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INSIDE:• President Yushchenko’s first trip takes him to Moscow — page 4. • The maidan welcomes the people’s president — page 9. • “Black Tie and Ball” fete new president — page10.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXXIII HE KRAINIANNo. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 EEKLY$1/$2 in TymoshenkoT tappedU W Yushchenkoby Viktoria Voronovych inaugurated as president as prime minister Special to The Ukrainian Weekly by Olga Nuzhinskaya – As took the presidential Special to The Ukrainian Weekly on January 23 in the Ukrainian Parliament Building, promising to work for the Ukrainian nation KYIV – A day after being sworn-in, Ukraine’s and pledged to uphold national , more than a President Viktor Yushchenko nominated the fiery 44- half million , most wearing at least a swatch year-old politician as acting prime of orange somewhere, watched the event from minister and is expected to shortly ask Ukraine’s Independence Square on big screens scattered through- Parliament to formally approve her. out the area. “I’m up to the task of the prime minister’s job,” Ms. The quiet hush that had fallen on the crowd as Mr. Tymoshenko told the media on January 25 and pledged Yushchenko began the oath turned to a rhythmic rumble that Ukraine would “become a more civilized country.” as the throng erupted into chants of “Yushchenko!” after Mr. Yushchenko’s office announced the decision the new president completed the last words. It was a while the president was in Moscow on his first foreign chant that was heard often on this festive yet solemn day trip. as inaugural celebrations for Ukraine’s third duly elected “Tymoshenko, of all the candidates that were pro- president took place across the city and the country. posed, was the most acceptable,” President Yushchenko As had happened during the heady days of the said after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir that had propelled Mr. Yushchenko Putin, “I hope that Yulia and her Cabinet will be suc- to the country’s top post, the color of orange was evi- cessful.” dent everywhere: people dressed in it and buildings Ms. Tymoshenko was the most visible of Mr. were covered in it. The Ukrainian Home looked like an Yushchenko’s allies in the Orange Revolution. Side-by- orange creamsicle with orange bunting flowing across side with Mr. Yushchenko, and more than anyone else, its roof and down its sides. The Tchaikovsky Ms. Tymoshenko was the political face of the mass Conservatory’s bold white columns were colored movement dubbed the Orange Revolution when tens of orange this day, as was the portico of the October thousands of opposition supporters flooded the streets Palace Convention Center. of Kyiv following the fraud-marred presidential run-off After the short swearing-in ceremony in the of , 2004. AP/Gleb Garanich, Pool session hall, President Yushchenko, Viktor Yushchenko sings the Ukrainian national At her behest, protesters stayed on the streets to press who remained reserved and serious in his demeanor for democracy and honest election. She jumped on the anthem after taking the oath of office during his during most of the official ceremonies, informed the inauguration ceremony in the Verkhovna Rada. backs of trucks to rally the crowds and clamored over a lawmakers and official dignitaries present in the riot police line. She repeatedly called for a seizure of Verkhovna Rada – including outgoing President Leonid come to the maidan upon the closing of this session. I power from the opposition’s stage on Independence Kuchma, eight foreign state leaders and leaders of more would like to share my oath, taken in this building, with Square. than 60 international delegations – that he wanted to the people. I am calling on every one of you: let us join “I strongly helped the revolution ... I managed to carry the rest of the inauguration out onto Independence the people. They are waiting for us; let us be together,” demonstrate that politicians sometimes serve the people, Square to the people that had elected him. explained Mr. Yushchenko at the conclusion of short not themselves,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. “On this day, dear friends, I am looking for a way for remarks immediately after he took the presidential oath. The charismatic Ms. Tymoshenko, who is considered us to be among the people. I am inviting all the national to be the most radical person among Mr. Yushchenko’s deputies, guests, friends, all of you present in this hall to (Continued on page 3) allies, is someone that almost no one feels neutral about. Even as President Yushchenko walked to an outdoor rostrum on Sunday to give his inauguration speech, chants of “Tymoshenko!” and “Yulia for prime minis- ter!” were a counterpoint to cheers for the new president. Yushchenko inauguration drives upturn in relations with U.S. “Together with Yulia our people can really change by Yaro Bihun “democracy’s victory” in Ukraine. Later, Secretary the country,” said Vitalii Strutynskyi, 47, a businessman Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Powell told reporters in Kyiv that President Bush had from Kyiv. also pledged “continuing support to Ukraine.” WASHINGTON – The inauguration of Viktor During his meeting with the new president on inaugu- “A person involved in stealing state money and Yushchenko as on January 23 gave under prosecution cannot be our prime minister,” said ration day, Secretary Powell said, they had a good discus- rise to a noticeable upturn in its bilateral relationship sion not only about all of the bilateral issues but also Irina Leshchenko, 20, a student from . with the . Before joining the ranks of President Leonid “about broader issues of Euro-Atlantic integration and There were two high-level U.S. meetings with the new Kuchma’s foes, Ms. Tymoshenko headed the now- how Ukraine will be moving to make sure that it becomes president, an exchange of invitations for presidential visits defunct United Energy Systems, the country’s predomi- a valued member of the Euro-Atlantic communities.” to Kyiv and Washington, and statements about supporting nant gas dealer, where she pushed through energy sector Turning to President Yushchenko, who was standing Ukraine’s new government – albeit without specifics yet – reforms that angered influential tycoons but won praise beside him, he added: “I just want to assure you that you both from the Bush administration and from Congress. As from Western observers. will continue to enjoy the full support of the American during the Orange Revolution, when Mr. Yushchenko’s sup- Ms. Tymoshenko served as deputy prime minister government and the American people, as you move for- porters were demanding free and fair elections on Kyiv’s under , who was convicted in June in ward now to undertake the efforts that the Ukrainian Independence Square, Secretary of State was of fraud, money-laundering and extor- people are expecting.” the administration’s point man at the inauguration as well. tion. She was ousted from government in 2001, turning President Yushchenko noted some of the specifics He headed the U.S. presidential delegation, which, in against President Kuchma and forming a faction in the that were discussed at their meeting, among them addition to U.S. Ambassador John Herbst and Under Parliament. prospects for Ukraine acquiring market-based economy Since 2001, prosecutors have opened several probes Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky, status, being accepted into the World Trade against her, and she was jailed briefly on charges of included three Ukrainian American representatives: Organization, the opening of the U.S. market to more bribery, money-laundering, corruption and of Ukrainian Federation of America President Vera Ukrainian goods and the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik power while working for UES. She has dismissed the Andryczyk, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation President Nadia Amendment. Iraq was also on the agenda, he said. charges as politically motivated. Komarnyckyj McConnell and Northern Illinois Secretary Powell said that President Bush expressed his However, President Yushchenko’s choice for prime University Adjunct Professor Myron Kuropas. hope that President Yushchenko would be able to visit the minister will sow fear among that part of Ukraine’s On the eve of the inauguration, President Bush tele- United States “in the not-too-distant future,” and added phoned then President-elect Yushchenko to congratulate (Continued on page 20) him on his hard-fought victory, which he termed (Continued on page 12) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS Did Ukraine’s Security Service really prevent U.S. congratulates Yushchenko cooperation will yield important results. I am very much looking forward to work- bloodshed during the Orange Revolution? WASHINGTON – The U.S. State ing with you.” At the invitation of the Department on January 20 congratulated Ukrainian authorities, the secretary gen- by documents from the Yanukovych camp. Viktor Yushchenko on his election as eral was to represent the alliance at the Eurasia Daily Monitor But, this was also true of the Internal president of Ukraine in a message posted presidential inauguration ceremony. Ministry, whose personnel kept relaying to on its website (http://www.state.gov). (NATO) On January 17, The New York Times the Mr. Yushchenko camp their opposition “We congratulate President-elect published a sensational expose alleging to using force against protesters. Yushchenko on his historic victory and Tymoshenko upbeat about her chances that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Elements of the SBU taped Mr. wish him all success for his term in had been key to preventing bloodshed dur- Yanukovych’s “shadow campaign” head- office,” the message read. “We also con- MOSCOW – Yulia Tymoshenko, who ing the Orange Revolution. The article was quarters and the audiotapes were given gratulate the Ukrainian people for the was designated by President Viktor translated for Ukrainska the same over to the Yushchenko camp immediate- courage they displayed in standing up for Yushchenko as Ukraine’s acting prime day and has unleashed a debate as to ly after the second round of the presiden- their democratic rights. The United minister, said in an interview with the whether the allegations are true or an tial election. On November 25 the SBU States stands ready to strengthen its Moscow-based Izvestia on January 26 attempt at whitewashing the SBU in time issued a statement affirming its opposition cooperation with Ukraine and looks for- that she will be approved in her post by for Viktor Yushchenko’s presidency. to the official results that had declared a ward to working closely with Ukraine’s the Verkhovna Rada with “many more” The issue of whether bloodshed was Yanukovych victory and stating their new president.” (RFE/RL Newsline) votes than the minimum 226 necessary contemplated is crucial to understanding the readiness to defend the protesters. for this procedure. “I have spoken with success of the Orange Revolution. In both Nevertheless, four factors work Lukashenka offers congratulations virtually all parliamentary forces; they the Serbian (November 2000) and Georgian against The New York Times exposé’s are ready to back me,” Ms. Tymoshenko MIENSK – President Alyaksandr (October-November 2003) democratic rev- ability to improve the image of SBU said. She said the new government’s key Lukashenka on January 20 congratulated olutions the security forces either stayed chief . Already allegations priorities will be to change Ukraine’s tax- Viktor Yushchenko on his election as neutral or defected to the opposition. In have been raised that the article was ation system and to reduce the shadow Ukraine’s president, Belapan reported, October Russian political technologist merely a public relations exercise for Mr. economy. “The main problem right now citing the presidential press service. Smeshko (oligarch.net, January 20). is not how to divide [government] posts,” Marat Gelman, who worked on Viktor “ knows you as a prominent First, outgoing president Leonid President Yushchenko said. “The basic Yanukovych’s campaign, ruled out a statesman and experienced politician,” Kuchma is also claiming credit for not question is where we are to find so many Georgian scenario in Ukraine, predicting the Belarusian president said in his mes- ordering a violent crackdown. President honest, patriotic, and devoted ... profes- that the security forces would stay loyal to sage. “I hope that you will contribute to Kuchma “guaranteed” that there would be sionals in order to fill the posts that will the authorities (Ukrainska Pravda, October the expansion of Belarusian-Ukrainian no violent crackdown “under any circum- be vacated by the old team.” (RFE/RL 29, 2004). This prediction was wrong, and cooperation and the strengthening of the stances” (UNIAN, November 11, 2004). Newsline) Eurasia Daily Monitor (December 1) was good-neighborly relations between our the first to identify the growing defection of Former deputy presidential adminis- Two major allies in line for posts tration head Vasyl Baziv revealed that it countries.” This was the second congrat- security forces as likely to lead to a victory ulation Mr. Lukashenka sent to Kyiv on was actually Mr. Yanukovych and presi- KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko for the Orange Revolution. the occasion of the Ukrainian election. dential administration head Viktor said at a news conference in Moscow on A majority of the SBU did prefer Mr. On November 23, 2004, Mr. Lukashenka Medvedchuk who lobbied for a violent January 24 that Socialist Party leader Yushchenko to his main opponent, Viktor congratulated Ukrainian Prime Minister crackdown. The duo are undoubtedly the Oleksander Moroz and Union of Yanukovych. For example, some 80 per- on winning the same officials who attempted to move Industrialists and Entrepreneurs head cent of officers enrolled in the SBU November 21 presidential run-off despite Internal Affairs troops to Kyiv. Anatolii Kinakh, who pledged their sup- Academy in Kyiv voted for Mr. the lack of a final tally in that vote. Besides Messrs. Yanukovych and Mr. port for him following the first presiden- Yushchenko (Zerkalo Nedeli, November (RFE/RL Newsline) 20-26, 2004). Throughout the election Medvedchuk, then-Procurator-General tial election round on October 31, 2004, campaign the Yushchenko camp had excel- Hennadii Vasilyev issued a statement on NATO secretary general sends congrats will be rewarded with posts in Ukraine’s lent contacts with the SBU, which gave November 22, one day after Round 2, call- government and “other power bodies,” them (and Eurasia Daily Monitor) internal ing upon the authorities and the SBU to – The secretary general reported. “We have come to an “firmly put an end to lawlessness.” Three of NATO, , on agreement in consultations with them, days later he ordered a criminal case to be January 20 congratulated the president- and you will soon [see this agreement Taras Kuzio is visiting professor at the launched against Mr. Yushchenko and his Elliot School of International Affairs, elect of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, reflected] in my personnel decrees,” Mr. ally Yulia Tymoshenko for their “seizure with the following message: “Please Yushchenko said. (RFE/RL Newsline) George Washington University. The article of power.” The order was never issued, above, which originally appeared in The accept my heartfelt congratulations on because Deputy Procurator General your election as President of Ukraine. I EU courts Ukraine with new action plan Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Mykola Holomsha refused to implement it Monitor, is reprinted here with permission am confident that the trust the Ukrainian BRUSSELS – High from the foundation (www.jamestown.org). (Continued on page 17) people have placed in you will provide a Representative for Common Foreign and mandate to enact far-reaching political Security Policy and and economic reforms benefiting all citi- External Relations Commissioner Benita Three challenges for the Crimean Tatars zens and all regions of Ukraine. I am also Ferrero-Waldner have drawn up a 10- certain that under your leadership the point addendum to the three-year EU- special relationship between Ukraine and by Paul Goble what they said were Crimean Tatar Ukraine Action Plan, taking account of the alliance will gather further momen- pressure to respond to Ukraine’s elevated RFE/RL Newsline threats, according to religare.ru, and oth- tum. I wish you every success in facing ers urged a vote to put under expectations in the wake of the Ukrainian The Crimean Tatars overwhelmingly the challenges that lie ahead. Please be , an RFE/RL corre- Russian control, mignews.com reported. assured that NATO stands ready to sup- backed the “Orange Revolution” in Even though the Ukrainian presidential spondent in Brussels reported on January Ukraine, but in the wake of that victory port your government’s efforts to imple- 24. Ms. Ferrero-Waldner’s spokeswoman election is now over and tempers may have ment the ambitious common goals and they face three challenges to their nation- cooled somewhat, Moscow’s interests in Emma Udwin said the chief additions to al aspirations: first, the probability of principles that underpin our deepening maintaining its naval base there and in increased Russian meddling on the penin- relationship. I am sure that our close (Continued on page 26) continuing to use Crimea as a counter- sula; second, the likelihood of growing weight to Kyiv make it likely that Islamic fundamentalism there; and third, will attempt to exacerbate problems there – the possibility of declining support by FOUNDED 1933 a development that is likely to hurt rather Western governments that now have a than help the Crimean Tatars. government in Kyiv they like. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY One reason for that conclusion T U W The Crimean Tatars face increased An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., involves the second challenge the Russian meddling in Crimea, some of it by a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. the local Russian community but much of Crimean Tatars now face, the growth of it clearly orchestrated by Moscow. Ethnic Islamic fundamentalism there and the Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. Russians – who constitute the majority of ways in which the Russian authorities are (ISSN — 0273-9348) the peninsula’s population – voted over- seeking to exploit it through their media whelmingly against Viktor Yushchenko. coverage of this trend. The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Some of the more extreme ethnic The Crimean Tatars historically prac- Russian opponents of the Orange tice a very moderate form of Islam, but in the 1990s both domestic and foreign fac- Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Revolution there organized themselves as The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: Cossack detachments to defend against tors played a role in the appearance there of Wahhabism, and more recently follow- 2200 Route 10 Andrew Nynka P.O. Box 280 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) ers of Hizb ut-Tahrir Extreme poverty Parsippany, NJ 07054 Paul Goble, former publisher of and a sense of hopelessness among many RFE/RL Newsline and a longtime Soviet Crimean Tatars have contributed to the nationalities expert with the U.S. govern- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] growing popularity of radical Islam, but ment, is currently a research associate at so too have the activities of Muslim mis- The Ukrainian Weekly, January 30, 2005, No. 5, Vol. LXXIII the EuroCollege of the University of Copyright © 2005 The Ukrainian Weekly Tartu in Estonia. (Continued on page 16) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 3

also filled with tradition as Mr. the trident, around Mr. Yushchenko’s abandon any thought of using more gov- Yushchenko inaugurated... Yushchenko tried to link his inauguration neck and handed him the symbol of his ernment resources in his favor in the run- (Continued from page 1) to the thousand years of Ukrainian histo- authority, a traditional Kozak mace (bula- up to the final vote. Mr. Yushchenko, who had promised ry and culture. va). A moment before, the Constitutional “You, esteemed national deputies, that he would take the country back for The momentous day began with the Court justice had declared in the session have defended Ukrainian democracy, the people from the entrenched business arrival of Mr. Yushchenko at the hall that there were no legal impediments defended unity, the sovereignty and inde- oligarchs, their cronies and the bureau- Verkhovna Rada Building, where he was to the new president assuming his post, pendence of our Ukraine,” exclaimed crats who had kept them in power for the greeted by an honor guard dressed in the and Central Election Commission Mr. Yushchenko. last decade, took the first step toward uniform of the Black Sea Kozak Corps Chairman Volodymyr Davydovych had The newly elected president then that goal by keeping his inauguration as from 1812. First to meet the president- announced the official vote tally from the walked the 100 yards from the public as possible. He also made a dis- elect was Verkhovna Rada Chairman December 26 election. Verkhovna Rada Building to the tinct effort to imbue the presidential , who had played a Among prominent foreign dignitaries Mariinskyi Palace, his new official, if inauguration ceremony with Ukrainian key if indirect role during the Orange on hand for the swearing-in were the merely symbolic, residence (currently it historic symbolism. Revolution in keeping the elections on a presidents of Austria, , Romania, functions as a museum). In the palace’s Perhaps most importantly, the new democratic track. , , Estonia, Slovakia courtyard Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ukrainian president made a concerted Before entering the session hall, Mr. and Moldova, as well as U.S. Secretary Colonel General Serhii Kyrychenko and initial effort to begin healing the fester- Yushchenko reviewed a display of arti- of State Colin Powell, who led the U.S. dozens of military officials awaited their ing political wound that had opened facts, including the official flag of the gov- delegation, former Czech President new commander-in-chief. With a canon between the eastern and western regions ernment of , Vaclav Havel and NATO Secretary salute in his honor echoing off the of Ukraine over who was the country’s one of Ukraine’s most prominent historic General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. palace’s walls, President Yushchenko duly elected leader. The split occurred figures, which the Swedish government Among leading Ukrainian dignitaries reviewed military detachments from the after massive vote fraud and election had loaned to Ukraine from its Swedish present were outgoing President Kuchma three military branches, the army, navy manipulations forced Ukraine’s Supreme Army Museum in Stockholm for the inau- and Ukraine’s first president after inde- and Air Force, before entering his presi- Court to void the November 21 run-off guration. The artifacts were no small piece pendence in 1991, , dential limousine for the first time and and call for a third round of on of symbolism linking Mr. Yushchenko who sat to the right of the podium, as racing off to Independence Square, less December 26. The final count deter- presidency with the past. well as representatives of all the judicial, than a mile away. mined that Mr. Yushchenko had won the After entering the session hall, where executive and legislative bodies. Not Mr. Yushchenko made his inaugural presidential election over his rival, for- hundreds of lawmakers and domestic and present was Mr. Yushchenko’s rival, Mr. speech on Independence Square beneath mer Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, foreign dignitaries awaited, Mr. Yanukovych, who later told the press that the rotunda at the base of the 60-meter- by a vote of 52 percent to 44 percent. Yushchenko took the presidential oath he had never received the invitation that high lady of freedom memorial. As Mr. President Yushchenko filled his with his right hand on both the 1996 the Yushchenko side maintained it had Yushchenko spoke the final words his speech on Independence Square – where of Ukraine and the 500- sent him. family joined him. As more than a half until only days before hundreds of thou- year-old Peresopnytska Gospel, kissing Before asking everybody to join him to million Ukrainians applauded and chant- sands had protested and camped for both sacred books and making the sign of Independence Square, the new Ukrainian ed “Yushchenko!,” hundreds of doves weeks to demand free and fair elections the cross after uttering the presidential president made brief remarks in the with orange ribbons tied to their tails, – with references to the unity of the oath. The solemn moment was followed Verkhovna Rada in which he thanked the along with thousands of balloons, were Ukrainian nation and the singleness of its by a rousing round of applause from the parliamentary body for the resolutions it set aloft into the partly sunny Kyiv sky. national purpose. Mr. Yushchenko said session hall amid chants of had passed in the last weeks condemning The new Ukrainian president and his that it was time to heal wounds. He ”Yushchenko!” the fraudulent vote of November 21 and wife, Kateryna, then returned to underscored his intention to reconcile the Constitutional Court Justice Mykola supporting a vote of no-confidence in Mr. Mariinskyi Palace for a private reception differences between the regions. Selivon then placed a golden chain orna- Yanukovych, as prime minister, which for foreign diplomats. At Mr. “Everyone has the right to search for ment made from the presidential emblem, had forced the government leader to Yushchenko’s request, the luncheon his vision of his country’s path. menu included such traditional Everyone has the right to choose those Ukrainian delicacies as borsch soup with political colors that are dearest to him,” pampushky and varenyky with berries. exclaimed Mr. Yushchenko. “But, my The official inaugural ceremony con- dear friends, dear Ukrainians, our com- cluded that evening with a concert of mon choice are the colors of the classical music at the Palats Ukrainy Ukrainian flag. They unite all of us. (Ukraina Palace) concert hall. There, a Those who live in the east, and those young boy of about 6 began the perform- who live in the west. Those who live in ance by ascending the stairs from the the north of Ukraine, and those who live audience to the stage and tapping out, in her south.” key by key, the first notes of “Nas Ne Mr. Yushchenko emphasized that the Podolaty,” the song that had become the various scare scenarios promulgated by anthem of the Orange Revolution. his opponents, graphically expressed in Tourists and Kyivans alike celebrated pre- and post-election propaganda cam- on the streets of the capital from early paigns, which over the last weeks had morning to late at night on this historic elicited a very real sense of fear and day. Kyiv’s city center began filling with resentment in the regions of Donetsk, celebrants as early as 8 a.m. for an inaugu- Luhansk, Odesa and in Crimea, were ration that took place at noon. Many baseless and would never materialize. stayed well into the night to view one of “I vow that everyone will be able to the best fireworks displays ever presented teach their children in the language of here, or so those who were there later said. their parents. Everyone will be able to For many it was a day spent with pray in their own house of worship. friends and family, taking photographs Everyone will be guaranteed the right to before the remnants of the tent city or hold their own views. We will be able to before the orange-clad Ukrainian Home, listen to one another because we will and reminiscing and recalling the parts have freedom of expression and an inde- they had played in the Orange pendent press,” explained Mr. Revolution. Yushchenko. A man standing with his spouse and He was directly addressing concerns another couple on a berm overlooking in the Ukrainian east that the Russian just above Dynamo language would soon be outlawed and Stadium told his rapt audience how he had the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian first confronted Yanukovych supporters: Orthodox Church banned, and fears that “We were walking here towards the the eastern regions would be overrun by Verkhovna Rada and saw the light blue ultra-nationalists from the west. flags,” he explained, as a reporter eaves- Mr. Yushchenko dedicated the first dropped a few yards away. “When they part of his remarks to giving thanks to got about there we smiled, offered them the Ukrainian nation, whose Orange cigarettes and suggested that we speak. Revolution assured that the presidential Everything was okay. They were friendly.” chair he had rightfully won had not been A bit earlier, two women walking in a taken away by vote manipulation. park behind the Verkhovna Rada spoke In an emotional moment, he gave spe- of the young militia officers who were cial thanks to his father, “whose true lined up restricting access to an area teachings guided me throughout my life where a battery of cannons had been and brought me to this high honor of placed in preparation for a salute to the leading my country,” and asked forgive- new commander-in-chief ness from his mother “for all the pain “The boys have done well. They are that her maternal heart has had to endure, AP/Efrem Lukatsky with us,” said one elderly lady to the especially in the past four months.” Supporters of Viktor Yushchenko gathered on Independence Square watch a other, speaking as much to the young It was a day filled with emotion, but direct TV broadcast of his inauguration at the Verkhovna Rada. officers near them as to her friend. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5 In Russia, on his first working visit as president, Yushchenko strives to counter pre-election myths

