Rare poison used on Yushchenko, doctors say

Sydney Morning Herald ^ | December 9, 2004

[dead]

Ukrainian opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
Photo: AFP

Ukraine's opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned in an assassination attempt during campaigning in September, a British daily reported yesterday, quoting the doctor who oversaw his treatment.

Doctors at the Rudolfinerhaus clinic in Vienna were close to identifying the substance that left Mr Yushchenko's face disfigured with cysts and lesions, Nikolai Korpan was quoted as telling The Times.

Specialists in Britain, the US and France had helped to establish that it was a biological or chemical agent or, most likely, a rare poison that struck Mr Yushchenko down before the presidential election, Dr Korpan said. Doctors needed to examine him again to confirm their diagnosis, but "we are now sure that we can confirm which substance caused this illness", the doctor said. "He received this substance from other people who had a specific aim."

Asked if the aim had been to kill him, Dr Korpan said: "Yes, of course."

Proof that Mr Yushchenko was deliberately poisoned would be a devastating blow for his rival, the Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovich, as the two candidates prepare for a repeat of a presidential run-off on December 26, The Times said.

Mr Yushchenko had said recently that he would soon reveal proof that his opponents had tried to assassinate him, but a spokeswoman said he had no plans to travel to Vienna, the newspaper said.

Mr Yushchenko fell ill on September 6 and was taken to Rudolfinerhaus four days later with severe abdominal pain and lesions on his face and trunk, The Times said.

His liver, pancreas and intestines were swollen and his digestive tract covered in ulcers, but doctors could not explain the symptoms.

Against their advice he went back on the campaign trail after a week, but returned to the clinic two weeks later with back pain.

His Austrian doctors had said previously they had no proof of a criminal poisoning.

Nevertheless his campaign staff have insisted the medical exam revealed that Mr Yushchenko's illness had been caused "by a viral infection and chemical substances that are not usually found in food products".

Agence France-Presse

[DaveDCMetro]

Dude, show some respect!

[vrwcagent0498]

What's so sad is he was quite handsome before he got poisoned.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1393172,00.html

[Slump Tester]

I've seen better looking heads on boils.

[kinghorse]

This guy had actor good looks before the poisoning. What dirty bastards these people are.

Putin as in Ras-putin? Same modus operandi.

[vrwcagent0498]

Leopards don't lose their spots. ;)

[DaveDCMetro]

You too, show some respect!

[eluminate]

plz if they wanted him dead they woulda done it.
there was an article on bbc how they think it was a disease where his blood vessels in the face exploded causing the skin condition.

I say it was all a stunt for pr before elections.

[lectricpup]

which blog? got a link?

[Hildy]

You're an idiot.

[IGOTMINE]

They've really fallen. There once was a time where they wouldn't have screwed something like this up.

[Echo Talon]

He's the pro-Western one.

Thank you

[monday]

"Let's say, for argument's sake, I look exactly like a young Don Knotts or like Horshack "


ick... You look like Horshack? You should check into getting some plastic surgery. They can do some wonderful things these days which should allow you to go outside without getting ridiculed too much.

[vrwcagent0498]

www.nicedoggie.net (watch out-dirty words!)

I used to go into the "VRCW" chat room and I asked her (Natasha) what she thought of Bush & Putin's seemingly good relationship. She had no kind words for Putin and she said what I posted above. (she's very anti-communist)

She used to visit the chatroom often, though I haven't been there in a while. She has a spoof e-mail address and her blog doesn't allow comments anymore. She's funny as heck, but don't make her angry. She's pretty tough. ;)

[mommadooo3]

Shame on you for such a crude statement...one that sounds like a DUer. It's totally wrong to make cruel and humiliating statements about a person's physical appearances/limitations. (usually ones that are beyond their control or choice)

FReepers are usually ABOVE such tackiness.

[vrwcagent0498]

Oops, that's the VRWC chatroom.

[DaveDCMetro]

Interestingly, a couple of weeks after this story hit the States (it's been in the news for a few weeks now), Putin lamented to the press about America's desire for empire. Victor Y. is married to an American, and a former Reagan employee. If Putin literally tried to have him killed, I can imagine the sorts of signals the Bush WH is sending over to the Kremlin right now. Can anyone say, Michael Corleone-style payback? Big bad Putin must be scared stiff.

[monday]

"I say it was all a stunt for pr before elections."

please.... Don't be an idiot. No one would do that to themselves in order to win an election. He was a good looking successful guy. Now he's a monster.

[vrwcagent0498]

Plus, his vital organs were all inflamed. Who the h**l would do that to himself just to win an election?

[texasbluebell]

Specialists in Britain, the US and France had helped to establish that it was a biological or chemical agent or, most likely, a rare poison that struck Mr Yushchenko down before the presidential election, Dr Korpan said. Doctors needed to examine him again to confirm their diagnosis, but "we are now sure that we can confirm which substance caused this illness", the doctor said. "He received this substance from other people who had a specific aim."

The truth is starting to be revealed.

[Hildy]

In all my years on Free Republic, I have never read such a ridiculous comment. And I've read quite a few in my time (Hell, I've made quite a few). I'm going to put yours up for some kind of an award.