Independent Ukrainian news website under serious threat..[Updated]

In the past your blogger has referred to articles from the 'Lyeviy Bereg' site, now 'lb.ua', on many occasions.

The independent lb.ua site posts articles by many authors, including some who strongly pro-ruling authorities as well those who are highly critical.The site is a project of the Gorshenin Institute  - who also publish this excellent weekly newsletter in English

Several of the site's staff, including well-known journalist Sonya Koshkina could now be facing criminal charges for doing their job - in particlar for writing about the severe beating last year of a young woman by Roman Landyk, son of a prominent PoR parliamentary deputy. The case was prominently covered across the entire Ukrainian media because is cast a spotlight on the frequently boorish, lawless behaviour of Ukraine's ruling elite and their children.

An Lb.ua photographer managed to take readable photographs of Landyk Sr. sending SMS messages whilst attending a pleniary parliamentary session. The photographs were taken quite openly from the journalist's gallery overlooking the main chamber of parliament where photographers are permitted to sit. There was nothing illicit or underhand in the way the photographs were taken. Deputies are well aware that everything they do in the main chamber is under scrutiny.

"From the contents of the SMS it is clear that in order to optimize his son’s image, Landik Senior is engaging political technologists as well as journalists from the Luhansk TV company to write positive comments in the news and texts about the Landik junior trial."

Koshkina and the others could now be facing up to seven years in prison for alleged 'violation of private corresondence'. Full story in English here

After being questioned by law-enforcement officials, Koshkina herself 'phoned Landyk sr. and wrote about their conversation, or rather his abusive, explative-ridden tirade, in this lb.ua piece. The bright, charismatic and charming journalist has certainly 'trodden on more than a few toes' in her many articles, but has nevertheless always appeared to have had cordial relations with the 'great and good' of the land.

Koshkina considers she and other at her site are now under grave threat, and that this assault is not merely a token 'shot across their bows' - it may well be the start of a campaign to 'clip the wings' of independent journalists before next autumn's parliamentary elections. Or maybe someone has  just decided to seek revenge and 'get even'...

Another example of creeping authoritarianism?
And should not Landyk sr. be investigated for possible abuse of power and perverting the course of justice? Not in the Alice in Wonderland world of Ukrainian politics.

                                                                Sonya Koshkina

Update:

Sonya Koshkina appeared via Skype on last night's 'ShusterLive' programme. She is out of the country and will not return until she and her lb.ua colleagues receive cast iron guarantees that they any possible criminal charges against them in the Landyk affair will be dropped. 

She accuses highly-placed officials in the presidential administration of organising a sustained 'nightmarish' attack against lb.ua in the last months , but without the consent of either the president Yanukovych or prosecutor-general Pshonka. [Your blogger considers the last assertion may be a ploy to enable this pair of oafs to emerge from the scandal unscathed without loss of face or embarrassment.]

The president's representative in parliament Yuriy Myroshnichenko said on the programme that Koshkina's appearance itself showed freedom of expression in the country was not under attack. However, he added prosecutors had the right to conduct any investigations in this case.

Everyone knows that internet websites now are the biggest and best source of unbiassed information on the political scene in Ukraine...LEvko suggests such attacks will become more commonplace in future..and this is the reason lb.ua are fighting back so vigorously...

p.s. Several years ago a British minister was photographed walking into Downing Street with her  briefing papers visible. Their embarrasing contents, discussing the double impact of falling house prices and rapidly rising food and fuel prices, a lethal political cocktail which were damaging to the then prime minister, were widely reported. No-one dreamt of attacking journalists for doing their job.
The minister in question held no grudge against them despite the sensitivity of the information placed into the public domain.

See also here, here, and here for similar cases.

Moderate success in Euros will not improve Ukraine's image

Below are loosely translated portions of an article in the Polish 'Gazeta Wyborcza' entitled "A lost match, a lost Ukraine?" by the excellent Marcin Wojciechowski.

"Ukrainian success in the Euros could have persuaded the authorities to make a generous gesture in the Tymoshenko affair [having sentenced her to seven years in prison for signing the gas agreement with Russia], and also in the cases other members of her government who are now in jail... Success and nationwide festivities would have provided cover to the authorities, enabling them to justify a change in their current policy - destruction of the opposition, or breaking its back by means of selectively applied criminal charges.

Now, after Ukraine's exit from the tournament, the country is more likely to return back to the starting point. Ukraine is deeply divided, and is considered in Europe to be an half-authoritarian state, boycotted by some, and as a state losing its chance to enter Western structures, not capable of taking advantage of them.