by Maryna Makhnonos score his unbiased policy toward all con- tal transfers, migration, the status of the interests, but if they change, we will use Special to The Ukrainian Weekly fessions in Ukraine. Russian Black Sea Fleet, language the pipeline in the opposite direction,” During his news conference at the issues, cooperation within the frame- Mr. Yushchenko explained. MOSCOW – Ukraine’s newly inaugu- President Hotel in Moscow at the conclu- work of the Single Economic Space Mr. Yushchenko’s visit to Russia was rated president, Viktor Yushchenko, sion of his visit, Mr. Yushchenko said: “I (SES) and Ukraine’s bids to enter also aimed at countering the general made a one-day working visit to Moscow think we managed to turn over the pre- European market. Mr. Yushchenko did impression that he is a radical nationalist to meet with Russian President Vladimir election page completely, to close it. not disclose any details of the talks, but – a theme that predominated on Russian Putin on Monday, January 24. The two Now it’s not important what happened 30 indicated that he was “satisfied with the TV channels and in public opinion in presidents discussed a range of topics in days ago, it’s important what will happen dialogue.” Russia and Ukraine’s east. bilateral relations, as well as Mr. in the next five years.” The appointment of Ms. Tymoshenko Mr. Yushchenko told the news media Yushchenko’s poisoning, a criminal Mr. Yushchenko said the purpose of as Ukraine’s prime minister seemed to be that Ukraine’s alleged ideological split investigation by Russian prosecutors of his visit was “to improve bilateral rela- an unexpected event of the day as Mr. between west and east is a myth. He said business operations by Yushchenko ally tions and make them more sincere,” as Yushchenko’s press secretary first Ukrainians have been changed since the and now Prime-Minister-designate Yulia well as to fulfill his promise to Ukrainian announced it before the media during the opposition protests, and the fact that his Tymoshenko and Russia’s Black Sea voters. During the presidential campaign, presidential talks at the Kremlin. Mr. three little children sing “Together we are Fleet operations in Crimea. Mr. Yushchenko said repeatedly that his Putin avoided comment on the issue, but many and we cannot be defeated,” gives Mr. Yushchenko was accompanied by first presidential visit abroad would be to Mr. Yushchenko said he discussed the hope for a good future. State Secretary Oleksander Zinchenko, Russia. At the Kremlin, Mr. Yushchenko possibility of an unobstructed visit by At the end of his news conference, National Deputies confirmed his previous statements that Ms. Tymoshenko to Russia and was “sat- journalists surrounded Mr. Yushchenko and Oleksander Tretiakov, and Ukraine’s Russia is Ukraine’s crucial partner: “We isfied with the answer.” Commenting on to ask additional questions, standing ambassador to Russia, Mykola stated always and will state that Russia is her appointment, President Yushchenko merely a step away from the Ukrainian Biloblotskyi. our eternal strategic partner.” said he hopes she will successfully con- leader – a very unfamiliar situation in The group met with Dmitrii Mr. Putin stated that Russia “never tinue his economic reforms of 1999- Russia as VIPs are usually tightly guard- Medvedev, chief of the Russian presiden- works behind the scenes in the post- 2000. ed by security. tial administration; Mr. Putin’s assistant Soviet space, only with the acting gov- Russia’s Prosecutor’s Office is investi- One journalist asked: “Did you discuss Sergei Prikhodko; Foreign Minister ernment and this completely relates to gating whether Ms. Tymoshenko bribed the poisoning issue with Putin?” Mr. Sergei Lavrov; Industry and Energy Ukraine. We have done what we were Russian military officers to favor some Yushchenko replied in the affirmative, Minister Victor Khristenko; Russia’s asked [to do] by the leadership.” He business operations. When she did not but did not say anything more. Later, ambassador to Ukraine Victor added, “We hope that we will build the appear for questioning in Moscow in when a Los Angeles Times correspondent Chernomyrdin; and Aleksei Miller, head same relations based on trust with you, September 2004, Russian law-enforce- asked for details on this topic, Mr. of Russia’s gas monopoly . too.” ment authorities announced an interna- Yushchenko responded that he “informed Later in the day, Mr. Yushchenko met The Ukrainian president said he dis- tional warrant via and a Russian Mr. Putin about the story, we exchanged with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Aleksei cussed a range of issues in bilateral rela- court sanctioned her arrest. Russia’s chief thoughts about possible variants of the II at the Danilov Monastery to under- tions, including Russian gas transit, capi- prosecutor, Vladimir Ustinov, said on poisoning, and I showed him the doctor’s January 26 that his office will “continue conclusions.” the case according to Russian laws.” Mr. Mr. Yushchenko spoke frankly about Ustinov would not say whether Ms. his health, explaining that doctors have Tymoshenko would be arrested if she confirmed that he was poisoned by a crosses the Russian , but noted that dioxin-based substance. “If I survived “the arrest was sanctioned by court deci- 6,000 doses [of poison], I will live,” he sion.” said. He also displayed his doctor’s cer- There were two new curves in the two tificate and read it: “This disease is not countries’ relations, including the decla- infectious. President Yushchenko is able ration of a new vector in Ukraine’s for- to fulfill his duties under appropriate eign economic policy. According to Mr. medical observation.” Yushchenko, Ukraine welcomes the SES Not many Russian TV cameras were to the extent that the SES respect its eco- seen at Mr. Yushchenko’s news confer- nomic interests and its cooperation with ence, limiting their coverage to the presi- the European Union. dential talks at the Kremlin; most of the Mr. Yushchenko also said that attendees were foreign journalists from Ukraine will divert the transport of oil all over the world. via the Odesa-Brody pipeline, that is, The Russian media’s interest in from Odesa to Brody and on to Europe if Ukrainian affairs has decreased since Mr. corresponding agreements with oil sup- Yushchenko’s official victory. However, pliers in Kazakstan and are Russian newspapers did discuss Ms. reached. Currently the pipeline works in Tymoshenko’s appointment, noting that reverse mode, transporting Russian oil to Mr. Yushchenko may lose favor if his consumers from Brody to Odesa’s oil ter- revolutionary ideas are blocked and the minal and via the Black Sea in tankers. people of Ukraine become disappointed, AP/Mikhail Metzel “The current agreement [with Russian but that he may gain public support if Russian President greets Viktor Yushchenko at the Kremlin on companies on oil transit via this pipeline] Ms. Tymoshenko succeeds in prodding January 24, a day after he took office as Ukraine's president. is temporary. It corresponds to Ukrainian economic growth.

Yushchenko addresses Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Correction An unfortunate transcription/transla- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Viktor that a portion of his domestic policy However, Mr. Yushchenko’s state- tion error improperly rendered the word Yushchenko, speaking two days after he would include further democratic reforms ments suggest the 50-year-old president “Swedish” as “Swiss” in the article head- was inaugurated as president of Ukraine, to aid Ukraine’s bid to join the EU, and is acting on his campaign pledge to move lined “Flag of Hetman Bohdan called on the European Union to commit he said that once Ukraine proves itself, Ukraine toward European institutions. He Khmelnytsky on exhibit in National to setting a date for membership talks concrete talks should begin on Ukraine has said his top priorities include the Historical Museum.” with Ukraine, the Associated Press joining the 25-member European Union. EU’s recognition of Ukraine as a market reported. “At the end of the plan we would start economy and entry into the World Trade Below are the pertinent sentences in “We have a three-year action plan. We accession negotiations. It would give us a Organization. the story as they should have appeared: would like it to end in 2007 with a con- prospect, a vision for Ukraine,” said Mr. The European Commission, the EU’s “According to Dr. Yuriy Savchyk, a crete commitment,” Mr. Yushchenko told Yushchenko, who was to travel to the administrative arm, in response to Mr. professor of history at Ukraine’s the Associated Press and two European EU’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Yushchenko’s comments “gave no firm National Academy of Sciences, the flag newspapers after a 15-minute speech on January 27 to address the European commitments, proposing only more came to Stockholm as a trophy during before the 46-member Parliamentary Parliament. cooperation on trade, immigration, secu- the second Swedish-Polish War (1655- Assembly of the Council of Europe While on his trip to , President rity and foreign relations,” the Associated 1660) with many other Zaporozhian (PACE), the continent’s top human rights Yushchenko addressed critics who fear Press reported on January 25. flags and was mentioned together with body. his aspirations to move Ukraine toward The European Union’s external rela- the trophy list of Swedish royalty in While on his first trip to Europe as Europe will ignore Russia. Mr. tions commissioner, Benita Ferrero- 1685. Dr. Savchyk, who has been study- , where he addressed council Yushchenko stressed that he wants a Waldner, rejected proposals that Ukraine ing flags of the in delegates in Strasbourg, France, on “strategic relationship” with Ukraine’s be offered an association accord seen as a cooperation with Swiss specialists for 10 January 25, President Yushchenko northern neighbor and trading partner. precondition to eventual accession. years, said the flag is made of flax – pressed for Ukraine’s ascension to the “We have our eternal neighbor, Russia, “The EU is not disposed to do that for white with crimson – and is col- European Union and other European with a huge market. Not understanding now,” she said, but added that minor ored with natural pigments. The flag is bodies. this market would be a huge mistake,” cooperation agreements would be put about four feet wide and nine feet long, Mr. Yushchenko has said previously Mr. Yushchenko told members of PACE. forward in the coming week. trimmed diagonally at the end.” No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 5

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

Following is part of a series of community in the eyes of many people – Weekly carried a banner headline spon- excerpts from “Ukrainian-American from Washington to Belgrade. The obvi- sored by the executive boards of SUSTA, Citadel: The First 100 Years of the ous corollary is that it is precisely that headed by Eugene Iwanciw, and TUSM, Ukrainian National Association,” by Dr. kind of effort, non-political in nature, that headed by Askold Lozynsky; to all Myron B. Kuropas, published in 1996 by goes a long way in furthering our cause. Ukrainian businesses asking them to East European Monographs of Boulder, The analogy could well be extended to close down on January 22, 1974, in com- Colo. The excerpts are reprinted with the other fields – cultural, scholarly, athletic, memoration of the human-rights crusade. permission of the author. to name but a few – where positive On March 23, 1974, The Ukrainian The book is available from the author response and constructive action do more Weekly carried a front-page story titled for $25, plus $2.50 shipping, by writing politically than politics itself.” “UNA tells international agencies of to: Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, 107 UNA volunteers from Jersey City and readiness to finance emigration of Ilehamwood Drive, DeKalb, IL 60115. Bayonne came to the assistance of Pliusch, Moroz, others,” which printed Also available is a newly released Marian Kots, the warehouse director, and letters sent by Supreme President Ukrainian edition of the book; price: $25 on February 28, The Ukrainian Weekly Lesawyer to the U.N. Human Rights (including shipping). reported that 170 crates with some Commission, the International Red Cross 68,000 pounds of clothing, footwear and and the International League for the Chapter 11 other items had been loaded onto a Rights of Man “pledging the associa- Yugoslavian transport ship and were on tion’s readiness to underwrite the costs of The Defense of Human and their way to needy Ukrainians. their emigration from the USSR and sub- Ethnic Rights According to The Ukrainian Weekly, sequent medical costs.” truckloads of goods were sent from The crusade gained momentum after In 1969, tragedy struck the Ukrainian , Detroit, Philadelphia, Newark, the 1974 UNA convention, prompting a community of Yugoslavia and the UNA Passaic, Perth Amboy, Jersey City, Soviet Ukrainian writer in Literaturna responded. An earthquake struck the Syracuse, Staten Island, Amsterdam and Ukraina, published in Kyiv, to denounce town of Banja Luka, where some 2,000 Utica, N.Y., and Somerville, N.J. ... the Ukrainian fraternal for encouraging destruction wrought by the earthquake Ukrainians resided, causing great dam- Sen. [William] Brock’s mention of Ukrainian “traitors” to work against their that hit the region in two waves on age to life and property. A letter from Leonid Pliusch and Valentyn Moroz at the people. The June 22 issue of The October 27-28.” Soon after the UNA Archbishop Gabriel Bukatko pleading convention banquet was no accident. By Ukrainian Weekly carried the headline for assistance was published in Svoboda president’s return, a storage warehouse 1974, the UNA was heavily involved in “Free Valentyn Moroz – Free Leonid on January 9 under the headline “Give was opened in Jersey City where cloth- the human rights crusade being waged by Pliusch – Free Political Prisoners!” Assistance to Your Brothers in ing was sent for delivery to Banja Luka. dissidents and political prisoners in The front page also featured large Yugoslavia.” At the same time, the UUARC Ukraine. The crusade got under way in sketches of Moroz and Pliushch, as well Supreme President Joseph Lesawyer, announced that a fund-raising drive was 1972, when over 100 intellectuals in as photos of dissidents Vyacheslav who was also the national vice-president being established to raise $100,000 for Ukraine were arrested for their protest Chornovil, Ivan Svitlychny, Sviatoslav of the United Ukrainian American Relief relief to the stricken area. regarding human rights in Karavansky and Nadia Svitlychna. The Committee (an organization headed by In an editorial that concluded with a Ukraine. The arrests triggered widespread lead story called on all UNA members UNA Supreme Auditor Walter Gallan) call for volunteer help at the Jersey City protests around the world. In mid- and others to attend the national manifes- traveled to Yugoslavia in January where warehouse, The Ukrainian Weekly wrote: January, when the news first reached the tation in defense of human rights in he met with various officials including “Now that the relief effort for United States, both Svoboda and The Ukraine and the protest march to the Archbishop Bukatko and U.S. Ukrainians in Yugoslavia has assumed Ukrainian Weekly published a series of Soviet Embassy. Scheduled for June 27 Ambassador William Leonhart, covering streamlined and efficient forms, what is editorials calling on Ukrainians in the free in Washington, D.C., both events were an area of some 100 kilometers in radius needed most is volunteer help. ... The world to protest the arrests. At a meeting sponsored by the UCCA. to assess the damage. “While the victims response of our community here and in in February 1972, the UNA supreme The same issue carried a list of 70 are in urgent need of food, clothing and Canada has been most commendable, executive allocated $5,000 for human Ukrainian intellectuals arrested by the footwear,” The Ukrainian Weekly report- attesting both to the deep-seated concern rights actions. Financial contributions by KGB and a description of their “crimes.” ed on January 31, “the problem of hous- of our people for their brothers in need the UNA and its members mushroomed A long editorial titled “Thus We Shall ing looms as one of equal importance to and to the wholly remarkable ability to during the remainder of the decade. Fight” was also included in the special assure a return to normalcy. Homes, rally in times of disaster. ... Charitable On January 19, 1974, The Ukrainian issue. schools, churches, hospitals, must be and purely humanitarian action has rebuilt in view of the almost complete enhanced considerably the image of our IN MEMORIAM Walter Ficyk Young UNA’ers August 21, 1913 – November 9, 2004 The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association regrets to announce to the members of the General Assembly, members of Branch 380 and to the UNA membership at large that Walter Ficyk, secretary of Branch 380, died November 9, 2004, in his beloved Ukraine. The Executive Committee and the entire UNA membership wish to express their sincerest sympathy to his son Ihor with his wife, his daughter Olexandra, their children and his great-grandchildren. Mr. Ficyk was buried in the village of his birth, Suchodil, Ukraine. A panakhyda was held on December 18, 2004, at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Apopka, Fla., where Mr. Ficyk resided. Mr. Ficyk will be remembered for his long years of service, dedication and loyalty to the UNA. Vichna Yomu Pamiat!

MAY WE HELP YOU? To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, Alexandra Evdokia Ingrassia, daugh- and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below). Natalia Skyba, daughter of Andrij and ter of Lida Poletz and Robert Lilia Skyba of Harwood Heights, Ill., Ingrassia of St. Paul, Minn., is a new Editorial – 3049, 3063, 3069; Administration – 3041; is a new member of UNA Branch 399. member of UNA Branch 345. She was She was enrolled by her father, who is enrolled by her grandparents Advertising – 3040; Subscriptions – 3042; Production – 3052 a UNA advisor. Alexander and Valentina Poletz.

THE UNA: 110 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

FOR THE RECORD THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY A historic inauguration Ambassador Miller’s observations Sunday, January 23, marked a turning point in the . A leader on Ukraine’s Orange Revolution freely elected by the people, through myriad trials and tribulations – the man William Green Miller, who served as maidan was another marvel. For example, known as “the people’s president” – was inaugurated as the third president of America’s second ambassador to Ukraine just putting together the schedule each Ukraine since the country re-established its independence in 1991. (1993-1998), spent six of the last seven day in the context of a very volatile, rap- Viktor Yushchenko was well aware that he was making history. And all his weeks of 2004 in Ukraine. He was an eye- idly changing political situation was actions on inauguration day sent a powerful message both to the people of witness to the Orange Revolution as an impressive. Coordinating what was to be Ukraine and to leaders and people around the globe: a new Ukraine has been observer during the three rounds of done, who would do it, who would speak born. In President Yushchenko’s vision, it is a Ukraine that will determine its Ukraine’s presidential election, which pit- at the maidan, when, who would perform, own destiny, a Ukraine that cares for all of its people, a Ukraine that is united. ted Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, how the apparatus of the stage lighting, In a trio of speeches delivered on his inauguration day before different audi- representing the party in power, against sound systems, camera work, printing of ences, the new president delivered his message clearly and eloquently. the reformist opponent Viktor bulletins, communicating assignments, At the Verkhovna Rada, the new president addressed national deputies and Yushchenko. He also discussed the devel- the making of banners, scarves, ribbons, guests from the international community. He told them that Ukrainian democra- opments there with the major political fig- the purchase and distribution of oranges, cy was “built with millions of Ukrainian hands,” and he explained that “The citi- ures directly involved in those events, candles for candlelight meetings, camp- zens of Ukraine have secured an honest election, and the transfer of government which had dominated the front pages of ing equipment and supplies for the tent has been legitimate. This is a tremendous national victory.” But he also under- the world’s leading newspapers and news city of 1,000 plus tents. All of these ele- scored that the Verkhovna Rada had played a crucial role, that the Rada proved it broadcasts throughout the process. ments were put together each day – and was “with its people,” and that national deputies had defended Ukraine’s democ- Upon his return to Washington, where minute by minute. It was a miraculous racy, as well as its unity, sovereignty and independence. he is the senior policy fellow at the organizational achievement. ... Then, in a concrete manifestation of his administration’s desire to work “with Woodrow Wilson International Center for All the various groups and interests the people and for the people,” President Yushchenko invited Rada members and Scholars, Ambassador Miller was invited that converged on the maidan were like guests to go out onto the now famous maidan, where he would share the oath he to share his observations at a Director’s nodes on the Internet – nodes connected had taken in the Parliament building with the people. “Let us join the people ... Forum at the Center on January 6. by a common desire to rid the country of let us be together,” he encouraged his listeners. Following are excerpts from a transcript corruption and to support leaders who On Independence Square, the crowd was silent as the people hung on every of his presentation (to be published in would offer the possibility of honest, word spoken by their new president. “Today Ukraine is a free and independent two parts). decent government. Despite all the diver- nation. We have thrown the burdens of the past off our shoulders. No one will CONCLUSION sity among those who made up the maid- ever dare to dictate to us how we are to live and whom to elect,” Mr. Yushchenko an, there was a strongly evident willing- began. Declaring the “victory of freedom over tyranny, of law over lawlessness, The role of outside forces had a signif- ness to join in common cause. As one of the future over the past,” he pledged to “change Ukrainian life.” icant impact, but, overall, these were far person on the maidan, I could feel and The main inaugural address was notable also for its historic references: to the less important than that played by see the pleasure and pride of the Rus’ka Pravda codex of laws dating to Ukraine’s Princely Era; to the world’s Ukrainian actors. [Russian President Ukrainians who surrounded me and first constitution drawn up 300 years ago by the Kozaks; to the victims of the Vladimir] Putin’s interference had a neg- believed they had risen up from their Famine-Genocide, the Holocaust and the gulag. ative effect. Russian pressure served to knees and were standing together as free And it was a speech that sought to ensure all the people of Ukraine, no matter stiffen Ukrainian resolve and resistance, men and women. their ethnic or religious background, or their political persuasion, that the new while the mediation efforts of Polish The Orange Revolution, in large meas- Ukraine will protect their rights because it will be “a state governed by the rule President Aleksander Kwasniewski, ure, was a brilliant, largely spontaneous, of law” whose officials will “work for the good of the citizen and the state.” Javier Solana of the European Union, and and certainly colorful expression of pop- Finally, at the Mariinskyi Palace, at a state reception for foreign dignitaries, others blunted efforts to take forceful ular will. The choice of orange as a color, President Yushchenko emphasized: “A new Ukrainian nation has been born in police and military measures to maintain as a theme, reflecting the fall season, per- Europe at the beginning of the . We are starting a new epoch of control on the part of the Yanukovych haps, was understood to be certainly a Ukrainian and European history in the third millennium. This will be an epoch of forces. totally new color for politics in Ukraine. solidarity, partnership and unification in one European house.” Over 7,000 foreign observers moni- This difference was seized upon by “The people of Ukraine have put an end to the totalitarian past and have cho- tored the elections along with over Yushchenko’s supporters and his popular sen democracy, human rights and freedoms,” he underscored. “We will build a 10,000 domestic observers. The cumula- supporters in Kyiv and throughout new united Ukrainian nation that will become a natural part of the large tive effect of these foreign and domestic Ukraine, and used brilliantly. ... European family.” Now, Ukraine is “ready to contribute to global cooperation,” observers and of the foreign mediators It was a brilliant form of modern the- he assured his audience and, by extension, the world. was a third-round election that was rela- ater. The maidan very quickly became a January 23 was indeed a historic day. It marked the illustrious beginning of the tively free, fair, and transparent. powerful form of urban democratic the- Yushchenko administration – a new leadership that promises to steer Ukraine onto All these measures helped stage the ater of campaigning, but it quickly a course long-awaited and long-sought by its resilient and valiant people. outcome, but the great victory was the evolved into a unique kind of democratic result, principally, of the will of the political action. I couldn’t help thinking, majority of the Ukrainian people who as I stood on the maidan, that the maidan Jan. knew they had to fight for their constitu- was, really, a modem form of Greek Turning the pages back... tional rights by protest and direct action “demos,” the assembly of citizens I had if they were to elect the man they read about that flourished at the time of believed best reflected their view of what Periclean democracy. The maidan mil- 30 a decent, honest leader should be – a man lion, as the daily populace that gathered like Viktor Yushchenko. was also called, could hear and see their 2000 Five years ago we reported that Ukraine officially com- The “Maidan Parliament” was a spon- leaders speak and perform. They also memorated the historic events of 1918 and 1919 with Unity taneous phenomenon that arose out of the could interact directly like a Greek cho- Day celebrations on January 22. The celebrations were rela- immediate circumstances. It certainly rus. Like citizens in Athens, the Ukrainian tively quiet and modest as the country officially remembered was not planned. There had been talk, citizens were not passive, they were the declaration of independence by the Ukrainian National Republic (UNR) in Kyiv earlier, of taking to the streets to oppose thinking, reflective and purposeful actors on January 22, 1918, and the union of its government with the -based Western with violence, if necessary, the efforts to in the drama they were also watching and Ukrainian National Republic that followed exactly a year later. President Leonid close down these maidan meetings by the hearing. This I thought was mass commu- Kuchma had declared January 22 a permanent national holiday in January 1999, sev- authorities if the authorities moved the nication at its best; it was democratic dis- eral days after the 80th anniversary commemorations of the 1919 Act of Union. militia and special forces against the course and dialogue at its best. ... The turnouts in 2000 at various regional and local observances were low, and the cer- Yushchenko group. But nothing like the Yet, the question of the legitimacy of emonies simple and short for the most part, especially in the southern and central Maidan million was ever imagined. The the maidan has been very much at issue. oblasts, but that did not upset Yurii Bohutskyi, President Kuchma’s advisor on internal impetus came from the people them- At the heart of the main questions con- politics, who commented: “No normative act automatically creates a tradition. This selves. ... cerning legitimacy was the thought: Can comes with time. But it is a beginning, and in time customs and traditions will develop.” Putting together a legitimate, peaceful, you have legitimate action against those The most extensive Unity Day observances took place in Kyiv. President Kuchma popular, revolutionary mass into a well- in institutions that are democratic in form and a delegation of government officials, including recently appointed Prime Minister organized political force was a triumph and intent, but that are so corrupt as those Viktor Yushchenko, First Vice Prime Ministers Yurii Yekhanurov and Mykola of intellect, determination, courage and, in Ukraine were – corrupted by bribes, Zhulynskyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs , Minister of Internal Affairs not least, restraint. Obviously, there is at selling of votes or judicial opinions, Yurii Kravchenko, as well as Second Vice-Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Viktor least a paradox, if not a contradiction, in intimidation of various kinds, the threat Medvedchuk, began the day with wreath-laying ceremonies, first at the Taras a movement that is both legitimate and and actual use of force and violence? Can Shevchenko monument and then at the monument. revolutionary. In this case, the revolu- the people legitimately reject the leaders An academic roundtable took place at the Teacher’s Building, which in 1918-1920 tionary action of overthrowing a corrupt of democratic institutions when these housed the Central Rada of the UNR. The official celebration culminated with a gala regime that had abused the institutions of leaders are corrupted by massive con- ceremony at the Kyiv National Opera House that evening. There, First Vice Prime democratic governance was believed to flicts of interests and extensive abuses of Minister Zhulynskyi expanded on the theme of the day and emphasized that for be a legitimate course of action. How the power in order to enrich themselves? Ukrainians unity is the paramount objective. “We are obliged by the great and tragic maidan mass did this is one of the mira- The maidan spoke out against the cor- cles of the Orange Revolution. (Continued on page 20) The organizational performance of the (Continued on page 23) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 7

