«Forward, Ukraine!» to Socialism and Government Posts?

The other day the National Council of the Forward, Ukraine! party resolved to support Oleksandr Moroz in the October 1999 presidential elections. Addressing a joint press conference on August 9, Mr. Moroz announced the formation of a new coalition: «It may include about 20 parties, both left and right, which do not adhere to orthodox or marginal positions.» Characterizing the new association's ideological platform, he stressed that «it is not a question of a radical change of the ideology.» «This is a matter of compromise, and it does not absolutely mean that all should change their outlooks.» the Socialist leader added. In his words, as early as May 1999 he had a talk with Viktor Musiyaka about using «the potential of the latter» in a future government, Interfax- Ukraine reports.

In his turn, Forward, Ukraine! leader Mr. Musiyaka said he had already been offered several posts, including ministerial, but «this is not the main thing» for him «in the establishment of cooperation with the Socialists.»

Answering the journalists' questions, Mr. Moroz said «there are no splits in the Socialist Party, and none of its leaders shuns political struggle in the presidential race,» and that he «is sure to support Verkhovnan Rada Speaker Oleksandr Tkachenko, especially in his current capacity.»