Perhaps this image will be somewhat improved after the successful organization of the tournament in Ukraine and the good impression left on visiting fans. But we should not delude ourselves: during the championship about  200-300 thousand people from the West visited Ukraine - less than half the number that visited Poland - and its image in the world will be shaped by the media and the speeches of politicians. And these are what they are.

If you listen to the Ukrainian government you might conclude that everything is perfect: there is no corruption, no authoritarian practices exist, no crisis; and all shortcomings are the fault of a demoralized opposition.

If, in turn, you take the point of view of the opposition, Ukraine is now ruled by Stalin with Beria, only dumber and more corrupt. Neither one nor the other viewpoint is correct.

Ukraine is faced with the task of constructing a minimal compromise that will solve the current deadlock. While the current murderous battle between the authorities and the opposition continues it is obvious Ukraine will remain rooted on one spot. The successful hosting of the Euros will not help. With the current elevated emotional level of political conflict on the banks of the Dnipro, the successful organization of Euro 2012 is of small comfort. Unfortunately."

The 'Economist' agrees.

Wojciechowski is correct. Had Ukrainian authorities picked up the German doctor's hint and put Tymoshenko under house arrest while she undergoes treatment so that she is fit to face trial in the UESU affair, everyone would have gone away on their holidays in a more relaxed frame of mind.

p.s. Putting Tymoshenko into a glass 'aquarium' in the Kharkiv courtroom together with potted plants, fancy rug on the floor, paintings on the wall etc. is stupid -  cheap deception - 'ochkovtiratelstvo'

As for the 1996 Shcheban murder, one possible likely scenario?

Will Yanukovych be handing out the medals?

The semi-finalists of the Euro 2012 competition are now known. 
Germany and Spain are favourites to progess to next Sunday's final in Kyiv. 
Read what the German team captain Philipp Lahm thinks about Yanukovych and his treatment of Tymoshenko in this recent 'Spiegel' interview [ in English ]
If Yanukovych decides to present the trophy and hand out medals will Lahm and his team mates shake hand?
You can be sure the German press will be writing about this...

The fear of Tymoshenko

Hanna Herman, one of Yanukovych's closest advisers, was interviewed by 'Glavkom' recently.

She was asked: "How do you assess the prospects of a united opposition? Is this alliance viable? Is it merely a joint venture for anyone who wants to enter parliament, and then everyone will go their own way?


A: Nobody will be able to unite with Yulia Volodymirivna when it comes to equal partnership. She has an authoritarian style and in principle does not accept partners, only [perhaps] as subordinates. And Yatseniuk will be a partner of Tymoshenko's only as long she does not have the power to crush him. That's all."

Herman should have explained Tymoshenko has been imprisoned for seven years - no one can unite with her - she is no longer a player on the field of battle. And according to recent statements by the deputy prosecutor-general she is probably facing two more major criminal charges, including involvement in several killings - in a country where percentage acquittal rates in criminal trials are in the low single digits.

But responses such as Herman's reveal in their hearts the ruling authorities lack conviction and still have a morbid fear of Tymoshenko's influence. They know she is still setting the political agenda in Ukraine...this is why, by one means or another, Yanukovych will not allow the opposition to gain power in the October parliamentary elections...it would mean he himself would be crushed...

Yanukovych no longer credible

Today's 'Segodnya' claims:

"Yanukovych has decided to pardon Tymoshenko - the former prime minister will be released from prison after all court proceedings."

They base their assertion on this portion of Yanukovych's recent interview in 'Time' magazine:

Q...the Tymoshenko case is also a problem for Ukraine. European leaders have demanded her release, and they have moved to freeze ties with Ukraine until she goes free. That is a serious problem. Why are you unable to resolve it?

A. People have come asking me for various resolutions. The simplest resolution is just to let Tymoshenko go. My reaction to that is this: I can’t act outside the framework of the law … The President does not have such instruments. I have to do everything by the letter of the law. So when could these questions [of her release] arise? They can arise when the legal process is finished. When it is finished, when the courts have made their decisions, including the European Court of Human Rights, then it is in the President’s authority to grant a pardon. And if this time comes, there is a procedure for this. But until the courts have made their decision, in a transparent, legal and procedurally sound way, I do not have the power to do this.

Q. But do you want to?

A. Of course. Of course I do....

A couple of days ago he claimed she participated in murder.. [see previous blog]

The man is no longer credible..

Yanukovych links Tymoshenko to Scherban's murder [updated]

Maybe it's the heady euphoria that has swept the country and its leadership after Ukraine's narrow victory in their first match over their group's weakest team, Sweden, in the Euro 2012 football tournament but, according to 'Bloomberg' president Yanukovych claims: "Crimes carried in various criminal cases were carried out with Tymoshenko’s participation...this isn’t a secret for the whole world - this happened. Including Shcherban’s murder. There were motives."

