Ukraine "arrives" in Australia as flag is officially raised in capital (09/14/03)

Ukraine "arrives" in Australia as flag is officially raised in capital

CANBERRA, Australia - Ukraine's presence in Australia took on another dimension recently with the official flag of Ukraine being raised in the international flag display dedicated to the United Nations with flags of all countries that maintain a diplomatic presence in the national capital. It was noteworthy that the ceremony took place as part of the celebrations of Ukraine's 12th anniversary of independence.

Ukraine's Chargé d'Affairs Oleksander Mischenko and Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations Chairman Stefan Romaniw had the honor of raising the flag in the presence of community leaders. Among them were: Bishop Peter Stasiuk of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania; George Fedyszyn, president of the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria; Jaroslav Duma, chair of the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales; Bohdan Mykytiuk, president, Association of Ukrainians in Western Australia; Michael Lawriwsky, president, Association of Ukrainians in the Australia Capital Territory (ACT); Mr. Lycho from New Zealand; Irene Forestenko, deputy chair, Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils in Australia; and Orysia Stefyn, chair of the Ukrainian School Council of Australia.

As the national anthem of Ukraine was played, the flag was raised to signify Ukraine's official presence in Canberra.

In his address, Mr. Mischenko emphasized the importance Ukraine has placed on Australian relations and indicated that he is committed to increasing bilateral relations.

Mr. Romaniw, in turn, said that the ceremony was a milestone in Ukrainian settlement in Australia, inasmuch as Ukraine had taken this great step and should be congratulated. It also signified the efforts of the Ukrainian community in Australia in the past 50 years to see Ukraine's flag and Ukraine itself among the nations of the world. Being part of the international flag display reinforced this, he explained.

Following the ceremony, the official celebrations of Ukraine's Independence Day (August 24) was held in the Rydges Hotel in Canberra. The host, Chargé d'Affairs Mischenko, welcomed ambassadors from many countries, including the Vatican's papal nuncio, senior government officials and Ukrainian community leaders.

This was another event that has given strength to Ukraine's official presence, as this was the first official commemoration to be held in Canberra.

A wonderful exhibition of Ukrainian costumes and artifacts on loan from the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church was presented in Australia's Museum in Canberra. Many of the guests were very interested in the display, which showed the richness of Ukraine and its culture.

As guests dispersed, community leaders moved to the Embassy's new premises in the heart of Canberra. The Embassy is located on the top floor of a major office building in the capital.

It certainly represents Ukraine well: the premises and offices are now furnished; most of the new technology and phone systems are in place. These have been funded by community organizations and Ukrainian community groups, including the cooperatives Dnister and Karpaty.

Embassy staff under the guidance of the charges d'affairs, together with community leaders commenced the first meeting of the Embassy Advisory Group.

The group established by the Embassy will be co-chaired by Mr. Mischenko and Mr. Romaniw, and will look at issues of closer cooperation between the diplomatic and community sectors, set agendas for increased bilateral relations, examine ways of promoting Ukraine to the broader Australian community.

This important initiative taken by Ukraine's top diplomat in Australia shows the willingness of the diplomatic staff in Australia to build bridges with the community and embark on common projects.

Members will consist of Church and community leaders from the many organizations that comprise the Ukrainian Australian community.

The first meeting examined questions of bilateral relations, Ukraine's motion to the United Nations in seeking formal recognition that the Famine of 1932-1933 was an act of genocide and the AFUO's attempts to seek Australian government support for the motion and a similar motion to be raised in the Australian Parliament.

Details and outcomes of the eighth Ukrainian World Congress, which was held in Kyiv on August 18-21, were also presented. Mr. Romaniw also informed participants of meetings with Volodymyr Lytvyn, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, and Anatolii Zlenko, the minister for foreign affairs, as well as the presentations made by Victor Yushchenko.

Participants agreed that the Embassy Advisory Group has the potential to be a great building block in Australia-Ukraine relations.

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