"A U.S. judge ordered a former Ukrainian prime minister on Friday to pay nearly $19.5 million to a Ukrainian businessman who said the politician demanded cash and half ownership of his firm in exchange for favored treatment.

Pavlo Lazarenko, who served as Ukraine's prime minister from 1996 to 1997, was convicted in U.S. federal court in 2004 of using his position to extort millions of dollars from his country and then launder it through California banks. The indictment in the complicated and slow-moving case came down in 2000. During the trial businessman Peter Kiritchenko [a former Soviet trade official who was a Communist Party member] testified that he gave Lazarenko tens of millions of dollars and ownership of half of a company to help expand his firm. "I agreed to give him 50 percent of the profit and 50 percent of the company. I didn't see any other way to develop the company," Kiritchenko testified in 2004. He later asked for a court order for Lazarenko to give back the money, and on Friday U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins agreed the former prime minister should return it." [add. to story is mine](Reuters)

"Latest rift between president and PM centers on state spending bill ... A new rift emerged between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Thursday over a bill that regulates about $20 billion in annual spending by state companies and agencies. The Tymoshenko group joined forces with the opposition Regions Party on Wednesday to approve in the first reading the bill that the office of Yushchenko says makes the spending less transparent." (Ukrainian Journal)

"The Head of Government [Tymoshenko] stated that “the passed in its first reading bill the Government had worked through with Association of Ukrainian cities and with those who are guided by tender legislation”. According to Yulia Tymoshenko, “the Presidential Secretariat has fully encouraged this document, first deputy head of the Presidential Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak has signed it and during consideration it has been supported by “Our Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense” group. That’s why I can’t understand why this “not nice” political situation around this law emerged,” the Prime Minister announced." (UNIAN)

"[Yushchenko] “The work being conducted today in the Verkhovna Rada on this draft law as the matter of fact is a corruptive plot. I am very concerned about alliance between Party of Regions and BYuT who propose to preserve the existing corrupt model,” – said V. Yushchenko adding that he will never sign the law in its current version." (UNIAN) (watch full interview Feb. 17th on Inter tv local time 8 pm.)

"The President said that a few different opinions should exist in parliament, and if some deputies disagree with other deputies, they should find the way to express their opinion in accordance with the procedure. "Respect the procedure, respect the dialogue. When you don't let others speak from the rostrum, it does not mean you are right," Yuschenko said." (Ukrainian News)

"We are convinced that, if the Party of Regions and Communists wished debates in essence on NATO, we would hold them and vote the four draft resolutions submitted by practically all factions. Yet, the opposition does not really need this debate. Asked when the Rada may return to work, the OU-PSD leader said: "We will wait until the Party of Regions' voters will get sick and tired of this senseless hanging about the rostrum. Protest against the unreasonable blocking of the Rada will grow, in the society even more than in parliament, Kyrylenko added." (NRCU)

Don't know if I agree that protest against the blocking of Verkhovna Rada will grow amongst the people. Even with outrageous scenes as in this Ukrainiana post and footage.

" "The vote by deputies from the factions of BYT, the Party of Regions and communists for keeping in place the corrupt schemes of effective law No.282 testifies that an economically vested interest dominates over political fights, even the fight over NATO, and has showed that the parliament configuration is determined by anything but political positions," the statement of the [Lytvyn] faction reads. ... As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Baloha said it is possible that the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko, the Party of Regions and the Communist Party will form a coalition following the adoption of the bill on government purchases and President Viktor Yuschenko's veto on it. On February 12, the bill on government purchases passed the first reading in parliament. The bill raises the lower limit on application of the purchase procedure from UAH 20,000 to UAH 80,000 for goods and from UAH 50,000 to UAH 200,000 for services. A total of 282 deputies voted for taking as the basis bill No.1476-d amending the Law on Government Purchases while at least 226 votes were required for its passage. The factions of the Our Ukraine People's Self-Defense Bloc and the Bloc of Lytvyn did not vote for the bill." (Ukrainian News)

