Stahlke Adoption

More about Ukrainian politics

I've been looking for more information on the political crisis in Ukraine. There have been a few articles in the Chicago Tribune, and I've also seen some info on the website of the US embassy in Kyiv:
kiev.usembassy.gov/files/070411_amb_podcast_april_eng.html

Here's my thumbnail sketch of the issues:
A new law in Ukraine requires lawmakers in Parliament to remain with their political parties until the next election. President Viktor Yushchenko (pro-West) is accusing Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych (pro-Russia) of recruiting lawmakers from Yushchenko's party to join Yanukovych's party. Eleven lawmakers did defect, in violation of the new law. Because of these actions, the President dissolved Parliament on April 2, a move which the Prime Minister refused to accept.

According to Bill Taylor, the US ambassador to Ukraine, there are three possible solutions:
1) new elections
2) a ruling by the constitutional court (the highest court in Ukraine)
3) a negotiated settlement between the President and the Prime Minister

The President and Prime Minister are holding talks, and tens of thousands of members of their parties have peacefully demonstrated in Kyiv. Taylor attended the rallies on March 31 and remarked at length about how orderly and peaceful they were.

As I hear more news, I'll pass it on.

posted by Stahlkes @ 9:39 AM