This photo was taken when Pavlo Lazarenko made his first appearance in
Parliament. It can perhaps be used as material evidence of his being concerned
with "getting internal problems straightened out above all."
Beyond doubt, one of these problems is what is going on within Hromada.
One of the party activists, Oleksandr
Yeliashkevych, decided to call it quits, which is additional proof
that "the crisis has matured enough," although Mr. Yeliashkevych stresses
that his statement has nothing to do with the Swiss saga, rather with "serious
developments" that emerged even earlier.
Oleksandr Yeliashkevych confirmed that the "political reasons" behind
his withdrawal had been discussed with Hromada's "first leader at the time"
on December 23. He further stated that Pavlo Lazarenko offered no straight
answers to straight questions. Instead, he "took a little time-out, so
he could discuss things with me later." Viktor Omelych, the faction's second-in-command,
believes that Mr. Yeliashkevych's decision should not be regarded as final;
"he tendered his resignation because he did not have sufficient information;
the circumstances have changed since then, so he can receive the kind of
information he needs now."
Mr. Omelych also maintains that it would serve the faction's or its
leader's interest to lose Oleksandr Yeliashkevych, so they will "try to
talk him out of taking this step." What will Pavlo Lazarenko do next? Will
he try to explain things, exert pressure, or pretend that Hromada members
quitting the party does not amount to much, after all has been said and
done? Hard to say at this stage. On the other hand, one cannot shrug off
the fact that many Hromada people are firmly convinced: Oleksandr Yeliashkevych
is a staunch opponent and values his image much more than his arrangements
with the authorities." Meaning that it is perhaps time Hromada changed
its own image. As for the "political reasons" Mr. Yeliashkevych prefers
to avoid discussing now, they may well have a direct bearing on possible
changes in Hromada's political stand.
The above assumption seems to be corroborated by the fact that the Anti-Corruption
Committee, headed by Mr. Karamzyn (also of Hromada) agreed to let People's
Deputy Ahafonov stand trial. When asked whether Hromada could show a more
loyal attitude to those currently in power, Mr. Omelych asked in return,
"Are there any indications to this effect?" And added that "we do not intend
to build up resistance against the authorities; we will adhere to the strategy
developed earlier."