NEWS AND VIEWS PERSPECTIVES Of citizens and rights in Canada: BY ANDREW FEDYNSKY a taleby Dr. Lubomyrof two Luciuk differenthalf a century classes and, all accounts agree, an exemplary citizen for all that time. There are only two of them. One is Then, a few years ago, they made him An answer to our prayers rebukes provoke the girl into crying, which alive, the other long dead. Recently both a target. Supposedly all post-war immi- My earliest memories include prayer. In the early 1950s, when I was a little boy turns out to be just enough for the outside have been in the news. grants were screened, perfectly, and any and we had just moved to America, my world to hear the Whos. The animals con- The living one caught our attention as who served the Nazis, even if under father would take me to mass in a little cede: indeed, the Whos exist and have a he was lamenting a death, his son’s, lost duress, were kept out. Because the rele- town in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal right to live in freedom and safety. to the scourge of AIDS. The other was vant files were destroyed however, Region where he worked as a cantor I can’t remember whether a light bulb remembered on the day his life began to decades ago, no one can prove whether (diak). When they sang about holy mys- went off in my own child’s mind the first end, 60 years ago, January 17, 1945. or not Mr. Odynsky lied. Nevertheless, teries (“taino yavliayetsia”), I thought it time or the hundredth time I read “Horton What ties these men – Nelson based on a “balance of probabilities” was about a neighbor’s dog, “Tiny.” Hears a Who,” but I’ve always identified Mandela and Raoul Wallenberg – togeth- argument, this senior citizen has been After we moved to Cleveland, we went with the tiny creatures who made enough er is that both were distinguished by slated for denaturalization and deporta- to church every Sunday, every holy day of noise to survive. To me that justified the being made honorary Canadian citizens. tion. And that despite the fact that a fed- obligation and for a whole series of endless requiem liturgies, the Saturday Wallenberg posthumously, in 1985, eral court judge, Andrew MacKay, found requiem masses. Never was church more trek to the Ridna Shkola School, learning Mandela in person, in 2001. Mr. Odynsky had never been a Nazi, onerous than October 31, the night in 1918 verses for a concert or “academia.” Now, once upon a time, Mr. Mandela harmed no one in the war and has been a when Western Ukrainian military forces Seeing the Orange Revolution – indeed admired Stalin, the very tyrant whose good Canadian. captured key points in the city of Lviv and participating in it, albeit from a severe dis- men murdered Wallenberg. But that moot If the worst thing Mr. Odynsky did punctilio should perhaps be left behind, proclaimed the Western Ukrainian tance – I couldn’t help but feel the power was lie at our gates, is casting him out a for Mandela was also distinguished, in National Republic. To commemorate that of Divine Providence. Everyone who ever fitting punishment? Assuming you think 1999, with Ukraine’s highest decoration, anniversary, my brothers, our parents and I attended a mass, a banquet, a vigil, a con- it is, shouldn’t the same penalty be the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. If drove from our home to Ss. Peter and Paul cert that ended in a hymn beseeching God applied to others who committed the Ukraine can forgive one of Stalin’s apol- Ukrainian Catholic Church in Tremont for to intervene on behalf of the Ukrainian very same offense? ogists, who am I to quibble? yet another service. people, had to have felt as I did that the Government officials have confirmed But Canadian citizenship is another On the way there, we peered out the Orange Revolution was the answer to sev- that Canada screened out not only matter. It’s precious. If you have it by windows of our ’52 Chevy to see kids in eral lifetimes of entreaties aimed at God’s alleged Nazis but Communist collabora- birth, as I do, you enjoy certain inalien- costume going house to house yelling, ear, asking that He redeem the faith of tors, too. Yet, over the past several years, able rights. If, on the other hand, you “Trick or Treat!” By the time the lugubri- mothers and fathers, mentors and teachers veterans of the NKVD, SMERSH and became a Canadian through naturaliza- ous tones of “Vichnaya Pamiat” had faded, who did the simple things to instill in their KGB – Soviet secret police organs tion I shall now dispel a misconception all the porch lights were off and Halloween children the truth about their legacy, responsible for mass murder, even geno- you likely have. You are not my equal. was over. We must have rebelled, because preparing them for the time when the cide – have been found in Canada, large- This will, of course, be unwelcome at some point we stopped going to that par- dream that Taras Shevchenko and others ly because some of them, obligingly news for the millions who came from ticular requiem and went trick or treating defined would be theirs for the taking. arrogant, wrote books and even gave elsewhere and elected to become instead, but we never stopped going to Truly, the millions who came to interviews boasting of the services they Canadians. But it is a fact. If you weren’t church. And after every liturgy, the congre- Independence Square in Kyiv and dozens rendered Stalin, before, during and just born here you are a second-class citizen. gation sang “Bozhe Velyky” or some simi- of similar venues throughout Ukraine after the war. How many of them are Sorry. lar song entreating the Almighty’s interven- and around the world had been individu- What do I mean? Well let me tell you here? We don’t know. But even one is tion to grant the Ukrainian people unity, ally energized to physically add them- what is happening to one of your kind, a too many. sovereignty and freedom. selves to the mass of people who gath- Torontonian. His name is Wasyl Last week Canadians were asked to A lot of people believe sincerely in God’s ered in the unshakable conviction that Odynsky. During the war he was press- remember Mr. Wallenberg’s good deeds. intervention. The Japanese believe God sent together they would change a situation ganged into serving the Nazi occupation Yet we are forgetting that it was a typhoon, a divine wind (kami kaze) to they were no longer willing to endure. in Ukraine. He never hurt anyone, was, SMERSH agents who kidnapped him 60 save Japan from a Mongol invasion fleet in So, like the little girl who stopped in fact, revolted by what he saw. Ukraine years ago in . They later liqui- 1281. Gen. Patton ordered a military chap- twirling her yo-yo and cried out, millions lost more of its population than any other dated him, either in the NKVD’s infa- lain to compose a prayer for good weather in of Ukrainians everywhere dropped what country in Nazi-occupied Europe – a fact mous Lubianka prison in Moscow or in December 1944. As for me, I’ve prayed for they were doing and joined the common still not widely understood. the gulag. Among those who wanted this loved ones entering surgery, for success in effort to assert their right to exist. Like many others, Mr. Odynsky righteous man honored with Canadian final exams, job interviews, athletic contests. Yet how differently things might have sought a better life. No one asked what citizenship was our current minister of I have learned that God answers all prayers. been, were it not for Luck, Providence, he did in the war when he immigrated in justice, Irwin Cotler. Sometimes the answer is “no.” Fortuna, Karma, or God Himself inter- 1949. He has been a Canadian for over Once upon a time, as president of the Yet, we continue to pray. Many years vening at a critical time. Viktor Canadian Jewish Congress, Mr. Cotler ago, my good friend, Father Taras Yushchenko, who promised reform, and swore there were thousands of Nazi war Lonchyna at Holy Family Church in with it freedom and Europe, was poi- Having been born in Kingston, criminals in Canada. The claims of that Ontario, Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk cannot be Washington, delivered a memorable ser- soned in the midst of the campaign with chorus were subsequently dismissed by mon where he cautioned that prayers a dose of dioxin, apparently intended to denaturalized or deported. He serves as Justice Jules Deschenes, who cast aside director of research for the Ukrainian don’t necessarily change an objective sit- kill him. Instead he survived and then, Canadian Civil Liberties Association. (Continued on page 22) uation. Instead, he said, prayer changes courageously and decisively, seized the people, giving them strength and wisdom moment, asking the Ukrainian people to to address challenges for which they seek rally to his leadership. And millions did, LETTER TO THE EDITOR God’s intervention. Then it’s up to them. accepting him as the legitimate president Which brings me to another memory of Ukraine who promises to lead his from childhood: Dr. Seuss. I discovered his country toward a society that rejects effortless and effective. wonderful books in the first or second grade. coercion, deception and corruption and is Kuropas column Among those on the receiving end of One of them, “Horton Hears a Who,” has guided instead by democracy, freedom Dr. Kuropas’s punches was Patrick had an influence on my life ever since I first and values. No small thing for Ukraine. was a standout Buchanan, the well-known political fig- read it more than 50 years ago. No kidding. No one will ever know whether God Dear Editor: ure and columnist who recently has In his wonderful, simple rhyme, Dr. intervened to spare Mr. Yushchenko’s life In any column of Dr. Myron B. Kuropas unexpectedly adopted an anti-Ukrainian Seuss tells how Horton the elephant discov- and thereby gave people the opportunity we have come to take for granted interest- orientation. ers a clover with a speck of dust which har- to vote with their feet after their actual ing information and insightful analyses I hope Mr. Buchanan gets to read the bors an infinitesimal world of creatures votes had been stolen. I do know that the articulated in erudite English. His January January 9 column by Dr. Kuropas, and called “Who’s.” Only Horton, with his big hymn I heard reverberating on election 9 column “Anti-Orange Oracles,” however, not only for the sake of its political argu- ears and big heart, knows they exist, because night at Independence Square in Kyiv was managed to exceed even these usual high ments. As a wordsmith, Mr. Buchanan only he can hear them. Other animals, cal- the same one I sang as a child, exhorting standards. It stands out as a real winner. would certainly enjoy the delightful ele- lous and cruel, are determined to destroy the God to grant Ukraine unity, freedom and In that column, Dr. Kuropas gathered gance of Dr. Kuropas’s language and creatures they neither see nor hear. To avert peace. I’m convinced that prayer does the opinions of those naysayers who , which would be the envy of any their extinction, Horton exhorts the Whos to transform people, giving them energy and tried to inject notes of dissonance into mainstream media maven. make as much noise as they possibly can to strength to transform situations that beg to the worldwide chorus of praise and “Distressed, disturbed and dumb- prove they exist. Led by their mayor, the be changed. That’s why I’m praying for admiration for Ukraine’s Orange founded” is how Dr. Kuropas character- tiny creatures yell, scream, bang on pots and President Viktor Yushchenko and the Revolution. With pedagogic skill he ized opponents of the Orange pans, but to no avail. The mayor then rushes Ukrainian people to succeed in the years divided them into three distinct groups – Revolution. Love that alliteration, Dr. from door to door to see if he can find just to come. God answers all prayers. opportunists, the misinformed and ideo- Kuropas – keep it coming! one more Who to join the effort. Sure Sometimes the answer is “yes.” logues – and then proceeded to deflate enough, he discovers a little girl twirling her their pro-Russian and Ukrainophobe Dr. Orest Popovych yo-yo, oblivious to the campaign to save her Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is: positions in a manner that seemed both Howell, N.J. life and that of the community. The mayor’s [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

COMMENTARY: Dispelling myths surrounding the Orange Revolution by Prof. Michael M. Naydan the Ukrainian election that brought requirement at Penn State. He said he had Rite), mostly located in , Ukraine to the attention of the rest of the just arrived on campus two days earlier from heavily favored Mr. Yushchenko (who In my professional life, I am an educator world and ignited the opposition forces. demonstrations on Independence Square in himself is Orthodox), Catholics comprise and expert in two areas: Ukrainian and It is hard to hide a nation of nearly 50 Kyiv. When one of my colleagues asked him approximately only 11 percent of the pop- Russian literature. So I have an intimate million people, but tsarist Russia and the why he had been demonstrating, the student ulation, wile Orthodox believers make up knowledge of both languages and cultures, managed to do so for three answered that it wasn’t a Ukrainian vs. about 55 percent. Therefore, vast numbers and have taught and published on them for centuries. Mr. Putin’s desire, in opposition Russian issue; he was showing his support of Orthodox believers as well as other over 25 years. From a personal perspective, to the entire civilized world, was to coerce for democracy. He unplugged the earphones denominations had to have supported Mr. though, as the Springsteen song goes, I was Ukraine to become part of his mythical new from the mp3 player attached to his belt and Yushchenko for him to win. “born in the U.S.A.,” I am the offspring of . But as a result of the recent proudly played the Ukrainian rap-inspired A third myth generated by Mr. Putin Ukrainian émigrés who survived the Nazi turmoil, Ukraine, thankfully, has been dis- chant sung by hundreds of thousands on and his political operatives is that the Ostarbeiter camps in World War II. My par- covered by Europe and the rest of the world. Kyiv’s Independence Square: “Together we United States meddled in the election on ents came to the United States to start a bet- The new Yushchenko government, once are many, we cannot be defeated!” While behalf of Mr. Yushchenko to overturn a ter life in the haven of American shores. given the chance, will certainly strive to this small exchange with the “orange” Yanukovych victory. While the United I am, in my outlook, part of the Western clean out the cadres of corrupt officials in Russian student from the Ukrainian capital is States, in fact, has channeled money into “conspiracy” for democracy, someone Ukraine and open the doors of the country to anecdotal, it is representative of the larger organizations promoting democracy and who fervently wants Ukraine to be repre- trade and investment. The new Yushchenko picture. civil society in Ukraine over the past sented by a democratic government government additionally will remove the There are many ethnic Russians in decade, it has remained completely neu- deserving of its people. For that matter, I media blockade against the truth in those Ukraine (as well as those in Russia for that tral in the campaign. hope Russia someday attains that, too. Eastern areas of Ukraine to open up free dis- matter) who support the Orange Revolution. In Mr. Putin’s warped logic, his own I am particularly proud of the Ukrainian course and to allow the notion of a civil soci- They are tired of corruption, tired of not heavy-handed visits to Ukraine to support people for rising up together in one voice ety to expand throughout the country. having an honest government accountable Mr. Yanukovych, his spending of an esti- to say “yes” to Viktor Yushchenko and This will not happen overnight, as to the people. Viktor Yushchenko offered mated $300 million on behalf of Mr. “no” to the corrupt government of Leonid there will be opposition from the the only hope for even a chance at that. And Yanukovych’s campaign, and his sending Kuchma, for standing together for weeks Yanukovych-led extremists and criminal Mr. Yanukovych turned out to be the vilest of cadres of his own “political technolo- in the frigid cold of Kyiv’s appropriately elements, but with the moral will of the of candidates – a common street thug from gists” to manipulate the media with disin- named Independence Square, to take back people, and the political and economic the Donetsk mafia who cannot even speak formation and then to steal the election an election that had been stolen from them. support of other democracies in the Ukrainian, the state language of the country, he fabricating of over 3 million votes in I am also indebted to the many journal- world, the path to reform will be set. with a Russian vocabulary rife with unto- the second round, were not “meddling.” ists, governments and other individuals of In the reporting on events in Ukraine, ward expressions from the criminal argot of Need I say more? conscience throughout the world who there are certain myths that have been his shady background. Mr. Yushchenko, in The new Yushchenko government of firmly cast their support for truth, for open- propagated in the media that, I think, contrast, campaigned in both Ukrainian and Ukraine will need the continued support of ness, for honest government in Ukraine. In need correction. The major one is that Russian, firmly promising to protect the lan- the world to maintain its democratic a perverse kind of way, I am even indebted Ukraine is sharply divided ethnically guage and civil rights of all minorities in momentum. Mr. Yushchenko’s upcoming to Mr. Putin for his coercive meddling in between Ukrainian “nationalists” and Ukraine. inauguration, however, does guarantee that Russian speakers in the East. I offer the A second major myth in the press has there will be a fair Ukrainian election in Prof. Michael M. Naydan is with the description of a brief meeting I recently been that the conflict was between the five years. If, for some reason, he happens department of Germanic and Slavic lan- had to show the flaws in the myth. heavily Catholic Western Ukraine vs. the to fail in his term as president, the opposi- guages and literatures at The A Russian student from Kyiv came to my Orthodox East. While it is true that the so- tion will have the chance to make its case. Pennsylvania State University. office a few days ago to discuss the language called Greek-Catholics (of the Byzantine And that is the major lesson of democracy. FOR THE RECORD: Peace Corps volunteers’ letter on supporting Ukraine