" "There will be no signature of President Viktor Yuschenko on this document on any condition. The Head of State will never give his blessing to misuse and dark manipulations involving government funds. He had expected the new parliament to put government purchases in order, but the BYT faction out of its personal interests voted for an explicitly corrupt bill and inflicted a blow on the hopes of the President," the press service quoted Baloha as saying." (Ukrainian News)

"Parliamentary Deputy Viacheslav Kyrylenko, who is the leader of the parliamentary faction of the Our Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense bloc (OU-PSD), is forecasting that President Viktor Yuschenko will meet with the leaders of parliamentary factions on Thursday, February 14. ... Opposition parliamentary deputies blocked the parliament’s rostrum on Wednesday morning, thus preventing a parliamentary session from taking place." (Ukrainian News)

"[Kyrylenko] the coalition is ready to partake in discussing all draft resolutions on NATO, but then the lawmakers must decide which of the documents wins a majority vote. Mr Kyrylenko emphasized that people now care more about wages, pensions and abolition of parliamentary immunity than about NATO membership, but appropriate bills cannot be put to vote because of the destructive position of the Party of Regions and the Communist Party." (NRCU)

Communists in Crimea have stated that they will not allow PM Tymoshenko entry into Crimea if the issue of testing for aptitude in the Ukrainian language in the area does not get resolved. And according to their spokesperson, the way to resolve the issue is by "giving the opportunity to obejectively examine their understanding via Russian language tests to those children who learnt Russian in school or have broad Russian comprehension." Yep, they are asking for testing of Ukrainian language to be conducted in Russian.

A 68 year old man in Zaporizhia died while standing on line waiting for his reimbursement. He started to feel unwell on Jan. 8th when he registered. This morning, he arrived at around 3 am. and was third on line. After standing on line for four and half hours, waiting he stepped to the side and fell. An ambulance was called. He reportedly had a heart attack. (Novynar)

While in Kyiv a 54-year administrator at an Oschadbank had her head cracked open, when she stepped outside to speak to the group assembled. And in another part of Kyiv 4 men beat up a branch manager. (Novynar)

Herman of Party of Regions made a statement to the press, that the death of the man was on PM Tymoshenko's conscience. (Novynar) PM Tymoshenko did call in the Head of Oshchadbank to use all available resources to normalize the situation. (Novynar) Pres Yushchenko called on PM Tymoshenko to get payments completed asap. (Novynar) Today for ex. the bank branches will close 2 hours later than usual. And in Donetsk the bank branches are hiring additional staff.

(btw article in russian regarding Oshchadbank and who currently controls it (Donetsk) from pro-UA. The article questions whether a Donetsk controlled bank will carry out Tymosneko's promises.)

[Pls. note that Novynar now includes video in its reporting on stories.] 

btw Associated Press finally covers the compensation story here and here. (I guess without tragedy there was no story. btw shout out to PM Tymoshenko's people that with the demands of government it is really easy to let "pr" slide. This is really dangerous esp. in the english language media. And imho it already shows.)

While in Simferopol, Crimean Mejli Tartars have set up a protest camp and are protesting for their heritage, rights and justice calling to the President to intervene. Story in ukr here and here. Will their appeal be heard? The leader of the Mejli stated that in Crimea Russian businessmen massively purchase land, bribe officials and initiate attacks on Tartar people using Russian youth. He cautioned that a quarter million Tartar could go on the streets in protest to protect themselves and their rights.

see Ukrainiana for coverage of recent events in Crimea inc. video relating to events which took place Ai-Petra near Yalta. (coverage from Novynar in ukr here, here, here and here.) (Background article which I have linked to before from Ukrayinksa Pravda in eng.)

Sidenote it is an interesting point that in any discussion of a potential disaster or occurence of an accident esp. one involving chemicals, machinery, technological works - the phrase 'another Chornobyl' pops up in discourse esp. when the person is of a particular age and background and voter orientation.

(I am not sure where I am heading with this but will let you know. Would this be the key to unlocking the 'brotherhood' bond? To tell the truth about Chornobyl?)

