The Ukrainian Weekly 1994

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 26,1994 No. 26 ANALYSIS^^^^^^^^ Systemic crisis in Ukraine and scenarios of development by Dr. viadimir Zviglyanich CONCLUSION The crisis in Ukraine is manifested also in the diminished amount of infor– mation available. The broadcasts of Ukrainian ТУ were reduced in December to six hours on weekdays, and the Parliament voted 239 to 6 in November to halt the live broadcasts of plenary ses– sions of the legislature. This was unani– mously estimated by the democratic opposition as an attempt of the "party of power" and its mouthpiece - President Kravchuk - to win the election at any price and deprive the opposition of any access to the media. On December 8, 1993, 19 staffers of the popular youth ТУ program "Hart" (Strength) were fired for a rather mild assertion that censorship is in force on state-owned ТУ and that it is used against opposition. The programs of Ukrainian ТУ are considered boring, thus making Russian programs more popular. Despite the dras– tic reduction of subscriptions to Russian publications, Russian newspapers are leading in popularity and are in big demand in the Crimea and the Luhanske and Donetske regions. The development of a party system in Ukraine is seriously undermined by the general apathy of the population, and by the fact that the majority of the leadership of new parties is recruited from Galicia and thus cannot represent the views of the majority of people. The majority of representative organs of most political parties are concentrated in Galicia and central Ukraine, leaving southern and northern Ukraine and the Crimea without contact with parties of democratic orientation. The popularity of parties in these regions is close to zero. This fact played a role in the development of the political crisis in the second half of 1993. After President Kravchuk and the Parliament refused to conduct a referendum on popu– lar trust of the Parliament and President, the MPs made a bigger concession to publie opinion by declaring early parliamen– tary and presidential elections. This deci– sion was made shortly after the dissolution of the Russian Parliament in Moscow in October. Conducting the election on the party lists principle could have stimulated the development of a multi-party system, but in Ukraine this decision would have led to reinforcement of Galicia's representatives in the organs of state power. Therefore, the majority of the Ukrainian MPs voted for the majoritarian system, which is benefi– cial for both the old and new nomenklatu– ra. This undermines any possible influence of the representatives from western Ukraine, consequently hindering the devel– opment of a multi-party system. The deci– sion of the Parliament reflects the deep cri– sis in relations between the central bureau– cracy and the moderate nationalistic forces of Galicia, which began in early 1993. President Kravchuk backed this deci– sion after some hesitation, saying he was motivated by the desire not to let the "demagogues" be re-elected to the viadimir Zviglyanich, Ph.D., senior research fellow at the institute of Philosophy, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, is adjunct professor of East European area studies at George Washington University. Parliament, in reality this was to under– mine the positions of Rukh and its leader. Recently, in an attempt to distract peo– ple's attention from the deepening eco– nomic crisis, President Kravchuk and Parliamentary Speaker ivan Pliushch had started to back the idea of conducting a referendum about the nature of political system in Ukraine (presidential or parlia– mentary) to coincide with the election in March. The question of the essence of the political regime in Ukraine and its reformist (or counter-reformist) stance cannot be decided until the election of the new Parliament and president. But the forthcoming regrouping of political forces in Ukraine in the spring-summer of 1994 does not indicate that the politi– cal crisis which was determined by the economic collapse will be taken off the agenda now or in the future. There are several reasons for this. First, the economic crisis in Ukraine is continuing and growing. There is no hope for the rapid improvement of the economic and financial situation before the election. Now the real average wages in Ukraine are four to five times smaller than in Russia. Changes "at the top" may be too late to save the situation "at the bottom." Second, whatever changes do happen, the hew elite will be compelled to deal with the old and ultraconservative bureaucracy that is capable of blocking any (even the most progressive) reform initiative. The Ukrainian authorities naively thought that they could build a market economy with