Kuchma Attends Former Ukrainian Minister's Funeral

7 March 2005 -- Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma joined mourners today at the funeral of former Interior Minister Yuriy Kravchenko, who died under mysterious circumstances on 4 March.

Kravchenko was due to be questioned by prosecutors that day about the killing of opposition journalist Heorhiy Gongadze, but was found dead from two gunshots to the head that morning.

Authorities said Kravchenko left a note claiming he was innocent and saying he had fallen victim to "political intrigues of President Leonid Kuchma and his entourage."

Kuchma is expected to be questioned about Gongadze's killing this week. The former Ukrainian president has denied any involvement in the murder.

Kuchma's opponents continue to say he ordered Kravchenko to eliminate Gongadze.

(AP/AFP)

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