Following is the full text of the letter programs that have been demonstrated to (U.S.-Ukraine Awards for Excellence in Ukraine suffers from extensive air and by Peace Corps volunteers who formerly be particularly effective in helping Ukraine Teaching) for secondary school English and water pollution, soil contamination by served in Ukraine that was sent on to make the transition from a former Soviet American studies teachers should likewise industrial and military wastes, the lingering January 18 to President George W. Bush republic to a Western democracy to be not be maintained and enhanced. effects of the 1986 Chornobyl accident, and and members of the U.S. Congress. The only appropriate but absolutely essential. One of the most exciting developments myriad other environmental and related number of signatories to the letter, which As former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine in recent weeks in Ukraine has been the public health problems. Moreover, its econ- was reported in the previous issue of The Steven Pifer recently observed: “The dramatic demand by Ukrainian print and omy is highly energy inefficient – using 10 Ukrainian Weekly, has grown from the 78 administration’s aid request for Ukraine for broadcast reporters to be allowed to report or more times energy per unit of GNP than reported last week to 82. fiscal 2005 is less than $80 million. That the news freely and fairly; the United its European neighbors – making its econo- compares with $225 million per year in the States should aggressively support this. my not only less competitive but also more Dear President Bush, Senators, late 1990s, when the opportunity to pro- Consequently, funding for media develop- dependent on imports from the Russian Representatives: mote change was not as real as it is now.” ment programs, including journalism Federation and . Therefore, As former volunteers who served in Accordingly, we are offering the fol- training and exchange programs, should environmental remediation programs, Ukraine with the U.S. Peace Corps lowing recommendations. be expanded. Similarly, financial support including those targeted at Ukraine’s indus- (RPCVs), we are writing to urge you to Among the many Ukrainian citizens who for the Voice of America broadcasts in trialized eastern sector such as the recently act now to actively support the historic were in the forefront of the effort to overturn Ukraine should be strengthened. launched U.S. EPA Methane Partnership, and dramatic development of a true the fraudulent election results of November With one of the fastest growing should be greatly expanded. democracy in Ukraine. 21 were hundreds who had studied in the economies in Europe, coupled with a highly Similarly, Ukraine suffers one of the Many factors have contributed to the United States during the past 12 years thanks educated population of nearly 48 million highest rates of HIV infection in Europe evolution of a strong and vibrant civil to various educational exchange programs. people and extensive natural resources, which threatens to undermine the ability society in Ukraine that manifested itself Consequently funding that has been cut Ukraine offers great investment potential for of the nation’s inadequate public health recently in the successful demands by its recently in such programs as Muskie, not only small and middle-sized Ukrainian infrastructure to cope. Other social prob- citizens for free, fair and transparent elec- Freedom Support Act-Undergraduate, Junior businesses but also American and other lems, such as extensive human trafficking, tions. These include more than 12 years of Faculty Development Program, Fulbright international investors. In fact, stock prices also pose serious problems to Ukraine’s American investment, both public and pri- and Contemporary Issues, among others, in Ukraine reportedly have risen 30 percent long-term stability. Accordingly, U.S. pro- vate, in a wide variety of programs to train should not only be restored but also be since November 21. Tapping that invest- grams designed to address these concerns and support Ukrainian students, teachers, increased. These programs are one of the ment potential, though, will require the con- need to be sustained and strengthened. government officials, business leaders, best ways to expose Ukrainian students and tinuation and expansion of programs such Beyond providing financial assistance journalists, NGOs and others. Recent young professionals to American culture and as BISNIS and SABIT and other U.S. for the above-mentioned and related pro- events confirm that these investments in civil society and to facilitate its transfer back Department of Commerce programs that grams, the United States should be pre- democracy were not only wise but also to Ukraine. help train Ukrainian entrepreneurs, support pared to strongly support Ukraine’s aspi- effective. Consequently, all Americans can Other professional exchange and training the development of small and medium-sized rations to secure market-economy status take pride in Ukraine’s success. programs, such as the “Assistant to Member enterprises, and facilitate U.S. investment in from the U.S. Department of Commerce, However, we realize that conducting a of Parliament” and those directed at training all sectors of the Ukrainian economy. to end the Jackson-Vanik Amendment relatively free and peaceful presidential local government officials in Western-style More than 1,200 Americans have restrictions and confer permanent most- election is only the first step on Ukraine’s principles of management, public adminis- served as volunteers with the U.S. Peace favored-nation trading status, and to join road towards a stable democracy. To tration, and democratic governance should Corps in Ukraine and have worked as the World Trade Organization. Assuming cement and build upon the gains already likewise be expanded. In many ways, these , environmental, youth it is the wish of Ukraine’s elected leader- made by Ukraine’s citizens, it is essential officials will be the persons who ultimately development, and business teachers and/or ship, the United States should also assist that the United States back up its congrat- will be responsible for translating Ukraine’s facilitators since 1992 with over 300 cur- Ukraine to further integrate into other ulatory statements with solid financial, newfound democracy into action at the rently serving. This has perhaps been one major Western institutions such as NATO programmatic and policy support. municipal and regional levels. Similarly, of the best, lowest-cost, and non-political and the European Union. We recognize and fully appreciate the continued funding and technical support for cross-cultural programs supported by the We appreciate your consideration of these challenges facing the administration and non-governmental civic organizations is U.S. government. Yet, funding restrictions recommendations and we thank you for your the U.S. Congress as it grapples with a important for sustaining the growth of a have made it difficult for Peace Corps- past support for those programs that have major budget deficit. Nonetheless, we nationwide civil society. Other U.S.-spon- Ukraine to operate at full capacity. The helped Ukraine to develop its own demo- believe that increased funding for targeted sored activities such as the TEA program program should be fully funded. cratic form of government and civil society. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 9 The maidan welcomes the people’s president During the past week Kyivans saw the new presi- Mr. Nemtsov, who had been to Kyiv at the time of the dent’s message on hundreds of billboards. “Peace to Orange Revolution, said after the official inauguration you!” was written on an orange background bearing the that it was a historic day for Ukraine and for the Slavic now familiar exclamation point and horseshoe, the latter world. He expressed hoped that the new government a symbol of Kozak fortune – the emblems of the would be honest. “If Ukraine manages to do its best, so Yushchenko camp. A few days before inauguration day, will Russia some day,” he said. the National Conservatory building and Hotel Ukraina A special welcome was accorded to the most fiery were decorated with orange bunting and national flags. revolutionaries, the leader of the band Okean Elzy, From early Sunday morning hundreds of buses from Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, and the “Orange Princess,” Yulia all over Ukraine moved into Kyiv; their license plates Tymoshenko. Many held holding placards with inscrip- revealed their origins to be places such as Kharkiv, tions such as “Yulia is our prime minister.” Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Poltava and other regions of The president’s family, too, was on the square. Mr. Ukraine. Yushchenko’s two little daughters, Khrystynka and Columns of people dressed in orange and armed with Sofiyka, were running among the politicians and show- cameras and flags walked to the heart of the capital – ing off their clothes to Ms. Tymoshenko. While awaiting The stamp released to mark the Orange Revolution. Independence Square. Many former “revolutionaries” the president’s arrival, they all seemed to be one happy came back to Kyiv as they promised to celebrate victory family. by Yana Sedova with Ukraine’s new president. Approximately 500,000 people were on the square Special to The Ukrainian Weekly From 9 a.m. the Khreschatyk was in a bustle, with and on the Khreschatyk that day. Big TV screens and 44 happy faces and cheers of “Yushchenko!” everywhere. cameras were set up to record the action; all TV chan- KYIV – For the first time in the modern history of By 11 a.m., all the best positions in front of the stage nels provided live broadcasts. Ukraine, the country’s president took a civic oath on were taken. People flooded the center, and more and more kept Independence Square, beginning a new tradition in the Mr. Yushchenko was going to deliver his speech arriving. The square was filled to capacity. There were inauguration ceremony. Viktor Yushchenko, who is under Kyiv’s monument to independence – the figure many parents with their children, many of the kids sat known as the people’s president, pledged “to change atop a pedestal in the city’s main square. Former presi- up high on their fathers’ shoulders to get a better view of Ukrainian life” before hundreds of thousands of dent once stated that by erecting this the scene. Young men climbed onto telephone boxes and Ukraine’s citizens – many of whom demonstrated for monument “Ukraine said ‘no’ to the totalitarian epoch photographed the event from above. Others watched the their rights and freedoms over the course of several and its attributes.” On January 23 his words rang true. crowd through shop windows. weeks during the 2004 presidential election. After the official part of the inauguration ceremony in As President Yushchenko arrived, the people began to The swearing-in ceremony was originally expected to the Verkhovna Rada, most national deputies accepted chant “Yushchenko!” – as they had done so many times take place on January 22, Ukraine’s Unity Day, but was the new president’s invitation to go to the maidan. As before. The waves of the chant created an echo that was scheduled for January 23, mainly because of the large they walked down Institutska Street to Independence heard far away. number of foreign guests. The inauguration ceremony Square, crowds of people lining the curbs greeted the The president’s speech on maidan, unlike the one in consisted of two parts: an official oath of office admin- deputies and guests. Russian politicians Anatolii the Verkhovna Rada, was longer and more informative. istered in the Parliament and the main inaugural address Chubais and also received a rousing delivered in the capital’s main square. welcome. (Continued on page 23) Music: the soul and the weapon of the Orange Revolution by Yana Sedova satisfying demand. “We didn’t expect aimed at consumers in Western coun- Special to The Ukrainian Weekly such a response – our distributors asked tries. for more and more copies,” she said. “We wanted to promote our Ukrainian KYIV – Weeks of protests in Ukraine “We are going to release an album in the artists, those who supported the revolu- elicited strong emotions, national unity middle of February.” tion and who thus far are unknown and a burst of folk, pop and rap music. Ms. Rumiantseva said the album will abroad,” said Edward Klim, the general Many Ukrainian singers joined the director of Lavina Music, which repre- protests and became proponents of sents most successful Ukrainian singers peaceful rallies. Some of them took part and groups like , , in blockades of administrative buildings, , Okean Elzy and others. “We propagandized voters and gave free con- couldn’t pass up a chance to prove that certs. Other wrote songs that turned out we have worthy artists.” to be the soul of the revolution. He said the songs were chosen as the A CD of songs released by Our Ukraine. New groups, singers and poets came mood dictated. In a week the idea grew to Kyiv with one purpose: to appear on into a CD with 12 songs written by nation. “If we had no revolutionary the country’s main stage on singers who’ve gone a long way in show Independence Square, but only a few of music, it would be difficult for us to business. It was not a commercial proj- carry on,” he said. them managed to take part in concerts ect. “We rejected those young artists who FM stations that previously had with well-known Ukrainian musicians. bargained for financial reward,” said Mr. almost excluded Ukrainian music from Those who didn’t make the cut enter- Klim. The CD released by Hryndzholy. the air could no longer stand aside, and tained people on makeshift stages along After the first weeks all the money broadcast songs “made in Ukraine,” the tent city. was transferred for the needs of the tent not be politically oriented, but that the keeping up with the latest trend. Foma A band of drummers set the mood in city. But now, when there is no longer hit will definitely be included on it. “We (as Serhiy Fomenko is known among front of the Cabinet of Ministers build- need to support revolutionaries, Lavina also have many international projects musicians) of the group Mandry, which ing, and the sound could be heard far and hope to release the track in English Music is going to pay royalties to musi- took part in Viktor Yushchenko’s elec- away. Anybody who wanted to take a soon,” she added. cians who participated in the project. tion campaign, said that the directors of turn as a drummer, beating a barrel with Roman Kalin and Roman Kostyuk, Mr. Klim added that this was the only FM stations jumped aboard the band- metal drumsticks, could. And the crowd the authors of the single, said that they CD with “orange songs” and that the wagon. of people who gathered around never didn’t foresee the success of the song company does not plan to continue with “We have to transform what is the waned. One of the barrels was recently “We Are Together.” Mr. Kalia explained: more such releases. sent to the National Museum of the “We don’t actually write revolutionary In the meantime, Kyiv’s biggest book fashion into the mainstream,” he said. History of Ukraine, where an exposition songs.” “We started from reggae.” market, Petrivka, offered several ver- “What we need is 50 percent of dedicated to the revolution has opened. The huge success of the anthem sions of “orange songs,” – mostly pirate product on the air of The slogan “Together we are many, became an entrance ticket for the musi- CDs. There are three most popular any radio station. The directors of our we cannot be defeated” turned into an cians that opened the door for Ukrainian albums – “Tak!,” “Tak! 2” and “Tak! 3” FM stations do not want to promote informal anthem of the Orange show business. The song also topped the that cost about 8 to 12 hrv. each. Some Ukrainian music. A musician needs Revolution. A band called Hryndzholy list of songs on the album released by songs are duplicated on every CD. But inspiration to write a song, but expends (Sleigh) from Ivano-Frankivsk wrote a Our Ukraine headquarters at the height this fact doesn’t stop buyers. more time and energy to outwork it.” song and placed it on the Internet. Within of the revolution. “Not for sale!” is writ- “I sell about 50 copies every day,” Foma noted that music in effect a day the piece was picked up by the ten on the cover of the CD. Oleksander said happily. The Petrivka became an all-purpose weapon of the people on the “maidan,” as The band has now signed a contract vendor also said that compilations of Orange Revolution. He said that he had Independence Square is known. with Ukrainian Records and is going on “orange songs” are the most popular never felt events like these and called At the end of last year the band a tour of Europe in the spring. albums these days. this the best experience of his life. released its first single “We Are Together” The recording company Lavina Music Dmitro, one of the last inhabitants of “I always communicated with people – with an orange egg on the cover as a sym- and Comp Music also released a CD the tent city, who hails from the I didn’t just sing songs. I tried to explain bol of the only weapon that was employed dedicated to the revolution. “Orange region and celebrated the New why I was standing there under the during the Orange Revolution. Songs of the Ukrainian Revolution” is a Year on the maidan, said that all the orange flags. I wanted to assure people Natalia Rumiantseva, a manager of compilation of well-known Ukrainian songs that he heard are his favorites, that this team is able to change things,” the company Ukrainian Records, said songs that were created long before the because they are from the heart. he said. “Can you imagine? Generations that the 5,000-copy supply of the single revolution and became the soundtrack of Ihor of Lviv said the songs reflected of our ancestors dreamed about change did not even make the barest pretense of the revolt. The project was initially the people’s mood and the spirit of the and we finally attained freedom!” 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5 “Black Tie and Orange Ball” attended by 2,500 fetes new president

by Marta Kolomayets Special to The Ukrainian Weekly KYIV – The tattered tents that served as steadfast bunkers for students on the , the handmade signs carried by delegations from such destinations as Buchach, Okhtyrka and , the familiar beat of the catchy Orange Revolution rap, and the smell of pyramids of oranges – all these contributed to the atmosphere of the “Black Tie and Orange Ball,” a private party for more than 2,500 supporters of newly inaugurated President Viktor Yushchenko on Sunday evening, January 23, at the Ukrainian House, just meters away from the historic (Independence Square). President Viktor Yushchenko and Kateryna Chumachenko Yushchenko made a brief, but soul-stirring appearance at Ukraine’s first-ever inaugural ball, dubbed “Life in an Orange Instant,” which was produced by artistic director Vasyl Vovkun and his creative team. After a full day of official events, which included the presidential swearing- in ceremony in Parliament, an inaugural address to hundreds of thousands on the Alexander Chapko maidan, a diplomatic reception for visit- ing dignitaries, followed by an inaugural President Viktor Yushchenko and the first family on stage with musician/songwriter Taras Petrynenko and his group. concert and reception at the Palats Ukraina ball and a grand display of fire- politicians, journalists and students, busi- olution, which were also part of the “Orange partner/lawyer with Squire, Sanders & works in Kyiv’s city center, many of the nesspeople and professionals who are Instant” event, to meet and greet the sup- Dempsey, who has worked in Ukraine for Orange Revolution’s leaders and support- forming Ukraine’s rising middle-class. porters of the Orange Revolution, and even 12 years. Ms. Kryshtalowych, who lives on ers joined the first family at the Ukrainian “I am offering you a challenge: and this offer autographs, the entertainment on the the Khreschatyk, walked to work past the House for the celebration of a new era. challenge concerns each and every one of stage of the Ukrainian House continued tent city every day for a month, passing The brainchild of Michael Bleyzer, presi- you whose heart beats Ukrainian, no matter with the sounds of Taras Petrynenko singing students who resolved that they would no dent and CEO of SigmaBleyzer, an what your profession, no matter your age, “Ukraino,” a song he wrote in the early longer put up with lies and corruption that American-Ukrainian investment group that no matter if you live in Toronto, or Kyiv, or 1990s that became an unofficial anthem of prevailed in Ukraine over the last few has been working in Ukraine for more than in the village of Khoruzhivka ... Let us tell the people on the maidan. years. “And, I knew early on – by their 10 years, the Black Tie and Orange Ball was ourselves that we are ashamed to live in a Joining him on stage during the Orange sheer determination – that this time organized in two short weeks by a commit- Ukraine that has criminals in power; that Ball were many of the heroes of the revo- Ukraine would emerge victorious,” added tee of 25 organizations that work in Ukraine. we are ashamed to live in a country where lution including emcee Yevhen Nyschuk, Ms. Kryshtalowych. The members included such companies as 55 percent of the economy works in the Okean Elzy, Mandry, Tartak, Oleksander Ivan Malkovych, a poet and founder of Softline, the Ukraine 3000 Foundation, the shadows. This is no way to live,” he said. Ponomariov, the Ars Nova drum band, the the children’s book publishing company A- Ukrainian Grain Association, the Poltava President Yushchenko said he is con- Revolution Orchestra and Grinzholli, who BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA, said that the rev- Confectionery, Zaporizhia Meat Processing vinced that every Ukrainian wants rule Plant, Channel 5 TV, ERA TV and Radio of law, an independent judiciary that pro- Company, Kiev Atlantic Ukraine – Atlantic tects private property and investments Farms and the Center for Ukrainian Reform and allows citizens to defend their rights, Education, as well as former Ambassadors and a free media. Anton Buteiko and Yuri Shcherbak. “I want us to live in a lawful state. “The idea of the ball was not to send a This is not a romantic notion nor is it a message to the new administration; it had fata morgana. I have one request: help no hidden agenda, no business angle,” me to do this. Together, we can make this explained Mr. Bleyzer. “It had but one country happy. Together we are many aim: to celebrate this great victory.” and we cannot be defeated,” concluded “I believe that there is a time to work Mr. Yushchenko to resounding applause hard, a time to do business, a time to and chants of “Yush-chen-ko!” enjoy life and a time to celebrate,” said He then proceeded to hand over the the self-made businessman, who emi- microphone to his wife, who addressed the grated from Kharkiv to Houston as a crowd as the new first lady of Ukraine, young man in 1978. while her daughters, Sofiyka and “The key to making the ball a success Khrystynka, scrambled onto the stage, fol- was the genius of Vasyl Vovkun, who lowed by Mr. Yushchenko’s granddaughter was able to convey the spirit of the maid- Yaryna playing with the clouds of dry ice an by covering the Ukrainian House in – testimony to the fact that this first family orange cloth, by replicating moments of will be unpretentious and down to earth. the revolution within the walls of the “I see in this hall a lot of friends, friends hall,” commented Mr. Bleyzer who have been with us through the good AP/Sergei Grits “There was always such good energy times and the difficult moments,” said the President Viktor Yushchenko passes by an honor guard during a military on the maidan,” said Mr. Vovkun, whose first lady. Dressed in an elegant burgundy cermony near the Mariinsky Palace. aim was to recreate the same atmosphere velvet gown, designed by Ukrainian fash- at the ball in the Ukrainian House, which ion star Lillia Pustovit and adorned by wrote the rap song “” olution changed many people; they became served as a shelter, soup kitchen and med- 1,000-year-old gold treasures on loan from theme of Ukraine’s revolutionary days. nicer, friendlier and more open. “And such ical outpost during the revolution. He and the Khersones Platonov collection, Mrs. Throughout the evening, entertainers, was the case with this ball,” he said. “It his team knew the spirit of the maidan Yushchenko thanked all of the revolution’s including clowns on stilts and troupes of wasn’t stuffy, or Soviet, or bureaucratic – it quite well, since they spent two months supporters, noting that “today, we all feel performance artists in costume, con- was cozy and inviting,” he said, as he pon- working the stage for Ukraine’s political the happiness, love and good will – and veyed the mood of a carnival as they dered what he would do without the maid- leaders and musical stars. So, for the revo- this feeling among us now will thrive in mingled among the crowds, while wait- an. “I was like a drug addict. I suffered lution’s finale, they draped the Ukrainian Ukraine for many years to come.” ers and waitresses provided wine, cham- from maidan dependency,” explaining that House in broad strips of orange cloth. She raised a toast to all present to pagne and hors d’oeuvres to the guests. he didn’t go to work for three weeks “I believe that God’s hand guided us thank them for their support and asked all But this carnival was also a living because he had to be in the revolution. through the revolution,” he commented, the guests, in turn, to lift their glasses to history and an opportunity for people to As for Mr. Vovkun, the producer of “because Christian and moral values dom- all of the people who were on the maidan relive the emotions of their power and “Life in an Orange Instant,” he said he is inated on the maidan. Viktor Yushchenko because “without them, we would not their commitment to democracy. planning to produce “A Broadway-style set an example of forgiveness and charity.” have the Ukraine we have today,” she “For me, it was a chance to celebrate musical on the Orange Revolution and then On his first day on the job, President concluded, as the crowd greeted her with this pivotal moment in Ukrainian history, take it on tour to a variety of countries.” Yushchenko was relaxed and charming, chants of “Ka-tya, Ka-tya!” to savor the victory and inauguration in “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experi- as he addressed supporters from all walks While the first family went off to view grand style with thousands of other euphor- ence that changed so many lives forev- of life who attended the ball: poets and the exhibit of 300 photographs from the rev- ic people,” said Dzvinka Kryshtalowych, a er,” he underscored. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 11

FOR THE RECORD: Inaugural address by President Viktor Yushchenko The following is a transcript of President Dignity, a sense of honor and charity were I vow that everyone will be able to serves, protecting its ancient trees as well Viktor Yushchenko’s inaugural address, as awakened in us. Armed only with faith and teach their children in the language of as its saplings. Our roots will not allow delivered on Kyiv’s Independence Square conviction, the people achieved a wonder- their parents. Everyone will be able to the winds of history to blow us about as on January 23. (Translated from the ful peaceful victory. This is a victory of pray in their own house of worship. tumbleweed. Through our culture the Ukrainian by George Sajewych.) freedom over tyranny, of law over lawless- Everyone will be guaranteed the right to world must recognize our uniqueness. ness, of the future over the past. hold their own views. We will be able to We shall be a nation of high culture. My dear Ukrainian people! Every citizen of Ukraine became a win- listen to one another because we will have We will be a modern nation in a Esteemed guests! ner. We succeeded in gaining a fair election freedom of expression and an independent dynamic global world, and we will My esteemed Ukrainian community! and on December 26 we met our destiny. press. We will all be equal before the law. become equal among equals. The future Ukraine’s Khreschatyk and We freely chose the path along which we Independent courts will protect the rights of Ukraine lies in the best possible educa- Independence Square! are ready to proceed onward and upward. of every individual. I see Ukraine as a tional system, high science and cutting- Today Ukraine is a free and independ- Our choice was the result of our entire state governed by the rule of law. edge technology. I will do everything so ent nation. We have thrown the burdens history. We shall create a democratic govern- that the intellectual potential of our of the past off our shoulders. No one will nation is put to work. We shall become ever dare to dictate to us how we are to first and we shall become the best! live and whom to elect. I became presi- Ukrainians will find their rightful place dent through the will of the Ukrainian Armed only with faith and conviction, the people in the community of nations. Ukraine will people. We – you and I – are its sons and achieved a wonderful peaceful victory. This is a vic- be neither a buffer, nor a field on which daughters. Today I want to speak to you, others will compete. We are ready to looking directly into your eyes. tory of freedom over tyranny, of law over lawless- respect the interests of other countries. It is a great honor to be able to address ness, of the future over the past. But for me, as well as for you, the nation- a free people, who hold in their hands al interests of Ukraine will be paramount! not only the Ukrainian flag but the des- We greet our neighbors, to the East as tiny of their country as well. Here, in We chose prosperity, for poverty should ment – honest, professional and, certain- well as to the West, with good will and front of the people, I want to continue not dishonor the soil tilled by a farmers’ ly, patriotic. respect. I will do everything possible to my oath of office. I pledge to you that we plow. We chose justice, for lawlessness The wall that separated elected offi- develop stable cooperation with all coun- shall change Ukrainian life. My victory should not become the norm in a land that cials from the people will be torn down. tries. Ukraine will become a dependable is the victory of all the Ukrainian people saw its laws codified a thousand years ago Our renewed government will be aware partner in the fight against old and new and of every citizen individually. in the “Truth of Rus.” [Rus’ka Pravda]. of its obligation to work for the good of threats: tyranny, war, poverty, natural For this victory I thank the Lord God, We chose freedom, for tyranny should the citizen and the state. Being in the disasters and terrorism. The who has given us faith, hope and love. It is not rule over the successors to the Kozak government or in the opposition will be search for ways to guarantee security and through them that we triumphed. I pray that republic that 300 years ago gave the world equally honorable, if one is serving one’s prosperity is a responsibility of Ukraine we shall preserve them forever in our hearts. its first Constitution. We chose independ- country. We will have a moral govern- as well. We are ready for it. I thank the Ukrainian people for their ence. For we are the heirs of generations of ment, able to unite society. Our path into the future lies on the road great trust. I thank all and everyone who those who dreamed about a , Only in unity and only in a democracy taken by a united Europe. Together with responded to my words: “I believe in and fought for its freedom with their sweat will we achieve our national goals. You its peoples we belong to one civilization, Ukraine. I know what my duty is. And and blood. The Ukrainian state is a reality, have told me so at thousands of meetings. we share the same values. History, eco- together we shall overcome.” We have and with our choice we confirm this. Our I shall carry out your will. You want to nomic prospects and the interests of the discovered for our country its road into victory is a celebration of is statehood. have jobs and a fair wage, and you feel people give a clear answer to the question the future. On this day let us remember the bitterness when you are forced to leave of where we are to seek our destiny. Our I thank all and every citizen, no matter heroes who sacrificed their lives for this your families in search of work abroad. place is in the European Union. My goal for whom he voted. My victory is every- victory: the martyrs of the Auschwitzes We will create new jobs. Everyone is to see Ukraine in a United Europe! body’s victory. Everyone has the right to and Gulags, the victims of the who wants to work will find a job and Europe is where Ukraine can realize search for his vision of his country’s path. its historic chance to develop its poten- Famine-Genocide, the receive a fair wage. Nothing will limit Everyone has the right to choose those tial. Our national strategy is to go toward deportations and the Holocaust. They are your initiative, nor your desire to provide political colors that are dearest to him. that goal boldly, directly and with deter- looking at us today, from the heavens, for your families. Everyone who pro- But, my dear friends, dear Ukrainians, mination. European standards will and I’m sure they are proud of us! vides jobs for others will get our support. our common choice are the colors of the become the norm in our social life, in our We have made our choice, for we Honest work will be respected. Ukrainian flag. They unite all of us. Those economy and in Ukrainian politics. remember who we are, whose children We will become a prosperous nation. who live in the east and those who live in Every step toward Europe opens up new and grandchildren. It is not in the past You are seeking justice. the west. Those who live in the north of possibilities for millions of Ukrainians. that we should search for answers to the Ukraine and those who live in her south. I will do everything so that no one is Just recently, entry into the European challenges of the future. However, we I thank my team, which worked for cheated. The fruits of economic growth Union seemed a very distant possibility, but our win. You, my dear brethren, were shall always preserve our roots. Only thus will become accessible to all. We shall free European peoples have more than once unwavering on the road we traveled will we remain true to ourselves. Only advance, but we will not leave behind accelerated time. Chunks of the Berlin together. And I am confident that you will thus will we truly remain victorious! those who have grown ill or tired in the Wall, the roundtable and our own be as tireless in the work that lies ahead. Our choice has given rise to high expec- autumn of their years. The government Independence Square in Kyiv have become I thank my family, my wife, my children tations. They are proper. And they are will return to the people every last kopiy- symbols of these rapid changes. Ukraine is and grandchildren. They were with me in absolutely realistic. We have everything we ka of its revenues. Pensions will discovering itself in the history of Europe in the most difficult days. You are here with need to be successful. The riches of our increase, as will assistance and the scope the third millennium. We are no longer on me today at this celebration. I know you land are inexhaustible. The talents of our of social programs. Public health, the the periphery of Europe. We find ourselves will always be my hope and my support. countrymen are respected by the entire protection of mothers and children will in the center of Europe. I bow deeply before my father, Andriy world. Through work and through will we have the highest priority of my govern- Dear friends! We have set for ourselves Andriyovych Yushchenko – a teacher in the shall accomplish all there is to accomplish! ment. We shall become a nation united. some ambitious goals. To the very last cell small village of Khoruzhivka in I am president of all of Ukraine. I carry You seek to be free of constant extortion. of my being I am convinced that these Oblast, a prisoner of Auschwitz, Dachau the responsibility for the functioning of the You want to live and work honestly, and to goals will soon turn into glorious deeds. I and Buchenwald – whose true teachings mines of the and the legally receive the money you have earned. will do everything in my power so that all guided me throughout my life and brought regions, of Black Sea ports and of the We shall destroy the system of corrup- Ukrainians, without exception, come to me to this high honor of leading my country. trade routes of Halychyna. I will do every- tion in our country; we will take the believe in themselves, in their country, I thank my mother, Varvara Tymofiyivna, thing in my power so that the farmers of economy out of the shadows. Taxes will their homeland. We have already demon- for her love and her prayers, which have Slobozhanschyna and Podillia always be lowered, but everyone will pay them. strated that we can dream bold dreams protected me. I beg her forgiveness for all have a good harvest. The riches of Ukraine Business will be separated from the gov- and work tirelessly. We do not shun self- the pain that her maternal heart has had to lie in the riches of its regions. I vow to ernment. Government funds will not be a sacrifice and we can achieve success! endure, especially in the past four months. preserve these riches and multiply them. feeding trough for anyone. Government We are beginning a new chapter in Dear friends! I am proud to stand togeth- We, the citizens of Ukraine have jobs will go only to those whose expens- Ukrainian history. It will be a wonderful er with you in this place! Two months ago, become a united Ukrainian nation. We es correspond to their declared incomes. chapter. It will describe our unity, our millions of people came out onto this shall not be divided by the languages we We shall become an honest nation. courage, our readiness to help one another. square, as well as onto squares and streets speak, nor the religions we profess nor the You want to be masters of your own There is a special place reserved in this all over Ukraine. Our brothers and sisters, political positions we choose. We have one communities. You do not want high gov- history for this Kyiv square. It is here that parents and children, and neighbors stood Ukrainian destiny. We have one Ukrainian ernment officials to decide everything for we will multiply our strength and share day and night, in the snow and the bitter pride. We are proud to be Ukrainians. you. We shall return power to local com- our joy. This square is the symbol of a cold. Ukraine watched for every move and We have taken an irreversible step munities. The community will itself decide free nation, a nation that believes in its listened to every word that was spoken toward democracy. Only democracy can the affairs of its neighborhood, village or strengths and forges its future. Our nation- here. Ukraine’s collective heart beat here on preserve what is most dear to every city. You will elect your own local leaders, al blue-and-yellow flag will always wave the square. Free people all over the world, human being – one’s family and children, you will raise your own revenues and you over us, as will resound above us with a as well as our countrymen scattered peace and tranquillity, work and prosperi- yourselves will spend them. We shall be a million voices Ukraine’s national anthem. throughout distant lands, stood shoulder-to- ty. Only in a democratic state are human nation of self-governing communities. Everything that we hope for, my dear shoulder with us. Here, on Independence dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity You demand that your children be pro- friends and countrymen, will come to Square, Ukrainians became, in the eyes of held in the highest esteem. Only in a tected from decadence, you desire to live pass. Believe in Ukraine, love Ukraine, the world, a modern Ukrainian nation. democratic Ukraine will the brilliant not by bread alone. We shall preserve our serve Ukraine. A courageous stand awakened our souls. palette of languages, cultures and views spiritual heritage. Along with you I will Glory to every one of you! Glory to We all felt ourselves as citizens of Ukraine. become the wealth of this country. tirelessly tend Ukraine’s cultural pre- the Lord God! And glory to Ukraine! 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