the cadres molded by the Gosplan system. This fact reduces chances for radical economic reform in Ukraine. There is no significant middle class or "new bourgeoisie" to push the authorities in the direction of creating a new generation of bureaucrats to repre– sent and defend their interests. There is the possibility of a crisis situ– ation in Ukrainian politics, it is possible that the position of the army could become a decisive factor in the further development of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian press reveals many facts about the demoralization of the army, lack of discipline, bribes, and the embezzlement of state property and arms. The military prosecutor of Ukraine has stated during the first year of existence of the Ukrainian Navy, the highest command stole enough diesel fuel to operate a large detachment of vessels for a year, in gen– eral the position of the military, taking into account the enigmatic resignation of former Defense Minister Kostiantyn Morozov and his replacement by the pro- Moscow-oriented Укаїіу Radetsky, is hardly predictable. The possible aggravation of the politi– cal situation, accompanied by a rapidly growing economic crisis, will take the shape of a regional confrontation. There are two tendencies in Ukraine now. The first one is the conflict between the regions and Kyyiv. The second reflects the conflict between the eastern and west– ern Ukraine. Several regions (such as the Crimea) now are openly agitating for sep– aration from the central authorities. Presidential elections in the Crimea are produced a pro-Russian and pro-sepa– ratist president and Parliament, which have caused a new round of tensions between Kyyiv and Simferopil, as well as between Kyyiv and Moscow. This may also cause a "domino" effect in the eastcontinued on page 22) Who's ahead Depends on the poll Ukraine's Chornobyl nuclear power plant, site in 1986 of the world's worst JERSEY C1TY, N.J. - various opin– nuclear accident. Two months ago the ion polls conducted in Ukraine just days Clinton administration thought it had an before the June 26 presidential elections agreement in principle with Ukraine show differing figures on who is ahead in whereby the plant would be closed. Now the race. A Kyyiv-Mohyla Academy poll it appears Ukraine will not shut down the says the incumbent Leonid Kravchuk is plant and will in fact proceed with leading Leonid Kuchma, 29 percent to 23 restarting a third reactor at the damaged percent. However, the Ukrainian plant (two of the plant's four reactors are Barometer Center polls has Mr. Kuchma now on line). Ukraine has insisted that it leading with the numbers reversed. Both must be compensated for the 1,700 polls do agree that the other five candi– megawatts of energy produced by dates are trailing far behind. The Chornobyl. Germany and France favor a Ukrainian Barometer Center says plan that would help Ukraine complete yolodymyr Lanovy has 8 percent of construction of safer WER nuclear prospective voters' support; ivan power plants, but U.S. officials say that Pliushch has 3 percent; Уаіегіу Babych, is like "going from worst to bad," wrote 2.5 percent; and Petro Talanchuk, less Douglas Jehl. Administration officials than half a percent. Missing from the are hoping to come up with a strategy in report was any mention of the seventh time for the G-7 summit in July. (The candidate in the race, Oleksander Moroz. New York Times) (United Press international, RFE7RL Daily Report) Joint oil corporation is proposed FB1 director is Ukraine bound WASHINGTON - The director of the Federal Bureau of investigation, Louis Freeh and other high-level U.S. law enforcement officials will be visiting Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European countries. Their purpose, according to Mr. Freeh, is to develop cooperative plans for combating "grave and growing crimes problems." The top– ics to be covered are to include drug traf– ficking by organized crimes and coordi– nated crime-fighting efforts between U.S. agencies and their counterparts in Eastern and Central Europe. The delegation is to visit Ukraine on July 2. (United Press international) Miller meets with Masol KYYiy — Ukraine's new prime min– ister, yitaliy Masol, met with U.S. Ambassador William Miller on the lat– ter's request. The two men focused on Ukrainian-American relations in terms of economic cooperation and the realization of economic aid packages for Ukraine. As well they discussed Ukraine's energy problems and concerns surrounding the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, a topic that will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the G-7 industrial - ized states. PM Masol informed the American ambassador about Ukraine's economic and social problems. Also