If the sight of 274 votes (26 votes btw of striking distance within the glorious 300), did not raise concerns among PoR then they have the cool heads of professional, high stakes gamblers or neurosurgeons. (see LEvko's entry for Dec. 15 - Hard Work for Everyone in VR and btw LEvko was absolutely on the money regarding 'painting by numbers'.)

In order to pass legislation which enacted changes to the procedures 274 represents = 156 BYuT votes +71 NU-NS votes + 27 Communist Party of Ukraine votes + 20 Lytvyn Bloc votes.

It contains the complete vote of four out of the five political parties in the Verkohvna Rada. (Party of Regions did not vote (0 votes) - but they did not register to vote and probably deputies still don't even have access to their own voting cards.)

I can't help but think what would happen if this collective of 4 disparate politcal parties maintain a solid voting block. And what would PoR think about that? Flashman aka PoR must be surprised. So why was the vote for PM not held on Friday? Why was it postponed until Tuesday? Turchynov said it was because they did not want to start a fight (meaning physical.) (? quite inexplicable to me it is.)

Well Yanukovych, Akhmetov, Pluisch, Tymoshenko have been low key, the President is in Switzerland for medical treatment. And Yanukovych is set to meet with the head of 'One Russia' Party on Monday, in Moscow. While Azarov is awarded by Putin. Lytvyn and his Bloc members use every public appearance to rise above the fray by 'pouring mud' on others esp. democratic coalition. While probably a deal was cut with CPU (hence their votes) that Martinyuk would be vice-speaker - reminder vote on Tuesday is the vote for not just PM now, but the whole ball of wax (entire government.)

Dec. 14th was also Lutsenko's Bday - hearty congrats and the official day recognizing those in the legal profession and channel 5 cheekily greeted the judges who voided Pres. Yushchenko's dissolution of Parliament decree and also mentioned the name (what ever happened to ...) Stanik. Blast from the not so recent past and in the words of an expert, that whole case will 'evaporate'. Also Pres. Yuschenko did another one --- this time citation and award to a judge.

Regarding its own recent behaviors and activities - PoR maintains the presentation that they are all, to a man/woman --- law listening/закон слухянньі ... very interesting phrase because it could be translated to mean law abiding - but that is not the word choice used but 'listening'. PoR maintains the approach that if there is no legislation specificly stating that something is not legal, therefore it must be legal. (Teen mentality approach applied to politics. Argh! Try dealing with that: but you did not say that I could not ... show me where it is clearly stated ... oy vey!)

Why is it that on the Pres. official website the ukr lang and eng lang content is not the same with eng lang news being short-changed (though the changes and upgrades have been a most welcome sight)? Why is it that 5 kanal completely stopped translating any of its content into english? Can someone please tell me why at UNIAN the major story of extreme importance to have published into the english lang is the following "Japanese scientists bred fearless mouse (photo)" - so imp. that it is the only story (so far released) from (local time) 2 pm. yesterday until 12:30 pm. today.?

Today btw is the official day commemorating those citizens who gave their lives, their health so-called 'liquidators' --- they were told to do a job and they did it. And if not for them the Chornobyl after-math would have been even more catastrophic.

"On Tuesday morning several European governments asked Moscow for more information but there was no response. At the same time the Soviet government was secretly approaching Sweden, West Germany and Britain for advice on putting out a graphite fire in a nuclear reactor core. It took 12 days and 10,000 tons of sand, lead, clay and boron dropped from helicopters to diminish the fire which was pouring 150 million curies of radioactivity into the air. The helicopter pilots died from radiation and a dozen giant helicopters became so radioactive that they had to be abandoned with other radioactive trucks, cars and equipment in the Zone. The Zone is a 30 kilometer (18 mile) radius circle area of about 1,000 square miles centered on Chornobyl/Pripyat emptied of 135,000 people which is now closed. Only a few elderly people have returned to live in their old homes in the radioactive Zone.

The destroyed Chornobyl Reactor No. 4 after the accident.

