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Revolution in Ukraine a bittersweet memory

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 23, 2006

KIEV, Ukraine - Filled with nostalgia and perhaps a little bitterness, a few thousand people gathered Wednesday on the capital's central square to mark the second anniversary of the Orange Revolution, an event that many in Ukraine say failed to live up to its bright promises.

The leader of the mass protests, President Viktor Yushchenko, celebrated the day away from the crowds, for whom he is no longer a hero. Instead, he gathered backers and diplomats at his presidential palace to defend what he insists was a defining moment for Ukraine.

"Two years ago, we made a revolution not only on the square, but also in our hearts and souls," Yushchenko, wearing an orange tie, told his guests.

The Orange Revolution began hours after the polls closed in the Nov. 21, 2004, presidential election between Viktor Yanukovych, the Kremlin's favorite, and Yushchenko, who called for closer ties to the west. As the Central Election Commission began churning out fraudulent vote counts in favor of Yanukovych, Yushchenko summoned his supporters to Independence Square for night after night of protests.

Twelve days later, the Supreme Court declared the vote count fraudulent and ordered a rerun, which Yushchenko won.

The euphoria faded as Ukrainians grew disillusioned with the power struggles, rising gas and meat prices, and allegations of corruption among leaders.

Ukraine's hope of a quick embrace by the European Union was premature, and Yushchenko faced tense relations with his nation's biggest trade partner and energy supplier: Russia.

[Last modified November 23, 2006, 00:13:58]