He is entering dangerous territory. The world also knows that he trampolined from motor transport manager to the highest echelons of power in Ukraine shortly after Yevhen Scherban's slaying. However, little documentation exists how this happened or who his sponsors were - it is a taboo subject.

Dozens of businessmen were murdered in and around Donetsk in the early '90's. Few of the murders were ever solved. Some of the alleged perpetrators themselves died in suspicious circumstances either in jail or elsewhere.

Scherban, by various accounts, had been the wealthiest man in Donbass and was a well-liked, charismatic politician. Those who inherited/appropriated his wealth are now the richest in the land.

And those who failed to solve the dozens of murders, intentionally or otherwise, now run the prosecutor general's office.

The murder rate diminished once the Yanukovych-Akhmetov-Kolesnikov triumvirate took full control of the region.

Update: Realising that the above statement was highly prejudicial, 'el presidente' has now explained that all the above is of course, a matter for the courts...]

I wonder if Rinat has called recently?

p.s. The motley crew who now run Ukraine gathered together to watch their nation play Sweden two days ago. Photos here

In their midst were three former presidents, the prosecutor-general [ho hum..], the young Yanukovych brothers, and top oligarchs...they all know one another's dirty secrets. Opposition leaders, who should also be represented at such national events, languish in jail.

Ready for Euros? [part 2]

Many if not most top European policians, including those of the United Kingdom, have decided to give the Ukrainian portion of the Euro 2012 soccer tournament a miss.

Ukrainian ambassador in London Khandohiy says: 'in reality no such decision has been taken by the British government' [An ambassador is an honest man sent abroad to lie for his country.. In this case this may only be partly true.]

As I mentioned in my previous blog, many facilities being prepared for fans from other countries are nowhere near complete. Photos of the current state of the Kyiv campsite being constructed for Swedish fans, who arrive tomorrow here

And the current state of the Khreshchatyk fan zone, complete with needlessly chopped down chestnut trees here

Expect a big stink about all of this. Negative reports are already appearing on BBC news channels and elsewhere.

I feel really sorry for the millions of Ukrainians in all parts of the country who have been looking forward for years to present their country in the best possible light and dearly want the tournament to be a success.

p.s. Top story in Friday's 'Sun' - UK's biggest selling daily:

Bigwigs boycott Euros

MPs protest over human rights 
(er, unless England reach 
the quarters)

Ready for Euros?

With just a few days to go before the start of Euro 2012, Kyiv and the area around the Olympic stadium where several matches, including the final on July 1st are to be played, is nowhere near ready. Check out this TVi video: http://tvi.ua/ua/watch/author/?prog=44&video=6631

The nearest hospital to the stadium, where any possible emergency casualties will be dealt with, is still a mess.

And at an intersection of two roads, near the Olympic stadium a giant hole has appeared out of which is emanating a torrent of steam and boiling water...

How much has been spent?

Источник

"Ukraine: Teetering on the Edge"

Watch this video of Thursday's Wroclaw Global Forum 2012 session [with English language voice-over] entitled: "Ukraine: teetering on the edge", here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cjkxkRqMGA&feature=relmfu

Klitschko, Kwasniewski, and Herman are on the panel, which was moderated by former Polish PM Jan Krzysztof Bielecki.

The message from Ukraine's most loyal advocates could not be clearer: no progress on Ukraine's EU integration until opposition leaders are released from prison.

p.s. First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Valeriy Khoroshkovskiy's presentation at the Forum, in English, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lin11KTacx8&feature=relmfu

His brief response when questioned about the 'elephant in the room' - the imprisonment of former PM Tymoshenko [about 47 minutes into the clip] was not convincing...

Normally a highly polished and confident media performer on Ukrainian television, Khoroshkovsky appears nervous and uncertain throughout..His advisers should have prepared responses to the easily predictable questions beforehand...or maybe he's too much of a smart-ass to do  his homework.

In comparison, Klitschko was far more assured....maybe there is a politician in there....

As the title of the first panel suggests, the Poles seem to be saying: we can't say too much right now because of the Euros...but after they finish our patience with Ukraine will run out...

p.p.s. Lots of interesting videos of discussion panels, presentations from the event here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WroclawGlobalForum

Pandora's box

Distinguished Russian Journalist, Maxim Yusin, yesterday, wrote this in 'Vzglyad':

"Yanukovych will fight"

"Ukrainian opposition, united around the Yulia Tymoshenko's "Batkivshchyna" party recently publicly presented its programme in Kyiv. The oppositions' aim - to win parliamentary elections on October 28 and to "start the process of removal of Viktor Yanukovych from power".

