FOR THE RECORD: Kyiv violence a topic at State Department briefing (03/18/01)

FOR THE RECORD: Kyiv violence a topic at State Department briefing

Following is an excerpt from the Friday, March 9, briefing at the U.S. Department of State, during which one of the topics raised was that day's violent clash between protesters and police in Kyiv. The briefing was conducted by the department's spokesman, Richard Boucher.

Q: And on Ukraine, there have been some very violent protests there today. Do you have anything to say about that?

A: Mr. Boucher: This morning, the Ukraine police forcibly prevented about 200 demonstrators from crossing police lines. President [Leonid] Kuchma was preparing to lay a wreath at a monument of poet Taras Shevchenko.

There were reports that an opposition member of parliament was beaten and hospitalized. In the afternoon, there were about 150 demonstrators who clashed with police near the presidential offices, and there were reports of further injuries.

Ukrainian officials have stated their commitment to resolve political issues by constitutional means and to engage in a dialogue with the opposition. We think that the current political atmosphere presents Ukraine and its leaders with a test of their commitment to the rule of law, democracy and human rights. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, and of course we look to the Ukrainian authorities to carry out their pledge to solve things by constitutional means and dialogue.

Q: Can we stay on the [sic] Ukraine, please? The Ukrainians are claiming that a former security officer for President Kuchma, who revealed some tapes implicating him in the murder of a journalist there, is currently hiding on a U.S. military base in the Netherlands under U.S. protection. Do you have anything on that?

A: Mr. Boucher: I hadn't seen that report. I'm not going to speculate on anything involving those tapes. I don't think we really have anything particular to say on it.

Q: Well, can you check and see if the U.S. is providing this man any kind of security protection, or is he applying for asylum or anything?

A: Mr. Boucher: I'll see if there is anything we can say on it, and we'll see if we can say no, or no comment.

Q: Can I have a quick follow-up? Are you satisfied with the current pace at which the Ukraine leadership is investigating the murder of [Heorhii] Gongadze, given that seems to have been the key issue for the government - the U.S. administration in regards to Ukraine?

A: Mr. Boucher: We have commented and had a position on the importance of investigating, on the importance of investigating in a transparent and open manner. I don't think we have any judgment at this point on the pace. But certainly that is a crucial element in resolving the situation.

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