Some heroes have emerged from the disaster and among them are six firemen including Victor Kibenok and Volodymyr Pravyk who sacrificed their lives in fighting the 100-foot-high fire. American firefighters in New York State presented an award to the Ukrainian firemen in recognition of their courage. The American doctor Robert Gale of California operated with bone marrow transplants on 13 Chernobyl victims, most of whom apparently did not survive." (Full story)

I would also like to add the name of one of the others who later passed as a result of working with non-existent or completely inadequate protection safety gear. He and a team spent 100 days filming and documenting what was going on at the site. His name is Volodymyr Shevchenko and the film 'Chornobyl: Chronicle of Terrible Times' contains some of the most gut-wrenching video showing how workers were being transported in and out without gear. The film-makers did realize the health risks to their own lives but Shevchenko lying on a hospital bed, having received a heavy dose of radiation, wrote in his journal 'If someone said to me that had I had not gone, I would still have my lungs - I would quickly respond , 'better to be without lungs then those, many, who have no honor.'

     Russia, Ukraine and the price of natural gas 

Unknown whether an agreement can be reached for the price of natural gas for Ukraine for 2008 (which could lead to a gas shut off.) But negotiations are underway and according to Russian ambassador Chernomydin the price will be $200 per 1,000 cu m. (Supposedly, he said this as a joke (?) Negotiations are underway. And as reported Ukraine does want to raise the tariffs on gas transit if there is a steep increase in gas prices.

     Conflicts within Our Ukraine and Yanukovych to choose speaker: coalition or no

Kril, one of the non-signees to the coalition agreement, stated that he wants Kyrylenko not to be a candidate for Speaker.  While Yatsenyuk's name has been put forward as possible Speaker candidate. (Recent interview with Yatsenyuk written in english.) Matvienko of Our Ukraine explains why a wide/broad coaliton is not desirable (in ukr - will translate when have time.) Yanukovych stated that the Speaker of Parliament could be elected tomorrow even if there is no coalition. PoR wants Symonenko (but could have changed since Bohatyrova announed this.) (If Symonenko from the Communist Party, wins as Speaker of the House, that would really be a slap in the face for the 'orange' and the voters who voted against him as President.)

And EDM has a round-up of current events in regards to Our Ukraine.

President Yushchenko announces that the draft at the end of the year in 2009, will be the last.  

And according to the World Bank the way to save 'dying' villages in Ukraine through the establishment of  "a national cadastre and title registry system, allocate land parcels to individuals in rural areas on an equitable basis, establish their property rights by issuing state deeds for land, and encourage the restructuring of farms into more efficient units." (World Bank)

A revealing interview with Tymoshenko's aunt which resolves the issue of how Tymoshenko can afford Louis Vitton on her declared income.

And the crocodile which escaped six months ago  has finally been caught., in Mariupol. This was the so-called "Godzilla" croc. Update: Croc may be comatose or dead. The croc passed away in capitivity.

"On Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, Ukraine will mark the 75th anniversary of the terrible famine of 1932-33 in which millions of Soviet citizens perished. But this mass starvation was no act of nature: it was engineered by Stalin and Soviet authorities to force stubborn peasants to give up their privately held plots of land and join collective farms. ...

Estimates of the number of people who perished in Holodomor differ, but there is no doubt the death toll was horrific. ...

Authorities set production quotas for each village. But these quotas generally exceeded crop yields and in village after village, when farmers failed to meet their targets, all their food was confiscated.

Residents were prohibited to leave their homes — effectively condemning them to starvation." (Great Famine Anniversary in Ukraine)

(BBC News Ukraine Remembers Famine Horror) (RFE/RL Ukraine Marks Famine Anniversary Amid Denials) (AFP Ukraine Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Great Famine 1932-33) (sda/afp/baz Ukraine gedenkt des 75. Jahrestages der Hungerkatastrophe) (Le Matin L'Ukraine marque le 75e anniversaire) (Univision Ucrania observa aniversario de hambruna estalinista) (ATS Ucraina: 75/0 grande fame; Iushenko, comunismo come nazismo) 

President Yushchenko's Light a Candle campaign, in english and in ukrainian.  (and televised address to nation on November 23rd, in ukr video) (statement regarding Holodomor by Tymoshenko)

"Ukraine Remembers the Hoodomor" at Ukrainiana. And 'Holodomor Gedenktag" at Mein Kiew blog.

