You're reading: Tymoshenko: ‘Valuev’ law on languages ‘final nail in coffin of current government’

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has called on real patriots and democrats not to panic because of the adoption of the language law at first reading.

"This ‘law’ will definitely be canceled soon. And it’s not my peculiar wish from behind bars, it’s a guarantee!" she wrote in a letter from Ukrzaliznytsia’s Central Clinical Hospital No.5 in Kharkiv, which was published on Tymoshenko’s Web site.

"I am appealing, first and foremost, to democrats and patriots. We do not need hysteria, and we do not have to tear our hair out, because that’s what they expect. They understand well that they can rule only in a tired and quarrelling country torn by contradictions. Do not give them this gift!" Tymoshenko said.

She said the vote for this bill "was the final nail in the coffin of the current government."

She also drew parallels between this bill and the Valuev Circular.

"The infamous Valuev Circular – a secret decree by the interior minister forbidding and excluding Ukrainian language from use in literature – was adopted in 1863 or 1864. Today, almost 150 years ago, the latter-day ‘Valuev’ Mezhyhiria [referring to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych] has taken another step toward the destruction of the Ukrainian language. It should be noted that it’s not just a mindless project by a goofy and silly government. They, just in case, are destroying all Ukrainian values, as strange and dangerous to them. I think that the anthem of Ukraine, the flag and embroidered Ukrainian shirts will be next," Tymoshenko said.