INAUGURATION CEREMONY: The president’s address to the Rada Following is the text of President It added to the work of my political of our Ukraine. mon labor. Viktor Yushchenko’s address at the inau- brothers in arms, to the work of our Sincere gratitude goes out to you for I am convinced that our work, dear guration ceremony in the Verkhovna Parliament, to the work of the people of that. friends, will continue. Together we are to Rada on January 23. Source: Ukraine, to the work of every citizen. I Sincere gratitude goes out to every work with the people and for the people. www.yuschenko.com.ua. think this is exactly a case when we are national deputy present in this hall. On this day, dear friends, I am look- building the wall and the wall is building I would like to extend my hand to you ing for a way for us to be among the Holy fathers, honorable head of the us. today. I would like to shake hands with people. I am inviting all the national Verkhovna Rada, esteemed national Today’s event has proven once more every national deputy, every faction and deputies, guests, friends, all of you pres- deputies, honored guests and dear that the Ukrainian nation and the friends. For the first time I am speaking Ukrainian state have come through. The from this rostrum as the president of citizens of Ukraine have secured an hon- Ukraine. Until now I have had the honor est election, and the transfer of govern- We have a common goal – a prosperous and dem- of standing behind this rostrum as the ment has been legitimate. This is a head of the , as tremendous national victory. ocratic Ukraine. I am convinced that Ukraine is prime minister of Ukraine, as leader of Built with millions of Ukrainian above everything else for every national deputy in the Our Ukraine faction of the current hands, democracy has withstood the test convocation. In this place I pronounced of strength; the Verkhovna Rada, too, has this hall. sweet and bitter words, experienced sad- passed a difficult test. In a time of ordeal ness and joyous moments. And every it has found strength to come to the aid of every faction leader and to call all of you ent in this hall to come to the maidan time I ascended to the parliamentary ros- justice. The Parliament was together with to cooperation. upon the closing of this session. I would trum as if onto scaffolding because I its people, supported its desires and We have a common goal – a prosper- like to share my oath, taken in this wished my every word to strengthen our hopes. ous and democratic Ukraine. I am con- building, with the people. I am calling large home – democratic and independ- You, esteemed national deputies, have vinced that Ukraine is above everything on every one of you: let us join the peo- ent Ukraine. defended Ukrainian democracy, defended else for every national deputy in this ple. They are waiting for us; let us be I am happy that my work was in vain. unity, the sovereignty and independence hall. This is a good object of our com- together!

STATE RECEPTION: President Yushchenko’s address to foreign leaders Following is the text of the address by On these days, when our people cele- end to the totalitarian past and have cho- • We will build a new united President Viktor Yushchenko at the state brate their victory and the historic unifi- sen democracy, human rights and free- Ukrainian nation that will become a nat- reception held on the occasion of his cation of the eastern and western regions dom. ural part of the large European family. assumption of the office of the president of Ukraine into a single state, we can say • The new Ukraine has put an end to • We will be building the society of of Ukraine. The reception took place at the following with pride: the policy of dependence. the future – a society of spirituality, the Mariinskyi Palace on January 23. knowledge, culture and well-being, a Source: www.razom.org.ua. social state and a socially oriented econ- omy, based on people’s enterprise, eco- Your Excellencies! A new Ukrainian nation has been born in Europe nomic democracy and competition. Respected heads and representatives • The national strategy of Ukraine will of foreign states and international organi- at the beginning of the 21st century. be based on the principles of effective zations! advocacy of national interests, improve- Allow me to welcome you as the new ment of our sovereign statehood, and president of Ukraine on the behalf of the • A new Ukrainian nation has been • Our people take the fate of Ukraine increase of the international competitive- people of Ukraine. born in Europe at the beginning of the into their own hands. ness of Ukraine. The Ukrainian democratic revolution 21st century. We are starting a new • Ukraine is and continues to be a Your Excellencies! Allow me, on the of the year 2004 was victorious thanks epoch of Ukrainian and European history large and united family of brotherly peo- behalf of the people of Ukraine, to thank to the unconquerable power of the peo- in the third millennium. This will be an ples. you and your nations for the tremendous ple, united by the ideals of freedom, epoch of solidarity, partnership and unifi- • The new state and government will support in our struggle for democracy, democracy, human rights and sovereign- cation in one European house. secure the real sovereignty of the people, justice and progress. We are now ready ty. • The people of Ukraine have put an justice and well-being for all. to contribute to global cooperation.

ond high-level U.S. meeting – with Vice-President Dick also pledged U.S. assistance “to the strengthening of a fully Yushchenko inauguration... Cheney in Krakow, Poland, where both came to mark free and open democratic system in Ukraine, the creation (Continued from page 1) the 60th anniversary of the liberation of nearby of a prosperous free market economy in Ukraine, the reaf- that he would pass on to the President Bush President Auschwitz and Birkenau Nazi extermination camps. firmation of Ukraine’s independence and territorial sover- Yushchenko’s invitation for him to visit Ukraine. During a news conference following their meeting, eignty, and Ukraine’s full integration into the international Three days later, President Yushchenko had his sec- the vice-president said that what President Yushchenko community of democracies.” (The single vote against the had accomplished was “remarkable and inspiring, and resolution was by Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul.) there are great tasks ahead.” The only instance of discordant reporting in the U.S. President Yushchenko is “an ally in freedom’s cause, press about recent events in Ukraine came on January he said, adding that “President Bush and the American 26, when Knight-Ridder Newspapers focused on the people stand with him.’’ presence of Myron Kuropas on the U.S. presidential del- President Yushchenko also invited Vice-President egation. In a Knight-Ridder report, which ran in the Cheney to visit Ukraine “at a time convenient to him.” Washington Post and was picked up by the Associated Meanwhile in Washington, the Bush administration Press, Dr. Kuropas was characterized as a “Ukrainian- was putting the finishing touches on a request to American activist who has accused Jews of manipulat- Congress for an additional $80 billion to help fund U.S. ing the Holocaust for their gain and blamed them for military operations in Iraq and . According Soviet-era atrocities in Ukraine.” to press reports, administration and congressional offi- “His presence in the delegation was greeted with dis- cials indicated that the supplemental request would may by several U.S. officials and Jewish-American lead- include funds for other needs as well, among them for ers, who learned about it after the fact,” the report said. assistance to Ukraine. While no specific amount for An un-named White House official told the Knight Ukraine was disclosed, sources close to the supplemen- Ridder reporters that the White House was not aware of tal aid discussions were estimating the amount would be Dr. Kuropas’s previous statements. “Had we been aware between $50 million and $80 million. of such comments beforehand, we would not have invited U.S. economic development assistance levels to Dr. Kuropas to be a member of the delegation,” he said. Ukraine have been falling dramatically in recent years. The report quoted Dr. Kuropas as saying in a tele- In 2004 the total was $80 million. This amount was to phone interview that he was “dismayed” at the contro- be cut by 40 percent in 2005. In the mid-1990s annual versy. He worked for 12 years in a dialogue with Jewish totals of U.S. aid to Ukraine were above $200 million. community leaders, he said, and he received an award There are indications in Congress – at least in the form from the American Jewish Committee. In the mid- of a congressional resolution and individual statements – 1970s, during President Gerald R. Ford’s administration, that U.S. lawmakers are ready to increase assistance fund- Dr. Kuropas served as a White House special assistant ing for Ukraine and help it in other ways as well. for ethnic affairs. Two days after President Yushchenko’s inauguration, “I do not criticize Jews, but certain Jewish behavior on January 25, the House of Representatives passed a when I believe it defames the Ukrainian people. I partic- AP/Sergei Grits, Pool resolution congratulating him on his victory and the ularly resent reading over and over again in Jewish peri- President-elect Viktor Yushchenko shakes hands with Ukrainian people “for conducting a democratic, trans- odicals and publications articles which present Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell during their parent and fair run-off presidential election.” to paraphrase Elie Wiesel, as one big Babyn Yar,” Dr. meeting on January 23 prior to the inauguration. The resolution, which passed by a vote of 392 to one, Kuropas told The Weekly. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 13

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

arrived by subway would bring in shop- Olga Halaburda. Will speaks 10 lan- ping bags filled with firewood for the guages. Olga is working on a series of On the maidan, and in Kharkiv campers. Companies brought in goods reports for CBS about the Orange by Borislaw Bilash II aura of a demigod. She told the mass that from their factories by the truckload to Revolution and the Election: if the future is support the people. ... www.wfrv.com/ukraine Wednesday, December 22 not living up to the expectations of the As I walked down Khreshchatyk I Once again we reviewed all of the tac- people that they must express their needs spotted a gentleman waving a large tics that were used in the previous elec- ... I arrived at the maidan just before 6 to their representatives in the government Yushchenko flag as he handed out orange tion to perpetrate fraud. ... p.m. The crowd was enormous and con- (as in, “We the people...”). She said that ribbons to passers-by. Everyone took a tinued to grow as I stood right in the mid- E-Day if the government gives them a deaf ear ribbon and tied it to their arm. As I dle of the action. They had gathered there that they should return to the maidan and passed he offered me a ribbon. I thanked to listen to Viktor Yushchenko. As an Our group met at 6 a.m. in the hotel loudly clarify their needs – as they have him, but declined and informed him that international election observer I have to lobby. Myroslav Serbin from been doing for the past four weeks. as an international election observer it remain impartial, however the law per- Washington, a retired engineer joined our Upon leaving the maidan via the sub- would be inappropriate for me to accept mits me to attend meetings, rallies, etc. I team. Our first stop was at the first way tunnels, I spotted a supporter of the the ribbon. He then asked me to carry his did not wear orange – the color of polling station (PS No. 53) located in the candidate Viktor Yanukovych draped in a flag promoting Yushchenko. I told him village of Pisochyn at 11 Nekrasov Road, Yushchenko’s supporters. blue and white banner – the colors of the that I couldn’t. I support his desire to do I never experienced anything like this. about a half hour’s drive away. We Yanukovych campaign. Although the so, but that it would not be right for me arrived in time for the opening meeting It was like a rock concert; like lone gentleman turned many heads as the to voice my support for any particular Woodstock must have been or perhaps of the polling station commission (PS), “Oranges” (as they are referred to) candidate. He kept insisting that I take held at 7:15 am. The commission verified like the day Martin Luther King spoke in passed by, I was impressed that no one the flag and then proceeded to question: Washington. We all stood so tightly that everything was in place, sealed the heckled him. Most smiled – but no dirty who told me that I couldn’t carry a flag – lids of the voting boxes, opened a safe together that it was practically impossible looks, as one may expect. ... Kuchma? Bush? He was badgering me, to move. Many times people tried to pass containing the ballots, etc. Friday, December 24 but in a sweet way. He said that I should I questioned the integrity of the red through us. It brings a whole new mean- be free to carry whatever I wanted to. It ing to the fact that no two objects can security tags that sealed the voting boxes. I paid a visit to the tent city on the almost seemed that he was scolding me They seemed loose enough to allow one occupy the same place at the same time Khreschatyk. The tent city is built next to for submitting to someone’s will. (says who?). There was perfect order! I to lift the lid – allowing one to easily the maidan. The tents completely block- I continued to explain that my job in tamper with the contents of the box. The never saw one police officer anywhere. aded this eight-lane thoroughfare. The Ukraine was to help validate a democrat- All the people were cheerful and polite to commission wasn’t concerned but they perimeter of the tent city was made from ic process – not to pick sides. I told him appeased me by tightening the tags, to one another. I was in awe, as the crowd metal and concrete benches chained that he in particular would want for me to seemed to go on forever. which I insisted. We photographed and together along with wooden planks sewn be recognized as being impartial so that I videotaped as much as we could for the The speeches were breathtaking! The together with rope and pallets that fenced would be able to either point out infrac- chanting was deafening! As an observer I purpose of documenting violations as off the area. Some of the tents were tions to the election law or validate that well as to document that correct proce- could not participate – only witness the equipped with stacks with smoke billow- proper procedures were followed. By this events. At one point I felt very self-con- dures were followed. If necessary our ing out from them. One tent was desig- time we had attracted the attention of tapes would be used in the court of law scious considering all the hand raising nated as a hospital, while another seemed others and some 20 people surrounded and cheers by everyone surrounding me. by either candidate to argue their case. to be a storehouse for food. It was pretty me. At first I was concerned about what I After the last election, the videotapes No one questioned my presence. In fact, serious stuff! The compound had its own had gotten into, but was quickly relieved as I raised my video camera to record the from the UCC observers proved to be internal security guards – wearing badges when people in the crowd came to my crucial evidence that resulted in the last moment, people were kind enough to identifying themselves as guards. defense and tried convincing this gentle- suck in their guts in so that I could spin election being declared fraudulent. The Camouflaged-dressed men wearing man of my mission. He kept with his polls opened at 8 a.m. ... around and pan my camera around. orange armbands, identifying themselves insistence. Again I tried to explain to him “Yush-chen-ko, Yush-chen-ko, Yush- As expected everyone in Kharkiv with the Orange Revolution, patrolled how inappropriate it would be for me to seemed to speak Russian. I was lucky if I chen-ko,” the crowd cheered from time outside the camp. No weapons were visi- show any support for a particular candi- to time. They also shouted “Razom nas encountered five Ukrainian speakers all ble. No police. Everyone in and outside date, but I promised him that after the day. Heart-wrenching! I continued speak- bahato i nas he podolaty” – we are many the camp was joyful. election was over I would return to the and we will not be defeated. In between ing Ukrainian (English would have been One of the tents was set up as a monu- Maidan and seek him out. With this he useless) and left the ones on them to they played music – songs written for the ment to Heorhii Gongadze – the finally backed down and I attempted to cause by leading Ukrainian musicians. It makes us communicate. Many of them Ukrainian investigative journalist who excuse myself. Now he begins following did speak a mixture of the two languages, was almost hypnotic. I got the impression wrote about the criminal actions of the me and invites me to break bread with that it seemed cool to stand up for known as “.” Somehow it worked . Gongadze was kid- him. Ukrainians are insulted when you out. Many apologized for not being able democracy. The world-boxing champion napped and beheaded – allegedly under decline their offer for food. So I agreed – Volodymyr Klitschko eloquently spoke to speak Ukrainian. They said when they the orders of President Leonid Kuchma. I figured it was harmless. He asked one were growing up it was forbidden. I told in support of Yushchenko, as did other After his death his wife and children of the people inside the compound to get celebrities and politicians. When them it is never too late to have their own received asylum in the U.S. My children us some tea. The service was instant! children learn their native tongue. Yushchenko came onto the stage the attended summer camp with Gongadze’s Another person brought us some crack- crowd cheered and chanted his name. His Whenever I got into a bind I relied on children a few years ago. ers. They were all very inviting. The man Will’s knowledge of Russian. He was a words were moving. He spoke with such The inhabitants of this city sat around was very happy with me, but at this point authority and conviction. He clearly great asset on our team. barrels of wood, burning fires, singing I had remembered what we were told at There were a few dramatic moments at spelled out his plans for Ukraine. He and talking to pass the time. There were our training – NOT to accept food or promised to change the status quo by PS No. 53. First of all, one man having men and women of all ages – but most of drink from anyone. Probably a small risk, come out of the voting booth with his bringing the corrupt to justice and by them in their 20s. I asked one of them but nevertheless. ... I thanked him for the moving Ukraine forward. ballot pretended to have dropped his bal- about their experience. I was told that tea and crackers and said that it was time lot into the voting box but instead placed There were so many moments tonight today there are about 1,000 “citizens” for me to leave. I disposed of the food that caused me to chokeup – watching it in his coat. A team of journalists from left. Most returned to their homes in once I was out of his sight. Razom who had just entered noticed and and listening to those who express a wish other parts of Ukraine. I was told that as for the freedoms that democracy offers. Saturday, December 25 started yelling for police. The young man many as 10,000 people were living in the behaved oddly and had a thug-like The desires were heard in speeches; in camp at the height of the protests. I asked After dropping off our luggage at the their songs and in conversations with appearance. The journalist physically why they were still there and was told Hotel Kharkiv, we went to the apartment struggled with the man while calling for strangers I had today. The emotions I feel that they would stay there until of our local contacts — two Canadians, are difficult to describe. assistance. During the struggle the man Yushchenko is inaugurated! “He is our Laryssa and Brent, who were sent by removed the ballot from his jacket and Yulia Tymoshenko, a politician who is president,” he said. This is their 30th UCC in October to prepare for the origi- an avid supporter of Yushchenko, gave deposited the ballot into the voting box. day! nal election. By the third time they defi- At that point, the police officer quickly the most inspiring speech. When her I asked him if I could offer him money nitely proved themselves as experts. We name was announced the crowd went interceded and detained him. We video- for food or clothing. He laughed and spent the rest of the day being trained taped much of the incident, but failed to crazy. It almost seemed that they adored asked if I was joking. He told me how again (my third training session – 15 her more than Yushchenko. She had the catch the ballot placed inside the coat. the day after the election Yushchenko hours to date). In all there were about 50 We reviewed the videotape of the jour- called people to the streets to protest. He observers they were coordinating – 15 nalist, however it did not catch the man Borislaw Bilash II, a teacher who said that within 15 minutes the first tents from the States and 35 Canadians. The in the act on video – only audio. We resides in Millburn, N.J., traveled to were up. Obviously Yushchenko support- Canadians came earlier so they were recorded a statement of the journalist on Ukraine in late December as an election ers expected a fraudulent election and already visiting polling stations the day our videotape, which we’ll pass on to observer with the Ukrainian Congress were prepared to do something about it. before the election – simply to get to UCC for their report. When asked for his Committee of America. He explained his He told me that right from the beginning know the lay of the land and to “set a assessment, one of the Yanukovych motivation: “For the most part, I was no one was hungry or cold, despite the tone.” We divided ourselves up into observers suggested that the man was always asking others to do something for fact that the temperatures were -5°F at teams of three. ... Each group was under the influence of drugs and that this Ukraine. Today’s it’s my turn to step up times. He said that restaurants brought in assigned a driver/bodyguard who was to is probably an isolated event. A to the plate.” The article above is food for the protesters. People who could remain with the car at all times. Yushchenko observer concurred. Despite excerpted from Mr. Bilash’s journal of not stand to protest would come to the My team consisted of a professional this, both observers wrote “skarhy” the days leading up to his trip and his maidan and distribute food that they pre- singer from Atlanta, Will Ritter and a time in Ukraine. pared in their homes. Old ladies, having CBS journalist from Green Bay, Wis., (Continued on page 14) 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

