Israel recognizes Ukraine (12/29/91)

Israel recognizes Ukraine

by Chrystyna Lapychak
Kiev Press Bureau

KIEV - The state of Israel formally established diplomatic relations with Ukraine following a meeting between Israel's Ambassador to Moscow Arie Levin and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko on Thursday, December 26, in the Ukrainian capital city.

With its Christmas Day recognition Israel joined over 20 countries who have formally recognized the new independent Ukrainian state as of that afternoon, Mr. Zlenko told members of the press after he and the Israeli representatives exchanged official documents.

Many countries followed the lead of the United States, which waited until former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev's formal Christmas Day resignation to announce recognition of Russia as the legal successor to the Soviet Union plus five former Soviet republics, including Ukraine, making up the new Commonwealth of Independent States.

"Russia's becoming legal successor to the USSR was not disputed in Alma-Ata," said Mr. Zlenko, referring to last weekend's historic gathering of leaders of 11 member-states of the new commonwealth.

"But our agreement to this does not solve all of the problems and issues, such as nuclear weapons and the nuclear button. It does not mean that everything that belonged to the Soviet Union automatically goes under the jurisdiction of Russia," said the Ukrainian foreign minister.

Issues, such as division of the USSR's property and assets, particularly whatever is located abroad, will be decided through protocols and negotiations, he said.

"We will give maximum attention to solving these issues within the nearest future. I am convinced it can all be negotiated peacefully," said Mr. Zlenko.

During a brief exchange with reporters, the Israeli representative said: "We are linked together by history and traditions."

Ambassador Levin said he was satisfied with the Ukrainian leadership's attitude toward Ukrainian-Jewish relations, "especially during the Babyn Yar remembrance, when the President of Ukraine made statements about anti-Semitism in this country."

"Public opinion in Israel took that well."

The Israeli ambassador also said he was pleased with President Leonid Kravchuk's statements during his speech at the Babyn Yar commemorations in early October about the future rebirth of Jewish culture in Ukraine.

"We are in contact with the Jewish people of Ukraine and we hope full emigration will continue unimpeded. We trust and feel that the renaissance and rebirth of Jewish culture will be aided by the Ukrainian government, as well as by ourselves," said Ambassador Levin.

Libya, Iran, Brazil, South Korea and Cuba recognized the member-states of the new commonwealth, including Ukraine, on December 25 and 26.