Information on the possibility for a claimant to obtain from the Ukrainian authorities documents attesting employment, retirement and income taxes paid was not found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

One source explains that according to Ukrainian law the mandatory retirement age for civil servants is 60 years old but that an extension of up to 5 years is possible (AFP 15 July 2003).

Two sources indicate that the mandatory age of retirement in Ukraine is 65 years old (AP 8 Sept. 2003; see also Radio Kontynent 6 Feb. 2004). According to another source, a former head of the "main transport directorate of Kiev" was relieved of this position when reaching "the mandatory age of retirement of 60"; he was then appointed "first deputy transport Minister" (UNIAN 16 Dec. 2003).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 July 2003. "Kuchma Forced to Sack Ukraine FM Because of Age." (Dialog)

Associated Press (AP). 8 September 2003. "Ukraine's New Foreign Minister Starts Work." (Dialog)

Radio Kontynent [Kiev]. 6 February 2004. "Kiev Mayor Supports Son's Intentions to Quit Ukrainian Opposition Faction." (Dialog)

Ukrainian Independent Information Agency (UNIAN) [Kiev]. 16 December 2003. " New Ukrainian First Deputy Transport Minister Appointed." (Dialog)

Oral sources: The Embassy of Ukraine in Canada and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response.

Internet sources, including: Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, The Ukrainian Weekly, World News Connection.