commission member and one On the maidan... Yanukovych observer, delivered the pro- (Continued from page 13) tocol. ... We verified that no changes (complaints) blaming each other’s cam- were made to the Protocol. We video- paign for being behind the incident. In taped all copies of the protocol that was my judgment, the incident appeared to be delivered to the TEC before and after isolated. ... delivery. Once we arrived at the TEC we were After visiting PS No. 23 located in the escorted to a room where the protocol town of Bezliudivka, 177 Peremoha was to be presented. There was a 10- Road, and found everything in order, we meter table. On one side sat members of visited PS No. 81 located in the town of the Territorial Commission, while on the Komunar, 1-a Myr Road, 1-a. The site other sat the heads of the polling stations was to serve 1,850 voters, but was mere- as they came in to present their Protocol. ly 30 square meters. By law, a station All presentations of Protocols were done serving this many voters was to be more simultaneously. Once the TEC member than twice that – 75 square meters. Other reviewed the protocol and attachments violations included the fact that only four and then verified that things were in voting booths were present, rather than order he would yell out the relevant num- the prescribed six, and only two voting bers (numbers of ballots, votes for each boxes were present rather than the six candidate, spoiled ballots). It was provided. We inquired about the other explained to me that this process consti- boxes and were told that they only tuted the “meeting of the TEC” and that received two. We asked to look around the secretary of the TEC would record and were denied access to doors leading this “motion” as a “vote to accept.” In to other areas of the small building. ... fact, we did not witness any formal vot- Borislaw Bilash II (holding flag) with Sashko on the maidan. Another problem that caught our atten- ing to accept any of the Protocols. We ing the results of the last election, made a promise a few days ago to return tion was the fact that only one security approached one of the CANADEM Secretary of State Colin Powell said to that man I had met on the maidan. It tie loosely sealed one side of each voting observers (representing the Canadian took about 30 minutes of searching, but I box, rather than the required two. With Government) who verified our interpreta- something to the effect that the United found him waving his flag – still handing only one tie, the lid of the voting box tion of the events. There was also an States looks forward to seeing Ukrainians out ribbons. I stood in front of him and could be easily lifted allowing anyone to OSCE observer present. solve their own problems. I believe they smiled. He immediately recognized me tamper with the votes. We inquired about The TEC rejected the protocol because did just that. They changed their election and exclaimed that he didn’t expect my this infraction and were told that this was the polling station included two missing laws in such a way that it was more diffi- return. I told him that I made a promise – sufficient. When further pressed on the ballots in their total ballot count. We had cult to cheat at an election. I was I told him that I came to help him carry issue and they claimed they only to return to the polling station to have the impressed with how well these his flag. received two ties. We then brought the hand-written protocols rewritten – all 14 Yanukovych and Yushchenko supporters We paraded up and down the infractions to the attention of the copies! Before we left the head of the PS worked together to get through this elec- Khreshchatyk for a short time during Yanukovych and Yushchenko observers had to get new protocol forms – unfortu- tion. If we were there or not, I am not which he asked me about my family and who remain on site the entire day, how- nately there where no extra copies on sure that it would have made that much I about his. His name is Sashko and he ever they seemed disinterested. Upon site, so we had to wait for them to be of a difference. I think they have a good also has two daughters, Olena and Katia. videotaping the infractions and our delivered from another territory. Ugghh! handle on things – at least a good start! I He gave me Yushchenko banners and queries to commission members and can- And I thought we were almost done! hope we made a difference. Again, one posters to take home for my girls so that didate’s observers we continued to our Once the forms arrived we returned to will never know. they would have a part of history. next polling station. the polling station. The ballots remained I told him that I am a teacher and he At PS No. 40 in the town of Komunar at the TEC under the guard of the police Monday, December 27 proceeded to give me packages of orange (a different town, than PS No. 81) one officer and the Yanukovych observer. Back to the maidan ribbons to share with my students. He voter created a loud commotion by The Yushchenko commission member Once back in Kyiv I took a two-hour said that my students should know how claiming to have received a ballot that that traveled with the protocol apparently nap and then decided to return to the much Ukrainians desire freedom. My was already filled out. She claimed that left. The head of the polling station first maidan – this time wearing orange! I eyes welled with tears. the Yushchenko supporters were creating made a series of phone calls and then we fraud. Commission members asked her returned to the station. why she did not point this out when she We arrived at the polling station to received her ballot, but rather waited find that some members had left. There until after she had approached the ballot were enough members, however, to form The train experience to Zaporizhia box to deposit her ballot. Since she had a quorum. The fact that most of the com- by Andrij Hluchowecky historic headquarters of the Zaporizhian not deposited her ballot yet, we pointed mission members were wearing coats and Ukrainian Kozaks was located on out that election law allows that this As train No. 72 lurched slowly from Khortytsia Island before it was destroyed hats made me suspect that commission the central train station in Kyiv en route damaged ballot be destroyed and that she members actually went home and recent- by the Russian armies in 1775. to the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine’s be given a new ballot. She did not seem ly returned. The protocols were re-writ- In the end, the jubilant mood may southeast, the mood was jubilant and fes- satisfied with the simple solution. We felt ten and we got back into our cars and have been due to the reality of the special tive. The Orange Revolution celebrations the woman was putting on a display for returned to the TEC. Upon returning to day – it was, after all, Christmas Eve. on Kyiv’s main street, the Khreshchatyk, our benefit. The three Yushchenko the TEC it was discovered that the paper- The 10-hour overnight journey from and in the tent city may have had some- observers and the lone Yanukovych work explaining the missing two ballots Kyiv to Zaporizhia would see many of observer concurred. They also indicated was now missing itself. Once again the thing to do with the overall atmosphere. the Canadians celebrate their first that this was the most excitement they head of the polling station had to return Many of our 17-member Canada Corps Christmas away from their homes in saw all day. We left for our next destina- to the polling station to rewrite the paper- delegation had witnessed the daily Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg tion. ... work. I could see it in his eyes and in the evening celebrations – from the orange and Edmonton, away from their hus- The counting of the ballots [at PS No. eyes of the Yanukovych observer that scarves, toques, balloons and flags to the bands and wives, their children and 98] was uneventful. All the proper proce- they were very apologetic for keeping me singing and dancing by tens of thousands friends in a faraway, unfamiliar country dures were followed. The atmosphere there. It was a very friendly mood. of Ukrainians in and around Maidan in the midst of a battle for democracy was pleasant among the Yanukovych and Finally at 5:30 a.m. on December 27 Nezalezhnosty, or Independence Square. and freedom. This was certainly a big Yushchenko supporters. Everyone the protocol was accepted. My job was Or perhaps it was the pent-up nervous sacrifice on the part of these Canadians worked hard to get the job done – and done. I found our driver/body guard fast anticipation of the upcoming Ukrainian and the close to 500 others who com- done well. Two ballots were missing in asleep in his running car outside the presidential election on December 26 that prised the Canadian observer delegation the end; however, this did not seem to be TEC. Since it was late (early?) we decid- had the Canadians in such a giddy mood. headed by former Canadian Prime an issue. No one felt that the missing bal- ed to go straight to the train station well Rumors had been circulating the night Minister John Turner. lots constituted any type of systematic in time for my 8 a.m. departure. before that “citizens’ groups” and The train excursion on Christmas Eve fraud. Appropriate paperwork was pre- “Kozak” regiments in traditional dress Preliminary results was celebrated without the traditional pared explaining the missing ballots, would be working some polling stations Christmas and trimmings or meat which would be attached to the Protocol. At 5:30 a.m. 99 percent of the to keep order and to “protect the pies or, for that matter, the traditional 12 Yanukovych received 685 votes and precincts had reported. Yushchenko was Constitution, at all costs.” We were, of meatless dishes of Ukrainian Christmas, Yushchenko received 394. leading with 52 percent versus course, heading to Zaporizhia, where the comprised of borscht with vushka, hol- A long night for democracy Yanukovych with 44 percent A whopping ubtsi, varenyky, fish and kutia. It was cel- 77 percent of eligible voters participated. Andrij Hluchowecky was Canada ebrated with cheese, crackers and smoked Once the ballots were counted and the Did the presence of international elec- Corps team leader for Zaporizhia. A res- salmon, with Kyivskyi torte, chocolates protocol reporting the results was writ- tion observers make a difference? We ident of Gloucester, Ontario, he is chief and with bottles and bottles of Ukrainian ten, it was time to deliver it to the will never be able to answer this ques- of international business and policy red champagne. This must have been a Territorial Election Commission (TEC). tion. I would like to think so, but in my development, International Division, sight to those Ukrainians travelling with ... The head of the commission, accompa- heart I believe that the citizens of Earth Sciences Sector, Natural Resources nied by a police officer, one Yushchenko Ukraine did it on their own. After reject- Canada. (Continued on page 23) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 15

REFLECTIONS OF ELECTION OBSERVERS

some small talk and an explanation that we there where specific problems I would go were official observers, they decided to let to the commission and ask for clarification. From Kyiv to Dnipropetrovsk us in. Such clarification included questions on the by Andriy Panas flags, streamers, banners and balloons. The organization of “tent city” was voter list regarding who was registered to The Klitschko brothers, Ruslana and Mattey Rakowsky and I left for beyond comprehension. They had securi- vote via the mobile ballot box, who was other celebrities spoke, as did members ty personnel who checked IDs, as well as entitled to vote as an absentee, etc. Most Ukraine on December 21 from Newark of the Yushchenko team, including Yulia airport. We had a short layover in Warsaw our bags. They were strict on two things violations were minor and I did not witness Tymoshenko. – alcohol and weapons – there was to be any of the blatant intimidation that was and arrived in Kyiv on the afternoon of When it was Viktor Yushchenko’s turn December 22. From Boryspil International none of any kind. It was the perfect allegedly apparent in the first run-off. he literally stopped time. When he spoke example of civil resistance. I returned to the same polling station Airport we went directly to the heart of you could hear a pin drop, and when he Kyiv to register at the Ukrainian Congress It was 2 a.m., so most of tent city was where I began in the morning so I could wit- paused the people began chanting “Yush- asleep. However, there were two individu- ness the closing and ballot counting. The sta- Committee of America office located right chen-ko, Yush-chen-ko” – you couldn’t off Khreschatyk at 2 Prorizna St. als sitting around a fire – Mattey asked to tion was closed at 8 p.m. and the process of hear anything else. It was amazing to see take a picture and they asked him to sit sorting and counting the ballots lasted until At the UCCA office we received our such passion and to feel such energy from accreditation that recognized us as official down. Eventually everyone came back to sit 1:30 a.m. the next day. Once the ballots were so many people. around the fire. A guitar was brought out properly counted and packaged, and proto- observers of the December 26 election, as The following day we attended a brief- well as information as to where we would and everyone began to sing. The songs cols signed and stamped, we followed the ing sponsored by UCCA. It was a seminar broke down all of the barriers about us van containing the ballots back to the elec- be staying in Kyiv. That night we went to dedicated to informing those in attendance “Baraban,” a local bar where we met other being “Westerners.” They were amazed that tion commission. I waited until the numbers of the expectations and responsibilities of we knew the same traditional Ukrainian were presented to the commission, which observers, some of whom were familiar an international observer. The session last- faces from the New York metro area. songs and hymns, and they brought out hot happened at 6 a.m. on Monday morning. ed some three hours, during which we tea and sandwiches. In another tent where That same day all of the observers in We heard there was a program on the received some good pointers, relevant maidan so we went. It was out first taste we were offered “salo,” bread, garlic and Dnipropetrovsk had an official de-brief- documentation and reference material that onion. On our way out they let us sign the ing, where they collected our forms, of the real sentiment in Kyiv – 80,000 would aid us on election day. plus people, most clad in orange, holding inside of the tent’s walls, and gave us videotapes and commentary. We caught a After a late dinner, it was decided that a Yuschenko banners and other articles. 5 p.m. train back to Kyiv. The train sta- group of fellow observers, 14 people, On Saturday, December 25, we took a tion was packed with Yushchenko sup- Andriy Panas of Budd Lake, N.J., is a would talk to some of the people inside 7:05 a.m. train that brought us directly to porters who were happy with the prelimi- member of the Chornomorska Sitch exec- “tent city.” Only a few individuals, mostly Dnipropetrovsk. Later that afternoon we nary results. We found a train car with utive board, president of the Sitch security, were active and when we spoke joined the Ukrainian Canadian Congress local observers, befriended them and Foundation and playing coach of the to one individual about being escorted contingent where we were given forms and sang with them all the way back to Kyiv. Chornomorska Sitch soccer team. inside, he was hesitant to let us in. After documentation and assigned to a domestic Our last night in Kyiv, December 28, observer named Larissa Chovnuk. was again spent on the maidan. Over On the morning of December 26, I 100,000 joined together to watch an elab- opened the polling station located at the orate program highlighted by several per- Lessons learned in school. The process began at 7:15 a.m. and formers and speakers. Among the speak- lasted until the doors were opened for the ers were again Ms. Tymoshenko and Mr. election to begin. Larissa and I proceeded Yushchenko. The program ended with a to go to 15 different stations, where we display of fireworks and the singing of would talk to observers who where the national anthem; many were crying assigned to the particular polling station. If and it was a very moving experience.

Election observers in Sumy, too

Election observer Taras Szmagala (left) with Andrew Futey, boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko and Peter Teluk.

by Taras Szmagala Jr. the Yanukovych camp in any way “anti- Ukrainian.” I was fortunate to be stationed in However, I did notice significant Kryvyi Rih, a major industrial city in the demographic differences in the support- . Watching the ers of the candidates. Specifically, I can- voters there, and, more importantly, not remember meeting one person under speaking with many Yanukovych sup- 40 who supported Yanukovych (although porters (including his poll-watchers), it a few expressed their preference for struck me that this election was less “none of the above”). This was true even about Ukrainian vs. Russian (either lan- with Russian-speaking younger people. guage or culture) than about economics Older voters, however, were much more and demographics. likely to resist change – perhaps thinking For instance, I found that most that “the devil you know is better than Yanukovych supporters were able to the devil you don’t.” Many Yanukovych speak with me in Ukrainian (which is an supporters expressed concern that a accomplishment, as my Ukrainian is poor Yushchenko administration and my Russian practically non-existent). would let Europeans buy their factories They expressed a genuine interest in the and shut them down. In sum, it seemed fact that we preserved our Ukrainian cul- that age correlated with candidate selec- ture, and that we were interested tion more than language preference. in Ukraine. I did not find Reflecting on the experience, I think the idea that this election was about Taras Szmagala Jr. is a third-genera- some sort of a geopolitical “tug-of-war” tion Ukrainian American from between Russia and Europe, or Cleveland. He spent December 24-26 between speakers of different languages, in Kryvii Rih as an observer with the is overblown. I suspect instead that the UCCA, as part of a delegation led by election had more to do with those things Ukrainian American and fellow member that traditionally motivate voters: eco- SUMY – Election observers (from left) Olexa Hewryk, Marko Iwasykiw, Roman of the Ukrainian National Association nomic insecurities and the Hewryk, Orest Temnycky and Adrian Hewryk take time to pose before the Peter Teluk. acceptance or reluctance to change. Church of Resurrection in Sumy, built in 1702. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

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says the movement of Internal Affairs Did Ukraine’s... troops on November 28 was merely an With deep sorrow we announce (Continued from page 2) “exercise” (Segodnya, December 16). Not that on Thursday, January 20, 2005, and was removed on November 29. surprisingly, speaking in defense of Mr. our beloved mother, grandmother After he resigned on December 8, Mr. Smeshko, Vitalii Romanchenko, head of and great-grandmother Vasilyev was interviewed and continued to the SBU’s military counterintelligence, entered into eternal rest. refuse to describe the protests as a “revolu- confirmed The New York Times report tion,” instead calling them “compete bed- that this was not a drill but a move on lam” (Donetskiye novosti, ). Kyiv (Segodnya, January 18). EUGENIA CHARCZENKO Like his close ally Mr. Yanukovych, Mr. But beyond civil war, The New York (née Jarosewicz) Vasilyev believes that Mr. Yushchenko Times notes, a violent crackdown could also have led to a 1989 Romanian-style Born on March 12, 1922 in Peremyshl’ seized power in a coup d’état and that the revolution in which the country’s leader authorities should have resisted the protests is executed. She was a summer camp nurse at Vovcha Tropa Camp for many years, in the first week of the Orange Revolution. Second, the exposé raises suspicions an artist/instructor in Ukrainian ceramics, embroidery and Ukrainian Easter eggs Are Messrs. Kuchma and Mr. Smeshko that Mr. Smeshko is seeking to distance in Jersey City, N.J., and a member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League really though, the “good guys” and himself from his former deputy chairman, of America in Jersey City. Messrs. Yanukovych, Medvedchuk, and Oleksander Satsiuk. Mr. Yushchenko Vasiliev the “bad guys”? The Ukrainian Viewing was held at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home in Port Jervis, N.Y. on Tuesday, believes he was poisoned during a dinner authorities completely underestimated the January 25, 2005, at 2-6 p.m. A panakhyda was held at 6 p.m. at Mr. Satsiuk’s home; Mr. Smeshko also number of protesters in the crucial first attended that fateful dinner. Mr. Satsiuk Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 9 a.m. with Liturgy days after Round 2 when they could have resigned from the SBU and has returned ostensibly blocked the movement of pro- at St.Volodymyr’s Ukrainian Church, Glen Spey, N.Y., followed by burial at St. to Parliament, where he enjoys immunity. Andrew’s Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. testers traveling to Kyiv. Third, under Mr. Smeshko the SBU Last summer President Kuchma cynical- began to return to KGB-style tactics Surviving are: ly recalled how the opposition had threat- against the opposition. Instructions were Children: Lida, Stefa and Walter ened him with 200,000 protesters during sent to SBU officers stationed in Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joseph, Lara and Roman the Kuchmagate protests in 2000-2003 but Ukrainian embassies to place opposition Great-grandchildren: Cindy-Jo, Frankie and Michelle had never mustered more than 20,000 to members and even parliamentary deputies 50,000 (Den, July 20, 2004). Consequently, under surveillance if they visited abroad. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to Vovcha Tropa Plast Camp. the SBU never expected more than 15,000- Long-time SBU officer Oleksander Tsvil 20,000 protesters to hit Kyiv’s streets after defected in early 2004 to protest these the election fraud. The Ukrainian authori- orders, which he believed to be illegal. Mr. ties also repeatedly stated that Ukraine was Tsvil returned to Ukraine during the elec- not the same as and that no revolu- tions and released his memoirs, “In the tion would take place in Ukraine. Center of the .” Verkhovna It would have been one thing to put down Rada Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn also 20,000 to 50,000 protesters and another to complained that he and his family were deal with 500,000 to 1 million. The first placed under SBU surveillance through could have been done without bloodshed verbal orders issued by Deputy Chairman through the use of truncheons, water can- Satsiuk (Silski Visti, October 8, 2004). nons and tear gas, but the second could not. Fourth, Mr. Tsvil had worked alongside With deep sorrow we announce that on December 29, 2004, in By November 28 the authorities not only presidential guard , Minneapolis, Minn., faced larger protests than they had expected whose illicit tape recordings had led to the but also could not count wholeheartedly on Kuchmagate scandal in November 2000. the loyalty of the security forces. Unlike the Mr. Melnychenko, who is planning to fol- smaller protests, this crowd could not be put low Mr. Tsvil’s example and return to Maksym Ambroziak down without bloodshed. Ukraine, claims that he was advised four entered into eternal rest Ukraine’s most important Western mili- times officially (presumably by the FBI) tary district (with its headquarters in Mr. that his life was in danger. Mr. Born April 7, 1922, in Stanyslaviv, Ukraine, he was predeceased Yushchenko’s Lviv stronghold) defected Melnychenko claimed that these threats by wife Olga (Haywa) Ambroziak. to the Yushchenko camp early on, as did “came directly from SBU head Smeshko” much of the Internal Affairs Ministry. (Ukrainska Pravda, January 18). Funeral services were officiated by the Very Rev. Evhen Kumka Sending 10,000 Internal Affairs Troops The New York Times exposé brings against the protesters would have been too together many different strands concerning and took place on Monday, January 3, 2005, at St. Michael and few to deal with such large crowds, and the attitudes of the security forces toward St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Interment was held at they would have been met by overwhelm- the Orange Revolution. But it fails to make Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis, Minn. ing resistance from pro-Yushchenko pro- a convincing case that Mr. Smeshko saved testers and security forces. Ukraine from bloodshed. The credit for Perhaps then, the commander of this should go to Mr. Yushchenko and Survived by: Ukraine’s Internal Affairs troops, Lt.-Gen. Ukraine’s Orange Revolution protesters, Son - D. Ihor Ambroziak Serhii Popkov, is being truthful when he who practiced non-violence. Daughters - Christine Tashchuk (J. Michael), Olenka Ambroziak-Blyszczak (Peter) In deep sorrow we announce that on Grandchildren - Lillia (George) Johnson, Mark Taschuk, Monday, January 3, 2005, Sophia and Stefanie Ambroziak, at the age of 50, our most beloved Volodymyr Blyszczak Relatives in Minnesota and Ukraine wife, mother, daughter and sister passed away VICHNA YOMU PAMIAT! ETERNAL MEMORY!

Natalka-Maria Kovch Lewytzke A 40-day Memorial Panakhyda will be held on Sunday, Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 7, 2005, February 6, 2005, after the Liturgy at St. Michael and St. George at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Minneapolis, Minn. in Dearborn Heights, Mich.

In deep sorrow: Husband – Craig DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS Son – Stephen to be published in The Ukrainian Weekly – in the Ukrainian Daughters – Kathy and Diana or English language – are accepted by mail, courier, fax, phone or e-mail. Parents – Roman and Slava Kovch Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. Brothers – George and Roman Jr. (The Weekly goes to press early Friday mornings.) Rate: $7.50 per column-inch.

For us, our sun will shine no more. Information should be addressed to the attention of the Advertising Department and sent to: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 (NB: please Eternal Memory do not include post office box if sending via courier), Parsippany, N.J. 07054; fax, (973) 644-9510; telephone, (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040; In memory of Natalka, the family asks that donations be directed to e-mail, [email protected]. CCRF or for brain tumor research. Please include the daytime phone number of a contact person. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 19

BOOK NOTES Soon-to-be-released Volume 9 of “History of Ukraine-Rus’ ”

“History of Ukraine-Rus’,” Volume 9, Book 1, by Mykhailo Hrushevsky. Edmonton- and especially the Danube principalities Toronto: Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, 2005. $80 (pre-publicaton are studied with unsurpassed thorough- price), $119.95 after January 31. ness. Among the important historical events covered in book 1 of volume 9 are No period in Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s and Uliana M. Pasicznyk. It includes an the disastrous Battle of Berestechko and rule was as rich in international and extensive historical introduction, a full the Bila Tserkva peace settlement (both dynastic plans as the years 1650 to 1653. bibliography of the sources used by in 1651) and the victorious Battle of After the Zboriv Agreement of 1649, Hrushevsky, three maps and an index. Batih (1652), which restored Kozak rule when the hetman resolved to find a way Preparation of the manuscript was gener- in Right-Bank Ukraine and parts of to break forever with the Polish- ously sponsored by Sofiia Wojtyna of Podillia and Volhynia. Lithuanian Commonwealth, he set out to Hamilton, Ontario, in memory of Vasyl The book also covers the dramatic create the military and political condi- Bilash, Mykhailo Charkivsky and development of Ukrainian-Moldavian tions to achieve his goal. Mykhailo Wojtyna. relations in the years 1650-1653, begin- From Venice to Moscow the wily het- Volume 9 stands out as the longest ning with the victorious campaign man spun his diplomatic and military and best-documented installment of the against . The period witnessed plans. In his search for allies and in pur- History. Hrushevsky undertook its writ- the marriage of Tymish Khmelnytsky to suit of his goal of establishing a political ing following his controversial return Roksanda Lupu, the daughter of the system that would secure the Ukrainian from emigration to Ukraine in 1924. In Moldavian hospodar, and it ended with Hetmanate, he looked above all to the the early 1920s, the Bolsheviks made Tymish’s tragic death during the siege of Ottomans and their Danubian vassal limited concessions to Suceava by allied Polish, Wallachian and states. Fusing the interests of his new and scholarship. Hrushevsky took advan- Moldavian forces – a major blow not state to those of his own family, the het- tage of these conditions to develop only to Khmelnytsky’s policy in the man aspired to found a new dynasty by Ukrainian scholarly life and to assemble Danube region, but also to his dynastic marrying his son into the ruling house of a new school of historians. At the same aspirations. In covering these events, of Volume 9, Book 1 of the History at the Moldavia. And as Khmelnytsky pursued time, his return to Ukraine allowed Hrushevsky again proved himself an out- reduced price of $80. Subsequently, the these goals and aspirations, the Kozaks’ Hrushevsky to continue work on his standing researcher with scrupulous regular price of this volume will be military victories and defeats were shap- magnum opus. His greatest achievement attention to detail. His portrait of $119.95. Also, until January 31 the four ing the fate of a new Ukraine. was in researching and publishing the Tymish, whom Bohdan Khmelnytsky volumes (in six books) of the “History of This turbulent and dramatic phase of two books of Volume 9 of the History. was grooming to become his successor, the Ukrainian Cossacks” (Volumes 7 Ukraine’s history is covered in Volume 9, Hrushevsky’s research, based predom- remains the most thorough in historical through 10 of the entire History) can be Book 1 of Mykhailo Hrushevsky’s inantly on little-known or completely literature. The book concludes on the eve purchased for $500. Outside of Canada, “History of Ukraine-Rus’.” The English unknown sources, especially from the of the Battle of Zhvanets (1653) and the prices are in U.S. dollars. translation of this book has just been sub- Moscow archives, allowed him to make a Pereiaslav Council of 1654, events cru- Orders can be placed online by credit mitted to CIUS Press by the Hrushevsky tremendous contribution to knowledge of cial to the future of Ukraine. card via a secure Internet connection at Translation Project of the Peter Jacyk the Khmelnytsky era. He shed new light The book is scheduled to appear in www.utoronto.ca/cius); by e-mail Center for Ukrainian Historical Studies on many events and trends of the mid- print in early 2005. It will be a most [email protected]; by telephone, (780) of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian 17th century, particularly in its diplomat- valuable and welcome gift for anyone 492-2973; or fax (780) 492-4967; or by Studies. The work was translated by the ic history. In this work the diplomatic with an interest in Ukrainian and eastern mail, CIUS Press, 450 Athabasca Hall, late Dr. Bohdan Struminski and edited by relations of the Kozak state with Poland- European history. Until January 31 CIUS University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Dr. Frank E. Sysyn, Dr. Serhii Plokhy Lithuania, Muscovy, the Ottoman Empire Press offers a special pre-publication sale Canada T6G 2E8. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

