Bush advisors speak on Central/Eastern Europe (11/05/00)

Bush advisors speak on Central/Eastern Europe

by Eugene Iwanciw

ARLINGTON, Va. - In a tele-press conference on October 31, former Secretary of State George Shultz, an advisor to Gov. George W. Bush, reaffirmed the Republican presidential candidate's commitment to NATO expansion. Expounding on that theme, Mr. Shultz noted that as secretary of state he "spent a lot of time supporting Ronald Reagan's views on Central and Eastern Europe with a hard-line policy toward the Soviet Union. I have spent lots of time with Gov. Bush and he has that same kind of commitment, same kind of understanding, not only from the head but from the gut."

Mr. Shultz went on to state that NATO enlargement is extremely important. He pointed out that "there is also an economic side to this," stressing that the United States has to be in a position to help economic development in Central/Eastern Europe.

The press conference followed the issuance of a press statement on "Gov. Bush's policy on NATO and NATO enlargement," which also touched on other areas of policy toward Central and Eastern Europe. Also participating in the conference was Ambassador Paul Wolfowitz, another foreign policy advisor to Gov. Bush.

When asked whether the governor as president will take a leadership position on NATO enlargement for the Baltic states, Mr. Shultz pointed out the historic strong commitment of the United States to the Baltic countries, noting that the flags of these countries were never taken down from the entrance to the State Department, that the United States never recognized the incorporation of the Baltic States into the USSR. "The governor's commitment is as strong," he stated.

Responding to a question about what the countries such as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia, which are not in line for early NATO membership, can expect in terms of security from a Bush Administration, Mr. Shultz said that aggressive diplomacy will be the first order. At the same time, the United States will help with economic development for these nations. "As countries have the ability to stand on their own in economic terms, their stature increases," he said. He also pointed out that Gov. Bush is aware of the military dimension in the region noting the continued presence of Russian troops in Georgia, and said that Mr. Bush will work to alleviate that situation.

When pressed as to the type of economic development assistance these countries can expect to receive, Mr. Shultz pointed out that aid, loans and grants are helpful, but that they need to focus on developing strong economic conditions so that the countries can help themselves. He noted that "Ukraine is potentially a wealthy country" and that the United States can help Ukraine achieve that potential.

Pointing out the importance of trade, Ambassador Wolfowitz stated that Gov. Bush will work to break down trade barriers, not only in the United States but in Europe, so as to help facilitate the integration of nations in Central and Eastern Europe into the European process including membership in the European Union.

Mr. Shultz also noted that a Bush administration would encourage private sector investment. He remarked that both Gov. Bush and vice-presidential candidate Dick Cheney "have extensive experience in the private sector," which gives them a better view of what is needed over those whose careers have been solely in Washington.

Mr. Shultz was asked how President George W. Bush will deal with the Russian economic and political intimidation of the Baltic states and other nations as pointed out in the Cox Report. He noted that there will be an "entirely different atmosphere" in a Bush administration. He noted that President Reagan received a "lot of criticism" in 1983 when he called the Soviet Union the "evil empire." But the "key to start being realistic is to state the situation realistically and then you can do something about it." He went on to point out that the governor would not have turned a blind eye to the secret Russian arms deal to Iran that was approved by Vice-President Gore. "You can expect from President Bush a clear-eyed view" of Russia, he added.

As the press conference was winding down, the Bush representatives were asked about the neglect of ethnic Americans in the election campaign. Secretary Shultz apologized that such an impression exists and pointed out that he and Sen. George Voinovich recently met with ethnic leaders in Cleveland. Asked whether Central and East European Americans can expect access to the highest levels in a Bush administration, Mr. Wolfowitz emphatically answered "absolutely, including with both the president and vice-president."

He pointed to Mr. Cheney's record, affirming that the vice-presidential candidate has "very warm feeling toward Central and East Europeans" from his time as defense secretary. "He remembers his experience working with Ukrainians as Ukraine moved toward independence," Mr. Wolfowitz said. For Mr. Cheney, "Ukrainians are not only important, but he enjoys working with them; their values are our values."

| Home Page |