President Deserts NDP

When asked how this bilateral union looks in the context of already organized Zlahoda (Harmony) Association, Volodymyr Shcherban gave quite unexpected answer: "Zlahoda is temporary, and this agreement is forever."

Anatoly Matviyenko once again emphasized their intent to take part only in public policy. In this connection The Day's correspondent asked him to confirm or deny unofficial reports that in the coming days President is going to meet about fifty deputies, most of whom seem to have stated their willingness to join the new pro-presidential Rebirth of the Regions faction but now hesitate. And, what is more, after the NDP political council supported the demands of the political executive committee on a presidential candidate, it set itself the task of destroying the Matviyenko wing of the party along with its parliamentary faction. Mr. Matviyenko replied that he does not have such information at his disposal but he is informed that quite a few deputies have been invited to high offices in the Presidential Administration and advised under the pretext of setting up new factions to leave the NDP one. He is convinced that NDP and its faction will survive: "Moreover, I think that our authority will grow, because we are backed up by the truth.

Under such circumstances the Liberals' move toward union with the NDP should be considered brave.