Open letter 11.23.2004, [16:06] We, the students of the Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv, Ukraine), are sending you this letter in order to attract your attention to the current presidential elections in Ukraine, one of the biggest (although not wealthiest) European countries. This is a true war for democracy going on here right now. Ukrainian journalists work under constant pressure; all major Ukrainian media are under control of pro-government political forces. Those who oppose the current highly corrupted political regime are heavily persecuted in many Ukrainian regions. The examples of such violent intimidation are the following cases. The observers of the opposition candidate were beaten with the extreme cruelty. The same happened with the leaders of student organization "Pora" (It`s time) and the members of their families. The workers of all governmental organizations in all regions of Ukraine are threatened to be fired if they do not vote for pro-government candidate. Thousands of people are now at the streets protesting against the falsifications of elections. At this moment about half a million of people are at the main square of the capital of Ukraine in Kyiv. On this moment 99,7% of votes are accounted. The pro-government candidate got 49, 7% and the candidate from opposition got 46,7%. However, these results are falsified. Read more...
Support Letters
Chloé
15.12.2004
Hi!! I'm a french studient of 18 years old. your message has send to me and I want to say you that you must to defend democraty in your country against the pro-government, it's very important for your future in Europe to show that you are a democratic country.
Evidently, in the french news (in television and in the radio), the journalists always speak of your situation, I see in TV your great manifestations. your behaviour is exemplary.you must don't accept this abject election!
so, all the frenches are with you and support your point of view. I wish
you a lot of courage and perseverance, please, don't deserted!!!
I'm very happy to hear from you - I'm also EXTREMELY HAPPY about the growth and determination of Ukrainians.
You have and are truely building a civil society. This is such a wonderful time - difficult but wonderful. Please know that I have been following everything and talk of little else.
I wish that I could be there, helping at this time.Unfortunately I can't. My mother is dieing and because I was away last year - it is now my turn to look after her. My sister however is going as one of the monitors.
I am with you in spirit and in as many other ways as I can...
Thanks for writing.
Chrystia Chomiak, Community Outreach Coordinator Women Building Futures
Dr. Martin Groos, Head of International Relations, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany
06.12.2004
Dear friends and colleagues, We have included the situation in your country in our prayers. Most
newspapers in Germany are fully aware of the situation and keep us informed.
Their editorials are in favor of democracy and against the manipulation of elections in your country.The Ukrainian people have given proof of being true defendors of democracy and human rights. What you do is important for the future of Europe and the way the rest of Europe will react is of
utmost importance.
Thus, we are grateful to you and hope that the movement in favor of Human Rights and democracy will prevail.
Sincerely, Dr. Martin Groos Head of International Relations Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt Germany
Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
06.12.2004
Slava Isusu Khrystu! Dear Friends,
On behalf of our provincial, Father John Sianchuk, CSsR, and all the Redemptorists who serve our Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada and the United States, we want to sincerely express our support as you strive to build fair and just society where each individual is seen as a precious and unique child of God. In a very special way, each of you and Ukraine are remembered in prayer everyday before the holy relics of Blessed Martyr Bishop Vasyl Velychkovsky, CSsR. May all the martyrs of our church, who were strengthen by the love of God to embrace the life giving truth, intercede for each of you as you embrace this same life giving truth.
z Bohom, Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian, CSsR St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church Shrine of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, CSsR Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Satya P Chattopadhyay, Visiting Fulbright, Professor, NaUKMA/KMBS, Kiev & Kania School of Management, University of Scranton, USA
03.12.2004
Dear Friends:
I want to write and express my support for the spontaneous committed movement that is now in evidence in Ukraine, protesting an election marred by fraudulent practices. It is my privilege to be in Kiev and be a part of this historical event. I am proud that my own students, faculty colleagues and friends from Ukraine are at the forefront of this movement.
The most memorable part of the movement for me, is the quiet support the population has continued to provide to the vocal frontlines! The spirit of the protesters is strong as they are camped out in the sub-zero temperatures, and the strength is being sustained by the loving and caring support of the hundreds of thousands of citizens who are keeping up a steady stream of home-cooked food, hot beverages and warm clothes flowing to the frontlines of this orange revolution.
Two examples: "A mother daughter team comes out of the metro subway with a packet of cookies and two thermos flasks, quietly distributes the food and pours the tea for the protesters,expresses their admiration for the protesters and their cause, and melts back into the crowd!"
"Workers in a office have taken upon themselves the task of providing food and shelter to out of town protesters. They are working quietly, round the clock to serve these cold and tired folks with encouragement and sustenance."
In my hours spent in mingling with the protesters in the heart of Kyiv, I have witnessed hundreds of such quiet instances of the support that is sustaining this historic fight for democracy in this country. The orderliness of the movement, and the determination of the participants underscore the power of non-violent protest which the world seems to have forgotten for a while.
The protest has brought together the old and the young, rich and poor, men and women, from all walks of life and they now are confident that a new era of hope and progress in Ukraine's history is about to begin. I wish all people of Ukraine peace and prosperity in a democratic environment, and particularly my colleagues and students from National University of Kiev Mohyla Academy and Kev Mohyla Business School, success in their cause.
Satya Chattopadhyay Visiting Fulbright Professor NaUKMA/KMBS, Kiev & Kania School of Management University of Scranton, USA