Will it be possible to implement this plan? The odds are not that good right now.

First, the opposition themselves admit in order to implement their goals they need to not just to win, but to inflict a crushing defeat, securing at least 300 out of 450 seats. Only then will they be able to start an impeachment process.

Currently polls show the opposition to have only a small lead over Party of Regions - one to four percent.

Secondly, parliamentary elections will be held under the new rules - half the seats in parliament will be taken up by single-mandate candidates who the ruling party will find much easier to manipulate than those who enter parliament on party lists. 'Buying out' of parliamentarians and jumping from one faction to another has long been a tradition in Ukrainian politics. Tariffs in each new Parliament have continually increased, but this time it seems they are lower so the oligarchs that stand behind Viktor Yanukovych will be able to save money.

According to some forecasts  about 150 of the 225 single-mandate MPs will eventually join the 'Regionaly'. This means the opposition will not even gain a simple majority, never mind a constitutional majority.

Third, the Yanukovych government will fight much more desperately than in 2004, when they surrendered to the Kyiv Maidan. The president simply cannot afford to lose power. At stake is his own freedom, prosperity and family well-being, as well as the prosperity of the Donetsk clan.

Today, in Ukraine, violent political habits exist, and a Pandora's box has been opened by the head of state. Yanukovych who can hardly be counted on to be lenient - otherwise he is likely to go the same way as Yulia Tymoshenko. A precedent has been created.

Therefore he must hold on to the bitter end - no Maidan and no mandate without a fight.

Right now though, for Yanukovych, while there is cause for concern, he and his Donetsk clan maintain general control."

Today in Poland, first deputy prime minister Valeriy Khoroskovsky claimed Ukrainians are convinced ex-premier Tymoshenko is a criminal. PM Azarov made similar statements recently too. Unquestionably a significant portion of the population would agree with them, but then again a similar number, or perhaps even more, consider Yanukovych, the cabinet of ministers, and Khoroshkovsky himself to be a bunch of corrupt crooks who should be behind bars too.

Tymoshenko's trial last year on charges of abuse of office should have been impeccably conducted in order to convince sceptics and outsiders alike of her guilt. But the trial was a sloppily conducted farce - hence the reaction by western capitals who concluded the trial was entirely politically motivated. After this any trials on any further charges will not convince either.

Yanukovych today 'played a new card' and revealed that "he had appointed an American law firm to do a legal audit of the prosecution and trial of his great political rival Yulia Tymoshenko." He is wasting even more tax-payers money on a futile whitewashing exercise..How can their findings be other than to satisfy their clients' requirements?

As Yusin says, Pandora's box has been opened..and when Ukrainians snap out of their lethargy its dreadful contents will emerge..

p.s. I really liked this from NYT on EURO 2012

Lots of good comments too: e.g. "Much of the attention [racism]is receiving is surely motivated by the larger perception that awarding the 2012 games to Ukraine has turned out on all levels to be a fundamental geopolitical mistake."

Today the the French minister for sport announced than no member of the French cabinet will be going to the Euros. Ukrainian authorities have already been notified. I expect similar declarations from other European capitals in the near future.

The downtrodden Ukrainian tax payer will have to foot the bill for the Euro 2012 while Yanukovych, Kolesnikov and co. hive off their kick-backs in exotic tax havens..

Racist behaviour at the Euro 2012 and in England

Last night the BBC broadcast a programme about overtly racist chanting and saluting by Polish and Ukrainian fans at soccer matches.

See the 16-minute portion pertaining to Ukraine here.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oleh Voloshyn, today stated the BBC should apologise for the programme. He claimed 'the British side' has never officially protested about the racist displays by Ukrainian fans.

"I recently had discussions with an adviser at the British embassy on the matter of football. On the contrary, we talked about how to protect Ukrainians from British fans who are the most agressive, the most intolerant and racially predjudiced of all the fans in Europe," said Voloshyn.

He is talking with his head up his a***.

Anyone who attends matches in England [like your blogger]  knows English football clubs strove to eliminate the despicable behaviour displayed in the BBC documentary a generation ago, and the UK was the first country to make a concerted effort to rid the game of racism.

Racist chanting or gesturing is almost never seen or heard at matches where about 20% of players are black. Any fan who dares descend to this level would be immediately dealt with and arrested.

Fans who misbehave at matches are banned, e.g. over 1000 supporters from the English Premier League had legally enforcible banning orders applied to them last season.