“Especially in first months it will be a tough and nod to Ms. Tymoshenko and proposed other appoint- Tymoshenko tapped... offensive style of leadership that can affect some busi- ments to his allies. (Continued from page 1) ness elites and their interests,” said Oleksander Mr. Yushchenko created a presidential secretariat in business elite which was closely connected to the gov- Dergachev, an analyst with the Kyiv-based Institute of place of the presidential administration, and tapped his ernment of former President Kuchma, and it is also like- Political and Ethnic Studies. campaign chief, Oleksander Zinchenko, for the top post ly to be a bitter pill for Russia, where Ms. Tymoshenko Ms. Tymoshenko pledged to crack down on wealthy of state secretary. Another close aide, businessman Petro coal and steel tycoons from Ukraine’s east who backed Poroshenko, was put in charge of the is accused by prosecutors of bribery. Mr. Kuchma’s hand-picked presidential candidate, former and Defense Council. Both men were candidates for the Prime Minister Yanukovych, and said she would likely prime minister’s job. look for reprisals, with Mr. Kuchma as a prime target. Now Ms. Tymoshenko will need to win a simple The former president was implicated in several majority (226 votes) in the 450-seat . The murky affairs, including the slaying of an investigative Verkhovna Rada is currently in recess, but resumes ses- journalist. Mr. Kuchma has denied the allegations. sions next Tuesday. Current Rada Chairman Volodymyr Although many speculated that Mr. Kuchma sought Lytvyn has said repeatedly that lawmakers would support assurances for his immunity from prosecution from top any candidate proposed by Mr. Yushchenko, who took opposition leaders, Ms. Tymoshenko claimed she “gave office on January 23 after a bitterly fought campaign. no guarantees” to the former president. “I believe that Even former rivals supported the appointment. Nestor he must be accountable for everything he did with Shufrych, a lawmaker and Mr. Yanukovych ally, called Ukraine,” she said. Ms. Tymoshenko’s appointment “most inconvenient for Ms. Tymoshenko has pledged to restart Ukraine’s the opposition, but “just,” as she did a lot for Mr. efforts to become a member of the European Union, a Yushchenko’s victory. He predicted that she would key aim of Mr. Yushchenko’s presidency, and to “strengthen Mr. Yushchenko’s position.” improve Ukraine’s ties with Russia. “If you take into account her work in previous gov- Many observers expected Mr. Yushchenko to give the ernments and in the parliamentary Budget Committee, prime minister’s job to one of his more moderate allies she can solve Ukraine’s main problems if she is really to avoid polarizing society. But the president gave the allowed to do her work,” Mr. Shufrych said.

of the union of Ukraine’s lands in 1919, but the jubilee of Turning the pages... an earlier human link, constructed from Lviv to Kyiv 10 (Continued from page 6) years ago in which 3 million people took part. The 1990 lessons of our history to be in unity; in political, spiritu- chain organized by Rukh is considered one of the seminal al and social unity, in linguistic unity, and to make it the events that consolidated the will of the Ukrainian people for consolidating force of the entire Ukrainian nation,” stat- a sovereign and independent state. The 2000 human chain and a public meeting that followed on St. Sophia Square ed Mr. Zhulynskyi in his keynote address. were organized by the splinter Ukrainian National Rukh The largest public commemoration in Kyiv took place Party, led by Yurii Kostenko. However, Hennadii around St. Sophia Square and along Volodymyr Street, Udovenko’s National Rukh of Ukraine Party also partici- which might be called “monument alley” for its half pated. Mr. Udovenko’s Rukh, the Reform and Order Party dozen statutes representing figures from the past 1,000 and the Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists, also organized years of Ukraine’s history. Nearly 2,000 people joined a commemoration near the statue of St. Volodymyr the hands in a “human chain” that stretched two kilometers Great that overlooks the Dnipro River. Some 200 took part from the Shevchenko Monument and passed by memori- in a symbolic union of the three parties’ political forces. AP/Efrem Lukatsky als to Hrushevsky and Bohdan Khmelnytsky onto Yulia Tymoshenko, a top ally of Viktor Yushchenko, Mykhailivsky Square, where statues of St. Olha and Ss. Source: “Unity Day marked for first time as official waves as she walks to the ceremony celebrating his Cyril and Methodius stand. holiday,” by Roman Woronowycz, Kyiv Press Bureau, The inauguration on Independence Square. The chain commemorated not only the 81st anniversary Ukrainian Weekly, January 30, 2000, Vol. LXVIII, No. 5. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 21 In search of the Hutsul koliady of Kryvorivnia He is sitting at the head of the table were sung in every household to every ed by ethnographers at the end of the At the head of the table made of maple person. Each song was chosen specifi- 19th and beginning of 20th century in And his table is beautifully set cally for the person. Songs to the master this region. Today, most people assume Beautifully set with braided breads of the house would be about prosperity that these ancient songs are no longer With braided breads made of spring and hard work, while those to the lady of remembered in the mountain villages. wheat the house, about skill and diligence. But, the tradition survived over 50 years On his table are three jugs Songs to a young man would be about of Soviet persecution and has recently The first jug holds sweet mead heroic deeds, courage, strength and good experienced a revival. The second jug holds dark beer looks, while those to a young woman Lesia Turyanska, who had been The third jug holds green wine would be about a great beauty capable of recording traditional music in the (translated by Virlana Tkacz and magical feats. These songs were actually Carpathians since the 1960s, first told us Wanda Phipps) incantations that assumed the magical about the Hutsul koliada, and arranged power of words: what is said will be so. for us to stay in Kryvorivnia with Hanna The song continued on and on. Each Their striking poetic images were verse was followed by the refrain “Oh, Hotych, a local teacher. We arrived on intended to secure the described quali- Christmas Eve, as the preparations for Lord may it be so.” The master of the ties. house came out and invited the group Beautiful Hutsul koliady were collect- (Continued on page 22) into the home. We were obviously expected, the room was set up with tables covered with food. The koliad- nyky sat against one of the wall – all in a line with their lead singer in the center. They then sang a long song to the master, afterwards they sang another to the lady of the home. A separate song followed to Alexander Khantaev each of the children. These were lengthy Yara’s exhibit at La MaMa Galleria songs, many over 20 minutes, one almost included photographs from Kryvorivnia 40 minutes. That day I heard a beautiful by Alexander Khantaev, video by epic story about a dashing young man Andrea Odezhynska and installation by who rides a raven black horse around Watoku Ueno. Kryvorivnia turning down gold and sil- ver, but accepting the hand of a fine by Virlana Tkacz young lady. I also heard one about how the sun, moon and fine rain come to visit NEW YORK – Yara Arts Group, the mistress of the house. I was enchant- which I direct, is a resident company at ed, but puzzled. What did any of this La MaMa Experimental Theater. We cre- have to do with the story of Bethlehem? ate modern theater pieces for New York Eventually, I learned that the koliady audiences. Perhaps because I live in the are part of a winter ritual that now coin- era of the ever-new, instant and dispos- cides with Christmas, but is much older able, I am fascinated with the presence in its origin, traditions and symbolism. of the past in our lives and search for This ritual was considered to be the ways of making its presence a visceral most important event of the year, since Alexander Lesin force on stage. Trying to touch the past, I people believe that the spring would not Workshop of Yara’s theater show “Koliada” in Kyiv: (from left) Oleh Drach, have created a show about water with come to the village unless these songs Mykola Shkaraban, Andrew Colteaux and Halyna Stefanova. Nina Matvienko and another based on the similarities we noticed between our own theater dreams and those of actors working in Ukraine in the 1920s. I also made a whole series of theater pieces with my Buryat colleagues based on leg- ends that invade our lives. To collect these legends I traveled to remote vil- lages in Siberia, Mongolia and China and listened to endless hours of storytelling and song. I have also spent several beau- tiful summer weeks in Ukrainian villages recording traditional songs and stories that resulted in several Yara shows. But in preparation for Yara’s next show at La THE UKRAINIAN MUSEUM in New York City MaMa, for the past two years I headed in the dead of winter high up into the Carpathian Mountains. takes great pleasure in inviting its members, In January 2003, I traveled together with photographer Alexander (Sasha) donors and the Ukrainian community to the Khantaev to the village of Kryvorivnia to record the Hutsul koliada. Although I had spent my childhood caroling with my local Plast group in Newark, I was totally unprepared for what we witnessed BLESSING in Kryvorivnia. After church on BLESSING Christmas over 80 men (yes, all men) dressed in traditional winter outfits sang of the NEW MUSEUM BUILDING a koliada I had never heard. Then they of the NEW MUSEUM BUILDING split up into eight groups of ten, each with a fiddler and followed their lead singer in the group’s favorite song as on Sunday, February 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. they circled the church. Afterwards, each 222 East 6th Street, (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.) group headed to the first home in their allotted part of the village. in New York City Sasha and I followed one group that had trembity, mountain horns made of pine and birch that are over 10 feet long. For information: The Ukrainian Museum We headed up a steep trail, sinking deep into the snow. I could barely keep up. 203 Second Ave., New York, NY Finally, the group stopped outside a home. First, the horns announced our Tel: (212) 228-0110; Fax: (212) 228-1947; presence. Then the group started singing: e-mail: [email protected]

Is the master home? We all know he’s home 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

Organist from Ukraine to perform in Nevada and New Jersey Boellmann, Bortniansky, Mozart, Mussorgsky and Nazarov, performed on a 2-manual, 18-rank Peragallo pipe organ. Ms. Kalinovskaya’s February 10 recital is the premiere performance in the St. Cecelia Concert Series. A native of Ukraine, Ms. Kalinovskaya graduated from Kyiv State Tchaikovsky Conservatory after study with A. Yankelevich and A. Kotlyarevsky. Ms. Kalinovskaya’s reper- toire encompasses the full range of organ music from Baroque through 20th centu- ry. She delights not only in interpreting famous composers, but in introducing the works of little-known composers as well. Her professional career includes con- certs throughout Europe, including the Baltic republics, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, Germany, , France, Poland, Irina Kalinovskaya the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Yugoslavia. PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The American Ms. Kalinovskaya’s recital at St. recital debut of award-winning organist Cecelia Church begins at 8 p.m. There is Irina Kalinovskaya – laureate of the first no admission charge, however, donations Republican Organist Competition will be accepted. For information and/or (1982), who bears the title of Honorable directions, please call MaryJane Kress at Musician of Ukraine (1996) – will take (732) 718-7081 or e-mail stceceliacon- place in Nevada at Doc Rando Recital [email protected], SUBJECT: I. Hall at the University of Nevada in Las Kalinovskaya. St. Cecelia’s Church, 45 Vegas on Sunday, February 6, and in Wilus Way, is located near Garden State New Jersey, at St. Cecelia Church, in Parkway Exit 131 and New Jersey Iselin, on Thursday, February 10. Turnpike Exit 11; the church has ample The St. Cecelia concert program will off-street parking and is handicapped- feature selections by Albinoni, Bach, accessible.

nature. All would have to come together In search of... to create the next harvest and a bountiful (Continued from page 21) future. This thought inspired Yara’s the- dinner were in full swing. The ritual meal ater piece, “Koliada.” We started working included 12 dishes. I had read that tradi- on the piece in Kyiv with Yara and Kyiv tionally, before the family sat down to actors, as well as several koliadnyky this dinner the master would feed a little from Kryvorivnia. We presented a work- of each dish to the household animals. shop of the piece at the Les Kurbas Then he would circle the house three Center in Kyiv in December, as the times with the food and invites sorcerers, future of Ukraine was being created in thunder, storms, wolves, bears and foxes the square right outside our theater. to dinner. After repeating his invitation The koliada in Kryvorivnia also three times he would say: “If you don’t inspired our recent exhibit at La MaMa want to come and taste all our delicious Galleria. The exhibit included photo- dishes and tasty drinks, if you won’t graphs of the koliadnyky Alexander come when we invite you, then don’t Khantaev took in Kryvorivnia and a short come when we don’t call you!” He then video called “The River Flows” that would invite to dinner the spirits of the Andrea Odezhynska created using some dead and those lost on the road or at sea. of the material we shot in the village. A special place would be set for these Watoku Ueno created an installation, a spirits at the table and the dishes would frozen stream of wood and paper on remain on the table overnight in case the which Andrea’s video was shown. spirits come late. I assumed these beauti- We are now rehearsing a new version ful details of the ritual could now only be of “Koliada” to present in New York at seen in movies, but to my great surprise La MaMa Experimental Theater March Hanna’s youngest son, Mykhailyk, head- 4-20. Yara artists will soon be joined by ed out with a bowl filled with a taste of actor Mykola Shkaraban from Kyiv, each dish to the shed where he fed the writer Serhiy Zhadan from Kharkiv and bull. Slavko then carried some of the din- two koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia. My ner to a relative. Ivan, the oldest son, hope is that we will be able to create a took another bowl, covered it with a new version of our theater piece that will braided bread and circled the house invit- include traditional moments we wit- ing Nature to dinner. nessed, but will also speak to our con- During my stay in Kryvorivnia I was temporary New York audience, remind- struck by how many of the rituals we ing us all of the presence of the past in witnessed were attempts to bring together our own lives. the present with the past and to create a For more information on Yara’s My mother, father, brother and sister greater community that would include all “Koliada” visit our website the living (both human and animal), the www.brama.com/yara. For tickets call La and the rest of the family have life spirits of the ancestors and forces of MaMa box office (212) 475-7710. insurance. What about me? that they should, even now, be expelled. Rates are low. See the chart on the Of citizens and rights... I agree, assuming Mr. Cotler can produce (Continued from page 7) hard evidence of an alleged villain’s next page for more information. their cacophony of charges, describing it wartime criminality. He hasn’t. as “grossly exaggerated.” Nevertheless, Meanwhile what about Stalin’s min- Mr. Cotler insists that hunting for Nazis ions? How did they get into Canada? remains a top priority for his Department Why aren’t they facing denaturalization of Justice. He wants you to believe that and deportation hearings? Mum’s the many are still hiding in our midst and word from the Minister. Now why is that? No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 23

“We are beginning a new chapter in and the second – our revolution,” said ments. The maidan... Ukrainian history. It will be a wonderful Maria who lives in Kyiv. The masses, meanwhile, went to an (Continued from page 9) chapter. It will describe our unity, our Ukraine’s postal authorities released a open-air concert on Independence Square Hundreds of thousands of listeners were courage, our readiness to help one anoth- stamp dedicated to the inauguration of to listen to “orange songs.” In the late crammed together to hear his each and er,” he continued. the president of Ukraine. The stamp is evening there was a huge fireworks show. At the conclusion of the address, the every word. composed of a photo depicting the Disk jockeys said on the air that the count- song “Ukraino,” one of the anthems of Orange Revolution by UNIAN photogra- “Today I want to speak to you, looking down of Ukraine’s new history had begun. the Orange Revolution, but one that actu- pher Viktor Pobedinsky and the words directly into your eyes,” Mr. Yushchenko ally predated the events of 2004, was “Independence Square, November- * * * said. “My victory is the victory of all the sung by the well-known musician/song- December 2004.” The 45-kopiyka stamp Ukrainian people.” The last military tents of the now writer Taras Petrynenko. The people on was issued in an edition of 500,000; spe- famous tent city in Kyiv were dismantled The newly inaugurated president also the maidan, and the new president sang cial cancellations were available on inau- had a message for the supporters of his along, many with tears in their eyes as guration day. on Tuesday night, and the last revolution- rival Viktor Yanukovych: “Everyone has they pledged love and loyalty to Ukraine. “If you’d only seen what was going on aries, who saw their mission through to the right to search for his vision of his A little girl in the crowd pointed at the here,” said Olena, who works in the Main the end, went back home. country’s path. Everyone has the right to stage and clapped her hands, saying Post Office. “There were too many cus- During his inauguration speech choose those political colors that are “Look! Look!” At that moment, thou- tomers and not enough stamps and President Yushchenko observed that dearest to him. But, my dear friends, dear sands of orange balloons in the form of a envelopes with the symbolic orange. “Ukraine’s collective heart beat here on Ukrainians, our common choice are the horseshoe flew into the sky. Throngs of people occupied the post the square. Free people all over the colors of the Ukrainian flag. They unite Though not all of people gathered on office from the early morning.” world, as well as our countrymen scat- all of us.” or near Independence Square had the In the evening the president attended a tered throughout distant lands, stood Addressing the people of Ukraine, he opportunity to see the president with their celebratory one-hour concert in the shoulder-to-shoulder with us. Here, on promised to put an end to corruption, to own eyes, most expressed their joy at Ukraina Palace concert hall. At the very Independence Square, Ukrainians separate business from government. He being present during the ceremony. beginning a small boy ran out onto the became, in the eyes of the world, a mod- compared the events of the Orange “I couldn’t miss it,” said Volodymyr, a stage, played the melody “Together we ern Ukrainian nation.” Revolution with the fall of the Berlin former resident of the tent city on the are many; we cannot be defeated” on the The only physical remnant of these Wall, adding, “Ukraine is discovering Khreschatyk who hails from Rivne. “It piano, and presented an orange scarf to recent events is an orange flag atop the itself in the history of Europe in the third was an astonishing event, the biggest the orchestra’s conductor. It was the only pedestal of Kyiv’s independence monu- millennium. We are no longer on the story of the century.” “revolutionary” song of the concert. All ment. The flag continues to wave in the periphery of Europe. We find ourselves “There were two main events in my other selections were classic composi- breeze above the square as the people of in the center of Europe.” life: the first is the birth of my daughter tions, some of them in modern arrange- Ukraine look ahead to a new future.

reality. Yushchenko took his first impor- UKRAINIAN BUILDERS OF CUSTOM HOMES Ambassador Miller’s... tant public step, by joining the Maidan WEST COAST OF FLORIDA (Continued from page 6) on New Year’s Eve – speaking to them, ruption of their democracy and for proper as one New Year’s Eve celebrant told me, TRIDENT DEVELOPMENT CORP. constitutional legal governance. The directly looking into their eyes. It was the • Over 25 years of building experience Maidan took action – peaceful action – first time they had seen a president of • Bilingual against the corrupt leaders of existing Ukraine standing with ordinary people in • Fully insured and bonded democratic institutions in order to halt the heart of the nation, looking at them • Build on your lot or ours the corruption. eye-to-eye and standing with them shoul- • Highest quality workmanship What then is the difference between der-to-shoulder. Ihor W. Hron, President Lou Luzniak, Executive V.P. mob rule and legitimate direct popular The next time will be at Yushchenko’s (941) 270-2411 (941) 270-2413 inauguration in a week or so when he will action? Can direct peaceful popular Zenon Luzniak, General Contractor action be institutionalized in an accept- take the oath in the presence of the people able, democratic way? and they will look at each other eye-to- Serving North Port, Venice, South Venice and area Certainly, in the minds of many eye and stand shoulder-to-shoulder. Ukrainians, those on the maidan share [While Ambassador Miller was mak- Yulia Tymoshenko’s argument that the ing his presentation at the Woodrow maidan was where true democratic legiti- Wilson Center, demonstrators were macy lay – a view that was proven, in marching in front of the Center, down their minds, by the successful corrective Pennsylvania Avenue from the White actions taken by the Verkhovna Rada, the House to the Capitol building, protesting The UNA has a single payment plan Supreme Court decision of December 3, the Electoral College’s confirmation that and the election results of the December day of the 2004 U.S. presidential election that will insure your child’s life at 26 run-off. results. The predominant color of the The maidan, and its leaders, headed by signs and protesters’ attire was, conspicu- $5,000 for one low payment. Find now President Yushchenko, want the ously – orange – and some of the speak- maidan to be both a symbol and institu- ers were citing the protests in Ukraine in your child’s age below and that’s all tional part of the new Ukrainian political their remarks. – Yaro Bihun] you have to pay. Call today for your In my compartment was a young moth- The train... er, Lydia, and her 7-year old son, Vadym, application. (Continued from page 14) travelling to visit family in Zaporizhia. Her us to Zaporizhia – an image of Canadians sole purpose for this trip was to cast her 1-800-253-9862. that they will never forget. vote in the Ukrainian election. Though she The train experience from Kyiv to works for a pharmaceutical firm in Zaporizhia is just that – an experience. Boryspil near Kyiv, she considered it her The sleeping quarters are cramped – a duty and privilege to participate in a demo- AGE PREMIUM small compartment for four individuals cratic process and undertook the 10-hour with little room to move in. If you are train trip to vote for Ukraine’s next presi- 0 $ 300.00 given the honor of sleeping in the top dent. Her husband, who works in Luhansk, 1 $ 300.00 bunk bed, not only do you feel the sudden was making the same trip to Zaporizhia for stops and starts of the train better, but also the same purpose. The orange ribbon on 2 $ 310.00 you are given the luxury of your own her handbag revealed her sympathy and sauna as the scientific concept of heat ris- choice – a strong statement of the type of 3 $ 310.00 ing in a small-enclosed space becomes conviction of a Ukrainian population more understandable. This becomes an unwilling to stand for the corruption and 4 $ 320.00 even hotter experience if you are situated fraud that was crippling their country. 5 $ 330.00 close to the train hostess compartment of As we arrived in and the the train hostess who tends to keep her Canadian observers gathered to begin 6 $ 340.00 premises well heated and ready to serve their exhausting and tireless work as inter- hot chai (tea) to all on board. national observers, Lydia’s parting words 7 $ 355.00 Nonetheless, with every wanting expe- were short and simple: “Freedom cannot rience there is a silver lining. be stopped.” And perhaps it cannot be. 8 $ 365.00 9 $ 380.00 SUPPORT THE WORK 10 $ 395.00 OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 25

