RIA Novosti
May 31, 2007
Ukraine: nothing irrevocable
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Dmitry Shusharin) - Triumvirates worked well for ancient Rome, albeit never survived for long. The triple alliance of President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and Parliament Speaker Alexander Moroz was formed under the pressure of an imminent armed conflict, and consequently implied no parity.
It was clear from the very beginning that the president and prime minister would keep their offices, while the speaker would probably have to go. His opponents have been quite open about it.
However, the problem is deeper than the three politicians' prospects. It looks like Ukraine's political culture in general does not require strict observance of agreements, especially of bizarre ones like the "triple union." None of its parties could guarantee commitment, because none of them possessed any levers to pressure the Rada members into acting within the outlined framework.
The three officials have eventually failed to find common ground.
Yanukovych confessed to having disagreements with Yushchenko and demanded the extension of parliament's session by more than two days so that it would have time to pass a series of socio-economic development bills.
Moroz, the main trouble-maker, predictably threw out the agenda, thus violating the triple agreement.
The above is evidence that democracy actually reigns in Ukraine. The triple deal was made for a reason, and was a good thing for the time being. The three politicians seemed to realize that their brawl could grow into an armed conflict, and armed people would be almost impossible to control.
When the president and the interior minister issue mutually exclusive orders, regular army commanders turn into field commanders. But the politicians who allowed this to happen will be held responsible for the consequences.
That is why the Ukrainian president, prime minister and speaker chose to strike a union deal, feeble as it was. But their agreement was not confirmed by any procedures. The parliament-dissolving decree was never considered by the Constitutional Court. Moreover, the triple agreement excluded the Constitutional Court's contribution to the settlement of the crisis. And of course, no laws stipulate that a parliament session should last for a specified period of time and strictly adhere to a specific agenda.
Despite the odd situation, the three politicians have attained their most important goal - they have avoided the armed conflict scenario. As for the prospects, it has become clearer than ever that Ukraine is a lucky country which abhors final decisions.