Volshyn's statement will not reasure any visitor to the Euros.

He should have declared: there will be zero-tolerance at Euro 2012 of racist behaviour, either by home fans or by visitors, and left it at that. His statements will merely dissuade even more England fans from travelling to Ukraine.

Pressure on Yanukovych will not abate

Ukraine continues to be perceived as one of the most corrupt countries in the world and criticism of the authorities' political persecution of former members of the is becoming ever more shrill. E.g. today the European Parliament today called on the Ukrainian authorities to release "figures imprisoned on political grounds."


The U.S. Department of State, in its recently published annual 'Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011 - Ukraine', states: "The most serious human rights development during the year was the politically motivated detention, trial, and conviction of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, along with selective prosecutions of other senior members of her government."


Your blogger believes that Yanukovych and his associates thought from the start that if they stand firm, the pressure on them will eventually abate. They have been wrong on this right down the line; and today's E.P. resolution means Europe's politicians can continue to maintain a tough line.

There has been talk both there and in the European media, about freezing the assets and ill-gotten gains of president Yanukovych and his close circle of allies.

The Financial Action Task Force on money laundering, [FATF]  set up many years ago by what was the G-7, is currently investigating oil-rig scams organised by Ukraine's fuel and energy minster, Yuriy Boyko. [I have written about these previously]. They could be "one step away from seizing Boyko's assets."

The possibility of such actions occurring has now increased.

Ukrainian tycoon and Party of Regions' deputy Rinat Akhmetov is normally 'ahead of the game' on such matters. There are credible reports his wife Liliya is interested in becoming a UK citizen. And eagle-eyed journalist photographed a copy of an email which Party of Regions' deputy Yuriy Voropayev was reading in parliament on this topic. [Source - the excellent Gorshenin Institute newletter - one of the best weekly roundups of news from Ukraine]  Both the billionaire's sons study in the UK...

European Parliament urges Ukraine to respect democracy

European Parliament urges Ukraine to respect democracy..or else..

Also video of debate can be seen at the  link above, or from the BBC here

Resolution to be published tomorrow...

Chicago Summit Declaration

Chicago Summit Declaration Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Chicago on 20 May 2012

"...Noting the principles and commitments enshrined in the NATO-Ukraine Charter and the ANP, we are concerned by the selective application of justice and what appear to be politically motivated prosecutions, including of leading members of the opposition, and the conditions of their detention.  We encourage Ukraine to address the existing shortcomings of its judicial system to ensure full compliance with the rule of law and the international agreements to which it is a party.  We also encourage Ukraine to ensure free, fair and inclusive Parliamentary elections this autumn."

Why pressure on Ukraine's rulers must be maximised

Vitaliy Portnikov in LB.ua  says, this week's visits of both PM Azarov to Brussels, and president Yanukovych to Moscow, achieved absolutely nothing.

He concludes:

"That's why right now, [with both Western and Russian leaders complaining about Tymoshenko's imprisonment] paradoxically, we have a historic opportunity.

The ruling authorities, who have decided to shut out Tymoshenko - Yanukovych's biggest rival, using prosecutors [and politically motivated trial], are [now] under total international pressure. Ukrainian society also does not accept it.

The release of Tymoshenko could become the beginning of the end - not even of Yanukovych, but rather the end of Ukrainian authoritarianism in general. The pressure could turn out to be so strong, and the consequences so severe that none of Ukraine's susequent presidents would dare to play the dictator [ever again]. And we can finally change this country.

But for this to happen, Ukrainian society must also be on the same side as the West and Russia. Then Yanukovych will remain on the other side - alone."

KyivPost provides some ideas...                          

EU Progress Report on Ukraine 2011

EU  Progress Report on Ukraine & Memo on Ukraine published today

"The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on the new European Neighbourhood Policy”)  making an assessment of the first year of implementation of the new  ENP adopted in 2011..."

"The area of  deep and sustainable democracy  experienced a further deterioration in 2011. 


Several leading opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Tymoshenko, were subjected to selective justice, characterised by un-transparent judicial processes. 


Successfully addressing the issue of selective justice would open the way to the signature and ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU."  


Could not be clearer....

p.s.


Nataliya Prykhod'ko in a LB.ua article describes the efforts of Ukraine's chief eurointegrators in Brussels, and their possible results.

Here is a summary of some of her thoughts:

She describes Ukraine's eurointegrators as rather unatractive distant relatives who keep turning up regularly, demanding attention and confirmation how good their relationship is. Each bad-mouths one another, and particularly bad-mouths other relatives who used to visit two or more years ago - 'now those guys..they were the real bandits..'

