2001: THE YEAR IN REVIEW: On the significance of 10 years (01/06/02)

2001: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

On the significance of 10 years

Ukraine's politicians were asked to comment on what they think is the greatest achievement of 10 years of Ukrainian independence. Following are some of the responses gathered by Roman Woronowycz of the Kyiv Press Bureau, with the assistance of Liuda Liulko.

Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of independent Ukraine:

"There is a country called Ukraine, and that is all that is important. We can discuss the details and debate the negatives and positives, but nobody can disagree today with the fact that Ukraine is a country found on the map of the world, a European country. Furthermore, in 10 years we have had the good fortune to have avoided foreign conflict and domestic strife. But I repeat here, the most important element remains that Ukraine exists."

Ivan Drach, a leader of Rukh in the years just before and after independence, head of the State Committee on Radio and Television:

"The biggest accomplishment? That the country has survived these 10 years. That is it. What else can there be?"

National Deputy Les Taniuk, former stage director who was part of the Rukh movement from its beginnings:

"The main achievement was the end of the empire - the end of the Soviet Union. It was an achievement propelled by a desire for independence primarily on the part of Ukraine, the Baltic states and Georgia. It was a monumental historical moment. The second one is that Ukraine appeared on the European map not through violent overthrow but by a vote, a national referendum. And when we began to analyze that vote we saw that while more than 90 percent of ethnic Ukrainians voted for independence, 80 percent of ethnic Russians living in Ukraine did as well. And Jews were at about 90 percent in support, while Tatar support came out to some 96 percent. It turned out that not only did Ukrainians want out [of the Soviet Union], but Jews, Tatars, Russians and Germans did too."

National Deputy Taras Chornovil, son of Vyacheslav Chornovil, the late leader of the Rukh Party:

"I would say the biggest achievement is the basic fact of independence, but I do not believe the independence we gained has been developed properly these past 10 years."

National Deputy Stepan Khmara, a leader of the opposition to President Leonid Kuchma:

"The positive aspect is that the international community de jure has recognized Ukraine as an independent state for 10 years. This has huge historical implications. But independence needs to be filled with content. Much still needs to be done so that Ukraine gets that leadership which will make it what it deserves to be."

Former Prime Minister Viktor Yuschenko:

"The most important is that Ukraine is a country on the map of the world. It is a known entity. I understand the pessimism that is evident in the country. But remember, 10 years is absolutely a kid's age. It is a young country. That does not mean, however, that the leadership can use that as an excuse for certain failures. On the other hand, a lot has been accomplished. It is just that a lot still needs to be done."

Levko Lukianenko, chairman of the Ukrainian Republican Party, former Soviet political prisoner, former national deputy, former ambassador to Canada:

"The main thing is that Ukraine has established itself legally. It has also accomplished many things: it created a government system, a court system, a legislative system and a Constitutional Court."

Petro Symonenko, chairman of the Communist Party of Ukraine:

"Of course there are achievements. The gross domestic product has fallen by two times. The number of heads of cattle on Ukrainian farms has fallen by two-thirds. Industrial output is down by 15 percent to 20 percent. The average pay for a worker is $50 U.S. and for a pensioner a whopping $20 per month. Our government is considered the most corrupt in Europe and the world. These are unique achievements that we should be proud of as we move toward Europe."

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