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Foreword

One might consider the last six months as a yardstick for measuring Ukraine's maturity - the seasoning of governmental institutions and democracy along with the more sophisticated posturing among established powers and particular politicians. During this period, debate within the Ukrainian political arena has gradually become more pointed and intense. Various unexpected domestic and external conflicts have regularly challenged the country's democratic development, its economic independence, even its territorial integrity.

How should we interpret such signs of political strain? Are they simply to be expected given the upcoming presidential campaign? Clearly, the pre-election tide has washed ashore the flotsam and jetsam of political ambitions, secret sympathies, and latent conflicts. In this current issue of the Romyr Report, we will explore what all the intrigue has brought Ukraine.

In our article devoted to the Cabinet of Ministers, we review the results of its activity over the past year. Ukraine's tenth government turned out to be more durable than its opponents had anticipated. In coping with the grain crisis, critical discussions on joining the Common Economic Space ("CES"), and impaired relations with Russia related to the Tuzla conflict, the coalition government has created a new kind of ruling force that executes its duties while maintaining a delicate equilibrium between the parliamentary majority and the President. As a result, Premier Yanukovych is, considered a serious contender for the upcoming Presidential elections.

Constitutional reform has remained on parliament's agenda over the last several months. Although the Romyr Report has highlighted this matter in the past, it has now become a subject of international debate within the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. In this issue, we examine different possible outcomes of the evolving situation including an analysis of how the unfolding drama might affect the normal functioning of parliament and the average citizen's life.

In an article entitled "Prospects for Ukrainian-EU relations" we offer some experts' opinions on the matter of Ukraine's integration into Europe, especially topical in light of the "Asian alternative," an option derived from the possibility of Ukraine joining the CES. The overriding question is: What is the European Union for Ukraine - an ultimate destiny or just an influential neighbor?

Our "National Issues" feature this month is authored by Roman Serbyn, Professor of History at Quebec University in Montreal and recognized publicist who has written on various international issues. The article, "'Fraternal Peoples': A Noble Metaphor Abused," explores a prevalent ideological metaphor that has influenced Ukraine's self-perception and led to a national inferiority complex. The article is critical, pointedly flaying Russian imperialism, and presents a view that has long been silenced and, merits long-deserved attention.

Our traditional "City Spotlight" focuses on Chernivtsi, a western Ukrainian city with beautiful architecture, a rich history, and great promise. Chernivtsi is known as the birthplace of numerous scientists, artists, and writers and, also, for having one of the largest universities in Ukraine with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. Not simply the domain of students and artists, city dwellers are also actively engaged in the political and economic development of their city, which, to a large extent, is influenced by its proximity to the Romanian and Moldavian borders.

In our "Feature Interview," we visit with noted Ukrainian politician and diplomat Yurij Scherbak whose resume includes assignments as the People's Deputy and Head of the Green Party of Ukraine, Minister of Ecology, Counsel to the President, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Canada and Israel. With his broad academic knowledge and insightful understanding of politics, Mr. Scherbak has shared with us his thoughts on Ukraine's position within the world community as well as its destiny. Anyone with an interest in Ukrainian politics should become acquainted with the musings of this outstanding, experienced statesman.

With that, we welcome you to the sixteenth Romyr Report. As always, we have tried to offer a wide-range of substantial and current topics for reflection and there are plenty of them these days given Ukraine's boisterous political scene!

Respectfully,

Andrew Witer

 President, Romyr & Associates