Yevhen AKYMOVYCH:"I quit the SDPU(u), which has begun to serve those in power"

"My views on the political situation in Ukraine differ from those of the party leadership in principle," he declared at a meeting of the board of the regional organization. "In particular, I do not share their view on the presidential candidate. Like many other in Odesa I am all out in support of Yevhen Marchuk. The party's thirteenth convention showed that its current leader Medvedchuk is trying to get the party to serve the authorities. In fact, SDPU(u) is turning into so many yes men for President Kuchma. I am ashamed to remain its member, so I formally announce my withdrawal."

Mr. Akymovych further suggested that other members of the board "act on principle" and join the Social Democratic Union (he is forming its Odesa organization). For the time being none have followed suit. "Much will depend on the next convention," The Day was told by Volodymyr Maksymovych, head of the SDPU(u) oblast organization. "United Social Democrats believe it will support Yevhen Marchuk as presidential candidate."