- national, connected with organized crime near future partners in the U.S. and the to the latest opinion polls, which were dent assured his audience that this is a or not. (Ukrinform) EU will be on a list of experts on elector- held a week before the local elections. question of principle for him “because I al matters to be sent to Ukraine to partici- Mr. Azarov noted that a new political tra- have advocated and advocate the princi- Monument to Pope John Paul II unveiled dition is being born in the country: “A pate in the work, which should be com- ples of democracy and democratic pro- candidate who, after the parallel vote pleted by May 2011. (Ukrinform) KYIV – The ceremonial unveiling of a cesses in Ukraine.” (Ukrinform) monument to history’s first Slavic pope, count, knows that he has lost, congratu- Yanukovych on freedom of speech John Paul II, took place on October 16 in lates his opponent. For example, like the Kolomoysky heads European Jewry Vinnytsia. The Polish Consulate General candidate of the Party of Regions did in KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych KYIV– Ukrainian businessman Ihor in Vinnytsia was an initiator of the monu- Zaporizhia. These are sprouts of a new said on October 26 that the status of free- Kolomoysky, a Privat Group co-owner, ment, which stands 2.4 meters high mon- political culture. We have finally demon- dom of speech has not significantly has been elected chairman of the ument near the Mother of God Roman strated that the elections are not a war, changed in Ukraine during his presiden- European Council of Jewish Catholic Church located on the city cen- but a competition of programs and per- cy. Speaking at a meeting with foreign Communities (ECJC) for the next five ter’s Soborna Street. Participating in the years at the Pan-European Conference of ceremony were hierarchs of the Roman Presidents of Jewish Communities in Catholic Church from Ukraine, guests Berlin, it was reported on October 25. from Poland and Belarus, and representa- CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS Another Ukrainian oligarch, the president tives of the Polish Consulate General in of the All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress, Vinnytsia. The unveiling of the monu- TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 Vadym Rabinovich, has kept his post as ment took pace on the anniversary of the ECJC vice-president. The forum of or e-mail [email protected] day Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla Jewish leaders was attended by represen- became pope: October 16, 1979. tatives of 25 European countries, Israel’s (Ukrinform) SERVICES ambassador to Europe, Israeli govern- ment ministers, as well as leaders of the Ukrainian is Miss Teen World 2010 American Jewish Council. (Ukrinform) KYIV – Ukrainian Olena Council on Ukraine-Russia relations Mekhailyshyna, 12, has been crowned Miss Teen World 2010 in Turkey. it was KYIV – With a view toward further reported on October 19. According to the development of Ukrainian-Russian coop- winner, the contest, which was attended eration, the Council of Experts on the by representatives of 13 countries, was Ukrainian-Russian Relations to the no less intense than similar competitions President of Ukraine has been established among adults. The contestants paraded in as an advisory body. It was reported on their national costumes and presented October 27 that a decree to this effect performances in a talent show. Earlier was posted on the official website of the this year Olena won the Teen Miss PROFESSIONALS president. The head of the Presidential Zaporizhia and Teen Miss Ukraine titles. Administration, Serhiy Lyovochkin, was (Ukrinform) appointed council chairman. Among the main tasks of the newly created council is Ukraine’s poor: 26.4 percent to outline proposals for the development KYIV – Ukraine’s poor make up 26.4 of bilateral relations between Ukraine and percent of the country’s population, or Russia, to facilitate identification of the 12.5 million persons, First Vice Minister main directions of bilateral cooperation of Labor and Social Policy Lidiya and predict their future development, to Drozdova said, according to news reports prepare proposals for addressing prob- of October 16. “Families with children lems in Ukrainian-Russian cooperation, (33.1 percent) are most subject to pover- and to promote the activity of Ukrainian ty, families with many children (76.4 per- sections of the working bodies of the cent), families with a double burden, Ukrainian-Russian interstate commission. those having children and the unem- According to the presidential decree, the ployed, 26.4 percent,” she noted. The council shall meet at least once every two number of poor families in rural areas months. (Ukrinform) exceeds those in urban areas. (Ukrinform) Ukraine to send more peacekeepers Ukraine’s population: 45.8 million KYIV – In the near future, Ukraine KYIV – In August, the population of MERCHANDISE will increase the number of its peace- Ukraine was reduced by 0.04 percent or keeping personnel in the Islamic by 19,500 persons as compared with July Republic of Afghanistan, Defense and as of September 1 the country’s pop- Minister Mykhailo Yezhel said on ulation was 45.831 million, the State October 20 at the 59th Meeting of the Statistics Committee reported on October CIS Council of Defense Ministers in 18. The urban population as of September Yalta, Ukraine. Eight military men will 1 amounted to 31.428 million (0.05 per- join those 13 Ukrainians currently sta- cent or 16,600 persons less than as of tioned in Afghanistan with the August 1); the rural population was International Security Assistance Force 14.403 million (0.02 percent or 2,900 less (ISAF). The minister noted that Ukraine than the previous month. In 2009, the is involved in peacekeeping missions in Ukrainian population decreased by 0.4 10 countries. Speaking about the partici- percent or by 180,800 persons as com- pation of the in FOR SALE pared with the beginning of the year. peacekeeping operations and internation- According to the nationwide census held al exercises, Mr. Yezhel also stressed that in December 2001, Ukraine’s population the Ukrainian naval corvette Ternopil will was 48.415 million: out of that number, soon participate in patrolling the CONDO For Sale 32.538 million was urban population and Mediterranean as part of the NATO-led 15.877 million was rural. (Ukrinform) 55+ Ukrainian Community. Active Endeavour antiterrorist operation. First floor 5 rooms total (Ukrinform) 12.9 M regular Internet users with 2 bedrooms.Quiet setting. Ukraine joins anti-trafficking convention KYIV – There are 12.9 million regular Close to shopping and major Internet users age 15 and over in Ukraine, highways. Central New Jersey KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych according to a study carried out by the location. Call 908-429-9213 has signed into law the bill ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Action (Continued on page 15) No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 15