"To be honest, we are all very tired of the visits by representatives of the Ukrainian government," - says one influential Brussels bureaucrat in private conversation. "The pitch is always the same: first a report on Ukrainian reforms, then talk about personal devotion to the cause of European integration, - then complaints about the huge pressure on Ukraine from Russia. We have heard all this millions of times before. Then the visitor is always asked the same question: "Who can influence the decisions of the Ukrainian president?". The Ukrainian visitor looks down and says, "Nobody." And on this conversation ends. However, recently, there has been another version. The Ukrainian guests responds:" His eldest son can influence him." However, for the Europeans, the answer [to all intents and purposes] is no different than the previous one.

The Ukrainians who go to Brussels always make the same pitch:

First. The aim of Ukraine is Europe, and Ukraine will not swerve from this path.

Second. In Ukraine, reforms under way. Usually the talk is about judicial reform and the new Code of Criminal Procedure - because they believe the Europeans like this.

Third. The entire Ukrainian people should not suffer because of one person - Tymoshenko. Ukraine's prospects in Europe should not depend solely on the criminal case against the former prime minister.

Fourth. Yulia Tymoshenko has now become a criminal, and there is a long trail of criminality from her time at UESU.

Fifth. By its actions, the EU is pushing Yanukovych into Putin's embrace, and if Europe does not close its eyes to the Tymoshenko case and sign the association agreement with Kyiv, Ukraine will be forced into economic and political union with Russia.

Ukraine's main Eurointegrationalists are:

- Andriy Klyuyev. the current secretary of NSDC and until recently first deputy prime minister who oversaw negotiations on a Free Trade and Association Agreement.

- Valeriy Khoroshkovskiy. former Minister of Finance and current First Vice Prime Minister Minister.

- Petro Poroshenko - Minister of Economy and former close ally of Viktor Yuschenko.

Ukrainian foreign minster Konstantyn Hryshchenko, who should be leading Ukraine's Euro-integrational efforts has become a marginal or token figure. His aggressive tone towards EU interlocutors has turned them off...he is on the way out.

Ukrainian foreign policy under President Viktor Yanukovych has been reduced to endless maneuvers or ritual dances, playing off Moscow against the EU and vice-versa.

Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the three main eurointegratists are all very, very rich. A radical deterioration of relations with the EU would significantly compromise their assets, they could lose the opportunity to travel to their European properties or relax at their favorite resorts.

Prykhodko notes that all Ukraine's Eurointegrationary efforts are almost exclusively focussed on Brussels...little work is done in Europe's other capitals..

Mafia States..

 "In recent years, a new threat has emerged: the mafia state. Across the globe, criminals have penetrated governments to an unprecedented degree. The reverse has also happened: rather than stamping out powerful gangs, some governments have instead taken over their illegal operations. In mafia states, government officials enrich themselves and their families and friends while exploiting the money, muscle, political influence, and global connections of criminal syndicates to cement and expand their own power. Indeed, top positions in some of the world's most profitable illicit enterprises are no longer filled only by professional criminals; they now include senior government officials, legislators, spy chiefs, heads of police departments, military officers, and, in some extreme cases, even heads of state or their family members.

This fusing of governments and criminal groups is distinct from the more limited ways in which the two have collaborated in the past. Governments and spy agencies, including those of democratic countries, have often enlisted criminals to smuggle weapons to allied insurgents in other countries or even to assassinate enemies abroad. (The CIA's harebrained attempt to enlist American mafia figures to assassinate Fidel Castro in 1960 is perhaps the best-known example.) But unlike normal states, mafia states do not just occasionally rely on criminal groups to advance particular foreign policy goals. In a mafia state, high government officials actually become integral players in, if not the leaders of, criminal enterprises, and the defense and promotion of those enterprises' businesses become official priorities.


In mafia states such as Bulgaria, Guinea-Bissau, Montenegro, Myanmar (also called Burma), Ukraine, and Venezuela, the national interest and the interests of organized crime are now inextricably intertwined.

Because the policies and resource allocations of mafia states are determined as much by the influence of criminals as by the forces that typically shape state behavior, these states pose a serious challenge to policymakers and analysts of international politics. Mafia states defy easy categorization, blurring the conceptual line between states and nonstate actors. As a result, their behavior is difficult to predict, making them particularly dangerous actors in the international environment."

From "Mafia States" by Moisés Naim,  'Foreign Affairs', April 25 2012

Summary here

p.s. Alexander Rahr seems to be sure Tymoshenko will be released before the Euro 2012 starts...he claims Germany's leading politicians think so too...