pre– sent at the meeting was Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anatoliy Zlenko. (Respublika) Chornobyl on the West's agenda KYYiy - The West is having a hard time figuring out how to shut down THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY KYYiy - President Leonid Kravchuk proposed on June 21 that Ukraine and Russia set up a joint corpo– ration for extracting and refining oil. During a pre-election visit to the Lysychanske refinery in eastern Ukraine, he said he had formally proposed the idea to Russian President Boris Yeltsin. "1 have asked Yeltsin to ask the appropriate authorities in Russia to open contacts with our ministries and resolve the ques– tion of providing raw materials for the industry," Mr. Kravchuk said, initial plans call for Russian holdings to be lim– ited to 38 percent of the shares to be sold on the open market, said yiadimir Chelintsev, deputy director of the Lysychanske plant, which had been built to supply Russian-produced oil for south– ern Russia, the north Caucasus and east– ern Ukraine. (Reuters) Ukraine, Slovakia focus on minorities BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - A group of experts from Ukraine and Slovakia on June 21 signed a protocol about creating a bilateral committee on minority rights, education and culture. Both sides agreed to cooperate on matters concerning the rights of minorities living on their terntn– ries, with the aim of creating r conditions that meet internationu dards. Nearly 40,000 Ukrainians live m Slovakia, while there are close to 8,000 Slovaks in Ukraine. The chief expert of Ukraine's Ministry for Nationality Affairs and immigration, Oleksander Yushchenko, said that the bilateral com– mittee will consider questions such as language retention, maintenance of (Continued on page 23) FOUNDED ШЗ An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association inc., a non-profit association, at 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, N.J. 07302. Second-class postage paid at Jersey City, N.J. 07302. (1SSN - 0273-9348) Yearly subscription rate: $2Q^ for UNA members - S10. Also published by the UNA: Svoboda, a Ukrainian-language daily newspaper. The Weekly and Svoboda: UNA: (201) 434-0237, -0807, -3036 (201) 451 -2200 Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly P.O. Box 346 Jersey City, N.J. 07303 Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Associate editor: Marta Kolomayets (Kyyiv) Assistant editor: Khristina Lew Staff writersfeditors: Roman Woronowycz (Kyyiv) Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj The Ukrainian Weekly, June 26,1994, No. 26, vol. LXll Copyright (g) 1994 The Ukrainian Weekly
No. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 26,1994 з Ukraine's defense minister visits U.S. by Eugene M. iwanciw UNA Washington Office WASHINGTON - Ukrainian Defense Minister vitaliy Radetsky arrived in Washington on Monday, June 13, for a weeklong visit to the United States that included high-level military discussions and a tour of U.S. military bases during which he watched the destruction of a nuclear missile silo. Secretary of Defense William Perry greeted Gen. Radetsky with a full hon– ors ceremony at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning, June 14. The two defense leaders met for extensive talks, which covered the political situation in Ukraine, issues surrounding the Crimea and the Black Sea Fleet, the Tripartite Agreement on nuclear weapons, and U.S.-Ukrainian military cooperation, including joint military education programs. A significant portion of the meet– ing focused on NATO's Partnership for Peace program. During a photo opportunity in Secretary Perry's office, the Pentagon chief showed Minister Radetsky the telephone that will be used for a new direct transatlantic line between their offices. Gen. Radetsky commented: "1 think we have a lot of things to discuss, but i'm sure we won't be getting on each other's nerves by calling each other too often." Secretary Perry also hosted a dinner for the Ukrainian minis– ter that evening at the Anderson House. During his brief Washington stay, Minister Radetsky also met with vice– President Al Gore, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Gordon Sullivan, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Boorda, and Sens. Richard Lugar (R-lnd.) and Sam Nunn (D-Ga.). A visit with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R– Defense Minister vitaliy Radetsky (right) at reception with Ambassador Oleh Bilorus. Ky.) was canceled due to the senator's work on foreign assistance legislation. From Washington, Minister Radetsky traveled to Norfolk Naval Base in virginia, where he was briefed by Paul Miller, commander-in-chief, Admiral U.S. Atlantic Command, and toured the