Analysis: Viktor Yushchenko's agenda

UPI ^ | January 11, 2005 | Peter Lavelle

[Tailgunner Joe]

Not only do a small number of extraordinarily wealthy business clans control most of Ukraine's economy, but they grew accustomed to tremendous access to political power under Kuchma. As unpopular as Russian President Vladimir Putin has become in the West for his assault against Russia's oligarchs, Yushchenko has little choice but to do the same against Ukraine's oligarchs.

No one should be surprised if Yushchenko very soon singles out one oligarch to reverse a number of illegal privatizations under Kuchma as an example for other oligarchs of what is to come.

Yushchenko's drive to expel oligarchs from direct influence in politics will be harder than what Putin has had to face. Most of Ukraine's oligarchic clans hail from the country's more prosperous (with large Russian ethnic minorities) east and south, where Yanukovych, now in political opposition, continues to be very popular.

Yushchenko has already taken the first step -- he has announced his first state visit will be to Russia. Putin has pragmatically responded to this overture, claiming he is willing to work with whoever is Ukraine's president.

Both Yushchenko and Putin have legitimate interests in eastern and southern Ukraine. These are the regions that make up the Ukraine's industrial base and at the center of country's all-important trading ties with Russia. These are also regions where many ethnic Russians live and work. Ukraine's eastern and southern oligarchs are far more dependent on Moscow than they are on Kiev. This is where Putin and Yushchenko can find common cause.

Putin's part of this bargain is to inform Ukraine's eastern and western oligarchs that economic engagement with Russia will hence forth be transparent and for the benefit of both Ukraine and Russia -- and not for personal aggrandizement of a small group of clans.

[PhilDragoo]

Over the next 14 months, Yushchenko has to produce a "New Deal" for all Ukrainians and elect a solid majority in Parliament to institutionalize the "Orange Revolution." To do this, he has to remain focused on what ails Ukraine the most -- oligarchic capitalism. If Yushchenko can do this, he just might find a friend in Vladimir Putin.

[GSlob]

Well, Yushchenko will surely find his plate full; he and those around him are natives and know and feel the lay of the land much better than we could from the distance. Hopefully he will be able to bring some measure of progress to his country, like Walesa did. More power to him in this.

[mazack]

He definitely has a lot of work ahead. Let's just hope that he doesn't go the way of most Eastern European politicians and start doing anything for money and power.

[Happy2BMe]

BTTT

[Happy2BMe]

Hope Yuschenko has a really good lab kit handy when he sits down to eat with Pukin.

[MeekOneGOP]

Analysis: Viktor Yushchenko's agenda

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Yushchenko vs. Yanukovych/Ukraine election ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[GSlob]

Simple common sense would require that he brings and consumes his own food and drink (and plates and utensils, too).

[eluminate]

i m guessing within a week there will be a petition to hold the referendum for south-east autonomy. Dnepropetrovsk initiated a petition to collect signatures to hold a nationwide referendum. I know I know it might mean nothing. But still referendum drive is resumed.

So far it has been a semi-smooth transition although the overall tension is translating underground. Have no Idea what will happen.

[LibertyRocks]

Hi MeekOneGOP and all!
Thanks for the pings! Just got back online today after my move to chilly Wisconsin! (o: Was glad to hear of Yushchenko's victory... It'll take me a few days to get up to speed on the recent events, but wanted to touch base and say thanks for all the pings! (o:
- LibertyRocks