300 students to study in the best Laborers in Greece ready to return only requirement for enrollment is the NEWSBRIEFS European and world universities next legality of their stay in the country. “So KYIV – The majority of Ukrainian (Continued from page 14) year at the expense of state funds. In a there is reason to believe that Greece as labor migrants in Greece are ready to year, we will send 3,000 students,” Mr. regards the citizens of Ukraine has InMind company for the Internet return home. This is evidenced by a very Association of Ukraine. Thirty-three per- Azarov underscored. The prime minister small number of appeals of Ukrainian steadily and consistently adhered to the cent of the country’s residents, or 12.9 noted that the government has developed citizens to obtain citizenship in the European Convention on the Legal million, use the Internet no less than once a 10-year program for reforming educa- Republic of Greece, said Valerii Lobach, Status of Migrant Workers,” Mr. Lobach a month. The study also revealed that 8.3 tion. (Ukrinform) an official at the Department of Consular stressed. The number of illegal Ukrainian million Internet users reside in large cit- migrant workers in Greece is about Company to build recycling plants Service of the Ministry of Foreign ies with populations of over 50,000, 4.6 Affairs, during a press club meeting on 3,000, the Foreign Affairs Ministry rep- million users reside in localities with KYIV – The Romanian company the topic “The Ukrainian Greece: Labor resentative reported. At the same time, populations of less than 50,000. Out of Mentor Group Holdings has offered to Migration and Human Trafficking.” Mr. he said, our compatriots in Greece are in all Ukrainian Internet users over age 15, implement in the Mykolaiv region of Lobach said this is a positive trend. The no hurry to register at the consular office 8.7 million use the Internet daily. The Ukraine an investment project for financ- diplomat also cited official figures on the of the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece: highest level of Internet use is seen ing and turnkey construction of six plants number of Ukrainian labor migrants in only 718 people are permanently on the among younger age groups: 61 percent of Greece received by the Ukrainian diplo- books, and 4,357 nationals are temporar- Internet users are age 15-29 years old, 39 for sorting and thermal processing of matic mission, which indicate that the ily registered. (Ukrinform) percent are age 30-44 years. Seventy-five solid domestic waste. News of the offer was reported on October 16. Chairman of vast majority of labor migrants from percent of regular Internet users get Ukraine in the last five to six years have Number of Ukrainians in Italy up 13.1% the Mykolaiv Regional State access through home computers. legalized their status in the host state. Administration Mykola Kruhlov dis- (Ukrinform) According to official data provided by KYIV – The Ukrainian community in closed this after his meeting with Mentor Italy is fourth in terms of growth in that 3,000 to study abroad in 2012 Greek migration authorities, as of Group Holdings Vice-President Stanislav October about 17,500 Ukrainian nation- country over the past year, according to KYIV – In 2012, the Ukrainian gov- Groape. The project is part of the Eco als legally reside in the country, enjoying data provided in mid-October by Italian ernment will send 3,000 students to Verde environmental program, which most of the rights of citizens, including statistical office ISTAT. Among foreign study abroad at the expense of state provides for full funding of private resi- the right to protect their interests in the communities of Italy, the biggest growth funds, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov dent companies in the region with no country’s courts. Children of Ukrainian was shown by the Moldavan (+18.1 per- said during his meeting with Canadian guarantees of local authorities, but with labor migrants in Greece have the oppor- cent), Pakistani (+17.1 percent), Indian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on land concession rights for those compa- tunity to receive education free of (+15.3 percent) and Ukrainian (+13.1 October 25. “We decided to send our nies. (Ukrinform) charge, without any restrictions – the percent) communities. (Ukrinform)

With sadness we inform you of the passing into eternal life, at age 89, of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt Jaroslawa Popovich Born July 23, 1921, in Stanislaviv, Ukraine. Died August 28, 2010, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Funeral services were held September 2, 2010, at Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Interment was held on September 7, 2010, at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in South Bound Brook, NJ. Remaining in grief: Son – Anatole with wife Irene Son – Alex with wife Marta Granddaughters – Andrea Popovich, Christina Popovich Nephew – Michael Sawchak with wife Annie Great nephew – Markian Kupchinsky Catherine Zborowski May her memory be eternal! died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 23, 2010, in Montclair, NJ. Вічная память! She was 76 years old.

She was born in Werchrata, Lviv region, Ukraine, the second of four daughters born to Ivan Smut, Ukrainian patriot and activist, and mother Maria Baran. Catherine completed her studies in Poland, and held a prestigious position in the state accounting office.

After marrying her beloved husband, Theodore Zborowski, she moved to the U.S. and settled in Windsor, CT, to raise a family. Catherine and her family were active members of the St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church community. She retired in 2001 after working for 20 years at Bank of America. Catherine fulfilled her dream to raise her children to be highly educated and patriotic Ukrainians. She leaves behind her son Orest Zborowski, daughter-in-law Olya and grandson Nicholas in Philadelphia, PA ; her daughter Lydia (Lesia) Golub, son-in-law George and grandchildren Alexandra and Michael in Montclair, NJ. She also leaves behind her three sisters, Jaroslava Kleban and Maria Poroznik and families in Toronto and Olga Szczerba and family in Poland, her cousin’s family in Oshawa, Canada, and many relatives and friends in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.

Funeral was held on Saturday, October 30, at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford. Interment followed at St. John’s Cemetery in Glastonbury. Panakhyda service was held at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel in Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s memory may be made to “Our Life Press Fund.” Please make checks payable to Our Life or UNWLA and mail to: Our Life, 203 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45 No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 17

