Yushchenko - TAK!

Again, I'm hopelessly lagging behind - it makes little sense to repeat what has been probably said already but just in case - Yushchenko appears to have won the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine!!!
Contrary to his earlier pronouncements, Yanukovych is not ready to conceded defeat and in fact has said he would not.

"I will never recognise such a defeat, because the constitution and human rights were violated,"

he is qouted as saying by BBC.
Meanwhile, none other than Ms. Hillary Clinton, speaks of Ukraine very favourably, in the article America must back Ukraine's struggle for democracy published in the Financial Times.

However if, as is hoped, there is a consensus that the election has been free and fair, the US response to the result will be critical to the US-Ukraine relationship. After a free and fair election in Ukraine, the US should immediately explore the willingness of the new Ukrainian government to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). The US should also agree to provide Ukraine with assistance that helps the country to consolidate the democratic progress and economic reforms that have taken place. Specifically, if the new Ukrainian president-elect evinces a commitment to furthering democracy and a desire to strengthen Ukraine's ties to Nato and the US, President George W. Bush should consider immediately inviting him on a state visit to Washington. Such a visit would be a powerful gesture of support to the new Ukrainian president and further deepen the US-Ukraine relationship and Ukraine's ties to the west. I have written to Mr Bush this week to make these points and advocate this course of action.

It feels kinda odd to find myself in agreement with Ms. Clinton but I do hope Bush will hear her point and acts accordingly.
In an age, when America is perceived as arrogant and self-centered around the world it would be an extremely powerful message to be sent, if the U.S. devotes considerable resources, something akin to the Marshall Plan, to help Ukraine in her transition from post-Soviet economy and political rule.