UKRAINE ANNOUNCES DRASTIC REVENUE COLLECTION STEPS.

President Leonid Kuchma May 13 ordered the Ukrainian government to take severe measures to collect taxes, users’ fees, and payments for goods and services — particularly from energy consumers — in order to replenish the state budget. The government presidium recommended that Kuchma dismiss or reprimand four Cabinet members for their ministries’ shortfalls in revenue collection. The presidium resolved that ministers and the heads of regional administrations will henceforth bear personal responsibility for shortfalls. (Interfax-Ukraine, May 13)

Ukraine Gets German Loan.