Our Ukraine convention votes to quit coalition with BYUT, demands that Tymoshenko step down from presidential race

June27200920:16

“We are voicing our strong disagreement with unprofessional and populist actions of the premier which lead Ukraine to an economic collapse and we demand that OU VR lawmakers quit the coalition,” the resolution goes on.

“OU appeals to OU lawmakers to set up an Our Ukraine faction in Verkhovna Rada. We also appeal to our political allies in the Our-Ukraine-People’s Self-Defensefaction to resign from the coalition,” the convention resolution says.

“We are convinced that OU-SD faction lawmakers are being used to ensure the formal functioning of the coalition that became a tool in the cabinet’s hands, not a political union of lawmakers. We have every reason to view the coalition as a cover up for the cabinet’s irresponsible policy and BYUT-orchestrated intrigues,” the resolution continues.

“Our Ukraine does not wish to be a cover-up for the anti-constitutional coup, cabinet’s inaction at the time of recession and political attacks on ministers,” the resolution says.

Addressing the convention, Pres Yushchenko sounded upbeat on his election chances.

Answering a question what he meant, speaking of victories at the June 27 OU convention, the incumbent said he meant the victories for himself and Our Ukraine in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Yushchenko said he was pleased with the convention results.

“The party is gaining momentum. Our goal is to strengthen consolidation, create harmony among lawmakers, come to joint agreements in Verkhovna Rada,” Yushchenko stressed.

The convention has drawn a line on what happened several weeks ago, Yushchenko said, without going into details.

He also praised convention organizers for openness as the media was present in the hall. Two past OU conventions were held behind closed doors.

Fish or cut bait and resign, Yushchenko’s warning to Tymoshenko at the convention.

Our Ukraine convention also voted to demand that Yulia Tymoshenko step down from presidential race or resign.

“We demand that Premier Yulia Tymoshenko either step down from the presidential race and focus on rectifying her mistakes or resign,” the resolution warns.

According to Our Ukraine, when the cabinet is unable to perform its duties and ensure the realization of top social and economic priorities, its head has no moral right to run for president.

OU puts the blame on the cabinet for lowering social standards. The dire straits Ukraine has found itself in are the result of the cabinet’s irresponsible policy, not the global recession, the resolution runs.

• 20:3630.06.09 KP
• • Kyivpost reports
    The participants in a congress of the People's Union Our Ukraine party will not vote for recalling ministers representing this party from the Cabinet led by Yulia Tymoshenko, Vira Ulianchenko, the head of the party's Council, said on Saturday.
    "No, we will not [recall Our Ukraine ministers], because it is thanks to our ministers that our voice is heard there [in the government]," Ulianchenko told journalists before the congress.
• 22:5629.06.09 Peter
• • Our Ukraine's support rarting under the leadership of Victor Yushchenko has dramtaiocly declined over the term of Yushenko's presidency/. In 2006 Our Ukraine had over 14% support. Today they have less then 3%.
    If anyone should resign it is Yushchenko whose policies and actions are undemocratic and divisive.
    Yushchenko is no longer respected or supported. His proposed constitutional changes would see Ukraine revert back to a Presidential autocracy, where the President has all absolute power without proper checks and balances.
    The presidential system has failed Ukraine. Ukraine needs to embrace a full European model of parliamentary democracy where power is held collectively by the peoples democratically elected representatives.
    Yanukovych is set to become Ukraine's next President Thanks to Yushchenko. His nominstation for re-election will only assist Yanukovych and Yulia Tymoshenko's campaign to become President.
    Those who support Our Ukraine need to ask themselves do they want absolute power held in the hands of one person?