Channel 5 video and report. Minute of silence for the victims video. Channel 5 people who lived through Holodomor report and video. Channel 5 archives hundreds of thousands cases against Ukrainian villagers. 1+1 Ukraine remembers Holodomor report and videos. NTN in Symy unveiled a Holodomor memorial report and video. Holodomor remembrances in Odessa, Western Ukraine, Warsaw, Brussels, London.

Вічна пам'ять. Eternal remembrance.

[except for no comments from Party of Regions nor from Yanukovych]

Although, it seemed that it would be smooth sailing from opening of Parliament to formation of coalition, events went differently after the 'housekeeping' took place.

It started out with deputies lining up at their assigned locations (photos ukr, here, and eng)(with BYuT group showing off matching outfits: white sweaters with a red heart on the right breast), to the opening ceremonies and verbal oath taking, to deputies signing their oaths and having photo opportunities, the temporary presidium elected, the PM formally resigning and the end of the current Cabinet (Bohatyriova made a short speech thanking the Cabinet and PM for their 'efficient' work in office which was applauded by PoR and CPU deputies while BYuT and OU-PSD deputies were booing or silent), Moroz doing his last speech as Speaker denouncing the President and the legality of the elections - during which some BYut and OU-PSD deputies walked out of the main chamber of Parliament: 'taking a recess' (Moroz's speech was criticized as shaming and insulting the 5th convocation of Parliament by deputy Matvienko), the formation of 5 political groups in Parliament (1+1 report and video in ukr), (Kyrylenko is t to lead OU-PSD), there will be 26 committees, etc. after all items - Parliament/Rada was closed for the day. (Check out Channel 5 for report and video in ukr) (1+1 report and video in ukr)

Closed until November 29. Closed for 6 days.

     But what a sec., they just opened Parliament and then are going to shut it down for SIX days with no PM, no Cabinet, etc.? (Yes, I know the PM and Cabinet become 'caretaker' government until the new one is formed but it you know what I mean. Please note that the decision to shut down for six days happened quite abruptly and without warning (a number of deputies were away from their locations and found out about the closure and delay, afterwards, but to continue ....) After the Parliamentary working group was supposed to actually begin workig November 6th? and kept getting delayed and stalled? Yep. But why? Well, according to Party of Regions spokesperson, Chornovil, Raisa Bohatyriova did so because not all deputies signed the coalition agreement. According to Ukrayinska Pravda, 8 MPs/deputies did not sign:

"According to sources, Stanislav Dovhy, Yuriy Yekhanurov, Ihor Kril, Mykola Onishchuk, Ihor Palytsya, Vasyl Petyovka, Ivan Plyushch and Viktor Topolov did not sign the agreement. Those persons explained their position due to admonitions to the agreement text. At the same time, it was reported that the decision on the coalition formation with Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc was supported unanimously on Friday session." (Novynar ukr) UPDATE: and newly elected PSD deputy Doniy (known from 1990/91 "Protests on the Granite" which helped bring down the Ukrainian SSR) criticized "these Baloha's people" - he called for the President to influence those who have not signed the agreement. update from 1+1 that one person has since signed: Palytsya. And statement regarding the 7 non-signees from another newly elected deputy from PSD former investigative journalist for Channel 5 of the show, 'Zakryta Zona', Ar'yev.

Well, BYuT and OU-PSD voiced their discontent with the shutdown of Parliament for 6 days and the next meeting session of Parliament is Tuesday Nov. 27th with Zvarych (in eng) presiding and not the Presisium head, Bohatyriova. (Well see if the Party of Regions show up and if they come this time in blue and white sweaters.)

