http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/wo...bill.html?_r=1
I see this kinda as a bit odd, yes its prior to elections but it doesn't solve certain aspects and implementation of it across areas where it would be used the most. A start I guess.
National betrayal
I disagree with what they write here because its a bit absurd on the ground.
My feeling is thus before the elections occur there will be an entrenchment and force majeur of Russian to solidify it as an official language in the 11 regions+. Once that happens getting rid of it will not be possible. Which is a good thing cause its what people are used to in everyday life so the government should use it with those whom use it...
What is kind of interesting is how this will effect things on the margin. I think Klitchko was the wisest with skirting the issue and saying economy matter more because that limits things to reality. Almost every other oposition party to Regions condemned it which is not a wise move because quiet a few of them will try to get the electorate in those regions which most likely supports this law. Might matter in elections but marginally I figure.
Political analysts split on language law
Longer term I think this actually makes Ukraine more stable and less fractured on language issue. Accommodation always makes things less rigid and more flexible.
Yanukovych does not rule out carrying out of early parliamentary elections : Ukraine News by UNIAN
I don't think this is it yet because it has to be signed. But it probably will because otherwise there is backlash the other way around but I am sure protesting will go on for or against it either way.
Lawmakers in Ukraine Approve Bill on Language
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Published: July 3, 2012
KIEV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian Parliament, acting unexpectedly, approved a bill on Tuesday reaffirming Ukrainian as the country’s sole national language, but allowing local and regional governments to grant official status to Russian and other languages spoken by at least 10 percent of their residents.
The question of granting Russian official status as a second state language had reopened an emotionally charged debate in Ukraine, a former Soviet republic where millions of people speak Russian as their native tongue.
Many people are far less comfortable speaking Ukrainian, especially in the eastern part of the country, the base of support for President Viktor F. Yanukovich, a native Russian speaker.
But opponents said the measure would violate the Constitution and infringe on Ukrainian’s position as the national tongue.
Furious at both the bill and the manner in which it was pushed through, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Tuesday night outside Ukraine House, a public building in central Kiev. Many appeared prepared to camp out, and platoons of riot officers were deployed nearby.
In May, the dispute over the measure set off a brawl in Parliament, with lawmakers throwing punches and ripping clothes. There was some brief scuffling again on Tuesday when the Party of Regions, which holds the majority, surprised the opposition by announcing that a vote would be held on the bill immediately rather than later this month.
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
Published: July 3, 2012
KIEV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian Parliament, acting unexpectedly, approved a bill on Tuesday reaffirming Ukrainian as the country’s sole national language, but allowing local and regional governments to grant official status to Russian and other languages spoken by at least 10 percent of their residents.
The question of granting Russian official status as a second state language had reopened an emotionally charged debate in Ukraine, a former Soviet republic where millions of people speak Russian as their native tongue.
Many people are far less comfortable speaking Ukrainian, especially in the eastern part of the country, the base of support for President Viktor F. Yanukovich, a native Russian speaker.
But opponents said the measure would violate the Constitution and infringe on Ukrainian’s position as the national tongue.
Furious at both the bill and the manner in which it was pushed through, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Tuesday night outside Ukraine House, a public building in central Kiev. Many appeared prepared to camp out, and platoons of riot officers were deployed nearby.
In May, the dispute over the measure set off a brawl in Parliament, with lawmakers throwing punches and ripping clothes. There was some brief scuffling again on Tuesday when the Party of Regions, which holds the majority, surprised the opposition by announcing that a vote would be held on the bill immediately rather than later this month.
National betrayal
I disagree with what they write here because its a bit absurd on the ground.
National betrayal
July 5, 2012, 11:22 p.m. | Editorial — by Kyiv Post
Kyiv Post
Pro-presidential lawmakers divided a country when they elevated the Russian language on July 3.
Anyone who has spent time in Ukraine knows that the Russian language remains dominant over Ukrainian. Russian is not a minority language. Russian does not require special protection by law.
In fact, the Ukrainian language – suppressed for centuries – could use a boost, along with a healthy dose of national identity and pride. Moreover, picking a fight over language – as politicians have done this week – is not what Ukrainians want. People remained most concerned about the economy, introducing rule of law to their nation and becoming a full-fledged member of the European family of nations. The people want their leaders to combat corruption, bureaucracy, cronyism and nepotism – not be the instigators of these pervasive problems.
July 5, 2012, 11:22 p.m. | Editorial — by Kyiv Post
Kyiv Post
Pro-presidential lawmakers divided a country when they elevated the Russian language on July 3.
