Dole reiterates support for aid to Central/East European states

WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kansas) reiterated his support for U.S. assistance to the non-Russian nations of Eastern Europe at a May 21 breakfast meeting with representatives of the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC). Mr. Dole, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was accompanied by key campaign advisors, including former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Jeane Kirkpatrick and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)

"I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with the representatives of the organizations that make up the Central and East European Coalition and hear their views on important foreign policy issues," stated Sen. Dole. "This is the start of a process of consultation that I hope will continue through the coming months."

The Ukrainian National Association (UNA) and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) are among the co-founders and leading members of the CEEC, comprising 18 national membership-based organizations representing Americans who trace their heritage to Central and Eastern Europe. Established to coordinate efforts of national ethnic organizations, the coalition has collaborated on a wide range of foreign policy issues.

Representing the Ukrainian National Association was Eugene Iwanciw, who was the CEEC's lead spokesman during the meeting. In his remarks, he thanked the senator for his past support on issues of concern to Americans of Central and East European background and introduced the issues that the CEEC wished to raise. The coalition's presentation focused on NATO expansion, foreign policy and foreign assistance.

The CEEC stressed the need for U.S. leadership in establishing a NATO timetable for expansion and the importance of addressing the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all the nations of the region. Sen. McCain commented that "as the party's nominee, Dole's focus is on NATO expansion."

In addressing U.S. policy toward the region, the CEEC stated that there has been "an imbalance of U.S. rhetoric and deeds" in addressing Russia's efforts to establish a "sphere of influence" throughout the region. The coalition strongly urged the senator to develop a comprehensive policy that would support the independence of Central and Eastern European nations and integrate them into the West. "Sen. Dole is committed and deeply concerned about foreign policy issues," stated Ambassador Kirkpatrick.

Expressing grave concerns about the reduction of foreign assistance to the region, the CEEC pointed out that "U.S. technical and development assistance programs are being phased out solely for budgetary reasons and without taking into account policy considerations."

The ethnic representatives also advised more reliance on ethnic American organizations in the shaping and implementation of U.S. assistance programs. It was noted that these organizations have a long-term commitment to the region and comprise professionals with an intimate knowledge of the political, economic and cultural history who possess the linguistic skills needed for effective assistance programs.

"I believe that the future of stability in Europe rests largely on our ability to integrate these new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe into the West - and into NATO, in particular," commented Sen. Dole. "Critical to this process is U.S. assistance to all of the non-Russian NIS states, as well as the Central and East European states, and rapid movement on NATO expansion."

The Kansas senator also criticized executive branch policy vis-à-vis the NIS. "The Clinton administration has been too slow to act on NATO expansion and too eager to focus U.S. aid on Russia - at the expense of Ukraine, the Baltic states and others," he said. "We must not allow Russia to intimidate its neighbors and to dictate the course of U.S. policies on aid and NATO expansion. We must make it clear to the Russians that while we are willing to engage in a dialogue with them on NATO security matters, we will act in our own interests."

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 9, 1996, No. 23, Vol. LXIV

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