Yanukovych denies new “temnyky”

According to a statement released during the evening of Wednesday, 27 December, the Cabinet of Ministers is not involved in circulating information material which allegedly has recommendations on coverage of the government’s work [i.e. “temnyky” – giving instructions to the media on what to cover and how. It is generally recognized that they disappeared after the Orange Revolution – translator] The documents states that such information material which allegedly has recommendations on coverage of the government’s work has appeared in certain media editorial offices. “The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers officially states that neither the Government, nor its press service, have any relation to the preparation and circulation of such material”. The press service in general considers their appearance to be “overt provocation aimed at discrediting the work of the government”. The statement adds: “In its work the Cabinet of Ministers consistently observes the norms of the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, the principles of transparency, freedom of speech and open access by journalists to information.” The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers asks media employees to not react to any “information material” and to report any incidents of pressure on journalists and interference with editorial police in order to report such attempts to the law enforcement agencies. Just before this Yanukovych stated that he was pleased with the way his relations were developing with the press.