Tymoshenko voiced her sentiments that the 6 day break was for "Це (рішення) - абсолютне порушення регламенту. Їм потрібен час, щоб і далі підкуповувати депутатів. Вони хочуть виграти кілька днів. Оголошення перерви є самодіяльністю Раїси Богатирьової", - сказала Тимошенко, коментуючи рішення про закриття засідання у п’ятницю, 23 листопада." (Tymoshenko) It (decision) is absolute violation of regulation. They need time, and farther to suborn/purchase deputies. They want to win a few days. Announcement of interruption is the independent action of Raisa Bohatyriova", - said [Tymoshenko], commenting a decision about closing of meeting in Friday, on November, 23. 

Bohatyriova named according to her opinion the candidates for Speaker as: Lytvyn (leader of Lytvyn Bloc), Plyushch (see "Curses" entry), or Symonenko (leader of Communist Party of Ukraine.) 

In regards to the signatures on the coalition agreement, BYuT and OU-PSD have achieved a compromise. The sticking point was the eradication of the contract army and setting a 5% threshold to enter Parliament. (Pres. Yushchenko was also against the end to the contract army before 2010.) But according to Lutsenko all is well now and even Tymoshenko says that the coalition will happen.

No surprise, President Yushchenko in an interview stated that "the main source of this political instability remained the parliament. " (ukranews) He did not attend the opening day of Parliament and instead handed out writing prizes about the Holodomor.

    All of this is seems really childish and annoying but the games/intrigues/staregies/machinations are super-serious as the power plays continue.

BYT and OU-PSD united against a deputy in Zhytomyr oblast, Irene Sinyavskoy, for basicly doing a lousy job. In Zhytomyr btw five people have died from freezing to death.

Eurasian group which vandalized Mt. Hoverla are at it again, this time in Moscow protesting and vandalizing the Holodomor exhibit about the millions who died from forced starvation 1932-33 in Ukraine. They entered into the cultural center and started kinocking over the exhibit stands. Three youths were turned over to the Russian police by security guards. Ukraine has filed a protest with the RF over the incident. (Could make some cracks about how free speech is alive and well in Russia esp. if it is anti-Ukrainian but with the new visa rules for Ukrainian citizens in Russia coming down the pipe - don't want to make any waves.)

Pres. Yushchenko is calling for people to light a candle in memorium for the many millions who passed away in the Holodomor. Yesterday was the start of the days remembering that tragedy in Ukrainian history. Oksana Bilozir has a new music clip called, "Candle" (hat tip to elmer for video link) about the tragedy which was shown as part of yesterday's ceremonies in Kyiv. Nov. 24  is the official day commemorating the tragedy and "Light a Candle" will be observed in Ukraine and abroad. 

(and would ordinarily link to the ukr and eng versions in regards to Pres. Yushchenko's words but the eng. lang. version is not up yet - two days later.)

A hit in the Kerch Strait between a Russian and a Cambodian ship. Thankfully, although there are holes in both ships there was no further damage to the catastrophically hit area.

Web site for children's Ombudsman opened on the official site for Vinnytsia city. (Could not locate on the site but could be that simply could not find it.) Today, also is "Student's Day" in Ukraine.

Yesterday there was a bomb scare at Kyiv's main train terminus but none was located.

When commenting on negotiations regarding collaboration in Parliament, the President resentfully remarked:
“There is no constructive dialogue! The sides are constantly clashing with each other!” (Ukrayinska Pravda eng)

     Do I believe that there should be 'dialogue' rather than 'clashes'? Yes, absolutely as there will otherwise not be an end to the conflict but at this time, politics in Ukraine are mired in a 'winner take all, loser gets nothing' mindset.

Do I think that constructive dialogue is possible between BYT+OU-PSD and PoR+CPU? NO! not at all. Unfortunately for the country, its citizens, its future: NO. Unless, somehow the situation changes or the players reach a higher state of consciousness - No.

What do you think?  

