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Wiesenthal Centre to Ukrainian Leader: "If Antisemitic Offense Substantiated, Expel Kharkov Regional Chairman from Your Party"

In a letter to the former Ukrainian Prime Minister and Leader of the Party of Regions, Viktor Yanukovych, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre's Director for International Relations, Dr Shimon Samuels, drew attention to the Chairman of the Kharkov Regional Council, Vasiliy Salygin.

Samuels noted that Salygin - who is a member of the Party of Regions - reportedly welcomed 2008 by wishing his fellow legislators that "in this New Year, you will never hear the word 'Shalom' in the Session Assembly."

The letter continued, "Mr Yanukovych, we urge you to investigate the intent behind this statement. If, as we believe, this was a deliberate offence to the Jewish people, we expect you to publicly condemn Salygin and to expel him from your Party forthwith."

"To do otherwise would be construed as an endorsement of antisemitism and a betrayal of those Ukrainians dedicated to the values of tolerance and democracy."

The letter was shared with newly elected Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko.

For further information, please contact Shimon Samuels at +33.609.77.01.58