Ukrainian pro hockey update by Ihor Stelmach NHL Ukrainians on the move during the offseason CONCLUSION in contact with my agent and they were and promise could have expected a four- ond tour of duty in the NHL after spend- able to find a way to get it done and year, $14 million deal. The market has ing 2009-2010 with Avangard Omsk in The 2010-2011 pre-season has come we’re really appreciative of that,” changed with fewer years and less dollars the Kontinental Hockey League. The and gone with some 46 hockey players of Stempniak said. “It certainly was a differ- being doled out. Stempniak took the best 26-year-old led Omsk defenseman in Ukrainian origin having earned invita- ent market than years past, but I guess offer he received – if he can duplicate his goals (nine), points (22), power play tions to training camps with NHL clubs you can’t really worry about what would goal scoring from last March, his next goals (four), game-winning goals (two) in September. Approximately 20 of them have happened in the past or anything contract will be much more lucrative. and plus/minus (+17). He played in the have earned spots on NHL rosters, while like that. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wish 2010 KHL All-Star game in Minsk, scor- Zherdev gets second chance in Philly the majority of the hopefuls have been it all would have been over sooner, but at ing a goal. assigned back to their junior teams or to the end of the day it got done before After five seasons in the National The 6-5, 212 lb. Babchuk had a career minor league affiliates. Some of the training camp.” Hockey League, Nikolai Zherdev did not year for the Hurricanes in 2008-2009, hit- minor leaguers may see action with their Phoenix General Manager Maloney want to further pursue his pro career in ting highs in games (72), goals (16), parent clubs later this year as an emer- felt it important to retain Stempniak’s ser- Russia’s KHL. His return to the assists (19) and points (35). He ranked gency call-up. vices for the team’s future because of his Philadelphia Flyers after signing a one- tied for fifth among all NHL defensemen Before the new season gets into full remarkable contribution to the team’s year contract on June 9 is proof. The in goal scoring, becoming only the fourth gear, let’s conclude our preview where late-season success. 25-year-old, Columbus’ fourth overall defenseman in club history to hit 16 goals we focus on another Ukrainian who “Lee, with his work habits and person- pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, was in a season, the first since 1991-1992. stayed put, two returning from Russia’s ality, was a terrific addition to our team forced into exile for a season after receiv- Stelmach Says: See Zherdev, KHL, a pair of vets who retired from the last year,” Maloney said in his talk with ing no offers from NHL organizations above. Babchuk gets $1.4 million in a game and one who was gently forced out. blogger Vest. “Although he ran into a dry after the New York Rangers walked away one-year deal for a return to Carolina. If Stempniak has unfinished business spell scoring in the playoffs (0G, 2A in from a salary arbitration in the summer of he can match his production from the last in Phoenix seven games), he was still competing in 2009. two years, he’ll earn much more in 2011. the hard areas – in the corners, at the The one good thing that happened as a Almost two months after gaining unre- front of the net – to score. We expect Lee result of his year in the KHL was he met Tkachuk’s retirement a blue day stricted free agent status for the first time, to be a 25+ goal scorer for us this sea- and married his wife. The St. Louis Blues’ home finale right-winger Lee Stempniak stayed put, son.” Having tallied 230 points in 365 career against Anaheim last April was insignifi- re-signing with the Phoenix Coyotes. The Stempniak signed a two-year, $3.5 NHL games, there is ample evidence cant from a standings point, but one 27-year-old affirmed he was happy to million contract with the Coyotes due to Zherdev is a skilled offensive performer. could never describe it as unforgettable. sign the new deal. one overriding factor: the challenge of He peaked with the Blue Jackets in 2007- For Ukrainian hockey star Keith “I think going into it my agent and I some unfinished business in the Arizona 2008 with 26-35-61 points in 82 games. Tkachuk, it was the last time he would talked and were sort of prepared for desert. The Kyiv native is admittedly excited don the Blues sweater, having officially uncertainty,” Stempniak said in an inter- “We took that first step to get into the to be back in the NHL. He should get the announced his retirement. Tkachuk fin- view with Coyote blogger Dave Vest. playoffs, and now we want to get there opportunity to play right wing with one ished his 19-year NHL career with 1,201 “You don’t really know what’s going to again and go further, and ultimately win of Philly’s three dynamic centers: Mike games played, 538 goals, and 527 assists happen... I think over the course of the the Stanley Cup,” Stempniak said in a Richards, Jeff Carter or Daniel Briere. for 1,065 points and 2,219 penalty min- summer we tried to be patient and sort of chat with The Arizona Republic’s Jim The Stanley Cup finalist Flyers portend utes. He is the fourth player in NHL his- let the process play out and the market Gintonio. to be an offensive force this coming sea- tory to score 1,000 points and record get set and ultimately find the right fit. There was no doubt the seven-game son. more than 2,000 minutes in penalties. For me, as a player and as a person and playoff battle with the Detroit Red Wings “I’m very happy to be back in the “It is difficult, but it’s been a long run. for my family and where we wanted to be will make Stempniak and his teammates NHL,” said Zherdev in an interview with I’ve enjoyed every team I’ve played for,” and where we wanted to play, ultimately, better hockey players. Philadelphia Flyers.com. “I had some dif- Tkachuk said in an early April television going back to Phoenix is really exciting “It was a great series and a lot of us ficulty last season signing a contract in interview on FS Midwest. “I owe every- for us. I had a great experience there and were in the playoffs for the first time,” he the NHL, and I made the decision to stay thing to the game of hockey. I had a great I really enjoy the coaches and the players. said. “I know that I learned a lot, and I one season in Russia. Basically, my goal run here in St. Louis. I think the one It would have been tough to leave.” think I’ve grown as a player because of it. is to come to the NHL and be one of the thing I’m most proud of is the fact that After scoring 14 goals in 18 regular I know how special the playoffs are, and best players and play every night, and I’m going to retire as a Blue.” season games with Phoenix after a March that gives you a lot of motivation to want show everybody I’m ready and that I’m He played 543 games for the Blues, 3 trade from Toronto, Stempniak did to be there every year. It took five years an NHL player.” tallying 427 total points, ranking him draw interest and offers from several for me to be in the playoffs. You want to What must change for Zherdev in his seventh all-time among Blues players. He NHL organizations. The newly married work hard and you want to be on teams second go-around is his defensive zone ranks fifth in goal scoring with 208. goal scorer finally opted for Phoenix as that are successful, and have a chance to commitment. In today’s NHL it’s great to Veteran defender Sydor walks away the best fit. He admitted the Coyotes pur- win, and that’s the fun of playing hock- have offensive flair, but one must also be sued him intensely over the two-month ey.” Veteran defenseman Darryl Sydor defensively responsible. Zherdev must announced his retirement after 18 seasons period. STELMACH SAYS: Past recent histo- show he is now a two-way performer. “Don Maloney [Phoenix GM] stayed ry shows a player of Stempniak’s ability in the NHL. The Edmonton, Alberta, “I’ve changed my style and tried to native spent the last year of his pro career play more in the defensive zone. I think in St. Louis, recording eight assists and right now I’m a two-way player,” he said. 15 penalty minutes in 47 games played. Minor players in major roles “Before I was probably more of a for- “Darryl was a true professional ward, more in the attack zone, but right throughout his entire career and especial- A National Hockey League 20-man Dubnyk to a two-year deal worth now I think the last couple of seasons ly for the St. Louis Blues organization,” roster is not composed solely of super- $800,000 per season, the Edmonton I’ve played more in the defensive zone, said Blues President John Davidson in an stars. For every Sidney Crosby there is Oilers demonstrated he was preferred too.” official team press release. a Pascal Dupuis. Where there is an over Jeff Deslauriers as the back-up to “For me, it will be new. It’s a new “I’ve known Darryl for a long time Alex Ovechkin, there will also be a No. 1 goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. The team, new teammates, a new coach, new and he is truly one of the classiest profes- Brooks Laich. Among Ukrainian pro fact the contract is a one-way deal organization and a new city. I still have sionals I have seen in this league,” said hockey players, for stars like Travis shows even more respect for Dubnyk’s my tools, and I’d like to show everybody Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong. Zajac and Alexei Ponikarovsky there future potential. I’m still a good hockey player,” he added. “I wish nothing but success in the future are scrappers like Jordin Tootoo and The young netminder enjoyed a Stelmach says: Zherdev returns a for Darryl, his wife, Sharlene, and sons, Darcy Hordichuk. decent season for Springfield (AHL) in humbled young man, happy to get a sec- Parker, Braden, Dylan and Cooper.” In today’s salary cap NHL, a team is 2009-2010, posting a .915 save per- ond chance to play with the world’s best Sydor, 38, was a part of six different allowed to spend only a certain amount centage save percentage for a team players. Let’s hope he truly is ready to NHL organizations in his career, includ- on player salaries. A team dresses two which was pretty awful. Continuing to turn the page and begin a new chapter of ing Los Angeles, Columbus, Tampa Bay, goalies, six defensemen and 12 for- progress in his minor league develop- his hockey career. Pittsburgh and St. Louis. His longest ten- wards – never have the third and fourth ment, Dubnyk was recalled to Babchuk back on ‘Canes’ blueline ure was with the Dallas Stars. line forwards and last two defensemen Edmonton last season when In nine seasons with Dallas, the 6-1, been more vital to a team’s success. Khabibulin went down to injury. “We’re happy to be bringing Anton 210-pound defenseman played in 714 And let’s not forget the back-up goal- All things considered, Dubnyk did Babchuk back to the Hurricanes,” said games with 334 points and 401 penalty tender. Below are a few under-the-radar quite well in his NHL debut year. He Carolina’s President and General minutes. He was an NHL All-Star in 1998 signings of Ukrainian hockey players was arguably fantastic in his final six Manager Jim Rutherford, in an official and 1999. He won Stanley Cups with from this past off-season, a couple of starts after almost setting a record for July press release from the team. “He has Dallas (1999) and Tampa Bay (2004). which may be heard from in 2010-2011. minutes played without winning a a big shot and he really came into his He totaled 1,291 games played (16th game. He proceeded to win four of his own offensively for us during the 2008- Oilers sign Dubnyk all-time among NHL defenders) with 507 2009 season. He will be an important points, 755 penalty minutes and a career In signing goaltender Devan (Continued on page 20) contributor to our success next season.” So began another Kyiv, native’s sec- (Continued on page 20) 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Metropolitan Constantine blesses Parma parish’s school building PARMA, Ohio – The clergy and faithful States following World War II. They settled of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox in Cleveland and joined St. Vladimir Cathedral welcomed Metropolitan Cathedral. Constantine to the Parma, Ohio, parish on On completing high school, Mr. Sunday, September 19. Suprunenko attended college and served in The metropolitan served the divine litur- the U.S. military. He was employed by the gy and then led a procession with the clergy, Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper until he altar servers and parishioners to the parish contracted multiple sclerosis at a young age. school building, where he blessed the newly For over 20 years, he was confined to his remodeled classrooms and library. home in a wheelchair and, then, to a local During the yearlong project that cost nursing home. On January 13, 2009, Mr. $150,000, new heating, air conditioning, Suprunenko died and, following services at carpets, windows and other changes to the St. Vladimir Cathedral, his earthly remains building were accomplished because of the were taken to St. Andrew Cemetery in generosity of the late Mykola Suprunenko, South Bound Brook, N.J. who bequeathed the Parma parish over A memorial service for the departed $500,000. This gift – the largest ever made Suprunenko family members was celebrated to the parish – was to be used for education- by Metropolitan Constantine prior to the al purposes. blessing of the school. Mr. Suprunenko also bequeathed over St. Vladimir Cathedral’s school building $125,000 to the Ukrainian Museum- is used not only by the parishioners but by Archives in Cleveland. the entire Ukrainian community of Greater Mr. Suprunenko was born on September Cleveland. The parish sponsors a Sunday 14, 1940, in Poltava, Ukraine. Together with School, the Taras Shevchenko School of his parents, Hryhoryj and Anastasia, and his Ukrainian Students, and schools of Metropolitan Constantine, together with parish clergy, blesses the newly remod- two brothers, he immigrated to the United Ukrainian dance, bandura and art. eled St. Vladimir School building in Parma, Ohio.

