Schroeder underscores German support for Ukraine's entry into European Union

by Roman Woronowycz
Kyiv Press Bureau

KYIV - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on December 6 that his government would continue to strongly support Ukraine's entry into the European Union, but that there would be "a lengthy process" before that final outcome was reached.

Mr. Schroeder, who spent a day in Kyiv, where he held talks with Ukraine's President Leonid Kuchma and visited the German Embassy under construction, was the first major Western leader to visit here this year. Chancellor Schroeder was originally scheduled for a two-day visit in the second half of September, but that was canceled after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11.

The cordial words spoken by the German chancellor during his visit should end speculation that the West was ostracizing Ukraine over the unresolved disappearance of the Ukrainian journalist Heorhii Gongadze and the related tape scandal.

Mr. Schroeder had no qualms about saying that relations were good when he and Mr. Kuchma met with journalists at the end of the day.

"We not only do not have any problems in our relations, they are very good," explained Mr. Schroeder as a satisfied President Kuchma looked on.

Responding to a question on his estimation of the state of human rights in Ukraine and the problems surrounding the Gongadze investigation, the German chancellor diplomatically downplayed any disagreements with Ukraine on these matters.

While explaining, "I don't think things are altogether good," he added that they "have the possibility of improving."

The large delegation of government officials that traveled with Mr. Schroeder signed three agreements with Ukrainian counterparts. Most significant was an agreement that restructured the $245 million German portion of Ukraine's debt within the framework of the Paris Club of creditor nations agreement. It was the first successful rescheduling of a debt to a Paris Club creditor by Ukraine.

Ukraine and Germany also agreed to a joint statement on support for measures to train Ukrainian administrative staff in Germany and a joint statement on cooperation between the justice bodies of the two countries.

Mr. Schroeder told Mr. Kuchma that he would support Ukraine's efforts to become an associate member of the European Union, but that Kyiv would have to take the initiative.

"The perspectives for full membership in the European Union can only move forward step by step," explained Mr. Schroeder. "Right now we can discuss a plan of action to be developed and the measures to be implemented."

He explained, however, that associate membership was a matter exclusively for the European Commission to decide.

President Kuchma was quick to point out that Ukraine realizes full membership will take time and a concerted effort.

"I have only one desire, that we make an effort to become associate members during my term," explained Mr. Kuchma, who said he did not realistically believe that full membership would even come during the presidential term of his successor.

The two leaders also discussed Ukraine-NATO relations. Comments by the Ukrainian president reflected an evolving policy towards NATO, which has occurred with the warming of relations between Russia and the United States. On this day Mr. Kuchma went as far as he ever has in stating that Ukraine would like NATO membership

"We will go as far into NATO as NATO will take us," replied Mr. Kuchma in reply to a question on whether Ukraine would now consider membership.

The two leaders put their cordial relations on display during a ceremony marking the completion of the structure of the future German Embassy building in the center of Kyiv. While scores of construction types looked on from within the compound and dozens of Kyivans gazed curiously from across the street, the two raised several toasts to the workers, as is the German custom. In remarks to the crowd Mr. Schroeder applauded Ukraine-German relations.

"This building represents the fine state of current relations between our two countries," Chancellor Schroeder commented.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 16, 2001, No. 50, Vol. LXIX

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