Kyiv, 28 September 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma today said once again that he will not resign despite opposition calls for him to step down. Kuchma said in a nationwide television broadcast that he "categorically" will not depart office before his term ends in autumn 2004.
Kuchma's comments came as a top U.S. official is preparing to visit Kyiv this week. The visit by Elizabeth Jones, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, is expected to focus on U.S. allegations that Kuchma approved the sale of a radar system to Iraq, despite UN sanctions on such activities.
It is not clear whether the radar system was ever delivered.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko has asked the United Nations to send experts to his country to investigate the U.S. allegations.
Kuchma's comments came as a top U.S. official is preparing to visit Kyiv this week. The visit by Elizabeth Jones, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, is expected to focus on U.S. allegations that Kuchma approved the sale of a radar system to Iraq, despite UN sanctions on such activities.
It is not clear whether the radar system was ever delivered.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko has asked the United Nations to send experts to his country to investigate the U.S. allegations.