Awards ceremonies highlight Ukrainian president's D.C. trip

Kuchma receives Democracy Award
Kuchma honors Perry, Brzezinski

Kuchma receives Democracy Award

by Roma Hadzewycz

WASHINGTON - President Leonid Kuchma on May 15 accepted the 1997 Democracy Award presented by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) for his "tireless efforts to support the democratic election process in Ukraine and for leadership in securing adoption of the new Constitution [of Ukraine]." The award also saluted the "freedom-loving people of Ukraine, who have a long-standing tradition of commitment to democratic principles," and recognized "the Ukrainian people who have devoted themselves to building a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine."

The presentation occurred during a black-tie dinner held in the president's honor at the elegant Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. Department of State under the sponsorship of the Ukraine-U.S. Business Council and IFES. It took place at the time of President Kuchma's working visit to Washington for the first plenary session of the U.S.-Ukraine Binational Commission.

The Democracy Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening democracy in his own country and throughout the world. The Ukrainian president was hailed by several speakers for his significant role in advancing political and economic reform.

In opening remarks, Richard Soudriette, IFES president, noted: "Tonight we recognize President Kuchma for his contributions in helping build a free Ukraine by supporting the democratic election process and for his leadership in gaining the adoption of the new Constitution of Ukraine. We also recognize the people of Ukraine whose abiding love for democracy is an example for the world."

As the dinner also celebrated the 10th anniversary of IFES, Mr. Soudriette paid tribute to the organization's founder, F. Clifton White, "whose vision helped to chart our course to help build democracy."

Charles T. Manatt, IFES chairman of the board, noted that "During the past 10 years IFES has been a leader in assisting new democracies in every corner of the globe." A private non-profit and non-partisan foundation that extends technical, educational and informational support to electoral bodies and non-governmental organizations around the globe, IFES has been promoting the development of democratic processes in Ukraine since 1993. It has provided technical assistance to the Central Election Commission and the Verkhovna Rada, as well as assistance in legal/judicial reform, playing a key role in Ukraine's constitutional process.

As he presented the Democracy Award, Mr. Manatt underscored President Kuchma's role in the adoption of the new Constitution of Ukraine. By way of background, he also pointed to "at least three historical periods" when "support for the many principles embodied in the new Constitution were first introduced": the first legal code during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century, the Constitution of Pylyk Orlyk in 1710 and the short-lived Ukrainian National Republic of 1917-1920.

Collins delineates administration's goals

Ambassador James Collins, special advisor to the secretary of state for the new independent states, welcomed guests to the Department of State and offered congratulations on behalf of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He underlined the Clinton administration's support for Ukrainian independence and the bilateral "relationship that has matured over the past five years to reach a point of strategic partnership." Now, he said, the administration's goal is "to harness the force of economic prosperity, integration, the rule of law, free trade, democracy, peaceful resolution of disputes and tolerance as we build a new Europe."

"The strength of our approach is its emphasis on pragmatism, shared responsibility and the search for mutual advantage. By rolling up our sleeves and speaking frankly to our Ukrainian colleagues - rather than avoiding difficulties or making public declarations - we can get more accomplished," he explained. "We can help strengthen Ukraine's performance in critical areas so that reform and integration are mutually reinforcing processes."

William G. Miller, U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, underlined that President Kuchma and Ukraine "fully merit the award being presented tonight," citing many milestones marking Ukraine's development as an independent state: the decision to become a non-nuclear state, embarking on economic reform and adoption of the Constitution.

Judge Bohdan Futey of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims offered a lengthy toast to the Ukrainian president. He noted: "Mr. President, we have observed the strong impact you have had on Ukraine. Your commitment to economic reforms, as well as political and legal reforms, in transforming the command system of the past into a system based on free market principles and the rule of law, has been steady and unwavering.