The siloviki have become a major threat and a majority of Ukrainians consider that October 20, 22, 2004). Similar tactics had Bomb explosions... to holding free elections. Parliamentary democratic freedoms are under threat been used against the Serbian Otpor youth (Continued from page 2) Human Rights Ombudsman Nina (http://www.ifes.org/Content/Events/2010/ NGO in the 2000 Yugoslav elections. Linking the explosions to the local elec- Karpachova said, “I cannot stay silent over Post-Orange-Ukraine.aspx). Ukraine’s major nationalist group, tions would aim to blame the opposition for the fact that recently regional departments The authorities used explosions in the Svoboda, is dogged by accusations that it seeking to “destabilize the situation.” of the SBU launched hotlines for control 1999 elections when Socialist Party activists was financed by the oligarch Igor Different senior officials and “siloviki” min- over violations of the election legislation. allegedly sought to assassinate Progressive Kolomoysky, during the Yushchenko presi- isters have warned that the opposition is Even divisions of the military security ser- Socialist Party leader and candidate Natalia dency, and since then by the Party of likely to lose the elections and is therefore vice are involved in the election process... Vitrenko. The aim was to remove SPU lead- Regions (through Andriy Kluyev who head- voicing concern about the likelihood of Such total control of the special services is a er Oleksander Moroz, against whom he was ed Yanukovych’s 2004 shadow “dirty unsure of winning, from the second round in tricks” campaign). The financing aims to election fraud and non-free elections in threat to Ukraine’s democracy,” adding that order for Mr. Kuchma to face Communist take votes from mainstream national demo- order to justify their low results. Internal “neither the law on the security service of Ukraine, nor the Ukrainian president’s order Party leader Petro Symonenko. crats and to mobilize the eastern Ukrainian Affairs Minister believes of September 16, 2010, give the SBU con- In September 2004, with the purpose of vote against “nationalism” (Oleksiy that the majority of mass protests linked to trol over the observance of the right to vote distracting attention from Mr. Yushchenko’s Mustafin in Zerkalo Nedeli, October 23). the local elections have a “provocative char- (Interfax-Ukraine, October 23)’. poisoning earlier that month, a fake assassi- The explosions are unlikely to be the acter.” These have “only one aim: to Verkhovna Rada Vice-Chairman Mykola nation was planned on Yanukovych in work of the opposition, and a “controlled” increase tension, divide, and thereby to Tomenko, a senior member of the Yulia Ivano-Frankivsk where he was to be shot by nationalist party is not likely to be permitted establish certain facts that the elections were Tymoshenko Bloc, said what many opposi- blanks while wearing a bulletproof vest to indulge in terrorism. If the bombs were not free” (Ukrayinska Pravda, October 25). tion leaders believe. The explosions look under his coat. The plan was foiled by a stu- planted by the authorities, this could be the President Yanukovych told diplomats in like a “primitive special operation” that dent throwing an egg, which confused Mr. prelude to what took place in Russia in 2000 Kyiv that international observers should aims to pressure Mr. Yanukovych to Yanukovych, who fell down as though he when bomb explosions, which were blamed only look for “real falsifications and provo- increase his presidential guard, which is had been shot as planned by a blank bullet on Chechen terrorists though there were cations,” adding, “What concerns me in already twice the size of those of former (http://www.youtube.com/ suspicions about the involvement of the these elections are only provocations, as if Presidents Leonid Kuchma and Viktor watch?v=fP0vWkqOQT8). Nevertheless, Federal Security Service (FSB), paved the no provocations are specially undertaken by Yushchenko. Yanukovych election officials, without way for Vladimir Putin’s rise to power. teams of provocateurs then there will be no Mr. Yanukovych has an ingrained assas- knowing about the egg, appeared in the Nevertheless, the “stability” that for some problems [in the election]” (Ukrayinska sination-phobia that his entourage feeds media as pre-planned to accuse the reason Western governments associate with Pravda, October 26). (Eurasia Daily Monitor, June 28). Or, Mr. Yushchenko election campaign of harboring President Yanukovych was always a myth, Mr. Mohyliov instructed his officers to Tomenko believes the explosions aim to “terrorists.” as his policies serve only to deepen ensure the collection of intelligence about show to Mr. Yanukovych that there is a The offices of Pora, the youth NGO Ukraine’s regional, political, cultural and the organization of such protests. Not only is “need for an ‘iron’ hand or ‘strong hand’ active in the 2004 elections and the Orange religious divisions. this instruction illegal, as it is not within the because there is anarchy in the country” Revolution, had terrorist devices planted in competence of the MVS to collect political (Hazeta po Ukrainski, October 23). order to link the opposition to “terrorism.” The article above is reprinted from intelligence, but unconstitutional as it Indeed, twice the number of Ukrainians Pora and other NGOs associated with the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission infringes on the rights of Ukrainians to free- feel their country is moving to instability opposition were denounced as “extremists” from its publisher, the Jamestown ly protest. than believe Ukraine is heading for stability (EDM, May 26, September 22-23, 30, Foundation, www.jamestown.org. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 19

