LETTER TO THE EDITOR (11/12/00)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Kudos to TWG for its conference

Dear Editor:

Kudos go to The Washington Group for organizing the year 2000 Leadership Conference, "Ukraine: Integrating into the Global Community," held on October 6-8. The conference explored Ukraine's continuing political, social and economic development amid the forces of globalization that vie for its attention. The prognosis for Ukraine was mixed. There was both good and bad news. Predictably, the challenges facing Ukraine remain daunting.

Prominent among the topics discussed was the degree of Ukraine's inclusion into the European Community and NATO. Since progress on these issues continues at less than a snail's pace, it begs the question: Why doesn't Ukraine adopt a complementary foreign policy to enhance its national self-image while, simultaneously, strengthening her bid for acceptance into the western community? Ukraine's neutrality, intelligently deployed, could be an asset in this restive region of the world.

Another issue that surfaced yet again was the question of the status of Ukrainian as the official language as used in Ukraine. It is apparent that many people in Ukraine do not heed the words of Taras Shevchenko. The continued reliance on Russian in official transcriptions and discourse is evidence of a frail Ukraine that is crippled by linguistic ambiguity. The resolution of this controversy in favor of the categorical usage of Ukrainian as the official language would strengthen Ukrainian nationalism by reinforcing the congruence between the national culture and its native language.

Another significant concern raised at this conference was addressed at the session on "Building Democracy and Civil Society in Ukraine." The coincidence of this session with the recently published report that identified Ukraine as the third most corrupt country of the world, elicited strong feelings and fueled serious discussion. It is evident that Ukrainian Americans are alienated by the crime wave now coursing through Ukraine and feel betrayed and embarrassed at each successive report of Ukrainian incivility and lawlessness. Unfortunately, there is no solace in the defense expressed by some Ukrainians: "This is how we are; we will have to wait until we change. What can we do?" This posture of learned helplessness tinged with hopelessness condemns Ukraine to subservience among the nations of the world.

It is evident that Ukrainians find it exceedingly difficult, painful and destabilizing to undo 300 years of bondage and political stagnation within the first 10 years of their existence as a free nation. Sadly, the reforms enacted to date are insufficient to meet the criteria for admittance into the European Community and NATO. As we stand on the cusp of a new administration in the United States time may be running out for the dole to developing nations unable to contain graft and corruption at home.

Americans are becoming indignant at the corruption apparently being enhanced with their hard-earned money in these countries. If Ukrainians ever hope to partner fully with the West, they must accelerate the rate of their reforms and increase the diversity and quality of these reforms to more closely resemble the Western democratic model rooted in the rule of law.

Understandably, the work of changing from a "beggar" people to a proud nation falls primarily on Ukrainians and their leaders. This transformation, however, would move forward more smoothly if Ukrainians were more solicitous to the advice of westerners. Among these Westerners is Carlos Pascual, the new U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, who spoke cordially about Ukraine and Ukrainians at the luncheon on Saturday. A program of enlightened reforms successfully implemented along a Western model would reassure the Ukrainian diaspora, the American government and the world community to persevere in their support of Ukraine.

It is in the interests of Ukrainians themselves, Ukrainians in the diaspora and Westerners to have a democratic and progressive Ukraine, upon which they can rely as a pivotal nation at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

P.S.: The absence of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States from the festivities at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington on Friday evening was regrettable. His absence breaks the tradition of past receptions, during which previous ambassadors met and interfaced with Ukrainian Americans. This was an important engagement that was missed.

Christine Hoshowsky, Ph.D.
Rochester, N.Y.

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