Congressional resolution on elections in Ukraine gains five co-sponsors (07/25/04)

Congressional resolution on elections in Ukraine gains five co-sponsors

WASHINGTON - Five new co-sponsors have signed on to Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell's resolution urging the government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent and fair election process for the presidential election on October 31. They are Sens. Jon Corzine (D-N.J.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), Russell Feingold (D-Wis.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.).

They join Sens. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), John Sununu (R-N.H.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).

Sen. Campbell (R-Colo.), who is co-chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, on July 7 wrote a "Dear Colleague" letter to all members of the Senate to seek their co-sponsorship of the measure.

"Your co-sponsorship of S. Con. Res. 106, urging the government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for the upcoming presidential election will send a strong and timely message of bipartisan disappointment with the pace and level of democratic reform in Ukraine. The resolution outlines measures the Ukrainian authorities need to take - consistent with their own law and international agreements - for a free, fair, open and transparent election process," wrote Sen. Campbell.

He continued: "Ukraine - a country of 48 million people - remains at a crossroads. Unfortunately, Ukraine's pre-election environment has already been decidedly problematic and of increasing concern to the United States and the international community. During the course of this year I have shared specific concerns with Senate colleagues, particularly in terms of the media. S. Con. Res. 106 focuses squarely on key problem areas, including increasing control and manipulation of the media and attempts by national authorities to limit access to international broadcasting, including Radio Liberty and Voice of America. Among other concerns are the blatant obstacles to free assembly and a free and fair political campaign, as well as substantial irregularities in several recent elections."

The senator added: "Ukraine's October presidential elections should be a watershed for the future direction of that country of great potential. Ukrainian authorities need to radically improve the election environment if there is to be hope for these elections to meet OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] standards. Having restored the independence of their proud land, the Ukrainian people deserve an opportunity to overcome the legacy of the past, and consolidate democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

S. Con Res. 106 was introduced by Sen. Campbell on May 5.

An identical resolution on the Ukrainian elections was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.). H. Con. Res. 415 currently has 25 co-sponsors: Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Tom Lantos (D-Calif.): Doug Bereuter (R- Neb.), Howard Berman (D-Calif.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), Karen McCarthy (D-Mo.), Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), Diane Watson (D-Calif.), Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), Cass Ballenger (R-N.C.), James Leach (R-Iowa), Dana Rohrbacher (R-Colo.), Edward Royce (R-Calif.), Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Dan Burton (R-Ind.), Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Chris Bell (D-Texas), Peter King (R-N.Y.).

It has cleared the House International Relations Committee and is in the process of being scheduled for a vote by the full House.

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