Quotable notes

"I know that the Ukrainian people had only a few decades of real independence in the last 800 years. Burial mounds of heroes, who fought for Ukraine's independence, are scattered all over the Ukrainian land. We have been independent for 14 years, but we have not been free. Today we are independent and free. I would like to congratulate you on this, my Ukrainian people."

- Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yushchenko on Independence Square in Kyiv on December 31, as quoted by Channel 5 and cited byRFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report.

"My dear fellow countrymen: I want to say to all those living in the west, east, south, north and center of the country, in the towns and villages of Ukraine, and I appeal to you as the single and undivided Ukrainian people. There will be a new president in Ukraine in 2005. And the whole of Ukraine, each region and every citizen should receive this democratic choice as their very own choice. This person will need your support."

- Outgoing Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma in his New Year's address on December 31, as quoted by UT-1 and cited by RFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report.

"I have taken the formal decision to resign. And I think it will be impossible for me to hold any official position in the new government. This is my personal view. ... I will remain in politics, and will act as an independent politician who legitimately won the elections on November 21. My team and I will participate, in a legitimate and proper way, in both political and civil activity."

- Outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych in a televised address on December 31, as quoted by RFE/RL.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 16, 2005, No. 2, Vol. LXXIII

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