facilities. The Ukrainian minister then flew to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, where he visited a deactivated missile silo and witnessed the destruc– tion of a missile silo that once housed the Minuteman intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ІСВМ). A senior U.S. defense official remarked: "We thought it would be a good thing for the minister to see fa missile siloj, especially in light of Ukraine's openness during Dr. Perry's visit this year." (During a visit to Ukraine earlier this year, Minister Radetsky escorted Dr. Perry to a for– mer Soviet missile base and showed him a silo containing an SS-24ІСВМ.) Minister Radetsky then traveled to Los Angeles for meetings with offi– cials at the Rand Corp. and a short tour of Universal Studios. From Los Angeles, he flew to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. During his stay in Las vegas, Minister Radetsky visited the U.S. Army's National Training Center at Fort irwin, Calif. En route back to Washington, Gen. Radetsky stopped in Chicago, where he was welcomed at a reception at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center. Upon Gen. Radetsky's return to Washington, Ukrainian Ambassador Oleh Bilorus and Col. ihor Smeshko, Ukraine's military attache in the United States, escorted the minister on his tour of U.S. military facilities. Ukrainian Canadian held in Cuban jail by Khristina Lew and Andrij Wynnyckyj specializing in hotels and casinos, and since 1993, as president of Selenia international. JERSEY C1TY, N.J. - Ukrainian Robert's wife, Donna, recalls shopping with her husband in preparation Canadian Robert Shymko was detained by Cuban authorities on May 18 for for his trips to Cuba. "There is such a allegedly attempting to ;,JS.uggle eight desperate situation there. He was nationals out of Cuba. Cuban police also allege that three people were run always taking tons of stuff for them fCubans!," she said. over by Mr. Shymko's rented 23-foot "You can't image the turmoil we're yacht during the attempt. Cuban going through. We're only able to get authorities say two are now dead. Mr. Shymko, 45, and Michael venditti, 40, a Toronto computer con– sultant who was aboard the yacht car– rying the five adults and three children, remain incarcerated in Havana's villa Marista prison, awaiting formal crimi– nal charges. Both men have denied to Canadian Embassy officials in Havana that their yacht struck anyone. A spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs said Cuban prosecutors will take two months to prepare their case, in accordance with bits and pieces of information," she said. Mrs. Shymko heard of her hus– band's detention from a colleague in Toronto two days after the fact, on May 20. She then contacted the Canadian Embassy in Havana, which had no knowledge of the incident prior to her telephone call. Almost a week passed before Embassy personnel were allowed to visit the two men on May 24. Facts in the case are sketchy. Cuban Foreign Ministry spokesperson Miguel Alfonso told Reuters that Mr. Shymko and Mr. venditti registered their arrival Cuban law, both men were provided a at Havana's Marina Hemingway. On list of Cuban attorneys from which they chose legal representation. The yacht, rented in Key West, Fla., remains impounded by the Cuban authorities. "it's a shock to the whole family," said Yuri Shymko, Robert Shymko's brother and a former member of Parliament representing a riding in Toronto. "The situation in Cuba is so desperate that pressure is put on for– eigners to help. Obviously the man is not made of steel," he said. "Obviously, Bob became a victim of circumstance." An Etobicoke, Ontario, businessman, Robert Shymko has had commer– cial dealings in Cuba for the past six years, first with an interior design firm May 18, according to Mrs. Shymko, they asked for and were granted permis– sion to leave the country by Cuban authorities, it is not clear whether the family of nationals was picked up at a beach, at a sandbar or out of the water. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. the Cuban Coast Guard captured the boat. The Cuban family claims the Coast Guard seized the yacht in international waters. Cuban gun boats have been known to chase escapees into international waters. Within the past week, the media have reported that Cuban nationals have overwhelmed the Belgian and German embassies seeking political asylum. Jean Kimmell, a Canadian consul in Havana, said that, despite recent attempts by Cubans to seek asylum at the Canadian Embassy, this is the first time staff has dealt with a case like that of Mr. Shymko and Mr. venditti. Mr. Shymko was allowed one telephone call to his wife and three daugh– ters on June 17. He met with his attor– ney for the first