"The trespasses ought not to stay unnoticed by the global community and the Council of Europe-a greatly respected organisation," pointed out Mr. Yanukovich.
He highlighted a recent Supreme Court decision on the highly disputed presidential runoff. The verdict clashes with the Constitution and other Ukrainian laws. "As experts say, it is the world's first instance of whatever country's Supreme Court passing a political not legal verdict," the candidate emphatically remarked.
"The Supreme Court made its decision bypassing a required procedure and whatever investigation, under public protesters' pressure. It was taking only one side's opinion into consideration.
"As I see it, that was sheer judicial nihilism. Just as fifteen millions of my voters, I shall never put up with our rights trampled on through forceful, illegal action.
"However, we shall comply with the court verdict as law-abiding people should," reassured Victor Yanukovich.
As he was addressing a news conference on his pre-election HQ today, the presidential hopeful was "greatly disappointed" with incumbent President Leonid Kuchma.
"As for my current contacts with Mr. Kuchma, we have come to directly opposite points. I'm badly disappointed with the man," he noted.
"The present desperate crisis reflects his personal qualities. I expected him to stand up for the interests of Ukraine and its nation. We can only regret that he chose the interests of his own and his family's."
Mr. Yanukovich insists on the poisoning of Victor Yuschenko, the other presidential hopeful, thoroughly investigated. "Law enforcement bodies are to take up the case," he stressed.
The candidate expressed heartfelt compassion with his badly ill namesake and rival. "I wish him no ill as a human to a human. I wish him to get well soon," said Yanukovich.
