Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Ukraine Risks Unrest As Ills Worsen

From The Financial Times:

Olexander Pavlenko, a young computer programmer, is one of tens of thousands of Ukrainians who cannot get their money out of the bank.

He stood in line in Kiev at Nadra Bank and Ukrprombank, two big troubled banks, planning to withdraw more than $10,000 (€7,950, £7,125). But like many others, he was told the cash was not available.

“I stood in line a couple times with other bank clients who were protesting, crying and screaming. But the bank told me: ‘Sorry, we simply don’t have the money now and can’t help you.’”

With about nine banks now under the central bank’s special control, Ukrainians are increasingly worried.

Read more ....

My Comment: I have just finished talking to my cousin in Kiev. It is even worse than what is being reported.

No one can get their money out of their banks. Everything is now frozen.

This is not going to be a summer of discontent .... this is going to be a spring of discontent, with severe implications for this part of Europe.

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