Ukraine Lacks Funds for Two Rounds of Elections

In view of this, Speaker Tkachenko told leading media people, the authors of the Kaniv statement (e.g., Yevhen Marchuk, Oleksandr Moroz, Volodymyr Oliynyk, and Oleksandr Tkachenko) must determine which of the four will run for the presidency no later than October, so he can win in the first round. When asked whether he was concerned about the presence among the Kaniv Four of a politician being supported by parties holding views different than those of the Speaker, Mr. Tkachenko replied that he understood who they meant: Yevhen Marchuk. He further said that he was convinced that Mr. Marchuk is an expert on events in Western Ukraine of half a century ago, considering his archival access, and that one and all should listen to his thoughtful observations on the subject. One must not allow Ukraine to be divided into East and West during the elections, he added.

Commenting on the achievements registered during the years of independence, Mr. Tkachenko noted that there was so much Kuchma on television on August 24 it made one wonder what one was watching, Independence Day festivities or a presentation of his campaign program. There was just 1.5 million tons of grain supplied to the state, but were bumper crops of army generals, as Leonid Kuchma signed an edict on 148 such promotions commemorating Independence Day.

Mr. Tkachenko also announced that the coming legislative session will consider a bill envisioning Parliament's approval on appointing the General Prosecutor, Prime Minister, heads of military and security ministries and agencies, and that of the tax administration.