Premier not in Politics For his Health

In fact, quasi-party elements copied a similar parliamentary move when the declaration of cooperation among groups of deputies and factions was signed. Obviously, after receiving evidence of intra-parliamentary integration the Premier had to demonstrate similar progress in the party sphere. Mr. Pustovoitenko believes that the newly established bloc will serve as nucleus for Zlahoda, strengthening its influence on society and in Parliament. He also agreed to coordination between the bloc, Zlahoda, and the President's Coordinating Council. This makes sense, since prior to June 16, when Verkhovna Rada will have a vote of confidence on the Cabinet, and it is important for the Premier to form a sizable package of documents, groups, and blocs to show Mr. Kuchma his "multivector" abilities.

His scheme was aptly illustrated by the new Liberal leader in Lviv, Mr. Vialov, who stressed that the 12 party leaders have half a million votes behind them, although votes are something Mr. Kuchma already has. When asked about the President's recent "ban" on his campaigning, Valery Pustovoitenko replied, "Certainly it is not a completely good situation when I am forced to take part in politics ... I have always stood aside and did not take part in politics..."

Let us note that party leaders also tried to turn the situation to their own advantage. All bloc members tried to pose as that very spectrum of national democratic forces, precisely the right flank. Republic Christian Leader Mykola Porovsky announced, "The national democratic forces could not unite and put forward a single strong Right candidate." It is obvious, however, that this did not happen precisely because the bloc's nominee had skinned that center alive, whereupon mini-parties settled on the scorched earth left with their "genetic" desire to back the current President. It is also possible the parties put together by Mr. Pustovoitenko with such painstaking care are meant to help Leonid Kuchma avoid the temptation of losing his nonaffiliated status by siding only with the United Social Democrats.