THE AUTHORITIES ARE DESTROYING SCIENCE; THE OPPOSITION SUPPORTS SCIENTISTS

All promises of the executive to protect domestic scientists and provide them with at least minimum adequate financing have been systematically disavowed. Anatoly Shyrokov, head of trade union of the National Academy of Sciences, considers that the current infringements of the budget law and general agreement with the unions are obviously demonstrative. Scientists are paid less than the Kyiv average, with one half in terms of back wages. "If the authorities continue to destroy science, the union will call a general scientists' strike," Dr. Shyrokov declared.

A number of opposition parties came out in support of financing scientists. Vasyl Onopenko, leader of the SDPU (U) stated, in particular, that "the attitude those in power toward Ukrainian science cannot be regarded as statesman-like." The United Social Democrats have consistently supported the preservation and development of domestic learning regardless of the economic situation. If elected to Parliament, the SDPU (U) will see to it that bills are passed supporting science, reports The Day's Serhiy Hrabovsky.