Kiev mayor bids to show fitness before psychiatric tests

Leonyd Chernovetskiy, who recently fired thehead of the Ukrainian capital's zoo for failing to find a mate for the zoo's elephant, andhasalso introducedentry charges at cemeteries, ran 400 meters, did 15 chin-ups and swam 50 meters in a swimming pool as reporters looked on.

"I want to demonstrate to Kiev residents and all of Ukraine that I am absolutely fit physically and mentally," Chernovetskiy said quoted by the Unian agency. "I am perfectly in control of myself and my words."

The commission set up by the Supreme Rada to inquire into the mayor's activities said his initiatives ran counter to the law and made a mockery of the city authorities, and ruled last week that Chernovetskiy should undergo a psychiatric examination.

Chernovetskiy has also announced plans to charge citizens for receiving them at mayor's office, to levy taxes on the unmarried and cancel free-of-charge secondary education in the city.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian media claimed the mayor had undergone psychiatric treatment while on holiday in Israel.