Quotable notes

"Freedom triumphed in Ukraine a week ago as citizens voted in elections that international poll monitors judged to be democratic and fair - not a given for a land that was once part of the Soviet Union. Regardless of the configuration of the next government, the result underscores that Ukraine's course of Euro-Atlantic integration remains on track.

"...This election completes Ukraine's post-Soviet transition. We begin a new chapter in parliamentary democracy and local self-government. Changes to our Constitution took effect three months ago, shifting some executive powers, such as nominating the prime minister, from the presidency to Parliament. The essence of these changes is political power-sharing, requiring closer interaction between citizens, parties and government. The new coalition government must be formed two months after the official results are confirmed."

- President Viktor Yushchenko in an op-ed article published by The Wall Street Journal (Europe) on April 3.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, April 9, 2006, No. 15, Vol. LXXIV

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