1987: A LOOK BACK

Report of Medvid investigation

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe on May 14 released a report on the results of its yearlong investigation into the Myroslav Medvid affair, dating back to October 24-November 9, 1985.

"White House, National Security Council, Department of State and Department of Justice officials deviated from constitutionally and congressionally mandated procedures. This failure to follow prescribed procedures constitutes violation of law," the report stated.

However, the report went on to note that these authorities were involved in "technical" violations of U.S. law; "they do not constitute specific, willful violations of criminal statutes." Thus, no one was to be prosecuted as a result of the bungling of the twice-attempted defection of a Ukrainian sailor serving on a Soviet freighter.

The CSCE report found that Mr. Medvid did in fact intend to seek political asylum, but because of U.S. authorities' mishandling of the case, he never had a chance to formally do so. Instead he was returned to the Soviet ship - and this act "was reportedly approved by the president."

The CSCE investigators suggested changes in U.S. asylum procedures, but the question remains, seven months later, is the U.S. government going to take any action at all to prevent another Medvid incident? And suspicions continue to exist that the young Ukrainian was simply a victim of U.S.-Soviet summitry.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 27, 1987, No. 52, Vol. LV

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