The Ukrainian Education Ministry has withdrawn its recomendation of "Russophobic" legal studies textbook written by professors at the Shevchenko Kiev National University , Education Minister Dmitry Tabachnik said.
The textbook, entitled "The History of Ukrainian Law" and written under the editorship of the dean of the university's law department, previously received approval from the ministry for university study, despite criticism by some experts that the book contains controversial material aimed at sparking hatred towards Russia.
"There are some statements [in the book], which are frightening for every normal person," Tabachnik said in an interview with Ukraine's Inter TV channel. "It says that Russians and Ukrainians differ mentally, ethnically and genetically, and there are many other statements, which say, for example, that Russia has never had law."
Tabachnik said it was regretful that the book, which contained a "huge number of mistakes," received the Education Ministry's approval.
"I can only express regret that such things, which are nonsense from the perspective of both European and Ukrainian legal studies, are written at the Kiev University, my alma mater," he said.
He said the book would remain available for those who want to read it, but will no longer be recommended for students.
Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was known for his promotion of Ukrainian nationalism, often at the expense of relations with Russia, but ties between the countries have improved significantly since incumbent President Viktor Yanukovych came to power in February.
Yanukovych, whose power stronghold is in Ukraine's eastern and southern Russian-speaking regions, has taken a more moderate course between Russia and the West.
KIEV, November 13 (RIA Novosti)
