Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=12/11/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=YUSCHENKO/POISONING (L-only)

NUMBER=2-321098

BYLINE=MARLENE SMITH

DATELINE=VIENNA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Doctors say Dioxin Poisoning Caused Yuschenko Illness.

INTRO: Doctors say tests prove conclusively that Victor Yuschenko's illness was caused by extremely high levels of dioxin found in the Ukrainian opposition leader's blood and tissue. Marlene Smith has more from the Rudolfinerhaus hospital in Vienna where Mr. Yuschenko underwent tests since Friday.

TEXT: Professor Michael Zimpfer told reporters Mr. Yuschenko had taken food or drink containing high levels of the toxin last September.

/// ZIMPFER ACT ///

After having completed our examinations which we have conducted in the course of the past 24 hours as well as after having conducted various blood tests there is no doubt about the fact that Mr. Yuschenko's disease has been caused by a case of poisoning based on dioxin.

///END ACT///

Mr. Zimpfer said the amounts of dioxin in the blood were found to be over one thousand times above the normal levels found in the blood supply. Mr. Zimpfer said it would be quite easy to take in such an amount in a bowl of cream soup.

He said the involvement of a third party is suspected but declined to say whether the politician was deliberately poisoned.

Mr. Zimfper added that dioxin stays for a long time in the body so it was possible to identify the toxic.

He said it was possible that more than one type of poison was used but this could never be known for sure.

Dioxin is an industrial agent used as a solvent and was used by the United States during the Vietnam war as a defoliant.

The matter will now be investigated as a criminal case by the authorities in Kiev.

Mr. Yuschenko is expected to return to campaigning there on Sunday or Monday.

Doctors in Vienna say further treatment can be carried out in the Ukraine but the skin disfigurement is likely to stay for years. (Signed)

NEB/PT