Crimean Ruler wants to Please His Orange Boss

It Is Yours for Keeps

KOMMERSANT, June 4, 2005

New prime minister of Crimean Autonomy Anatoly Matvienko has suggested presenting Massandra Tsar Palace to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, anxious to keep up tradition established in time of the former president Leonid Kuchma. Then the best palaces of Crimea were transferred to the ruling elite of Ukraine. The authorities pledge not to close Massandra for excursions.


Construction of Massandra Palace started in 1881 by order of Comte Semen Vorontsov. A decade later, Alexander III, who bought out Massandra, ruled to complete construction so that it could be used as a summer residence of the tsars. At the same time, his son and future last tsar of Russia - Nicolas II ordered to construct a wine-cellar there, which delayed completion of the project till 1902. The Romanovs visited Massandra only to hold picnics, favoring its splendid garden with rocks, rock shelters and springs.

In Soviet time, Massandra served as a summer palace for ruling political elite.

The first reaction of Crimean residents was a plain rebuff. Konstantin Kasperovich, director of Massandra Palace, took it as some kind of misunderstanding. Over the tour to Crimea, Yushchenko had assured Kasperovich he wouldn't claim that palace.

Viktor Yushchenko and his closest mates had enough time over the last three days to make it clear that “the president has a positive attitude to the idea” and is ready to make residence there in the nearest future.

Now Kasperovich “is absolutely for” the initiative of Crimean government. He thinks new status of the palace won’t adversely affect the work of museum. Moreover, Mussandra will only benefit from it, Kasperovich said eager to dispel all possible doubts.

In view that Kasperovich is also in charge of Vorontsov Palace in Alupka, the local experts are rather apprehensive, fearing the start of an open season for palaces of Crimea.

by www.kommersant.com