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton says she hopes to have good news after her meeting with Ukrainian Premier Mykola Azarov on May 15...

And apparently, the word 'boycott' was not heard at Monday's meeting of EU Foreign Ministers...

Are the EU and Ukraine nearing a deal on 'Tymokha'? But ever since her arrest she has dictated events...and will continue to do so, whatever happens...The press love poking sticks at ugly, greedy bears like Yanuk..

Clear proof of political discrimination in media by Ukrainian authorities

Arseniy Yatseniuk's 'Front Zmin' reports:

First National State Television Company refused to broadcast the Joint Opposition Forum, which was held at St. Michael's Square in the centre of Kyiv on Saturday.

Leader of "Front of Change", F.Z., Arseniy Yatseniuk sent a letter to the Director General of the First National Television Company of Ukraine, UT-1, Egor Benkendorf, requesting  airtime on the  channel be provided for live broadcast the Forum, between 10.05 to 10.45 a.m.

However, on the eve of the Forum a representative from the First National TV Channel informed 'F.Z.' their request had been denied. It was clear that this was not an independent decision by the channel's management, but rather a directive "from above."

"UT-1  is a state-run TV channel, funded by taxpayers' money and, by law, must provide equal access to information about the activities of both government and the opposition," stressed 'F.Z.'s press service.

UT-1 recently carried a live broadcasts of the Party of Regions' Forum: "Building a new country," a congress of  Party of Region' deputies, and also the 44th Congress of the Communist Party of Ukraine.

UT-1's refusal to broadcast Saturday's Joint Opposition Forum is in clear contravention of broadcasting and freedom of information laws say F.Z's press service.

A picture is worth a thousand words, maybe a lot more...

(Reuters) - "German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that Ukraine was a "dictatorship" and likened it to Belarus, one of Europe's most isolated countries, in her sharpest comments to date against the former Soviet republic.

Merkel has been an outspoken critic of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich for his treatment of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. But the chancellor's comments in a speech to German lawmakers confirmed the extent to which Ukraine's image has slipped in the West over the Tymoshenko case."

Merkel's opinion is shared across Europe by other prime ministers and presidents.

Meanwhile, today, "President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych believes that the pause in relations with the European Union will do the both sides well. The head of state said this at the meeting with Moldavian President Nikolae Timofti.
Yanukovych reminded that for today Ukraine and the EU have prepared the Association agreement and free trade are agreement. "I would say the EU has offered to take a pause. As far as I understand this break will do us both well."

Yanukovych's statement were intended to pre-empt a possible decision that could be made by EU Foreign Ministers on Monday to boycott the Euro-2012 soccer competition next month.

The disturbing photographs of Tymoshenko in prison taken by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė today, will be seen all over the world - burned into the memory banks of  western politicians. It will certainly harden their view that Yanukovych is becoming another Lukashenko..It may even convince UEFA  to move the July 1st Euro 2012 final and closing ceremony from Kyiv to Warsaw..

[Remember this photo?]

p.s.Lead story in United Kingdom's biggest selling paper Friday..

Corruption at the Euros

Today's 'Sunday Telegraph' in London runs a story "Euro 2012 should be investigated for corruption, says Yulia Tymoshenko - Ukraine's controversial Euro 2012 should be investigated, says jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko"

Few western media sources have picked up [so far] on the massive scams being operated by members of Yanukovych's 'banda', in connection with the Euro 12 tournament, but below is a [Google-translated] recent story  from the public service Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DR, on this topic.

[They also produce superb TV dramas, including the  widely acclaimed 'Borgen' political drama.]

Revealed Corruption at Football Championship
P1 Documentary 03 May 2012 at. 14:03 on P1
Mark Rachkevych is a journalist at the newspaper Kyiv Post in Ukraine's capital. He was born and raised in America, but his grandparents come from Ukraine, and some years after the country became independent in 1991, Mark moved Rachkevych to Kiev. Here he works as an investigative journalist, and in recent years he has written a series of articles about corruption in the country's preparations for the European Football Championship.


In total, invested nearly 100 billion dollars to make Ukraine ready for EM. According to Mark Rachkevych planners originally hoped that 80 percent of the money would come from private investment - more tax money. However, it has been found to be reversed. 80 percent of the money has come from public coffers.


In the four host cities - Kiev, Donetsk, Lviv and Karkiv - had to build new stadiums. But in the years after the country was hosting in 2007 it went very slow with the investment. UEFA chief Michael Platini aired publicly the possibility of Ukrainian was stripped of hosting. In spring 2010 the government created a Ministry of Infrastructure to time in the preparations. The new minister - Boris Kolesnikov - arguing for the reasonableness of that most money for the new building came from the public purse.