"BYuT front-runner Yulia Tymoshenko claims that the first session of the Verkhovna Rada of sixth convocation will open no later than on November 26." (UNIAN eng) (UNIAN ukr)

She also balmed the Party of Regions and Communist Party of Ukraine in messing up todays session of the working group for the New Parliament. The working group did have a quorum but no decisions were ratified - even could not make decision as to the leader of the working group - from BYT+OU-PSD Zvarych while PoR+CPU pushed Martinyuk.  (UNIAN ukr) (UNIAN ukr)

At this point only 270 deputies out of 450 have been registered by the Central Election Commitee. (UNIAN ukr) And this piece in eng relates the view from the Party of Regions. Though according to info. PoR did submit documents (morning of Nov. 12) to CEC for registering all 175 of its MPs/deputies though it has yet to be made 'official'. This is expected to happen on Nov. 15th (UNIAN ukr)

     Every day delayed is a day longer for PoR+CPU in power and a day closer to new early Parliamentary elections. What actually seems to be needed to speed things up is as during the OR, people banging on drums outside the corridors of power to remind the politicians inside that voters are keeping watch. People pressure.

From Mirror Weekly an article translated into english about civil society and dangers to such: populism, political moralization and "Ukrainian “parasitic” tradition inculcated by seven decades of the communist regime".

   Warning - The following is only for 'political junkies' - a list of nitpicky details relating to politics in Ukraine. Anyone not interested in politics could jump to another post.  ...  Поїхали! (And we're off!)

"As of November 6, 243 MPs[deputies have been] registered." by the Central Election Committee of Ukraine. "... reported that CEC has not yet received documents for registration MPs from the Party of Regions. “As I know, it could happen this or next week,” he stressed.'

From the Moroz corner: Moroz. He is supposed to open the 6th Convocation of the Ukrainian Parliament (as he was the prior Speaker of the House) and he has been charging that Tymoshenko is violating rules. He also walked out of Parliament today. He proposes to move the gathering of the preparatory for the new Parliament group to tom., or later.

Three people from OU still have not signed the document agreement with ByuT. Kirilenko of OU says all will sign by Monday. Turchynov of BYuT blames Pres. Yushchenko.  

Katerunchyk leader of the European Party within OU bloc, would like to see Ukraine as a member of EU in 5 years (and his own political aspirations to be PM, for which he is studying economics.)

From Lytvyn Bloc Surota does not believe in Tymoshenko's chances to become PM and voiced that there are problems between OU and PSD. Elsewhere there is a report concerning internal competition regarding leadership within the OU-PSD Bloc. While overall Lytvyn Bloc is off to the Billy Idol tune "Dancing By Myself" as they are not planning on going into coalition with anyone, (yet) (and they could memeber of a 'voting bloc')

Zvarych of OU blames everyone (all political parties) in violating the Constitution. And states that there are 'hypothetically' numerous candidates for the post of PM - from a Radio Svoboda interview. (huh?) He lists the following names: Baloha, Yekhanurov, Lutsenko, Kirilenko. (in ukr interview here.) And Zvarych states that it may be Kirilenko out as head of OU and Pliusch in.

While Party of Regions ignored the meeting for the group preparing for the new session of Parliament. Bohaterova arrived at Parliament and stated to postpone the meeting of the group. The group did not have a quorum and in addition to Boahterova of PoR leaving, so did Martenyik and Matveyev of CPU, as well as Sharov of Lytvyn Bloc. (Novynar)

Tymoshenko charges who is 'working' and who is 'sabotaging'. [Good for her - use those buzzwords like work(работять)!] And that Wedsnesday's meeting of the Prep group will happen even if PoR and CPU are no- shows and she states that the first day of the 6th Convocation of Parliament will happen, regardless of circumstances.

Pres. Yushchenko is on a trip to 'reclaim' Mount Hoverla and replace national symbols.  

Summation of the past few days and interior politics of OU-PSD by Kuzio.  

