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Michele Curto, President of the International Human Rights Network “Flare”, visited Kharkov to examine the felling of trees and the construction of a road through the largest urban park in the Ukraine. Michele Curto was informed about this situation by representatives of “Flare” in Kiev and regional representatives of YHRM in the Ukraine. The “Flare” Network (48 organizations in 24 countries) is engaged in the combat of organized crime, corruption and support for the development of civil society. Curto arrived in Kharkov to examine the situation personally and to support activists.
“Flare” showed interest in the conflict between authorities and Kharkov dwellers for the simple reason that officials connect the construction of the road through the forest-park to the preparations for Euro-2012, meanwhile, it is well-known, that large sports events are often only excuses for money laundering.
But all attempts of the “Flare” President to clarify the situation failed. Visiting the place of chopping, Curto, accompanied by the “Green Front” activists, noticed that without studying all necessary documents and materials on the road's construction, he cannot form an opinion about this problem. He promised to do so as soon as possible, because the pace of the road construction is rapid. Moreover, “Flare” intends to contact the office of the UEFA President Michele Platini to find out if this road is actually necessary for Euro-2012.

Maria Povorozniuk, the “Flare” representative in the Ukraine, commented: “The organization has the instruments to help activists – an opportunity to draw European community’s attention to this situation, to help activists to get in touch with European ecologists and officials lobbying the protection of the environment. However, “Flare” is still badly informed and will make a decision only after studying the documents”.