FOR THE RECORD: Letter from coalition's co-chairmen (02/12/06)

FOR THE RECORD: Letter from coalition's co-chairmen

Below is the text of the letter sent from Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition to Congressional Ukrainian Caucus members who have not yet co- sponsored H.R. 1053.

Dear Congressional Ukrainian Caucus member:

We are writing to urge your support, as a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, for graduating Ukraine from the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment by the end of February. In particular, we ask that you join now in co-sponsoring H.R. 1053.

The Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition, which currently represents more than 250 businesses and Ukrainian American, Jewish American and other non-governmental organizations, believes this is a matter of urgency. Congressional action in February will send a critical signal of support for strong U.S.-Ukrainian relations in the run-up to the very important March 26 parliamentary elections in Ukraine. Lack of action, on the other hand, will be seized upon by opponents of Ukraine's pro-reform, pro-West government as both a failure of its foreign policy and an indication of Western disinterest. Congressional action now will have the optimum positive impact in Ukraine and promote the U.S. national interest in integrating a democratic, market-oriented Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic community.

Ukraine fully merits graduation; it has long met Jackson-Vanik's freedom-of-emigration requirements. Moreover, it has created conditions in which religious minorities can freely practice their beliefs. This has been recognized by both Presidents Clinton and Bush. The Senate last November passed by unanimous consent legislation to graduate Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik. Action thus, now lies with the House.

The coalition supports H.R. 1053 as we have heard repeatedly that, of the three House bills pending on Jackson-Vanik graduation for Ukraine, it has the most receptivity in the Ways and Means Committee. As of January 31, H.R. 1053 had almost 40 co-sponsors, double the number in November.

We urgently ask you to please support Ukraine's graduation by joining now as a co-sponsor of H.R. 1053 and urging your fellow members to take like action, with the objective of passing legislation by the end of February.

Sincerely,
Ambassador Steven Pifer and Ambassador William Miller
Co-Chairmen
Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition

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