Turning the pages back... January 23, 1992 (01/19/97)

Turning the pages back...

January 23, 1992

Five years ago on January 23, the United States and independent Ukraine formally began diplomatic relations with the exchange of letters of credence in Kyiv. Following is an excerpt from Marta Kolomayets' report of the historic event.

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U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Jon Gundersen exchanged notes regarding full diplomatic relations with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Anatolii Zlenko during a brief ceremony on January 23 at the Foreign Ministry's Hall of Mirrors.

"I welcome the birth of diplomatic relations between our two countries, our two independent countries," said Mr. Gundersen, who has served as the U.S. consul general in Kyiv since last February. The act of exchanging diplomatic notes follows U.S. President George Bush's December 25, 1991, announcement recognizing Ukraine. It formally provides for the establishment of an embassy and accreditation of diplomats.

Mr. Gundersen said Ukraine has entered the international arena in a peaceful and democratic manner, respectful of human rights. He also added that it has respected all existing treaties, including the START pact and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mr. Gundersen stated that Ukraine will soon become a Helsinki Accords signatory and added that he looks forward to Ukraine becoming a fully participating member of the European and world communities. Mr. Gundersen noted that the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is now located in the old district headquarters of the Communist Party - "a nice twist of fate" - at 10 Yuriy Kotsiubynsky St., in Kyiv's center.

The initial staff of six Americans and four local employees (a support staff) will concentrate on political, economic and public affairs. They include Mr. Gundersen; John Stepanchuk, first secretary and political section chief; Mary Kruger, first secretary and public affairs officer; Carol Fajardo, second secretary and administrative section chief; Maria Rudensky, third secretary and consular section chief; and Ed Fajardo, consular specialist.

Source: The Ukrainian Weekly, Jan. 26, 1992 (Vol. LX, No. 4)

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