KYIV, Dec.7 – In an unscheduled speech on Ukrainian television on Wednesday, Ukraine’s President denied allegations on his involvement to the case of Gongadze, calling the allegations a smear campaign to show Ukraine as uncivilized.
The following is the English-language translation of the text, reported by BBC Monitoring, of an unscheduled address by Kuchma on Ukrainian television on Dec. 6:
Dear compatriots, the development of events during recent days has shown that Ukraine is being pushed to the edge of chaos, anarchy and the disorganization of social life. The statement that was voiced on 28th November in the Supreme Council is not the first and not the only proof of this. We have to say straightforwardly and openly that a consciously provoked and clearly planned political campaign has been launched. Its goal is to show Ukraine to the world as an uncivilized country, a wild and benighted society, and to divert us from solving acute problems and carrying out practical work.
Since the masterminds of this shady plot will never admit to its being aimed at Ukraine, the president was chosen as the target. Besides my being the president, I am a human being too. And as a human being, I cannot keep silent when mud is slung on both myself and my family. The coordinated actions of anonymous people hint at the professionally developed style of those who are well experienced in such things. An unfair and dirty game is being played. Some Ukrainian politicians have allowed themselves to be pulled into it, but the scenario, it seems, was not written by them.
As we can see, someone really does not like the fact that Ukraine is getting stronger on its feet, someone does not like the achievements in the economy, in solving social problems, with the payment of pensions and salaries, the improvement of the political climate. They do not like our aspiration – and I have confirmed it many times – to have our own opinion and our own position on key issues in the life of the state and society. It is obvious that not everyone wants a sovereign Ukraine, confident in itself, its strengths and its opportunities. Those who do not like this know that the time works against them and, hence, are hurrying and do not stop at measures that are unacceptable from the political point of view and immoral from the human point of view.
This is how I describe the escalation of tension and passion around the case of journalist Georgy Gongadze – a case in which someone really wants to be the investigator, prosecutor and judge in one person. The fate of a person and the grief of his family has been sacrificed for political speculation. What is quite important is that it was counted on that the majority of the public is vulnerable to openly dirty, blatant and shameless tricks.
I have stood and keep standing for freedom of speech, against any pressure on the mass media, for the possibility to express one’s thoughts freely and publicly. After all, you can judge for yourself. The publications that consider themselves an uncompromising opposition have been continuously published. At the same time, I cannot accept the position of those mass media which, on their owners’ order, freely manipulate facts and do not stop at insinuations and slander. There is no doubt that there will be new releases of information and outright lies which are pulled out cunningly by instigators and cleverly voiced by their mouthpieces.
What is the origin of these – if we may call them so – techniques. How they are implemented and who is behind them is now being studied. I want to state straightforwardly and clearly that this frontal offensive on the foundations of our statehood, on the stability of the Ukrainian society will not be successful.
I have nothing to vindicate myself for, and no one and no campaign, no blackmail will push or provoke me to implement any authoritarian measures or change the political course. I have been acting and will act within the legislative framework. Democratic foundations will continuously be affirmed in Ukraine.
But you, my dear compatriots, have to know that behind all this is an attempt to ignite a political crisis, to pull the country into early elections and a new turn of an untamed disaster. I will not allow this either.
I believe, my dear compatriots, in your wisdom. I believe in your ability to recognize the essence and the true goals of the scum and mud that someone is trying to sling at Ukraine today. No one will be able to throw Ukrainian society into a whirlpool of malevolent passions or to sacrifice its peace and calmness.
