FOR THE RECORD: Congressmen's letter in support of maintaining aid to Ukraine (07/22/01)

FOR THE RECORD

Congressmen's letter in support of maintaining aid to Ukraine

The letter below was sent by eight members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus to Rep. C.W. Bill Young, chiarman of the House Committee on Appropriations, in support of foreign aid funds for Ukraine. The July 10 letter was signed by Reps. Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.), Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), James Greenwood (R-Pa.), Jack Quinn (R-N.Y.), Ben Gilman (R-N.Y.), Steve Horn (R-Calif.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).

Today your committee will vote on the Foreign Operations Bill to reduce funding to Ukraine by a minimum of $44 million from the amount requested by the administration. We are writing to express our support to maintain level funding to Ukraine for FY 2002.

While we understand, share and appreciate many of the concerns that you have raised regarding the need for continuing reforms in Ukraine, we are respectfully concerned that this reduction sends the wrong message to those fighting for the very reforms you seek. Recognizing the importance that both the president and Secretary of State Colin Powell have afforded to Ukraine this year, we believe it is important that at this stage the message of the United States be one of expectant support, rather than one of dissatisfied penalty.

Since its independence in 1991, Ukraine has built a solid foundation for a strong democracy and a free-market economy. Ukraine's economy grew over 6 percent last year and it is growing at over 8 percent now. Inflation is in check, reserves are up, the budget is being managed well and the climate for small and medium enterprise has vastly improved.

Private cultivation in agriculture has increased from 25 percent to 75 percent of the land cultivated in just a year. A strong budget code just passed and the key portions of the civil code (which provides the legal underpinnings for commercial transactions) just passed. The government and Parliament are grappling with vast revisions to the tax code. Private businesses cite the current economic climate as perhaps the most promising thus far in Ukraine.

Next year is a parliamentary election year. This is a time when we should be increasing our outreach to non-governmental groups in Ukraine. With the vast majority of our assistance already focused on non-governmental groups and Chornobyl closure, budgetary ceilings as foreseen in the legislation will effectively reduce our outreach to NGOs and civil society.

Internationally, Ukraine successfully signed treaties with many of its neighbors (Russia, Poland, Romania, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Slovakia) and achieved a Distinctive Partnership with NATO. Ukraine has repeatedly stated its desire to unite itself with the West and to become a fully participating member of NATO and other international organizations aimed at supporting democratic institutions. Additionally, the international community persuaded Ukraine to relinquish its nuclear arsenal and cancel contracts with Iran.

Progress of this magnitude in Ukraine - which could transform the face of Europe for decades to come - should not be taken for granted but instead should be matched with tangible evidence of U.S. support. A severe cut in foreign assistance to Ukraine will, however, send a contrary message and jeopardize the important achievements made to date. As you know, only about 10 percent of our assistance benefits the Ukrainian government, the rest goes towards programs like exchanges, grants to NGOs, small business development, independent media, municipal development and Chornobyl closure.

Despite these encouragements, we are aware that much still needs to be done. Continued support from the United States would provide the best mechanism for addressing these concerns. The actions of the U.S. Congress will be instrumental in continued developments to promote governmental integrity, democratic ideals, and reduce corruption through initiatives in regional or local governments. Now is the time for the United States to offer a welcoming hand from the West, not a push towards less-democratic forces.

This August Ukraine will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its independence. After hundreds of years of oppression, unimaginable suffering and millions of deaths, the Ukrainian people will celebrate their first decade of freedom. As the Ukrainian government continues to undertake reforms of its structures, it is vital for U.S. foreign assistance to continue. Having established a strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States, sustained foreign assistance will further the reform efforts in Ukraine and provide peace and stability within the region.

During the House Appropriations Committee proceedings, we encourage you to demonstrate your strong support for a continuation of Congress's successful assistance policy toward Ukraine for an additional year.

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