Acting Foreign Minister Tarasyuk meets with members of U.S. Congress (10/09/05)

Acting Foreign Minister Tarasyuk meets with members of U.S. Congress

by Serhiy Zhykharev
Ukrainian National Information Service

WASHINGTON - The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (CUC) and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) on September 20 co-sponsored a luncheon with Ukraine's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Borys Tarasyuk. The luncheon was marked by a warm, friendly atmosphere and lively discussion of the latest developments in Ukraine, as well as ways to expand cooperation between the two nations.

Among those present were CUC co-chairs Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.). Other guests included Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.); Dr. Kay King, legislative director for Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.); Richard Mereu, majority staff director for the House of Representatives International Relations Committee, Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats; Serhiy Korsunsky, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States; Yevgeny Bendersky, legislative assistant for Rep. Weldon; Michael Sawkiw Jr., president of the UCCA; Laryssa Kyj, executive vice-president of the UCCA and president of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee; Serhiy Zhykharev, Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) director of congressional relations; Kyle Parker, vice-president of the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC); and other staffers for Minister Tarasyuk.

The discussion focused mainly on the results of President Viktor Yushchenko's and Minister Tarasyuk's meetings during their working visit to New York for the World Summit of leaders at the United Nations. Minister Tarasyuk conveyed to the members of Congress the warm reception President Yushchenko received during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who expressed support for Ukraine's development and encouraged Mr. Yushchenko to continue steering the country toward democracy and a market economy.

During the luncheon, the members of Congress inquired about the Ukrainian Parliament's failure to approve President Yushchenko's nominee for prime minister, to which Minister Tarasyuk responded that the refusal of several parliamentary factions to take part in the vote was disappointing; however, he also expressed hope that the factions would find a compromise and approve a new prime minister in the second round of voting.

Rep. Weldon spoke about the need to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment with regard to Ukraine. Other members of Congress supported his statement and expressed their support for Ukraine's graduation from the obsolete amendment, noting that by passing such legislation the United States would demonstrate its support of Ukraine's democratic reforms.

Both Reps. Kaptur and Levin remarked that the continued battle against corruption is necessary in order to demonstrate to the world community Ukraine's dedication to overcoming its Soviet legacy. Rep. Levin remarked that he is also encouraged by the increasingly public battle against corruption in Ukraine and views it as a sign that democracy in Ukraine is in good shape and is taking a strong root in society on all levels.

In concluding the luncheon, members of U.S. Congress pledged their support for Ukraine's democratic reforms and expressed hope that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine in combination with the appointment of a new Cabinet and constitutional reform will bring stability to Ukraine and allow the country to advance toward its goals of accession to the World Trade Organization, membership in NATO, and eventual integration into the European Union.

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