"Mr. President, one year ago the world watched as you guided Ukraine through the political and legal steps necessary to provide your country with a new Constitution ultimately adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on June 28. This enactment provided a fitting tribute for the fifth anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Since then we have seen Ukraine, through your leadership, take firm steps to make the new Constitution a living reality and a functioning compact with the citizens of Ukraine. Your efforts to move Ukraine toward a democratic system have not gone unnoticed by the international community."

He continued: "Mr. President, nevertheless, it seems that each time you schedule a trip to the United States, your visit is preceded by concerns expressed in the media about the future of Ukraine. In the past you successfully addressed these areas of concern and reaffirmed your commitment to reform by taking bold and necessary steps. I am confident that you will assist Ukraine in overcoming this latest challenge."

Gilman provides assurances of support

Rep. Benjamin Gilman, chairman of the Committee on International Relations in the House of Representatives, thanked President Kuchma for his "leadership, both in Ukraine and in the entire region of Eastern Europe and the new independent states," and expressed his belief that "Ukraine is going to assume a major role in Europe in the future" and that "Ukraine will be a force for good in Europe."

"May of us here in the United States want to work closely with you, with your Parliament and with your government to help your nation and to build a strong bilateral relationship that can only serve the interests of both of our countries," said the congressman from New York.

"I am certain that you have received a lot of advice from our American officials during your visit this week," Rep. Gilman said, adding, "I hope that you have received offers of help from the United States as well, to ensure that you and your officials have the resources to accomplish the things that will need to be done in Ukraine this year, next year and for several years to come."

"While we should offer you constructive criticism and advice, I believe we should offer you constructive support and assistance as well," he concluded.

President Kuchma comments on myths

Immediately after the congressman's remarks Mr. Manatt presented the 1997 Democracy Award - an engraved contemporary crystal sculpture - to President Kuchma.

In his acceptance address, the president said: "I regard this award from the International Foundation for Election Systems as a high appraisal of Ukraine's achievements in constructing a democratic state. Since the very beginning of Ukraine's existence as an independent state, we took the course of establishing it worldwide as a democratic European state. The adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine in June of last year was a logical conclusion to a transitional stage in state-building."

As if in response to Judge Futey's comments on "areas of concern" regarding Ukraine, President Kuchma noted: "... myths and stereotypes have surrounded our state since the very proclamation of Ukraine's sovereignty. Academic and political circles, and, of course, the mass media, had a hand in their creation. One cannot say that these myths and stereotypes are absolutely groundless. But I want to cite an American writer, Mark Twain, who said, 'The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.'"

"Do you remember the myth of 'suicidal nationalism' which, in the opinion of George Bush, would destroy Ukraine? Or fears of nuclear threats supposedly emanating from Ukraine? Or fantasies on the theme of Ukraine's huge foreign debts? I could go on, but I will not. Life demonstrated who was correct," he stated.

Mr. Kuchma went on to emphasize his "decisive and uncompromising" stand to do battle with corruption and he welcomed U.S. assistance on this issue.

At the conclusion of his address he reiterated Ukraine's commitment to remain on course: "Let no one doubt this: We know what we want, we know what to do, and we have the necessary political will to do it. There will be no retreat from the course of economic and political reforms."

Also during the banquet, congratulations were offered by Richard T. Crowder, chairman of the Ukraine-U.S. Business Council, and closing remarks were offered by Kempton B. Jenkins, the council's president. The Ukraine-U.S. Business Council lists as its primary mission "to maximize opportunities for trade and investments between the two countries"; in addition it seeks to serve as the voice of the U.S. business community vis-à-vis Ukraine.

The invocation that evening was delivered by Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.

The dinner was attended by 250 invited guests from the foreign policy community, including government, think-tanks, non-governmental organizations and the business sector, as well as Ukrainian American community leaders.

Kuchma honors Perry, Brzezinski

by Khristina Lew

WASHINGTON - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma presented one of his country's highest awards on May 15 to William Perry and Zbigniew Brzezinski for "dedicating their energies and time to deepening the Ukrainian-American relationship."