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE UCCA’s Boston branch celebrates two milestones with gala by Peter T. Woloschuk Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish Board by Board President Jane Yavarov. The RANDOLPH, Mass. –– The Ukrainian Hartford, Conn. UCCA branch was repre- Congress Committee of America, Boston sented by Vice-President Myron Kolinsky. Branch (UCCA-Boston), marked the 70th In his welcoming remarks, Vsevolod anniversary of the founding of the national Petriv, president of UCCA-Boston said, organization in New York and the 60th anni- “Forty years ago, when I publicly said that I versary of the formation of the Boston was a Ukrainian-American, most people in branch with a banquet and zabava on my audience had never heard of Ukraine or Saturday, October 16. The gala event drew knew where or what it was. Now the aver- over 130 members of the eastern New age American knows something about our England Ukrainian American community to ancestral homeland. Led by UCCA and the Lantana’s banqueting facility in Randolph, combined efforts of all of our organizations, Mass. we have made progress, but there is still The program was conducted bilingually much more work to be done.” and featured a slide show highlighting some Mr. Petriv went on to highlight the spirit of the major events sponsored by UCCA of cooperation shown by the Ukrainian Vsevolod Petriv Boston over the past 60 years, the presenta- organizations of the metropolitan Boston Michael Sawkiw Jr., director of the UCCA’s Ukrainian National Informtion tion of certificates of recognition to the area and the recent resurgence of activity Service, addresses the anniversary gathering. Next to him are Luba Gentyk and founders and early supporters of the organi- within the community, crediting these devel- Zenoviy Prots, UCCA-Boston vice-presidents. zation, a keynote address by Michael opments, in part, to the solid foundation laid Sawkiw Jr., director of the Ukrainian by the activists of previous generations. National Information Service (UNIS), the In his address Mr. Sawkiw said, “The Washington public affairs bureau of the history of the Ukrainian Congress UCCA, and finally the presentation of a Committee of America and its relevance to bouquet of flowers and the dedication of a the ‘Ukraine question,’ whether during song to Maria Fedynyshyn Saxe, secretary Soviet times, or now with the existence of a of UCCA Boston and indefatigable organiz- free and independent Ukraine, shows the er and promoter of the event. strength and vitality of our Ukrainian com- The evening was opened with the singing munity. What we have achieved through of the American anthem by Michael Hotz our efforts over the past 70 years has never and the Ukrainian anthem by the assembly changed, nor have our goals and objectives. led by Luba Gentek and Zenoviy Prots, We stand for the betterment of the vice-presidents of UCCA-Boston. Ukrainian nation and its people both in the An invocation was given by the Rev. homeland and in the United States.” Yaroslav Nalysnyk, dean of the Boston area He added, “We are grateful to our com- and pastor of Christ the King Ukrainian munity leaders, both past and present, who Catholic Church. Grace was offered by have made a difference in our organization Msgr. Roman Golemba, pastor of St, and have led by their example. Our com- Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic church in munity is strong and dynamic, and we have Woonsocket, R.I., and the formal program a bright future ahead of us.” was concluded with benediction by the Rev. As part of the evening, a petition spon- Roman Tarnavsky, pastor of St. Andrew’s sored by UCCA Boston to the leaders of the At the UCCA’s 70th anniversary celebration in Boston (from left) are: Iulia Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Boston. The Ukrainian government demanding the with- Hetmansky, Maria Fedynyshyn Saxe, secretary of the UCCA Boston, and Wolodymy Udech band of New Jersey provided almost drawal of the proposed legislation giving the Hetmansky, who was honored with a certificate of recognition for his work. four hours of continuous music to round out special status in Ukraine the night. were read out in both English and Ukrainian The semi-formal affair was co-sponsored and were signed by virtually all those in by the Ukrainian American Heritage attendance. A petition on Foundation Inc. and the Ukrainian In part, the petition read: American Educational Center of Boston “Although the proposed statute is Following is the text of the petition envisioned by the charter and that it needs Inc. A number of the area’s Ukrainian orga- couched in terms that echo the Charter of sent by the Boston branch of the no protection. nizations were represented by their leader- Europe, which adopted legislation to protect Ukrainian Congress Committee of The Russian language in Ukraine faces ship, including the Harvard Ukrainian and preserve the languages of small ethnic America to Ukraine’s President Viktor no dangers or threats and even the mere Research Institute (HURI) by Associate minorities in danger of being assimilated by Yanukovych, Prime Minister Mykola suggestion that this is not the case is bla- Director Dr. Lubomyr Hajda, the Ukrainian dominant linguistic groups in the countries Azarov and Verkhovna Rada Chairman tant casuistry. American Youth Association (UAYA) by where they reside, it is clear that the Russian Volodymyr Lytvyn. The petition is dated Russian is already specifically men- President Michael Nosal Jr., the Ukrainian language in Ukraine does not fall within the October 2010. tioned in the current Constitution of American Veterans of greater Boston (UAV) Ukraine and its status is clearly recog- criteria envisioned by the Charter and that it Gentlemen: by Post Commander Stephan Kostecki, needs no protection. nized and protected. Its usage dominates Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization by “The Russian language in Ukraine faces We, the undersigned Ukrainian- in the media of the country and it is used Board Member Ihor Mykyta, “Ridna no dangers or threats and even the mere Americans of the metropolitan Boston as the language of daily business by a Shkola” (School of Ukrainian Studies) by suggestion that this is not the case is blatant area, are writing to inform you of our number of local and oblast government Director Oksana Kyrychok, the Ukrainian casuistry. concern with the recently filed legislation bodies in defiance of the dictates of the National Women’s League of America by “On Languages in Ukraine,” which was capital and the mandate of the supreme branch president Nadia Annese, and St. (Continued on page 20) sponsored jointly by members of the law of the land. It is also the language Party of Regions, the Communist Party most frequently used by your administra- and the Volodymyr Lytvyn Block and is tion as you conduct the daily affairs of the awaiting consideration by the Ukrainian Ukrainian government. Parliament. For more than 350 years Russian As you are well aware, the proposed enjoyed official status in Ukraine and legislation will give the Russian language native Ukrainian speakers faced discrimi- official status in any region or oblast of nation and even persecution. The Emsk the country where 10 percent of the popu- Ukaz of the 19th century, for example, lation indicates a desire for such a change clearly spelled out government policy in status and is nothing but a cynical toward the Ukrainian language and pro- attempt to fulfill your campaign promises scribed it entirely from the public arena. to make Russian the second official lan- As elected officials of Ukraine you are guage of Ukraine. required by your oaths and by your offic- Although the proposed statute is es to safeguard the interests of the couched in terms that echo the Charter of Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian people. Europe, which adopted legislation to pro- The proposed legislation does neither. tect and preserve the languages of small Therefore, we call upon you, as elected ethnic minorities in danger of being officials, to fulfill your mandate from the assimilated by dominant linguistic groups Ukrainian people and withdraw the pro- in the countries where they reside, it is posal from parliamentary consideration. clear that the Russian language in It is nothing less than your duty and obli- Ukraine does not fall within the criteria gation to do so. Attendees at the anniversary banquet. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

