ACTION ITEM (01/31/99)

ACTION ITEM

Last year's foreign aid bill (for Fiscal Year 1999) included a provision of assistance to Ukraine that stipulates that one-half of U.S. foreign assistance would be withheld "until the secretary of state reports to the committees on appropriations that Ukraine has undertaken significant economic reforms additional to those achieved in fiscal year 1998 and include: 1) reform and effective enforcement of commercial and tax code; and 2) continued progress on resolution of complaints by United States investors."

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the Ukrainian National Association (UNA), the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC) and The Washington Group (TWG) request that the Ukrainian American community write, fax or call their senators or representatives to express the importance of sustained U.S. foreign assistance to Ukraine for 1999. Failure to certify for Ukraine would have negative ramifications for Ukraine's present economic and political transition. A sample letter is attached for your reference.

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The Honorable (name)
United States Senate (or) House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510 (or) 20515

Dear Senator (or) Representative (name):

I am concerned about the certification process for Ukraine, as stipulated in the FY 1999 Foreign Aid Act. As the Ukrainian government continues economic reforms, U.S. foreign assistance is vital to that process. Having established a strategic partnership with Ukraine, it is important for the United States to demonstrate, through sustained foreign assistance, its support for the reform efforts in Ukraine and continued peace and stability within the region.

Failure by the United States to grant certification for Ukraine would signal a weakening of U.S. strategic, political and economic interests in that country in light of growing evidence within the region of a resurgence, or a reconstitution, of Russian imperialism. Certification is necessary for Ukraine as a vote for continued reform, democracy, and the rule of law and in further encouraging Ukraine's efforts to forge even closer relations with the West.

I urgently request that you convey the importance of certification for Ukraine to Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright prior to February 18. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
(your name)

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