Mr. Kuchma bestowed the State Award of Ukraine on the two American policy makers during a ceremony held in the courtyard of Blair House, the Ukrainian president's residence during his two-day working visit to the nation's capital on May 14-16.

Mr. Kuchma linked the efforts of Drs. Perry and Brzezinski to the evolution of the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship, which he characterized as the "gradual conversion from the excessive focus of the U.S. administration on the Ukrainian nuclear aspect, to the beginning of constructive dialogue and, in the end, to change to a strategic partnership."

Dr. Perry, who served as President Bill Clinton's defense secretary in 1994-1997, was instrumental in negotiating the Trilateral Agreement signed by Ukraine, the United States and the Russian Federation in January 1994. Dr. Brzezinski was national security advisor to President Jimmy Carter in 1977-1981 and director of the Trilateral Commission in 1973-1976. He currently serves on the board of directors of various institutions, and is chairman of the American-Ukrainian Advisory Committee.

In honoring Dr. Perry, President Kuchma said, "When you were appointed defense secretary of the United States in January 1994, in a ceremony at the White House President William Clinton mentioned, among other things, your important role in reaching the Trilateral Agreement. Thus, from the very beginning of your tenure, your activity has been closely related to Ukraine."

President Kuchma pointed to the signing of the Trilateral Agreement as a turning point in U.S.-Ukrainian relations. "It ended the complicated stage of mutual disappointment and certain tensions caused by the nuclear arsenal in Ukraine, and opened new opportunities for deeper political, economic and military cooperation of our country with the international community and the United States in particular," he said.

In accepting his award, Dr. Perry acknowledged that as secretary of defense he had visited Ukraine more than any other country, "more than England, France and Germany combined." He said he has been and continues to be a "good friend of Ukraine."

Dr. Perry recalled witnessing the destruction of missile silos in Mykolayiv in January 1996 and "planting sunflowers with the minister of defense of Ukraine and the minister of defense of the Russian Federation in soil where missiles previously stood." On that day, he said, "we planted not only sunflower seeds, but we planted the rebirth and freedom of Ukraine."

Dr. Perry said that U.S. Ambassador William Green Miller had sent him seeds from the first crop of sunflowers to commemorate the anniversary of the silo destruction. He told the Ukrainian delegation of senior Cabinet ministers and assembled guests that he had given the seeds to his grandson to plant at school, to symbolize that "Ukraine will no longer have to live with a nuclear plow."

In presenting Dr. Brzezinski the State Award of Ukraine, President Kuchma noted that the former national security advisor "was among the first not only in the United States but in the West to stress the strategic importance of an independent Ukraine for the construction of a democratic and peaceful Europe." Mr. Kuchma noted that "at that time, in 1992-1993, a lot of leading politicians in the United States and Europe considered that idea too bold, because they did not believe in the independent future of our country."

Dr. Brzezinski accepted the award "not only on my own behalf, but particularly on behalf of the people in the American-Ukrainian Advisory Committee, who worked hard for a closer strategic relationship between the United States and Ukraine." He singled out Richard Murphy, executive director of the American-Ukrainian Advisory Committee; Paula Dobriansky, senior international affairs and trade advisor at the law firm of Hunton and Williams; retired Gen. Nicholas Krawciw; and Paul Terpeluk, project coordinator for the American-Ukrainian Advisory Committee.

The committee, established by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 1993 and composed of 17 prominent Americans and Ukrainians, makes recommendations at the highest level to the two governments regarding initiatives to enhance the American-Ukrainian relationship.

Dr. Brzezinski told President Kuchma that Ukraine should be proud of its accomplishments in the past five years. "You do not deal with secessionism by bombing and military suppression. You do not use your diaspora abroad as the basis for political pressure. You have peaceful political change, and you do not shell your Parliament. You are thereby setting an example of the democratization of the former Soviet space," he said.

The awards ceremony was followed by a reception, after which President Kuchma was honored by the International Foundation for Election Systems at a banquet held at the State Department (see story page 1).

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 1, 1997, No. 22, Vol. LXV

| Home Page |