Issue we thought would be resolved by now: We realize we may incite another flurry of letters (which happens every time this story appears in our paper), but we can't deny that our number 1 "can't believe it's still dragging on" story is that of former Burnaby resident Mikhail Lennikov. It's now been more than three years since he sought sanctuary in a Vancouver church, hoping to avoid the deportation order that the federal government has refused to budge on. His crime: years before coming to Canada in 1997, he had been a KGB officer in the former Soviet Union. He says his job was minor, and that he was forced to act as an interpreter to keep himself and his family safe; the government says those who served in organizations that spied on democratic nations are ineligible for citizenship. It's become a stalemate over the last few years: he won't leave, fearing persecution in Russia and the government won't budge on its decision. Who's right? Who's wrong? Supporters on both sides have certainly had their say over the last few years, much of it right here in our opinion page. In the meantime, Lennikov's wife and son have done their best to carry on their lives, but it can't be an easy task as everything hangs in limbo. We can't say what should happen next - though the choices seem limited to one of two things: the government bends its rules, or Lennikov leaves the church and, ultimately, Canada. Given the options, perhaps we shouldn't be so surprised this issue is still ongoing, after all.