BOOK NOTES Memoirs by Alex Woskob: an account of triumph over adversity

“Memoirs of My Life: Alex Woskob,”Ukrainian text by Alex Woskob, with Oleh under the Soviets. He tells of entering Chornohuz; English translation by Michael M. Naydan and Oksana Tatsyak. Kyiv: the former KGB headquarters in Kyiv WUS Publishers, 2004. with dread, then to be sent on to Poltava where a Ukrainian State Security by Michael Bernosky power station network in Halychyna, Service officer informed him that cooperating clandestinely with Ukrainian Voskobinik, Grigory Vasilevich, had Alex Woskob’s account of his long partisans fighting the Nazis. life and noteworthy success is a poignant been executed as a state criminal by Alex Woskob, his mother and brother, order of a Soviet NKVD court in 1937. tale of triumph over adversity and obsta- along with several other Ukrainian fami- cles that would defeat most ordinary His crime, for which he had been lies, fled to the west when they heard denounced by a former friend and a people. The Ukrainian émigré communi- “the remote sounds of cannons as the ties of the United States and Canada neighbor, was to comment after Stalin’s front moved closer to the Carpathians.” brutal purges that “The Red Army is have many such stories of hardships Their determination never again to be endured and tragedies overcome, of very weak now. There are no command- under Communist rule propelled them on ers who can lead the army.” A fact that which this striking example serves as a a harrowing journey through Slovakia, reminder that the Ukrainians are tena- proved only all too true when the Nazis into Germany heading toward a hoped invaded the USSR in 1941. And then cious survivors and above all a people of for haven in . strong faith and hard working persever- with an irony that only the vicissitudes A segment contributed by Mr. of history could supply, was informed ance. Woskob’s wife, Helen, adds to this pic- Memoirs are an elusive literary form, that his father had been “rehabilitated” ture of unmitigated horror and devasta- in 1989 by a decree of the Supreme just as memories are themselves elusive. tion. “Finally we saw a silver strip of the To sit back and recall the events of one’s Council of the USSR, not long before it Dniester River on the horizon. The river too went to history’s graveyard. life is during the best of times a difficult represented our salvation. We couldn’t endeavor, but certain episodes will As he prepared to leave, the com- wait to get to the other side. As we manding general asked to speak with emerge with startling clarity. This is cer- mately of his success as a contractor and approached the bridge crossing the him, and in a final ironic moment told tainly the case for these reminiscences. builder in Canada and then the United Dniester, the number of carriages multi- him – in impeccable Ukrainian – he had Readers should not expect the narrative States. The chapters are filled with plied. It seemed that the whole of been a neighbor of theirs in Myrhorod, clarity of a novelist, or the stylistic con- observations, realistic analyses and vari- Ukraine was running away from Stalin.” and revealed that his father’s place of sistency of an essayist, and accept the ous axioms that do much to explain to “Soviet artillery began to boom in the execution was only ten miles away, then rewards of reading this episodic account the reader how he became such a highly forest. The Nazis panicked and without added, “Please accept my condolences, with all its variations for its absorbing successful man of business. Many read- fighting began to flee with the crowd 50 years after your father’s death.” content and insightful observations on ers, in fact, will be left with a curiosity to toward the river. Soviet tanks suddenly This deeply touching passage follows: both life and human nature. learn even more about Mr. Woskob’s appeared from the edge of the forest and “As we drove along the highway in the Alex Woskob begins by offering a entrepreneurial gifts. began to fire without discretion at the car, I thought that my father and thou- humble explanation of the change that Many a business school graduate road. Then, without warning, the Soviet sands of my countrymen had been driven led to the rendering of Oleksiy could benefit from a seminar dedicated tanks moved straight toward the line of on that highway half a century ago to Voskobyjnik into a more “western” ver- to his realistic appraisal of how to found, carts, smashing and rolling over every- their executions. I call that highway the sion of his name, a circumstance famil- thing in their way – carriages, carts, manage and build a large-scale business iar to many in the various ethnic com- Road of Death. The blue Ukrainian sky horses, cows, men, women and children enterprise. Take this example: “After was above us. Century-old oaks and munities of North America. He then – I thought the Last Judgment had starting my business in Philadelphia, I recounts the year of his birth, 1922, dur- evergreen fir trees were silent witnesses begun. Unearthly screams and cries of realized that business is always a risk. A to the execution of innocents. I wondered ing the first years of Bolshevik rule in despair filled the air. Sometimes even businessman has to take risks but he has Ukraine, and the first of the famines what kind of country Ukraine would be now I wake up in the middle of the night to risk with his head on his shoulders not if millions of Ukrainians who had per- caused by the Bolsheviks’ violent with nightmares about that day.” just risk his head. Another thing I learned seizure of the agricultural bounty of that ished in Siberia could return somehow. Surviving those tumultuous months at was that business requires character. If a People are the most valued capital in fertile land, which he emphasizes was the end of World War II, both, though person doesn’t have character, he should the “breadbasket of Europe.” The fol- capitalist countries, but in the Soviet they had not yet met, relate anecdotes of not even try to get into business.” What Union the most intelligent and the most lowing chapters recount his childhood their lives in the Displaced Persons’ (DP) is most evident about Mr Woskob’s and love for his grandparents, parents industrious people were eliminated.” camps in Germany, and how again with observations is their sound practicality “When we stepped out of the car a and his native city of Myrhorod with courage and hard work they got on with combined with entrepreneurial vision touching eloquence. few minutes later, a forest of firs greeted their brutally disrupted lives. In the final that has served him well through his us. Nothing suggested that the forest of As his memories unfold, this picture three chapters, titled “Germany-Canada many endeavors. of a devoted hard-working family and its Tryby was the second Ukrainian 1944-1953,” “The USA 1953-2000” and The most heart-rending segment of Bykivnia. In a clear glade we found five equally industrious neighbors takes a a summation in “More Thoughts,” Mr. these memoirs occurs near the end, reader back to the last days of a more large black crosses. One cross faced each Woskob tells of his successes as a min- when Mr. Woskob returned to newly direction while the fifth cross stood in bucolic Ukraine, before the onslaught of ing engineer in remote Canada, of return- independent Ukraine to try and discover the Communist and Nazi horrors ing to Germany to woo his wife, and ulti- what had been his father’s ultimate fate (Continued on page 27) engulfed that world. The segments that follow one after another attest to the sheer degradation that inundated Ukraine. Consider these subtitles: “Opium for the People,” “The Murder of a Priest,” “Deportation to Siberia,” “Escape from Home,” “The Year of the Great Terror,” “Seeking Shelter – Homeless Again,” “Under Escort in the Cattle Car,” “1937: The Year of Executions,” “The Horrible Word: War,” “The Occupation,” and “Untermensch,” as well as others, all of which convey the precarious existence of those terror-drenched times. Life was tenuous, disaster constantly loomed, nothing was certain except death, the truth of which is rendered in chilling memories such as the following account of being expelled from their home by the “Red Bolsheviks”: The beginning of this survivor’s suc- cess in life began when as a young man with intelligence, native cunning, lin- guistic facility, and obvious entrepre- neurial skills, he became, in effect, the chief electrical engineer at Myrhorod’s power station during the German occu- pation. As he and his family fled into western Ukraine to escape the war raging near their home, he put those same val- ued skills to work as the director of the 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

our choice.” (RFE/RL Newsline) UNIAN on January 20 published details entourage has unsuccessfully tried to get NEWSBRIEFS of a coalition deal signed in July 2004 by in touch with the Kremlin since the (Continued from page 2) ... predicts hard times for Yushchenko Our Ukraine leader Viktor Yushchenko spring in order to deter the Russian pres- and Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader of the the action plan include offering Ukraine DONETSK – Viktor Yanukovych said idential administration and President eponymous , on their con- market-economy status and stating clearly on Ukraina television on January 20 that Vladimir Putin from taking “ill-consid- certed efforts in the presidential election that upgrading the current Partnership and it will be very hard for President-elect ered” steps toward Mr. Yushchenko. campaign and the distribution of govern- Cooperation Treaty with Ukraine is possi- Viktor Yushchenko to find a “common According to Ms. Tymoshenko, Russia’s ment posts after an anticipated ble in the long run. However, Ms. Udwin language” with the millions of voters strategic interests will not suffer from Yushchenko victory. Under the deal, Mr. emphasized that the added list does not who supported the prime minister in the Mr. Yushchenko’s presidency. She Yushchenko pledged to nominate Ms. amount to a full review of the action plan, presidential election, the Ukrainska pledged that Mr. Yushchenko will pro- Tymoshenko for the post of prime minis- which already includes plans for making Pravda website reported. “It will [also] be pose new investment possibilities for ter, as well as use “the force of his moral it easier for Ukrainians to obtain visas. difficult for him to build relations with “responsible” Russian capital in Ukraine, authority” and “a balanced personnel pol- Solana told the on Russia,” Mr. Yanukovych noted. “And including in the military-industrial icy” to persuade the Verkhovna Rada to January 24 that a new type of agreement with Europe, too. What can he propose? sphere. Ms. Tymoshenko also assured approve her nomination. Oleksander with Ukraine will be put in place in early The orange lawlessness for export?” Mr. Viedomosti readers that under the Turchynov, Ms. Tymoshenko’s partner in 2008. Meanwhile, Ms. Ferrero-Waldner Yanukovych predicted that his party will Yushchenko presidency the rights of eth- her bloc, confirmed that the deal was told the European Parliament on January win the parliamentary election in March nic Russians and Russian-speaking made. The deal also stipulates that 55 25 that the European Union should not 2006 and form a new government. “The Ukrainians in Ukraine will in no way be percent of the government and state rush into “premature steps” to bring orange horror won’t last long, we will restricted. “I do not rule out that in the administration cadres will be selected by Ukraine into the 25-member bloc, [soon] remember it as a [mere] night- medium term Ukraine may become a Our Ukraine and 23 percent by the reported. “Let us be realistic: a lot has to mare.” (RFE/RL Newsline) member of NATO,” Ms. Tymoshenko be done by Ukraine,” she added. Tymoshenko Bloc. “The [remaining] 22 wrote. “However – jointly with Russia. (RFE/RL Newsline) Yanukovych meets with Putin percent of posts is reserved by the My personal view is that Ukraine and founders of the coalition for ensuring the Russia cannot find themselves in qualita- Yanukovych calls for end to protests ... MOSCOW – Former Ukrainian Prime formation of a new parliamentary majori- tively different, let alone hostile to each Minister and pro-Moscow presidential ty,” UNIAN quoted from the DONETSK – Speaking on Donetsk- other, defense [alliances].” (RFE/RL candidate Viktor Yanukovych, who lost Yushchenko-Tymoshenko accord. Mr. Newsline) based Ukraina television channel on the presidential race to Yushchenko, Turchynov said the priority for the bloc is January 20, former Prime Minister Viktor arrived on January 23 in Moscow for talks to have Ms. Tymoshenko installed as Lukashenka: no revolutions Yanukovych, who lost the December 26 with Russian politicians, RosBalt and prime minister. “We are aware that after presidential election to Viktor Yushchenko, Regnum reported that day, citing a “source the appointment of prime minister, the MIENSK – Belarusian President called on supporters protesting in tent within the administration of the Ukrainian percentage quotas [mentioned in the deal] Alyaksandr Lukashenka said while camps in some cities of eastern Ukraine president [Viktor Yushchenko].” In are to be revised, taking into account the attending an Orthodox Christmas service against the Yushchenko victory to disman- Moscow, Mr. Yanukovych reportedly met interests of those political forces that will in the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Miensk on tle their tents. “Today we are entering a on January 23 with President Vladimir form and support the government,” Mr. January 7 that there will be no revolu- new stage of our struggle that will require Putin, presidential administration chief Turchynov told UNIAN. (RFE/RL tions in the country, Belapan reported on different means,” the Ukrainska Pravda Dmitrii Medvedev, and Duma Speaker Newsline) January 8, quoting the presidential press website quoted him as saying. “Let us dis- Boris Gryzlov. Mr. Yanukovych reportedly service. Mr. Lukashenka’s assertion mantle our tent camps and begin a new discussed his new role as leader of the Tymoshenko comments in Moscow daily reportedly came in response to a letter stage of our political struggle that requires opposition. He also reportedly asked Mr. from Orthodox clergy who called on him no less perseverance and courage.” Mr. MOSCOW – Yulia Tymoshenko, a Putin “to be tough” during forthcoming to preserve peace and stability in Belarus. Yanukovych suggested that he may file a staunch political ally of Ukrainian talks with Mr. Yushchenko and not to “They draw my attention to what has legal protest with an international court President-elect Viktor Yushchenko, pub- introduce “double citizenship” for resi- happened in Ukraine,” Mr. Lukashenka against the Ukrainian Supreme Court’s lished an article on what Russia should dents of Ukraine, according to RosBalt’s said. “I want to assure you that our coun- January 20 decision to confirm Mr. expect from the Yushchenko presidency source. (RFE/RL Newsline) try, the generations that live in our state, Yushchenko’s victory. “We will certainly in the January 11 issue of Moscow-based have exhausted the limit of wars and rev- try to appeal [against the Supreme Court UNIAN prints power-sharing accord Viedomosti daily, one of Russia’s lead- olutions. I ask you to remember this and ruling],” Mr. Yanukovych said. “But we ing business newspapers. Ms. should realize that Europe will not defend KYIV – The Ukrainian news agency Tymoshenko wrote that the Yushchenko (Continued on page 27) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 27

strana.ru reported. (RFE/RL Newsline) President George W. Bush’s call to tions for deepening our relations,” ITAR- NEWSBRIEFS expand freedom worldwide is “soaked in TASS reported on January 23. (RFE/RL (Continued from page 26) Putin and Kwasniewski confer blood and smelling of oil,” Reuters and Newsline) Belapan reported. “It appears that they are not to return to this subject. There will be MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin prepared to offer something to the entire UOC-MP on letter to Constantinople no pink, orange, or banana revolutions in spoke with his Polish counterpart, world,” Mr. Lukashenka said. “Suppose Belarus.” (RFE/RL Newsline) Aleksander Kwasniewski, by telephone KYIV – The press service of the someone or other didn’t really want such on January 8 about bilateral and interna- Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow freedom, soaked in blood and smelling of Yushchenko expresses condolences tional relations, ITAR-TASS reported the Patriarchate (UOC-MP) on January 5 oil?” Mr. Lukashenka’s words came one same day. The two presidents also dis- demanded that the Single Fatherland KYIV – President-elect Viktor day after President Bush in his inaugura- cussed upcoming Polish commemora- organization correct false information Yushchenko has expressed condolences tion speech vowed to fight against “rulers saying that a group of UOC-MP priests to the families and relatives of eight tions, which Putin is scheduled to attend, of outlaw regimes” and “support the authored a letter asking Patriarch Ukrainian soldiers who were killed and to mark the 60th anniversary of the liber- growth of democratic movements and Bartholomew I of Constantinople to cre- six who were injured when a bomb ation of the notorious Auschwitz death institutions in every nation and culture, ate parishes in Ukraine. The UOC-MP exploded during a munitions-clearing camp. The conversation was their first with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny press service also demanded that an apol- operation in Iraq on January 9, since the Russian president criticized his in our world.” Earlier last week, ogy be made to the priests, who were Yushchenko’s official website Polish counterpart on December 23 over Condoleezza Rice, President Bush’s nom- mentioned by name by Single (http://www.yushchenko.com.ua) report- reported comments by Mr. Kwasniewski inee for secretary of state, listed Belarus Fatherland. According to the UOC-MP on the Russian role in the Ukrainian pres- along with Cuba, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, ed on January 10. Mr. Yushchenko press service, the Revs. Petro Zuyev and idential election. The Kremlin press serv- Iran and North Korea as “outposts of pledged to personally see to it that “all Andrii Dudchenko, and Deacon Andrii ice noted that the Polish side initiated the tyranny.” (RFE/RL Newsline) social obligations” of the state to the Hluschenko said they are not the authors casualties and their families are fulfilled. latest contact, according to ITAR-TASS. (RFE/RL Newsline) Russian leader on Ukraine’s experience of the letter to the patriarch of Mr. Yushchenko’s press service said that Constantinople, nor did they sign it. The he will tackle the pullout of Ukrainian Expert on Kyiv-Moscow relations MOSCOW – Russia officially sent office of the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the troops from Iraq as soon as he is installed Federation Council Speaker Sergei UOC-MP asked other information agen- as president. The pullout of the 1,600- MOSCOW – Vyacheslav Nikonov, the Mironov to the inauguration of Ukrainian cies and publications to refrain from strong Ukrainian military contingent president of Politika foundation, told TV- President Viktor Yushchenko in Kyiv on politicizing Church life, and spreading from Iraq, which was endorsed by a vote Tsentr on January 24 that Viktor January 23, while two former leaders of unconfirmed and provocative informa- in the Verkhovna Rada in December, was Yushchenko made his first trip to the Union of Rightist Forces, Boris tion, and asked them to be unbiased in one of Mr. Yushchenko’s campaign Moscow for pragmatic considerations. Nemtsov and Anatolii Chubais, came on their commentaries. [A news item about pledges. (RFE/RL Newsline) First he would like to pacify the Russian- their own initiative, Russian media the letter to Patriarch Bartholomew dis- speaking southern and eastern parts of Putin on relations with Kyiv reported on January 23. Mr. Nemtsov seminated by the Religious Information Ukraine which voted for his main oppo- said that “the Ukrainian experience is Service of Ukraine was published in the MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin nent, Viktor Yanukovych. Second, eco- invaluable for Russia” and that “if January 9 Newsbriefs section of The said after a meeting with Ukrainian nomic ties with Russia are a top priority Ukraine succeeds, Russia also will have a Ukrainian Weekly. RISU explained that it Parliament Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn for Mr. Yushchenko, as up to 60 percent chance to manage it,” uteri .ru reported. was one of the first to post the informa- in Moscow on January 8 that he hopes the of Ukraine’s foreign trade is with Russia. He added that the inauguration of Mr. tion about the letter to Patriarch “electoral rhetoric in Ukraine will be Therefore, Russia is a big factor in Yushchenko is an “historic day for Bartholomew on its website, saying it replaced by a pragmatic attitude” follow- Ukrainian economic growth, Mr. Ukraine and the whole Slavic world. ... was a statement from UOC-MP faithful. ing the bitterly disputed presidential elec- Nikonov said. In the same vein, the We are witness to the birth of a new As the authors of the letter said in a tele- tion that appears to have ushered appointments of Yulia Tymoshenko as Ukrainian nation.” Meanwhile, Mr. phone conversation, none of them is a reformists into power there, NTV reported. prime minister, as sec- Yushchenko said on the eve of his visit to clergyman and the letter was the initia- Mr. Putin added that Ukraine is an irre- retary of the National Security and Moscow that he will offer President tive of several laypeople.] (Religious placeable partner in terms of trade, and the Defense Council, and Oleksander Vladimir Putin “a new format of negotia- Information Service of Ukraine) two countries have ties on many levels. Zinchenko as Ukrainian state secretary are also for economic reasons, as all Mr. Lytvyn also met with Prime Minister Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union Mikhail Fradkov, Duma Speaker Boris three are key businesspeople who have Gryzlov and Federation Council Chairman personal business interests in Russia, Mr. is seeking a Sergei Mironov during his visit, which was Nikonov concluded. (RFE/RL Newsline) timed to coincide with Orthodox Lukashenka on Bush’s inaugural address General Manager Christmas celebrations. Mr. Mironov reportedly expressed admiration for Mr. MIENSK – Addressing the Belarusian to manage the daily operations of a multi-branch $120+ million credit union. Lytvyn’s “wise and self-possessed” stance Security Council on January 21, President Qualifications: Bachelors or Masters degree in Finance Administration during the Ukrainian election standoff, Alyaksandr Lukashenka said U.S. Computer skills including Windows based programs Credit Union managerial experience desirable Knowledge of Ukrainian language desirable worth reading, particularly for readers of Location: New York City/New Jersey Memoirs... Ukrainian heritage. For despite his many Salary: Negotiable (Continued from page 25) successes, a profound contemplative sad- Contact: Mr. Vsevolod Salenko, President/CEO Toll Free: (866) 859-5848 the center, rising above the mass grave.” ness pervades these memoirs. As Mr. “The Bolsheviks destroyed 40,000 Woskob notes, “Halya often says, “There innocent people in the forest of Tryby in is nothing worse than being cut off from 1937. The victim’s common offense was your homeland.” Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union their heritage: they belonged to the free- The book is available for purchase at dom-loving Ukrainian nation that wanted http://www.webstersbookstorecafe.com or is seeking an to govern its own land.” from: Bahriany Foundation, 811 S. These memoirs, which carry the reader Roosevelt Ave., Arlington Heights, IL from the fertile steppe home of the young 60005. Price: $12. Accountant Oleksiy Woskobyjnik to the American Michael Procanin Bernosky is a writer, director and actor currently com- Qualifications: CPA or Bachelors degree in Finance construction business and real estate for- Computer skills including Windows based programs tune built by Alex Woskob, offer a very pleting a play based on the life of Taras Credit Union accounting experience desirable real and very readable account of his fas- Shevchenko. Mr. Bernosky’s Ukrainian Knowledge of Ukrainian language desirable cinating life. Many Ukrainian émigrés grandparents were from Halychyna and Location: New York City/New Jersey could tell equally interesting stories, of Lemkivshchyna, having emigrated to the Salary: Negotiable that there is little doubt, but Alex Woskob United States in the late 19th and early Contact: Mr. Vsevolod Salenko, President/CEO has taken the time and effort to offer his 20th century. Mr. Bernosky was Toll Free: (866) 859-5848 story to history, and it is a story well Fulbright Scholar to Ukraine, 2002-2003. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2005 No. 5

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Soyuzivka’s Datebook Thursday, February 3 Friday, February 11 NEW YORK: An exhibition of 25 plein NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Art and February 4-6, 2005 Madison, N.J. – Men’s Retreat air oil landscape paintings by Andrei Literary Club and Mayana Gallery, in col- Church of Annunciation Family Kushnir titled “Painted History” will open laboration with Yara Arts Group and the Weekend, Flushing, N.Y. April 15-17, 2005 at the Andrei Kushnir Michele Taylor: New York Bandura Ensemble, present the Plast Kurin “Chortopolokhy” American Painting Gallery. The exhibit, first concert in the 2005 season of the February 12, 2005 Annual Meeting which comprises paintings of the historic Bandura Downtown series, titled “Kobzar Valentine’s Day Weekend - Valley View Farm in Virginia’s Piedmont of the Orange Revolution.” The concert 5 Course Dinner and Dance April 16, 2005 region, was originally presented at the will feature Kyiv bandurist Jurij Fedynskyj, featuring Askold Buk Trio, $24.95+ Rochester Fire Company Banquet Virginia Historical Society (February 21- who will share ancient songs and new sto- August 15, 2004), in what was a first show ries from the events of the last months of February 19-20, 2005 April 20-22, 2005 accorded to a single artist at the society’s the Ukrainian elections and Kyiv’s maidan. Family Winter Weekend and Ski Trip SUNY at New Paltz, Migrant museum in its history, with 50 paintings on Donation: $10. Reception with the artists to Education Program and Retreat display. The exhibit was also featured on follow. The concert will take place at 7:30 February 26, 2005 Voice of America, with a videotape on the p.m. at the Mayana Gallery, 136 Second Napanoch Fire Company Banquet April 23, 2005 artist produced by Slavko Nowytski. The Ave., fourth floor. Opening in the Gallery: TAP New York Beer Festival at gallery is located at 208 E. Sixth St., (sev- “Orange Revolution” photography exhibi- March 5-6, 2005 Hunter Mountain, round trip bus eral doors down from the new Ukrainian tion, featuring photos by Alexander Museum building). The exhibit will be on Plast Kurin “Khmelnychenky” from Soyuzivka Khantayev. For more information call (212) view through February 6. Gallery hours: 260-4490 or (212) 995-2640; website, Annual Winter Rada Wednesday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m., or by http://www.geocities.com/ukrartlitclub/; May 1, 2005 appointment. For additional information http://www.brama.com/yara; e-mail: March 27, 2005 Traditional Blessed Ukrainian call the gallery, (212) 254-2628. [email protected]. Easter Day Brunch – Doors open Easter Brunch at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 10 Saturday, February 12 May 20, 2005 EDMONTON: The Canadian Institute of NEW YORK: The Shevchenko April 1-2, 2005 Ellenville High School Junior Prom UNA District Meeting and Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) presents a lec- Scientific Society invites the public to a Secretarial Course ture by Dr. Viktor Krevs, Preparatory lecture by Mykola Marychevsky, editor- May 27-30, 2005 School for International Students, Ivan in-chief of the Kyiv fine arts magazine April 8-10, 2005 Memorial Day Weekend BBQ Franko National , on Obrazotvorche Mystetstvo (Fine Arts), “Ivan Franko National University of Lviv Grace Episcopal Church, and Zabava who will speak on the topic and Its Role in the Orange Revolution.” “Contemporary Ukrainian Fine Arts: The lecture will be held in the Heritage Trends, Tendencies, Currents.” The lec- Lounge, Athabasca Hall, at 3:30 p.m. For ture will take place at the society’s build- more information call CIUS, (780) 492- ing, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 2972, or e-mail [email protected]. 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For additional information call (212) 254-5130. ISELIN, N.J.: Award-winning organist Irina Kalinovskaya – laureate of the first Sunday, February 13 Republican Organist Competition (1982) and Honorable Musician of Ukraine CHICAGO: “A Day of Reflection and (1996) – will appear in recital in a pro- Renewal: A Celebration of the Mystery of gram of works by Albinoni, Bach, Woman” will be held at St. Nicholas Boellmann, Bortniansky, Mozart, Ukrainian Catholic School, 2200 W. Rice Mussorgsky and Nazarov in a premiere St., at 9:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Guest speaker performance in the St. Cecelia Concert will be Dr. Lesya Nahachewsky, Series. The recital begins at 8 p.m. There University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. is no admission charge; however, dona- Prof. Nahachewsky, who has an extensive tions will be accepted. For information background in Eastern Christian theology, and/or directions, call MaryJane Kress, history, spirituality, iconography, world (732) 718-7081, or e-mail stceceliacon- religions and non-violence – has taught in [email protected], SUBJECT: I. Lviv and Bangkok. Cost of the day is $20 Kalinovskaya. St. Cecelia Church, 45 per person, which includes a continental Wilus Way, is located near Garden State breakfast and lunch. Reservations are Parkway Exit 131 and New Jersey required. The event is sponsored by St. Turnpike Exit 11; the church has ample Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral off-street parking and is handicapped- Parish Centennial Committee. For infor- accessible. mation call (773) 276-9500.

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