LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (10/13/96)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Forbes article deserves response

Dear Editor:

The latest article to question the political and economic viability of the Ukrainian state appeared on the pages of Forbes, an influential business magazine, dated September 9. Under the title "Tinderbox," the headline of the article proclaims: "The world hasn't seen the last of ethnic turmoil in Eastern Europe. Keep your eye on Ukraine."

The article elaborates: "The former member-country of the Soviet Union, the size of France, with 52 million people, is riven between those who want reunion with Russia and those who want to remain independent." It compares the situation in Ukraine to that of former Yugoslavia: "Both groups cling as stubbornly to their distinct tongues as the groups in the old Yugoslavia have clung to their ethnic identities"; and prognosticates apocalyptically: "it is not a dispute likely to be settled amicably."

The fact that Ukraine today is recognized as one of the most peaceful, politically stable and tolerant of all former Soviet republics, is the only country in the world that has voluntarily surrendered its nuclear arsenal, and unlike Yugoslavia or Russia, survived five years of its existence without internal bloodshed, is never mentioned in "Tinderbox." Instead, the article goes on to exalt Russia at the expense of Ukraine: "Ukraine's capital, Kiev [sic], shows none of Russia's post-communist vitality: no traffic jams, few foreign cars, no new construction, no new wealth," and "Russia is now a democracy, and the Russian president cannot ignore the pleas of the Russian-speakers in Ukraine if they ask for his help."

"Tinderbox" does not elaborate if the shelling of the Russian Parliament by its own troops was a part of the Russian democratic process or an expression of post-communist vitality. Also, I fail to see the distinction between proposed help of democratic Russia to Russian speakers in Ukraine and the help that Communist Russia provided in Afghanistan.

Finally, "Tinderbox" suggests the ultimate solution to problems of Ukraine: "Reintegration with Russia would alleviate many of these problems ...," and in case the outright annexation of Ukraine by Russia fails, there is an alternative. To quote "Tinderbox": "Could the problem be solved by splitting off the Russian-majority areas and uniting them with Russia?" Perhaps the editors of Forbes should have a talk with citizens of Chechnya about the benefits of reintegration with Russia and the problems such an reintegration alleviates.

The outlandish arguments of "Tinderbox" would not warrant a comment if not for the fact that they are addressed to the American business community, some of which is not particularly knowledgeable in the affairs of Eastern Europe. It coincides with the introduction of the new national currency in Ukraine on September 2, and the concurrent negotiations between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund for a $1.5 billion stabilization fund necessary to support the new currency.

These two actions are intended to stabilize the business climate in Ukraine, promote free enterprise and integration into the Western economical system, accelerate the rate of privatization and stimulate the influx of Western investments into the Ukrainian economy. None of this is mentioned in "Tinderbox." One may reasonably question the motives and timing behind this article.

It warrants readers of The Ukrainian Weekly to read this article and to write their comments to: Editor, Forbes Magazine, 60 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011.

Ihor Lysyj
West Hills, Calif.

A voice in support of Rep. Bill Martini

Dear Editor:

As we get closer to national elections in November, it is time for each of us to begin to learn who our candidates are and what they have achieved during their terms in office. Without a real understanding of the issues or who the candidates are, we truly are not doing justice to our right to vote and supporting the best candidate.

Besides the presidential and senatorial races that are at stake, most of us also are asked to elect our next district representative. The political gurus have focused their attention on the 8th Congressional District in Passaic and Essex counties in New Jersey, where many Ukrainian Americans reside. Because of my interest and knowledge of this race, I feel it would be beneficial for the voters in the 8th District to know the accomplishments and positions of our congressman, Bill Martini.

Throughout his first term in the House of Representatives, he has been a consistent supporter of Ukrainian Americans in the 8th District and the strengthening of freedom and democracy overseas. On September 4, he supported the independence of Ukraine via House Concurrent Resolution 120.

On June 11, he supported H.R. 3540, the Fiscal Year 1997 Foreign Operations spending bill. This bill provided $225 million in foreign aid for Ukraine. Rep. Martini recognizes the need to foster economic growth in Ukraine to allow its people the opportunity to benefit from a free market economy and truly become a self-sufficient nation.

On July 23, the congressman voted in favor of the NATO Expansion Act, H.R. 3564. This legislation called for the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to include Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic as members. As the political landscape of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc continues to change, Congressman Martini believes it is vitally important for the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to nations that embrace those principles of freedom and democracy.

It is his hope that the administration continues to fund the Partnership for Peace Program to strengthen the military capabilities of potential candidates, including Ukraine, the Baltic nations and Armenia. He understands the sensitive relationships that Ukraine is balancing in the region and that dialogue must continue with Russia to ensure the protection of its young Constitution.

In addition to important issues that are dear to many Ukrainians, our representative has also become an independent voice in Congress. He introduced the Minimum Wage Bill (H.R. 1227), voted to maintain the assault weapons ban, opposed EPA funding reductions, opposed environmental riders to the VA/HUD Appropriations Bill. He is a consistent supporter of efforts to balance the federal budget, and he supported welfare reform and the Health Coverage Availability Act (H.R. 3103).

The record speaks for itself. Congressman Martini has proven to me that he deserves my efforts and support.

Stefan Tatarenko
Clifton, N.J.

The letter writer is a commissioner of the Board of Education in Clifton, N.J.