Viktor Chernomyrdin got from grateful Ukrainians “Prometheus’ Fire” and a mobile telephone

Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, Viktor Chernomyrdin has become possessor of the international prize of Person 2001 Ukrainian National Programme. In ceremonial atmosphere, in Ukraine palace, vice-premier of Ukraine (and at the same time, chairman of supreme academic council of the programme) Vladimir Seminozhenko handed over to Viktor Chernomyrdin a figurine, symbolizing the fire stolen by Prometheus. From some unknown reasons, the figurine was matched with a Samsung mobile telephone, while this original set aimed for Person 2001 was added with flowers and presents from Brocard perfumery shops. Another prize-winner was singer Iosif Kobzon, State Duma deputy and People’s Artists of the USSR, Russia and Ukraine. After receiving the figurine and the new mobile telephone, the singer ironically thanked for “help to underdeveloped countries,” while Viktor Chernomyrdin was not so ironical and called his prize “appreciation of Ukrainian-Russian relationship.” The ambassador noticed that “in whatever way the situation is developing, I am convinced that two our sovereign, powerful states will be together and two our nations will always support each other, whatever is happening around us.” The international prize of Person 2001 National Programme was also awarded to the head of Vatican, pope John Paul II and Council of Europe’s Secretary General Walter Schwimmer. Figurines (and mobile telephones?) were handed over to their representatives to Ukraine.

Andrei Lubenski PRAVDA.Ru Ukraine

Translated by Vera Solovieva

Read the original in Russian: http://www.pravda.ru/main/2002/03/19/38462.html