goals and sixth best with a high of 32 Yesterday, our government signed a Minor players... points in 62 games last season. He started Harper address... youth mobility agreement so that young (Continued from page 17) the season with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate (Continued from page 13) Canadians and young Ukrainians will find it last six starts as the last line of a porous in Springfield, where he collected eight Ottawa, the cost of it was largely covered by easier to travel between our two countries Oilers defense. An even-strength save points (3G, 5A), prior to his promotion to the Ukrainian Canadian community – a and work in each other’s. Obviously, as percentage of .933 over those six starts the big club. great example of how active that communi- Canadians we want to keep strong and vital was remarkable. He was selected as one The native of Grand Forks, N.D., has ty is. the close relationship that we have with of the three stars in each of his four victo- scored 22 goals and 49 points with 54 Since then there have been high-level Ukraine. We would love to see lots of you ries. penalty minutes in 116 career NHL delegations travelling back and forth, visits come to Canada, both for work and to have Unfortunately, there were ten starts games over the course of five seasons. to Ukraine by three of our governors gener- some fun. All we ask is that while you are in between his strong AHL work and his The Blackhawks are his third NHL orga- al, and twice to Canada by your own presi- Canada, to teach us more about your end-of-season run which have been nization after being Philadelphia’s sixth- dents. Ukraine and make sure you share your described as a “valley of darkness.” In round pick in the 2003 entry draft. In 172 And I am proud to point out that Canadian experiences with your friends. each of these games he allowed at least career AHL games, Potulny has tallied Canadians have repeatedly participated as Tweet about what you see, post the best of three goals, twice permitting more than 143 points (74G, 69A) and 141 penalty observers in Ukrainian elections in 2004, your photos of Canada on Facebook. You five to enter his net. minutes. A career claim to fame is his 2006, 2007 and again this year. can help all of us to become better friends. The end result was an even-strength ending the longest contest in the 74-year Canadians are happy to assist with elec- Now, ladies and gentlemen, I just want to save percentage of .902 which was good history of the AHL when he scored the tions because it is in the choosing of the conclude with this. Your country has been in enough to best only three other goalkeep- game-winning marker at 2:58 of the fifth government by the governed that freedom transition for 20 years. Just as nobody could ers with 15 or more NHL starting assign- overtime (142:58) while a Philadelphia becomes more than just a word. have predicted the past two decades, no one ments. Overriding the bad middle part of Phantom on April 24, 2008. There have been many government con- can say what the future holds. But it is a his season was the fact he has youth on Before turning pro, Potulny spent three tacts at an operational level and the great time to be alive. his side, he had the great finish and he years at the University of Minnesota from Canadian International Development In fact, as I look about me, I am remind- was drafted 14th overall. The rebuilding 2003 to 2006, collecting 118 points in Agency has assisted with programs to ed of a fragment of poetry. “Bliss was it in Edmonton franchise could do worse than 100 games. He was a finalist for the 2006 encourage small business. In fact today we that dawn to be alive, but to be young was give Dubnyk a shot at the back-up goal- Hobey Baker Award (top college player). are announcing six more projects to foster very heaven.” [William Wordsworth, 1805] tending job in 2010-11. growth and boost grain exports. And of his- For ultimately what your country becomes, Strachan stays in St. Louis toric importance, we are now working with how it responds to the turns of future history Bodnarchuk back with Boston St. Louis Blues Executive Vice your government towards a Canada-Ukraine and how you live as citizens – all this will Young depth defenseman Andrew President and General Manager Doug free-trade agreement. Our economies com- be up to you and your generation. You have Bodnarchuk earned a one-year contract Armstrong announced in early July that plement each other in several ways and it great things ahead of you, great things to with the Boston Bruins this past summer. the club had re-signed defenseman Tyson should be possible to lever our historic and decide. A whole destiny to shape. I would therefore say this not only to The 22-year-old has seen action in five Strachan to a one-year contract. The linguistic ties to stimulate trade investment you, but to all the fine young people of regular season games and has two penalty 25-year-old saw action in eight games for and job creation. Ukraine. minutes. the Blues last season, assisting on two Trade builds prosperity for everyone and As you set about your life’s work, “I think Andy had a real solid year last goals and receiving four minutes in pen- it presents particularly great opportunities remember that in Canada, you have friends. year,” said General Manager Peter alties. for young people such as yourselves who have a global perspective. I said earlier there Friends who respect and admire Ukraine’s Chiarelli during an early July conference The 6-2, 215-pounder played the was something in the current rounds of talks heart for freedom, its spirit of national self- call with Boston media. “The year before majority of the year with the AHL’s with your government that should be of par- determination, and the courage of its people, I thought he had more downs than ups, Peoria Rivermen, where in 65 games he ticular interest to this audience. For many a courage that has never deserted you, even but last year I thought he really figured scored 26 points (5G, 21A) to go with 75 out the game and he simplified it for his years, our two countries have had a program in the darkest nights of your long history. penalty minutes. game. I saw a guy who turned the corner through which as many as 50 Ukrainian uni- As Taras Shevchenko wrote, and I quote: The Melfort, Saskatchewan native was a bit. He is still quite young, but he has versity students a year come to Canada to ‘Strive and you will triumph for God is on drafted by Carolina in the fifth round of good speed and a good compete level. He work as interns in our Parliament to see how your side. The rewards are glory, truth and the 2003 NHL draft did play with us a bit and I didn’t mind our Parliament works. I’m happy to tell you that most sacred of things, freedom.’ his game up with us.” Metro heads back to Europe that yesterday, we took that idea much fur- I look forward to meeting all of you and Bodnarchuk has skated in 132 regular ther and way beyond the confines of gov- I wish all of you good luck in your future. season games with Providence (AHL) In early August 2010 reports surfaced ernment. Slava Ukraini! Slava Canada! over the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 sea- that Montreal Canadiens center Glen sons, totaling 6G, 19A, 25 PTS and 84 Metropolit had signed a two-year contract PIMs. with EV Zug in Switzerland. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. left on his deal. He dressed in his first Bruins game on NHL Ukrainians... “On behalf of the entire Lightning April 3 in Toronto. He played most of last The Canadiens had claimed Metropolit off waivers from Philadelphia on (Continued from page 17) organization, I would like to thank Todd season for the P-Bruins with 5-10-15 for his service both on and off the ice,” points and 51 minutes in 70 games. February 27, 2009, and the unrestricted +21 rating. free agent produced 16 goals and added Yzerman said in an official Lightning The 5-11, 185-pound native of Fedoruk bought out 13 assists for the Canadiens last season. press release. “As the team heads in a dif- Drumheller, Alberta was originally ferent direction, we wish him the best of He was an unsung member of an upstart A new regime means changes and in selected by Boston in the 2006 draft (5th luck as he moves forward in his hockey round, 128th overall.) team which went far in the Stanley Cup Tampa Bay the past few years, changes playoffs. career.” are the norm. New Vice-President and The 6’2, 230-pound Fedoruk played in Blackhawks grab Potulny This is Metropolit’s second stint in GM Steve Yzerman began making per- 50 games with Tampa Bay last season, Europe, as he played two seasons in Following a mass exodus of players sonnel moves early in his new adminis- recording 3-3-6 points and 54 PIM’s. As Finland (2003-2005) and one in from the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup champi- tration, buying out the contract of left a fourth-line banger he averaged 7:31 Switzerland (2005-2006). The veteran on team, an opening for a third-line for- wing Todd Fedoruk. Fedoruk had a year minutes in ice time. ward was filled when the Chicago could only hope for a free-agent invita- Blackhawks signed Ryan Potulny to a tion to someone’s training camp at this one-year contract. point of his career. The two-year deal Potulny, 26, was tied for third on the with EV Zug was an offer Metropolit advancement of Ukrainian Americans in all Edmonton Oilers with a career-best 15 could not refuse. UCCA's Boston... spheres of American life, as well as recogni- (Continued from page 19) tion of and aid for Ukraine. “Russian is already specifically men- UCCA Boston was founded 10 years tioned in the current constitution of Ukraine later on September 19, 1950, with the spe- and its status is clearly recognized and pro- cific mission of representing Ukrainian Alex E. Kyj tected. Its usage dominates in the media of Americans in eastern New England. Financial Advisor the country and it is used as the language of daily business by a number of local and Financial Planning Specialist oblast government bodies in defiance of the dictates of the capital and the mandate of the Encyclopedia... supreme law of the land. It is also the lan- One Liberty Place guage most frequently used by your admin- (Continued from page 7) 1650 Market Street, 42nd Floor istration as you conduct the daily affairs of second edition with additional listings. In Philadelphia, PA 19103 the Ukrainian government... the meantime, readers will find moun- “Therefore, we call upon you as elected tains of inspiring information in the edi- (215) 854-6284 (800) 233-1414 officials to fulfill your mandate from the tion just published. It’s available for $50 Ukrainian people and withdraw the proposal from Smoloskyp, P. O. Box 561, Ellicott from Parliamentary consideration. It is noth- City, MD 21041. www.fa.smithbarney.com/robertskyj ing less than your duty and obligation to do CORRECTION: In my last column, I [email protected] so.” wrote that UPA was organized in 1943. I The UCCA was founded on May 24, was off by a year: it was 1942. Thank you 1940, by the Ukrainian American communi- to those who noted the mistake. ty to act in a leadership role as the national coordinating umbrella organization of its Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is activities and agenda, including the [email protected]. No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 21 Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus featured at Stratford Summer Music by Anatoli Murha and Roman Beley versary season of Stratford Summer STRATFORD, Ontario – Stratford Music, I wanted to Summer Music is an annual multi-week include the foremost music festival set in outdoor and indoor highlights of our first venues in Stratford, Ontario. Led by decade, so naturally Artistic Producer John A. Miller, the fes- t h e U k r a i n i a n tival hosts performances by Canadian and Bandurist Chorus international artists over a three-to five- just had to be invited week period in July and August. The fes- back. People here tival brings a variety of genres to its stag- still talk about their es, including jazz, blues, folk, opera, first time in 2004 and country, innovative instrumental, orches- after their appearance tral, classical and world music. The 2010 this year the commu- festival marked the 10th anniversary of nity chatter was just Stratford Summer Music. as strong. In fact, I’m On August 8, the Ukrainian Bandurist still hearing com- Chorus (UBC), under the direction of ments not only about Bohdan Heryavenko, shared its traditions the strength of the with an engaging audience at St. Chorus’ music, as Andrew’s Church in Stratford. The UBC one would expect, first performed at Stratford Summer but also comments Music in 2004, when stringed instru- about how stellar is ments highlighted the festival – a natural the members’ dedica- fit for the UBC. Stratford Summer Music tion to their heritage, invited the UBC to return to the five- e s p e c i a l l y w h e n week-long 2010 festival, which also every single singer included concerts by internationally and player chose to renowned tenor Ben Heppner. wear his authentic Given the vast repertoire of the UBC, costume for the full the concert program was designed to concert on what Marta Tkalenko showcase the many strengths of turned out to be the The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus during a performance at the Stratford Summer Music festival in Ukrainian music. The UBC presented a hottest night of our Ontario. diverse program, featuring historic Kozak Stratford sum- battle songs, sacred works by well-known mer. Some heritage – some chorus, say Ukrainian composers and traditional folk I!” songs. The audience left with an under- The Winding Path standing of the soul and voice of Ukraine For more information about Stratford under Maestro Heryavenko’s debut as the Summer Music, readers may visit www. to Freedom artistic director and conductor of the stratfordsummermusic.ca. For the latest Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. information about the UBC and upcom- Mr. Heryavenko had the following to ing performances, readers may log on to A perfect gift for anyone say, “When I was devising the 10th anni- visit www.bandura.org. Top seller on Amazonbooks.com

The Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America See the website: Philadelphia Chapter Thewindingpathtofreedom.com cordially invites

YOUNG LADIES Aged 16 years or older

to register as debutantes for the

Traditional 57th Annual Engineers’ Banquet and Ball and Presentation of Debutantes

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Hyatt Hotel at the Bellevue Broad and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cocktails at 6:00 PM Banquet at 7:00 PM Ball and Presentation of Debutantes at 9:00 PM

For additional information or to register as a debutante, please contact Mrs. Halia Wirstiuk at 267-879-5502 Dr. Peter Hewka at 610-277-1284 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

The killings were not spontaneous but The killing fields... well-prepared – a unit of Germans would The Ukrainian Institute of America (Continued from page 9) arrive in the village or town to find out the order to spark memories. information they needed: where were the in commemoration of the Holodomor railways, roads and paths; was the surround- Many of the witnesses were reluctant to talk and were frightened. “When I asked ing land flat; was the ground made of clay presents them why they had never spoken, they all or sand, were there forests around the vil- responded that they had never been asked. lage. These were people who saw what hap- Although many of the mass graves were pened, but who could do nothing,” Father found in forests surrounding a village or THE LIVING Desbois writes. town, the Germans feared the forests as they He identified three categories of witness- often concealed Soviet partisans. Killing a documentary film, directed by Serhiy Bukovsky, depicting the vivid accounts es. The first were indirect witnesses, people sites were overlooked near farms, schools of survivors and the remarkable story of Gareth Jones, the Welsh journalist, who did not see the assassinations but who and residential buildings, which were not always systematically evacuated prior to whose eyewitness accounts are preserved in diaries. The film will be intro- had heard about them or had seen the Jews killing actions. Moreover, for every witness duced by Nigel Colley, an advisor on the film and great nephew of Gareth leaving the town or seen the police take the Jews from their homes. who saw a killing, there were often many Jones, whose diaries he is bringing for the last display before they are given to The second were the direct witnesses, others who heard the shots and/or smelled the University of Wales. who had been present at the assassinations. the scent of corpses being burned. The “Those who taught me the most about Germans were required to assassinate the Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 5 pm the shooting of the Jews were the people Jews, but were given carte blanche regard- Followed by a reception who had been ‘requisitioned’ – young men, ing how to kill them. The methods they used General admission $15 UIA Members, Seniors & Students $10. women, children and adolescents who, for a were left to their initiative, even their day or a week, were at the site of the crime sadism. Father Desbois mentions that both and were forced to participate,” Father Desbois explains. They transported the Jews Catholic and Orthodox priests he met in Book presentation of in their carts, dug and filled in the pits, Ukraine were always ready to help in pro- pulled teeth, gathered clothes and took them viding witnesses who could locate the mass Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin to places designated by the Germans. “Most graves. Although protecting a Jew led to of them were forced to act at gunpoint. They capital punishment, he writes that “during Yale historian Timothy Snyder presents his latest publication about the deliber- had no choice. It took me years to under- our research we also met individuals or fam- ate murder of civilians committed by Nazi and Stalinist regimes in the lands stand the scope of these requisitions, ” ilies who had saved Jews. Many of them between Germany and Russia. Considerable attention is devoted to the Famine Father Desbois writes. had been denounced and tortured. Some of these family members had been shot.” The in Ukraine. A crucial middleman in the requisitioning process was the “desiatnik” – a person who book provides several examples of such res- The author’s book will be available for purchase. had been charged with specific community cues. and public order functions within the Soviet The mass grave sites, strewn across Sunday November 21, 2010, at 3 pm administration. The desiatniks was kept in Ukraine, probably would not have been Followed by a reception place by the German occupiers. Their located if Father Desbois’ work had not General admission $15 UIA Members, Seniors & Students $10. orders, often given under threat of death, been done now, while the hundreds of eye- came directly from the German authorities witnesses that were children 60 years ago, Ukrainian Institute of America or the mayor. can still identify the sites. 2 East 79th Street, New York City 212-288-8660 www.ukrainianinstitute.org No. 45 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 23 OUT AND ABOUT

November 10 Book presentation, “Bloodlands: Europe Between November 14 Book presentation, “Bloodlands: Europe Between Washington Hitler and Stalin” by Timothy Snyder, Kennan Washington Hitler and Stalin” by Timothy Snyder, Politics & Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, Prose bookstore, 202-364-1919 or 202-691-4016 www.politics-prose.com

November 11 Veterans Day commemoration, Ukrainian American November 14 Fund-raiser banquet, Chicago Friends of the North Port, FL Veterans Post 40, Veterans Memorial Park, Chicago Ukrainian Catholic University and the Ukrainian 941-492-4860 Catholic Education Foundation, Ukrainian Cultural Center, 773-235-8462 November 12 Presentation by Sofiya Opatska, “Business Chicago ,” Ukrainian Catholic Education November 14 Holiday bazaar and gift auction, Assumption Foundation, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Perth Amboy, NJ Ukrainian Catholic School, 732-826-8721 773-235-8462 November 14 Lecture by Michael Moser, “The History of the November 12 Cocktail reception, 20th anniversary of the New York Ukrainian Language in the Interwar Subcarpathian Ottawa Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, Region,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, Foundation Restaurant, 613-745-2760 or 212-254-5130 613-523-7952 November 14 Concert, featuring music by the Nova Chamber November 12 Film screening, “Holodomor: Ukraine’s Genocide of New York Ensemble, Ukrainian Institute of America, Whippany, NJ 1932-1933,” Ukrainian American Cultural Center of 212-288-8660 New Jersey, 973-585-7175 November 15 Lecture by Nataliia Sinkevych, “The 1635 November 13 Presentation, “Modernism in Kyiv,” Shevchenko Cambridge, MA Paterikon of Sylvestr Kosov: Its Origins, Sources New York Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 and Interpretation,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 November 13 World music concert, featuring Andrei Pidkivka McKees Rocks, PA and Solomia Gorokhivska from Ukraine, Father November 15 Lecture by Michael Moser, “Ukrainian, Russian or Ryan Arts Center, www.fatherryanartscenter.org New York Carpatho-Rusyn? The Language Question in Interwar Subcarpathia,” Columbia University, November 13 Dinner and dance, with installation of new officers, 212-854-4697 North Port, FL Ukrainian American Veterans Post 40, Oseredok Center, 941-426-8077 or 941-539-1490 November 16 Book presentation by Irena Makaryk and Virlana New York Tkaz, “Modernism in Kyiv: Jubilant November 13 Banquet and dance, Ottawa Ukraina Soccer Club, Experimentation,” Columbia University, Ottawa Ukrainian Community Center, 613-290-0577 or 212-854-4697 613-851-1192

