FOR THE RECORD: On the Yuschenko government's demise (05/13/01)

FOR THE RECORD

On the Yuschenko government's demise

The statement below was issued by the Ukrainian World Congress on May 2 and transmitted to The Ukrainian Weekly editorial offices on May 8.

The Verkhovna Rada's vote on April 26 expressing no confidence in Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers headed by the Honorable Viktor Yuschenko deeply affected the Ukrainian diaspora. Viktor Yuschenko's government was considered by the diaspora to be Ukraine's best hope for economic well-being as well as spiritual and national strength.

There were many reasons: from its nomination in December 1999, in 16 months the Cabinet of Ministers effectuated economic growth, paid out all pension arrears, stabilized the rate of inflation to a level below 15 percent per annum, was held in high esteem by Western governmental and financial institutions, manifested support both morally and financially for education, scholarship and culture.

The Ukrainian World Congress commends the Cabinet of Ministers headed by Viktor Yuschenko for its positive efforts in implementing its program "Reforms for Well-Being."

The demise of this Cabinet, in our considered opinion, does not benefit the Ukrainian people and represents a regression in nation-building, democratization, free market transition, Ukraine's integration into international, particularly, European structures, and a step back towards its former oppressor in the East.

The manner in which the Verkhovna Rada's resolution was passed is particularly troubling. Communists, who during their tenure in Ukraine were responsible for the deaths of millions, allied themselves with oligarchs, who during these most recent 10 years of chaos, have managed to convert billions of Ukraine's assets for their own benefit. Unfortunately, this event indicates that these groups jointly rule Ukraine today.

Also disconcerting was the role of Ukraine's president, who tepidly outwardly endorsed the Yuschenko government. There is no doubt, however, that the government would have survived had it been supported by Labor Ukraine and Regions of Ukraine, two factions closely allied with the President. Almost unanimously, both voted no confidence against the Cabinet.

The Ukrainian diaspora which numbers some 20 million people and is united through the Ukrainian World Congress, expresses its deep concern over these most recent events and calls upon the Ukrainian people to remain steadfast in their defense of a democratic and sovereign Ukrainian state.

For the Ukrainian World Congress:
Askold Lozynskyj, President
Victor Pedenko, Secretary General

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