- Since the Ministry of Infrastructure was established in 2010, they put forward the argument that these investments will be well spent, partly because they will benefit Ukraine AFTER Championship is over, says Mark Rachkevych to P1 Documentary.


To get started in building the Ministry decided that it would put many construction projects out to tender. You would - via closed betting rounds - hand pick the companies that would be responsible for the construction including the four stadiums, airports and miles of roads. And it meant that millions of dollars have disappeared, says Mark Rachkevych


- I have found that they can not account for how a lot of public money has gone. I have talked to several companies, which says that when companies get a contract awarded, it is quite normal that they have to pay 35 to 50% in kickbacks.


Many buildings have become very expensive. As an example, Mark Rachkevych to a company that normally makes manhole covers in plastic, was awarded a contact to build ten wooden benches for a metro state ion in Kiev. When Mark Rachkevych investigated Agreement, he discovered that the price for each of the simple benches was 45,000 dollars - equivalent to new price for an ordinary car in Ukraine.


The new stadiums have also left more than they are worth. Ukraine's National Audit Office has determined that the new stadium in Kharkiv has cost 150 million dollars for much. Also the new Olympic stadium in Kiev was too expensive, says Mark Rashkevich. Total price $ 600 million. Nearly $ 150 million than the equally large, the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Both the stadium can accommodate 69,000 spectators and resemble each other a lot.


Mark Rachkevych underwent construction together with experts who considered that it should cost between 300-400 million. The Olympic stadium has been nicknamed Boris-Arena after Boris Kolesnikov, Minister for Infrastructure, the heads of the many new buildings.
The contracting firm AK Engineering, who has been behind the new Olympic Stadium. It turned out that Boris Kolesnikovs lawyer was involved in the company resulting from the minister's hometown, Donetsk. Documents showed that AK Engineering had signed contracts with apparently fictitious companies.


- When you look at the companies that have won these closed betting rounds, then they come mostly from Donetsk. This is where both the president and the minister for infrastructure comes from. And when you try to follow the tracks of these companies, so they lead to offshore companies including Belize and Cyprus with secret owners, said Mark Rachkevych.


Throughout the process, Mark Rachkevych worked with journalists from other Eastern European countries in the network Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. Together they revealed that the company Altkom from Donetsk has been awarded contracts to several 100 million dollars to build roads. Who owns the company is unclear.


For the journalists found out that Altkom is owned by a shell company in England - Eurobalt Limited. whose chief executive is a female yoga instructor in Cyprus. When Mark Rachkevych contacted the woman, he was told that she has nothing to Eurobalt and Altkom to do. But she gets $ 534 a month to be the front man - or woman.


When Mark Rachkevych wrote the revealing stories he told Boris Kolesninov for an interview. The Minister dismissed all charges and said he just tried to have stay at the previous government's negligence, then the country may be ready for EM the 2012th Therefore, you have to pay the price. Mark Rachkevych could not prove who is ultimately served over prices. But in the days after the articles were printed was Mark Rachkevych several calls from the minister.


- He began to threaten me, he said he would destroy me, he would destroy the Kyiv Post, I sue, I know where you're from, you do not like the Ukraine, you are Ukraine's enemy, he says.
Mark Rachkevych shot two of the talks. And he told both his employer - and the U.S. Embassy - about the threats, which made a deep impression on him.


- He spoke like a criminal, he spoke Russian gangster and I did not sleep for several nights. I started taking different routes to and from work and I was paranoid about my phone was tapped. I was really, really afraid for my life, because I know what can happen with critical journalists in Ukraine. They can get chopped off head, says Mark Rashkevich


In 2000, journalist Georgy Gondadze murdered after he had written stories about corruption in their administrations. His body found without the head, police investigation concluded that it was suicide. But Marc Rachkevych has continued to write about corruption. He hopes that EM is a success for the country. But it irks him that so many tax dollars have disappeared.


- For a poor country like Ukraine can not afford for them to cheat people like that. For we are talking about tax dollars that could be where the money could be spent on useful things like IT, hospitals, schools, universities, he says.


With stories like this one and the one above it's no wonder that Europe's policians are loathe to shake hands with  Kolesnikov -  Vice Prime Minister responsible for Euro 2012...


p.s. CNN report :-

• Amnesty International label Ukrainian police 'criminal' ahead of Euro 2012
• Say that 'out of control' police could jeopardize the tournament
• Security concerns raised after multiple bomb attacks near host city
• European leaders boycotting matches over treatment of former Ukrainian PM

Where is the president - hiding with head head up his a***?