Slaughter interviewed by TV news crew from Ukraine (05/09/99)

Slaughter interviewed by TV news crew from Ukraine

WASHINGTON - As the world's leaders gathered in Washington for the NATO Summit, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.), who is co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, told a Ukrainian television news crew that Ukraine has and will continue to be an important strategic ally of the United States.

"It is crucial that Ukraine be given the opportunity to succeed," Rep. Slaughter told reporter Yevhen Hlibovytskyi. "Currently, the United States is extremely well positioned to play a key leadership role in assisting Ukraine to further its efforts to establish a stable democratic government and free market economy."

When asked about the status of foreign aid for Ukraine, Rep. Slaughter noted that Congress is in the process of formulating its budget for the upcoming fiscal year and she anticipates final action by September.

"I remain confident that Congress will fully fund assistance to Ukraine at a level that is consistent with the president's request of $195 million," said Rep. Slaughter. "To that extent, I, along with 11 other members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus have written the subcommittee chairman to support this funding."

Rep. Slaughter went on to say that, while she supports aid, it is vital that Ukraine continue making progress on the economic reforms it started. These include reforming its tax code, enforcing tax collection, modernizing its accounting practices, streamlining its public administration, establishing a fully functional treasury, increasing the number of private enterprises and reforming its commercial markets. Additionally, Ukraine must resolve complaints by U.S. investors. Rep. Slaughter said this critical action is the only way Ukraine can gain the full respect and credibility of U.S. markets.

When asked why she is active on issues involving Ukraine, Rep. Slaughter responded, "The district I represent in Rochester, N.Y., has a large and vibrant population of Ukrainian Americans. I am very close to this community and feel privileged to give them a voice in Washington."

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