Army Being Asked to do More Than it Can,

This is the first time since the presidential race officially began that the executive power was openly tells the army who it should vote for. "I understand that the army to a certain extent does not have the right (!? - Ed.) to take part in political events," the Premier vaguely explained his appeal to de facto scuttle the principle of keeping the army out of politics. But "I would rather you supported my and many people's suggestion to vote for Leonid Kuchma," the head of government said. He did not also neglect to also mention the Zlahoda [Harmony] Association: "There is a task, or a dream, that Zlahoda in the immediate future gathers one million people." The Prime Minister also added, "to increase Ukraine's power the financing of the state's Armed Forces should be increased," and "this year's budget as never before provides funds for research projects and the purchase of already developed samples of technology and weaponry."

Of course, the Premier was not altogether truthful in this, for with old debts and inflation this year's defense budget is no better than last year's, when the army could not purchase any new weapons except a hundred rockets. Although the top executives of the Defense Ministry raised the Premier to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserve, it became known on Victory Day.

But can one expect the generals to become Zlahoda's spokesmen in the army? This would certainly violate the principle mentioned of keeping the army out of politics. And should that be the case, following the Prime Minister's example, the lower ranks could hardly be expected to make their choice based on the authorities' splendid campaign promises. Empty pockets and unpaid salaries do not augment either regular officers' or army pensioners' optimism.