FOR THE RECORD: Rep. Schaffer on Ukraine's Kolchuha problem (10/20/02)

FOR THE RECORD

Rep. Schaffer on Ukraine's Kolchuha problem

Following is the text of a letter to Rep. Jim Kolbe, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs, which was sent on October 4 by Rep. Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.), a co-chairman of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Copies of the letter were sent also to: members of the subcommittee, members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Carlos Pascual, Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, and Reps. Curt Weldon and Marcy Kaptur, co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The recently authenticated voice recordings of Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, approving the sale of Kolchuha passive radar systems to Iraq through a Jordanian intermediary is of extreme concern to the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. In my capacity as co-chairman of the caucus, I have been one of Congress' strongest supporters of Ukraine and its integration with the West. However, it has become abundantly clear, Ukraine may not integrate successfully as long as its leaders express intentions to undermine America's non-proliferation goals, especially in Iraq.

Choosing Ukraine's leaders is the decision of the Ukrainian people. However, the Ukrainian people still need America's support to develop democratic principles. Our response must be unambiguous. I respectfully make the following requests:

Expand the certification requirements for re-establishing funding to Ukraine's central government.

As reported to the House on September 19, 2002, the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act for FY [Fiscal Year] 2003 suspends funding to Ukraine's central government pending certification by the U.S. secretary of state that Ukraine has not facilitated nor engaged in arms sales or arms transfers to Iraq since September 11, 2001. The certifying language in the conference report should reflect the fact that the Ukrainian president's consent to the transfer of Kolchuha radar systems occurred before September 11, 2001, and the fact President Kuchma approved the sale on July 10, 2000. Whether the sale actually took place, the president's expectations and intentions on this matter are extremely serious, and constitute a betrayal warranting suspension of funding to the central government.

Continue withholding funding to Ukraine's central government.

Indeed, withholding foreign aid funding from Ukraine's central government is prudent, as it effectively conveys to the Ukrainian government that the United States will not tolerate nor support leaders who illegally subvert democracy and the interests of their citizenry.

Redirect unused funding to other democracy-building initiatives in Ukraine.

Additional efforts, promoting democracy, human rights and free-market economics in Ukraine are necessary to continue Ukraine's development into a free-market democracy. Programs promoting Ukrainian NGOs, combating the spread of infectious diseases, eliminating trafficking in human beings, stopping weapons proliferation, as well as developmental programs for building Ukraine's agricultural sector, supporting human rights, freedom of speech, the rule of law, market reforms and political party formation are all vital to Ukraine's further development.

Hold out incentives for responsible behavior.

Specific language in the report should convey America's clear desire for a durable partnership with Ukraine based upon trust. Reformers in Ukraine must be reassured that a good-faith effort to restore a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect will be greeted enthusiastically by the Congress, and that authorization of future U.S. financial assistance is contingent upon the restoration of transparency and complete cooperation.

My personal extensive interaction with the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian leaders, and witnessing Ukraine's impressive progress has convinced me continued foreign assistance funding to Ukraine is a worthy investment. The Subcommittee's distinction between the governmental authorities of Ukraine and the people is clear and commendable and correctly demonstrates its understanding that Ukraine's real potential is outside of its government. If implemented properly, focusing efforts on democracy-building, private enterprise and social and infrastructural programs, U.S. foreign assistance will yield more successful and quicker reforms than ever before.

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