November 13-14 30th annual “Autumnfest” festival, Epiphany of Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Items will be published St. Petersburg, FL Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 727-576-1001 at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 No. 45

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Sunday, November 7 Beethoven, Brahms and Schumann for clarinet, cello and piano. The founder of LEHIGHTON, Pa.: The Pennsylvania the ensemble, pianist Laryssa Krupa Humanities Council is sponsoring a lec- Slobodyanik, will be joined by Andriy ture on the history of Ukrainian 216 Foordmore Road Milavsky, clarinetist, and Wanda Immigration to the Anthracite Coal 1-845-626-5641 Glowacka, cellist. The concert begins at 5 P.O. Box 529 Regions on at 2 p.m. The lecture will be [email protected] p.m. and will be followed by a reception. Kerhonkson, NY 12446 given by Dr. Paula Holoviak, Assistant General admission is $30; UIA members Professor of Political Science at Kutztown and seniors, $25; students, $20. To pur- University of Pennsylvania. The location chase tickets or for more information call Nov 12-14 – Plast Orlykiada Nov 25 – Thanksgiving is the Ukrainian Homestead on Beaver Run Drive in Lehighton, Pa. (Directions 212-288-8660. The Ukrainian Institute is Nov 19-21 – Scrapbook Weekend Nov 27 – High school reunion available at: http://www.ukrhomestead. located at 2 E. 79th St. (corner of Fifth com/directx.html.) The lecture will be Avenue). accompanied by an exhibit on Ukrainian/ Monday, November 15 Lemko genealogy presented by Michael Buryk, a Ukrainian American whose NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Studies research and writing has focused on the Program at Columbia University invites To The Weekly Contributors: 19th and 20th century immigration to the you a lecture titled “Ukrainian, Russian, or U.S. of Ukrainians/ from the Carpatho-Rusyn? The Language Question We greatly appreciate the materials – feature articles, news stories, press clippings, letters to Sanok area of southeastern Poland. The in Interwar Subcarpathia.” The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Michael Moser of the editor, etc. – we receive from our readers. In order to facilitate preparation of The Ukrainian Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, of which Dr. Holoviak is the director, will also per- Vienna University. It will take place at Weekly, we ask that the guidelines listed below be followed. form. noon in Room 1219, International Affairs Building, 420 W. 118th St. This event is • Persons who submit any materials must provide a complete mailing address and daytime Friday, November 12 free and open to the public. For more phone number where they may be reached if any additional information is required. NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Museum information call Dr. Mark Andryczyk at 212-854-4697 or write to ukrainianstud- • News stories should be sent in not later than 10 days after the occurrence of a given event. presents a celebration marking the publi- [email protected]. • Photographs (originals only, no photocopies or computer printouts) submitted for publica- cation of “Modernism in Ukraine: Jubilant Experimentation” ( Tuesday November, 16 tion must be accompanied by captions. Photos will be returned only when so requested and Press, 2010). Participants include contrib- accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope. utors: Mayhill C. Fowler (Princeton NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Studies • Full names (i.e., no initials) and their correct English spellings must be provided. University) on theater, Maria Ratanova Program at Columbia University invites you to a presentation of the new publica- • Newspaper and magazine clippings must be accompanied by the name of the publication (Harvard University) on dance, Myroslava Mudrak (Ohio State University) on art, tion “Modernism in Kyiv: Jubilant and the date of the edition. Gennady Estraikh (New York University) Experimentation” (University of Toronto • Information about upcoming events must be received one week before the date of The on the Yiddish Kulture-Lige, Irena Press, 2010) . The book will be presented Weekly edition in which the information is to be published. Makaryk (University of Ottawa) on by Prof. Irena Makaryk (University of Ottawa) and Virlana Tkacz (Yara Arts • Unsolicited materials submitted for publication will be returned only when so requested and Modernism in Kyiv and Virlana Tkacz (Yara Arts Group) on the making of the Group), co-editors of the volume. This accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope. book, plus performances of poetry by event will take place at noon in Room Mykhail Semenko, Dovid Hofshteyn and 1219, International Affairs Building, 420 MAILING ADDRESS: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. . There will be a book-sign- W. 118th St. This event is free and open to E-MAIL SUBMISSIONS: Materials may be sent to The Weekly also via e-mail to the address ing and reception afterwards. The event the public. For more information call Dr. [email protected]. Please call or send query via e-mail before electronically sending any- begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Ukrainian Mark Andryczyk at 212-854-4697 or write to [email protected]. thing other than Word documents. This applies especially to photos, as they must be scanned Museum, 222 E. Sixth St.; telephone, 212- 228-0110. according to our specifications in order to be properly reproduced in our newspaper. Saturday, November 20 Any questions? Call 973-292-9800. Saturday, November 13 WASHINGTON: The Ukrainian Catholic NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Education Foundation invites you to a roast Society invites all to a conference featuring to celebrate the Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak’s the presentation of academic papers on 50th birthday. The event will take place at “Modernism in Kyiv” by: Gennady the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, 3900 Estraikh (New York University), Mayhill Harewood Road NE, at 6 p.m. Tickets are Being Ukrainian means: C. Fowler (Princeton University), Irena $150 per person. For more information Makaryk (University of Ottawa), contact Marta Kolomayets, 773-235-8462 o “Malanka” in January. Myroslava Mudrak (Ohio State University) or [email protected]. and Virlana Tkacz (Yara Arts Group). The o Deb in February. conference will take place at the society’s PALATINE, Ill.: The Ukrainian building, 64 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth American Veterans 1st Lt. Ivan Shandor o Two Easters in springtime. and 10th streets) at 4 p.m. For additional Post 35, ACT for America and Veteran information call 212-254-5130. (Please Defenders of America invite patriots and o “Zlet” and “Sviato Vesny” in May. note the unusual starting time: 4 p.m.) veterans to a presentation “Threats to National Security.” Topics will include the o Soyuzivka’s Ukrainian Cultural Festival in July. Sunday, November 14 type of books assigned to high school stu- o “Uke Week” at Wildwood in August. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific dents, the gradual introduction of sharia Society invites all to a lecture by Dr. Michael law in the United States, the impact of ille- o Back to Ukrainian school in September. Moser (University of Vienna) on the subject: gal immigration on security and the need “The History of the Ukrainian Language in for leadership to protect our national sov- o “Morskyi Bal” in New Jersey in November. the Interwar Subcarpathian Region: The ereignty. Teri Paulson will present the “Grammar” by Ivan Pankevych.” The lecture book issue, Cmdr. Chuck Dobra (ret.) will o “Koliada” in December. will take place at the society’s building, 63 discuss sharia law, and Lt. Col. Pete o Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th streets) Pedersen (ret.) will analyze the structure A subscription to The Ukrainian Weekly at 2 p.m. For additional information call 212- and function of leadership in today’s com- ALL YEAR ROUND. 254-5130. (Please note the unusual day and plex world. Col. Roman Golash (ret.) will hour.) moderate the session. The meeting will take place at the Palatine Library at 1-4:30 To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, fill out the form below, clip NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of pm; there is no admission charge. For it and mail it to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, America will present the Nova Chamber information call 847-910-3532 or e-mail Ensemble in a program of works by [email protected]. 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Or simply call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042. PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES

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