WTO Membership Means New Rules for Visitors
Following a fifteen year battle to increase economic growth, improve living standards and establish a European Union free-trade area in an effort to be approved as a World Trade Organization member country, Ukraine has reached its goal. World Trade Organization members meeting in Geneva in February approved the accession agreement which required that Ukraine ratify the accord by the latest 4 July, and having done so, the country would become a WTO member thirty days later. Ukraine lost no time in fulfilling their obligations, and became a fully-fledged WTO member on 16 May 2008.
Features - Editor - 22 July 2008
The Beautiful Tradition of a Hutsul Wedding
Despite the far-reaching changes in the world at large, mainly brought about by the frantic pace of technological advances, some communities are most reluctant to let go of age-old traditions. This is something that travelers are grateful for, because it is generally age-old traditions that make different communities unique and fascinating. The Hutsuls of Ukraine are just such a community, treasuring the traditions which have been passed down through generations - and few celebrations bring out the value and beauty of tradition than a Hutsul wedding.
Travel - Editor - 15 July 2008
Zarvanytsia – Home of a Religious Relic
At first glance the village of Zarvanytsia looks like a quaint settlement surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the Strypa River. Situated in the Podilia Valley, the village seems almost forgotten amongst the natural wonders of the region. However, in truth, it is all but disregarded for the village of Zarvanytsia is the keeper of one of the most precious icons of Ukraine – the Mother of God.
Features - Editor - 01 July 2008
Natalka Poltavka – A Legendary Tale of Love
Ukrainian writer, poet and playwright, Ivan Kotlyarevsky’s renowned play, Natalka Poltavka, has certainly stood the test of time. Written in 1819 and first performed on stage in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 1821, Natalka Poltavka (Natalka from Poltava) has been made into a number of films, both in Ukraine and abroad in the early to mid 1900s. The story was also the inspiration and basis for the operetta by Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko, which premiered in 1889 and is still enjoyed today.