Anyone who has spent time in Ukraine knows that the Russian language remains dominant over Ukrainian. Russian is not a minority language. Russian does not require special protection by law.
In fact, the Ukrainian language – suppressed for centuries – could use a boost, along with a healthy dose of national identity and pride. Moreover, picking a fight over language – as politicians have done this week – is not what Ukrainians want. People remained most concerned about the economy, introducing rule of law to their nation and becoming a full-fledged member of the European family of nations. The people want their leaders to combat corruption, bureaucracy, cronyism and nepotism – not be the instigators of these pervasive problems.
The law claims to uphold Ukrainian as the national tongue while protecting minorities. But by giving equal status in regions of Ukraine where more than 10 percent of residents speak “minority” languages, it will allow Russian to remain entrenched, threatening use of Ukrainian.
There are only two parties of interest that will benefit from this scenario – Yanukovych and his oligarch supporters, who run the nation as a private fiefdom, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who loves tripping up Ukraine’s progress as a nation every chance he gets.
Any sensitive and sophisticated reading of history would lead politicians to encourage the wider use and popularity of the Ukrainian language as a pillar of sovereignty. Ukrainians, by virtue of geography and hard realities, will always find it useful to learn other languages – especially international ones, such as English and Russian.
But given Ukraine’s troubled history of foreign domination, the divisive path that Yanukovych has chosen could lead to cultural and economic disintegration.
There are only two parties of interest that will benefit from this scenario – Yanukovych and his oligarch supporters, who run the nation as a private fiefdom, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who loves tripping up Ukraine’s progress as a nation every chance he gets.
Any sensitive and sophisticated reading of history would lead politicians to encourage the wider use and popularity of the Ukrainian language as a pillar of sovereignty. Ukrainians, by virtue of geography and hard realities, will always find it useful to learn other languages – especially international ones, such as English and Russian.
But given Ukraine’s troubled history of foreign domination, the divisive path that Yanukovych has chosen could lead to cultural and economic disintegration.
What is kind of interesting is how this will effect things on the margin. I think Klitchko was the wisest with skirting the issue and saying economy matter more because that limits things to reality. Almost every other oposition party to Regions condemned it which is not a wise move because quiet a few of them will try to get the electorate in those regions which most likely supports this law. Might matter in elections but marginally I figure.
Political analysts split on language law
Ukrainian political analysts are split regarding their estimations of the situation over the adoption of the law on principles of state language policy.
Director of the Kyiv-based Center for Political and Conflict Studies Mykhailo Pohrebynsky said at a press conference on Friday that about 20% of Ukrainians support the position of "ousting the Russian language from official use" in Ukraine.
"All that the opposition is currently doing is defending the position of a minority of Ukrainian citizens, while a majority calls for raising the status of the Russian language. All this hysteria, hunger strikes and so forth are the result of this, and I think this is an example of totalitarian thinking," the analyst said.
Head of the Penta Center for Political Analysis Volodymyr Fesenko said that the language issue had led to the creation of a parliamentary and socio-political crisis in the country.
"The language issue has to be considered. I am sure that we have to conduct the modernization of language legislation, because it is obsolete," Fesenko said.
However, he said, political parties have to seek a compromise in this regard.
"We cannot ignore the interests and needs of the Russian-speaking population, otherwise, politicians will resume the division of the country into Russian-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking citizens," the analyst said.
Director of the Kyiv-based Center for Political and Conflict Studies Mykhailo Pohrebynsky said at a press conference on Friday that about 20% of Ukrainians support the position of "ousting the Russian language from official use" in Ukraine.
"All that the opposition is currently doing is defending the position of a minority of Ukrainian citizens, while a majority calls for raising the status of the Russian language. All this hysteria, hunger strikes and so forth are the result of this, and I think this is an example of totalitarian thinking," the analyst said.
Head of the Penta Center for Political Analysis Volodymyr Fesenko said that the language issue had led to the creation of a parliamentary and socio-political crisis in the country.
"The language issue has to be considered. I am sure that we have to conduct the modernization of language legislation, because it is obsolete," Fesenko said.
However, he said, political parties have to seek a compromise in this regard.
"We cannot ignore the interests and needs of the Russian-speaking population, otherwise, politicians will resume the division of the country into Russian-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking citizens," the analyst said.
Yanukovych does not rule out carrying out of early parliamentary elections : Ukraine News by UNIAN
I don't think this is it yet because it has to be signed. But it probably will because otherwise there is backlash the other way around but I am sure protesting will go on for or against it either way.
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