Surprisingly, there was no information of the presidential website about the new Lviv governor appointment until late Feb. 28.

It is an indication, experts say, that Kmit’s candidature does not sit well with Premier Tymoshenko who is to nominate him for governor.

Meeting with local officials this morning, Yushchenko’s deputy chief-of-staff has read out the presidential decree appointing Kmit acting governor.

Roman Bezsmertny described M. Kmit as an Asian tiger of the Ukrainian business. “I remember how Kmit complained about his problems caused by official red-tape. Now I’ll see whether other businessmen will complain when they walk the corridors of power in Lviv,” Bezsmertny stressed.

Late morning on Feb. 28, Pres. Yushchenko inked his decree appointing Kmit new Lviv governor.

“I’m no longer a businessman as I have an official office now. I’ve complied with the president’s rule of divorcing business and power,” the new governor said during his own introduction in Lviv.

“I’m a newcomer in power. I’m thankful to the president for showing trust in a man of business and appointing him to a key position,” Kmit stressed.

His main concern, Mykola Kmit says, is to beef up economic growth, promote culture, spirituality and patriotism.

He also said he needs a united team to implement his agenda, adding that only minor reshuffling is likely.