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Ukraine adopts controversial language bill

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Aug. 8, 2012, 6:43 p.m. | Ukraine — by Associated Press

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signed legislation that will allow officials in Russian-speaking regions of the country to use the language while speaking at public events and in documents.
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Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signed legislation that will allow officials in Russian-speaking regions of the country to use the language while speaking at public events and in documents. 

Opponents say the law could upset Ukraine's fragile linguistic balance by upgrading Russian and removing incentives for millions of Russian-speaking Ukrainians to learn and speak Ukrainian.

Critics fear the law will push Ukraine closer to Russia and away from the West and call the law a cheap ploy by Yanukovych to win votes in the Russian-speaking east ahead of October's parliamentary election.

The bill has caused brawls among lawmakers in parliament and street protests, and Yanukovych's move will likely fuel further rallies.

When Yanukovych signed the bill Wednesday, he also set up a body to promote the use of Ukrainian.

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from eu Aug. 8, 2012, 10:37 p.m.    

ukrainian people wakeup,this guy is destroing day by day ukraine sovereignity to russia,before the fleet deal for a gas discount that never arrive,but you have russian fleet until 2045,and now russian language,what have done for the ukrainian people......nothing only stealing your money.if you want to protect ukraine sovereignity next election send out por,and read the big delusion in the west for this decision,now is official he is working only for his pocket and russia interest,ukrainian people wake up of tomorrow you find russian people also in your bed.......

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IvanovPetrovSidorov Aug. 9, 2012, 12:02 p.m.    

Hahahahaha! Your comment is an utter joke! One thing you did get right - there is a big delusion in the west about this democratic, popular and harmless decision.

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