time last week. The Shymko family has forwarded the attorney a S3,000 retainer fee. Mr. Shymko has also met with Canadian Embassy personnel on three occasions in the presence of Cuban authorities. Lily Campbell, spokesper– son for the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, told The Ukrainian Weekly the Canadian Privacy Act pre– vents any government official from dis– cussing any aspect of a legal proceeding pending against a Canadian citizen. However, she did say that at the last meeting between Mr. Shymko, Mr. venditti and consular officials, held June 22, efforts were aimed at getting a firm arraignment date before a Cuban magistrate. Ms. Campbell stressed that the Canadian government could not intervene to expedite proceedings or to secure the two detainees' release, stat– ing: "EWeJ have to follow the rules and timing (of legal action! of the given country, in the meantime, we will be maintaining contact with the detainees and their families." Embassy staff has provided the two men, who share a cell with a third man, fresh fruit, toiletries, cigarettes and newspapers. The Embassy has also faxed Mrs. Shymko several letters from her hus– band. She said Consul Kimmell has (Continued on page 17) vitaliy Radetsky on the record The following interview with Minister vitaliy Radetsky was conducted by Eugene iwanciw, director of the Washington Office of the Ukrainian National Association, upon the minister's return to Washington from his tour of U.S. military facilities. After your meetings and whirlwind tour, what is your over-all impression of the United States To describe my impressions of America in one word is very difficult. І was impressed with the attitude of the people, not only the military, but all the people 1 met. They have a very warm attitude and a full understand– ing of the situation in Ukraine. І am very grateful that in the U.S. today it is understood what is Ukraine, what the geopolitical situation is, where Ukraine is, what role it plays in Central Europe, and that today Ukraine must be supported. This 1 heard from military and from civilians. For this understanding 1 am very grateful and will be leaving for my fatherland with a light heart. How have your relations with Secretary William Perry developed Dr. Perry, U.S. secretary of defense, is a very knowledgeable and responsible per– son. it is very pleasurable to meet with him. He is very knowledgeable in strategic, operational and tactical matters. He under– stands very well the situation in defense planning and technology. He is a military politician. Being a military person, 1 was very happy because with him it is very easy to discuss matters. He understands all the questions like a specialist with a capital "s." in your discussions, did the United States cite any problems concerning Ukraine's policies on nuclear weapons No. The agreement that was signed by the three presidents fU.S., Ukrainian and RussianJ is being honestly carried out by Ukraine. U.S. officials extended their thanks to Ukraine for honestly carrying out the responsibilities that it took upon itself. І asked Dr. Perry to speed up the practi– cal assistance to Ukraine, especially regarding military housing. According to agreements, however, this is contingent upon the rocket forces' ability to ship the nuclear weapons to Russia. We agreed that these questions will be resolved and not only resolved on paper but in reality. Could you tell us what other issues were discussed A second issue we dealt with was mili– tary cooperation between our two countries in the very near future. І am very pleased because Dr. Perry surprised me during my visit; he showed me equipment for direct ties. This coming week, American special– ists will be traveling to Ukraine to help install this encrypted telephone system. Another issue discussed was Ukraine's participation in the Partnership for Peace program. І indicated that our participation hinges upon the economic situation in Ukraine. We reached agreement with Dr. Perry that Ukraine will supply two battalions for peacekeeping in the former Yugoslavia. We also discussed the problem of the training of specialists, namely, the training of leaders who, in critical situations, will be able to make critical, formal decisions. Another area of discussion was the eco– nomic and political situation in the autonomous Republic of the Crimea and our view on the division of the Black Sea Fleet. Dr. Perry stated that if any assis– tance is needed, the United States is pre– pared to help in dividing the fleet. We also (Continued on page 15)
Page 1: 1NS1DE: - Ukraine's defense ministe
Page 5 and 6: No. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY,

The Ukrainian Weekly 1994

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?