Ukrainian President Kuchma agrees to resign. But only in 2004

Ukraine’s President Leonid Kuchma has told journalists he is ready to resign, but not earlier that in 2004, after a regular presidential election. He has reiterated that it makes for him no sense to hold talks with those who demand him to step down immediately. In his view, the opposition lack a solid programme and the republic leadership may only need some streamlining. In the meantime, the constitution protection civil committee “For a Ukraine without Kuchma” has made public “Programme Principles of the United Democratic Opposition.” The document, again, calls the incumbent President to resign. It also insists on investigating “all the crimes committed by the ruling regime.” It promulgates the necessity to remove the ruling oligarchic clans from power by way of holding a fair and democratic election.

ANDREI LUBENSKI