Ukraine Press Fears for Revolution

KIEV, Ukraine -- A day after Ukraine's parliament approved President Viktor Yushchenko's choice of prime minister, Yuri Yekhanurov, newspapers wonder if the ideals of the Orange Revolution have been compromised.

Yuri Yekhanurov (L) receives congratulations from Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko after the parliament backed him as Ukraine's new prime minister
Several commentators note that the vote followed a deal between the two former election rivals, the pro-West Mr Yushchenko and the Moscow-favoured Viktor Yanukovych.

Others say Mr Yekhanurov's appointment will deepen the rift between President Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, his former prime minister and close partner during the Orange Revolution.

Oleksandr Polokhalo in pro-government Ukrayina Moloda

Today we are talking about strategic, political and tactical co-operation between the former presidential candidates - Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych... This alliance will dismay many supporters of both Yushchenko and Yanukovych.

One of these politicians symbolises democracy, the other authoritarianism. This means that, once more, east and west, business and power will be mixed up. Many of those who stood on Independence Square will view this as a betrayal.

Yevhen Ikhelzon and Yaroslav Malyuta in opposition Segodnya

The implementation of the deal [between the president and the opposition] in effect buries the new authorities' plans for a radical shake-up of Ukrainian politics and the economy. So, is the revolution over? That was the mood yesterday among Yushchenko's firm supporters.

Leonid Shvets in pro-Tymoshenko Gazeta Po-Kiyevski

One feels sorry for Mr Yekhanurov. It was his big day, he became Ukraine's 14th prime minister. But he wasn't the hero of the day. There were no heroes... The epoch of heroes is over. Viktor Yushchenko, who became a revolutionary against his nature, has returned to his psychological comfort zone.

Stability is on the agenda. He promises not to touch the opposition, or at least those who share the values of [former President Leonid] Kuchma. There's an amnesty for those who rigged the election. Reprivatisation? Forget it. The president forgives everyone.

Ksenia Vasylenko in Independent Den

The outcome of the parliamentary vote, which exceeded all expectations, was made possible by the [pro-Yanukovych] Regions of Ukraine faction. Some may see this as a sensation, but in Ukrainian politics it is something of a rule that yesterday's "enemies" become "friends" today. Two Viktors, two former presidential candidates, first held a heated discussion and then peacefully signed an agreement on friendship and co-operation.

Vadym Karasyov in Ukrayina Moloda

The appointment of Yekhanurov ends much of the tension... But two destabilising factors remain. First, the campaign for parliamentary elections [in early 2006]. Second, the weakness of the presidential team. The latest events have demonstrated that weakness.

To reach an agreement means to make concessions. And these agreements were reached not from a position of strength, but from weakness and indeterminacy. The radical opposition will play on this.

Source: BBC News