Kyiv, 11 February 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma temporarily suspended the mayor of Kyiv, Oleksandr Omelchenko, who is also the leader of an electoral coalition, during the campaign for the country's legislative elections next month. Interfax said that Omelchenko is banned from carrying out his official functions as mayor until election day on 31 March.
But the agency says that Omelchenko is refusing to take leave of office until he meets Kuchma. But Kuchma said Omelchenko has no choice in the matter. It was not immediately reported why Kuchma had suspended the mayor.
But the agency says that Omelchenko is refusing to take leave of office until he meets Kuchma. But Kuchma said Omelchenko has no choice in the matter. It was not immediately reported why Kuchma had suspended the mayor.