Ukraine Opposition Leader Poisoned, Fears Foul Play

Reuters ^ | Sep 17, 2004

[MarMema]

There's open theft going on in the nation. They'ree selling companies which represent a large interest. Their prices are lower then their profits. And all these businesses are being bought be Kuchma and his son-in-law

Another Yukos in the making.

[MarMema]

Unfortunately they do not have the skills or science in Ukraine or Russia to accuretely determine a case of poisoning. These are just famous diagnostics that come up often in both countries.

Russian doctors have bachelors degrees and are designated as specialists, ie cardiologist etc, after choosing what they want their 4 year degree to end up as.

Try medical care in Russia someday. It is, sadly, almost stuck in the dark ages.

[Lukasz]

If this is true, then situation is fatal, I hope that several thousands of international observers will be there during the election. Belarus is ruled by an idiot, Russia after Beslan is one big question mark, it would be good if at least in Ukraine situation would be stabile.

[MarMema]

link

[Askel5]

I love the bird's eye view. Thanks for keeping me on the heads-up list.

The writer is who I think it is? (The opinion means that much more, if that's the case).

[Lukasz]

Everything is possible, Moscow also try to keep their influences in Ukraine. They are not so stupid like EU.

[struwwelpeter]

What's wrong with Yushchenko ?

Soros, but I won't hold it against him anymore than I fault Churchill for siding with Stalin against a greater menance.

[struwwelpeter]

My friend in Kyiv thought Yushchenko was hospitalized in Cherkasskaya, but the article says he was in Vienna. If Vienna, they way have found something.

I spent a month in one of the best hospitals in Kyiv, and I agree with you on the lack of diagnostic facilities there.

[Lukasz]

What people and media in France thinks about elections in Ukraine and possible accession to the EU. Somebody cares or not?

[struwwelpeter]

What people and media in France thinks about elections in Ukraine and possible accession to the EU. Somebody cares or not?

Some in Kyiv seem to think that they're going to join, others see closer integration with Russia. A recent trade agreement gave Moscow lots of say over Ukraine's exports. Good or bad, I don't know. I do know that Russia is now exporting grain - to the Ukraine. That speaks volumes about Russia's progress and Ukraine's devolution.

Kuchma and Yanukovich play both sides - Yanukovich has shown up as a guest at EU and NATO meetings, while leaning Moscow's direction more and more.

Yanukovich, Ryadchenko, and (at the time) Russian finance minister Chernomyrdin were all business parters in a joint-venture hotel - "Tops" - which lined their pockets back in the early 1990s. They bankrupted it, disposed of the money, and now Chernomyrdin is Moscow's ambassador to Kyiv.

[Lukasz]

Quote from today Washington Post:

In Ukraine, the stakes are far higher, and the battle is more even (than in Belarus). A presidential election scheduled for Oct. 31 will probably narrow in a second round to opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, who favors the membership of Ukraine in NATO and the European Union, and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, who supports closer integration with Russia and is openly backed by Mr. Putin. This might offer Ukrainians a clear choice about the country's future -- except that more than geopolitical alignment is involved. Mr. Yushchenko, who leads all polls, is committed to preserving political freedoms, while Mr. Yanukovych and Ukraine's current president, Leonid Kuchma, are moving toward Mr. Putin's style of politics. State-controlled media are openly campaigning for the official candidate, dirty tricks against the opposition are common, and Western observers believe there is reason to fear that the government, with Mr. Putin's support, will steal the election for Mr. Yanukovych.

Compared with efforts regarding Russia, the resources devoted by the United States to these two countries are pitifully small. A handful of U.S. officials have visited Ukraine and pressed for free elections -- but Mr. Putin has met with Mr. Kuchma 10 times this year alone and recently asserted that relations with Ukraine were "the first priority" of his foreign policy.

Yet the Bush administration can still have an influence. It can promote the formation of a contact group of neighboring countries, such as Sweden, Poland and Slovakia, to support the cause of democracy; it can work with the European Union to press for international election observers, and make it clear that a rigged election will bring a united and firm response. Finally, Mr. Bush can say directly to Ukrainians and Belarusans that he supports real democracy for their countries -- and that in that respect, he differs with Mr. Putin.

[Lukasz]

Look what they are planning to build in Donetsk, question is that it is only plan of Kuchma administration?

[Grzegorz 246]

"It can promote the formation of a contact group of neighboring countries, such as Sweden, Poland and Slovakia, to support the cause of democracy"

Great... More black job for us.

[Lukasz]

Well I think that we have there more interests than any other country, beside of ………Russia.

[struwwelpeter]

I lived in Donetsk for six months. I wonder if that is to replace the stadium that Ryadchenko blew up in '95?

[Grzegorz 246]

I know it. That's why The USA, our bigger ally could put at least a little pressure on Russians, but unfortunately W's influence is that he... "can promote the formation of a contact group of neighboring countries, such as Sweden, Poland and Slovakia, to support the cause of democracy..."

[Lukasz]

Ukraine and Poland will be the official candidates to organize European soccer Championships in 2012. Shakhtar Donetsk need good stadium, they playing in Champions league now, and their sponsor is pretty rich guy as for Ukraine conditions. With support of government they need to build 5 or 6 arenas. Now it is only project of course, but they need to show something if they want to be elect.

[Lukasz]

That is life, if you want something don’t count for others.

[struwwelpeter]

SHAKHTYOR CHAMPION!!!

[hershey]

Hmm, does GW need a food taster?