PRESS RELEASE
RCI Ukrainian Programming Under the Gun
Montreal, November 4, 2004
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Quebec Provincial Council,
representing 38 Ukrainian community organizations is profoundly disturbed by evidence that
Radio Canada International is proceeding with plans to further decrease its
Ukrainian-language programming at the end of November 2004.
There would have been only 2 half-hour weekly programs as of
October 31, 2004, down from 2 half-hour programs daily, which was a cut (in 2001) from 2
one-hour programs daily.
Following letters and petitions (thousands of signatures were
gathered) and appeals to the Government of Canada the date was moved to November 30, 2004,
to cover the presidential elections in Ukraine up to the run-off vote on November 21.
The elections were plagued by strong-arm tactics by the
government authorities of Ukraine promoting the candidate selected by them. International observers have cited many instances of electoral fraud and interference marring the campaign and the elections themselves. All 60 Canadian observers
noted gross irregularities.
Canada’s example is a beacon of hope for the people of Ukraine. Its one million-strong Ukrainian community has shown that it is possible to be
fully integrated and involved in a pluralistic democracy while retaining the Ukrainian
language, culture and traditions.
Ukraine needs to hear a Canadian voice speaking in Ukrainian,
sharing the Canadian vision and experience to help build such a society in Ukraine.
The security of Europe and the world depends upon the growth of such a society.
Canada showed foresight when it became the first western nation to recognize
Ukraine's independence in 1991. This is most definitely not a time to be cutting back on
Radio Canada International programming to Ukraine. If anything it is a time to
increase such programming.
A major component of the strong-arm tactics of the government
authorities in Ukraine is the closing of media outlets to the opposition candidate.
The media voice for pluralistic democracy coming from Canada encourages and
motivates the people to continue the struggle for this in Ukraine.
Ukrainian language broadcasting on Radio Canada International
must go on full force.
Very Rev. Dr. Ihor G. Kutash
President
(514) 276-2477
(514) 591-5329
E-mail: ucc@quebec-ukraine.com
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