Yevhen Marchuk Does Not Rule Out Taking Part in 2002 Elections

Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Yevhen Marchuk does not rule out his taking part in the 2002 parliamentary elections, he stated in a September 24 Interfax-Ukraine interview. Mr. Marchuk added that “it is not October 12 yet,” reminding his listeners that he had been a deputy during two convocations and participated in parliamentary and presidential elections. “I have experience,” the NDSC secretary said. “However, no decision has yet been made. There are both pros and cons.” Commenting on newspaper reports of his possible resignation, Mr. Marchuk attributed them to his professional activity: “Incidentally, news reports besmirching my image appear each time the NDSC decides to restore order in the energy sector, aviation, rail transport, or on joint ventures pumping out billions. This upsets certain individuals. I know who is behind those newspapers, spreads such rumors, and I know why.”