No current information on the treatment, by nationalist groups, of Ukrainians perceived to be pro-Russian in western Ukraine could be found among sources consulted.

In November 1999 AP reported that the apartment of a leader of an ethnic Russian womens' group in Lviv had been set on fire and the victim believed it was the "work of extremists" (16 Nov. 1999). The article further stated that Lviv is one of the most nationalist-minded cities" in Ukraine and has a history of friction between radical Ukrainian groups and members of ethnic minorities such as ethnic Russians and Jews.

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 to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Associated Press (AP). 16 November 1999. "Apartments of Jewish, Ethnic Russian Leader Torched in Western Ukraine." (LEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Amnesty International Report 1999 and

1998

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1998 1999

Europa World Yearbook 1999. 1999. Vol. 2. London: Europa Publications

Human Rights and Civil Society (newsletter from IHF-HR) 1998-1999
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights.

Annual Report 1999

LEXIS-NEXIS

Transitions [Prague]. 1998-1999

World News Connection (WNC)

Internet sites including:

BRAMA (Ukraine Website)

Human Rights Watch

Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), Home Office, London, UK. Sept. 1999 and Nov. 1998.

Ukraine Country Assessment

Institute for Jewish Policy Research and American Jewish Committee (JPR). December 1997.

Antisemitism in the World Today.

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Radio Free Europe