A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON: A great job by the community (12/08/91)

A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON

A great job by the community

by Eugene M. Iwanciw
UNA Washington Office

WASHINGTON - Ukraine is independent and the United States has begun the process of establishing formal diplomatic relations with Ukraine. This change in U.S. administration policy resulted from both recognition that the Soviet Union no longer exists and the pressure exerted by the Ukrainian American community on the United States government.

For the first time in many years, the Ukrainian American community played a major role in the shaping of U.S. foreign policy. U.S. policy on any issue is the result of domestic and international pressure. In this case, the Ukrainian American community was heard.

The views of the community were expressed to President George Bush directly, by letters and calls to the White House, and indirectly through members of congress and the media. As a result of the work of the community, 27 senators and 55 representatives co-sponsored the congressional resolutions urging the President to recognize Ukraine and the Senate passed the resolution as part of an appropriations bill. Articles appeared in newspapers throughout the nation, largely as a result of interest by the community.

While members of congress heard, by letters and calls, from our central organizations including the Washington Office of the Ukrainian National Association, it was really individuals throughout the United States who had the major impact. This grassroots campaign involved Ukrainians from virtually every state. By receiving letters and calls from around the nation, it was clear that this is a major issue. An added aspect was that the Ukrainian American community mobilized non-Ukrainians in this campaign.

While recognition is in the process, this is not a time to relax and celebrate. It is clearly in the interests of the United States and Ukraine for diplomatic relations as soon as possible. Ukrainian Americans should continue contacting the White House and their members of congress but with a different message. The message should be to congratulate the position that President Bush has taken and to urge diplomatic relations as soon as possible.

The community should also build on the success which it has achieved and retain the contacts individuals have made with members of congress. In the coming year there will be a range of issues from Ukraine's membership in international organizations to technical and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine on the agenda, not to mention the domestic issues which we, as Ukrainian Americans are concerned about. The network that was established during the past few months will be needed to convince policy-makers that Ukraine should be eligible for the same programs that any other nation is eligible for and that Ukrainian American organizations should be able to participate in government-funded programs.

The community must be commended on a job well done. In over 20 years of working within the political community of Washington, I have never before seen a grassroots effort as dedicated, motivated, and effective as the one conducted by our community.