==================

(sniff. sniff. blow.) The President of UNIAN is off to be an MP/deputy in Parliament - Irina Heraschenko. (Waving hankie)

Let's all collectively wish the new MP/deputies the best in their new careers esp. the first timers!!! (That is, if ever the new session of Parliament, gets off the launch pad :(

"Міський голова Донецька Олександр Лук’янченко заявляє, що сьогодні ”в місцевому бюджеті немає фінансових ресурсів” на зміну назв вулиць і районів, які носять імена організаторів Голодомору 1932-1933 років." (Novynar)

City head of Donetsk stated today that "in the city budget there are no financial resources" for the changing of street names and areas, which still have the names of those who organized the Holodomor Famine during 1932-1933.

It is estimated that 10 million people died in Ukraine during 'Holodomor' which was the second of three Famines, which occurred during Soviet times.

[Sidebar to this story is the report that the number of millionaires (in hryvnia) in Donetsk has increased by 36 to 98 based on those who declared their income (total of which is 45,379.] (Yep, that's it in an area in which millions of people reside less than 50,000 made income statements. What do they call this type of situation? 'tax haven'? 'tax amnesty'? 'died and gone to heaven'?)

Thirty days are ticking down and so what's the deal? who/what/where is the new government?

There is the saying that 'easy come, easy go'.

Based on the time/energy/effort that is coming from all sides, on one hand it is very good news because if the reverse of the saying holds, then the 'democratic coalition' should become bonded like titanium. On the other hand, it shows how, it is not all roses/rainbows/sweetness and light but it is intense, dogged and the blending of all types, shapes and sizes. And when I write 'coming from all sides' I mean it - not just OU-PSD, BYUT but also PoR, CPU, SPU, etc.

They all seem to be Amy Winehouse fans singing, "They tried to make me go to Rehab(Opposition), I said, "No, no, no!."

"У Секретаріаті Президента підготовлено законопроект про встановлення кримінальної та адміністративної відповідальності за заперечення Голодомору і Голокосту" (UNIAN)

Presidential Secretariat working on proposed legislation which would establish criminal and administrative responsibility for deniers of Holodomor and Holocaust.

(Imho such legislation is way overdue) 

With the publication of the results of the Sept. 30th Parliamentary elections, every second is clicking away closer to the formation and installation of the 'democratic coalition' into power and despite any words of bravado, Party of Regions has no desire to vacate the Cabinet premises. (Aside - they are 'issues' regarding the democratic coalition which are recognized regarding the razor-thin majority it has but plans are being made to counter the effects of that - related article.)

The Party of Regions want to remain in power - very badly, and they really need is a toehold. And they have putting the pressure on with no seeming impression to get their needs/wants/desires met, like a toddler they have been throwing a major hissy fit. Everything from flat out 'screaming', making seemingly logical appeals which when brought out into the light of day make no sense, they have made veiled threats, predictions of gloom and disaster, stonewalling, etc. They have even made 'changes', though it is open to question whether cosmetic or transformative, but it has alarmed the Communist Party of Ukraine enough to call them 'traitors'. Damning words indeed in Ukraine today. (Ukrayinska Pravda)

And so back to the old saw - National Unity Pact which Pres. Yushchenko is not opposed to signing.

Deja vu time - will yet again defeat be snatched from the jaws of victory?

My forecast is not good as every time someone has engaged in 'terrible two' behavior, he does not see it as necessary step in growth but attempts to 'reason' with them and misses the main point that "When a child is having a tantrum, they're totally unreachable." And so 'concessions' are made which lead to disasterous results. Perhaps the President does so, because he does not see the behaviors as just a threat but indeed there is the very REAL possibility of it, running away. And as there is the waiting arms of Mother Russia this is a very VALID paradigm to be operating under. (will try to locate the investment perspective which was offered based on a divided Ukraine which lauded the wealth of the Eastern to Southwestern regions of Ukraine / )

Update: Party of Regions+Communist Party of Ukraine+ Lytvyn Bloc = 222 votes - could create a voting bloc. Only 4 shy of the 'magic number'. (UNIAN) May not even need that toehold after all.