Nominee for envoy to Ukraine speaks at confirmation hearing (11/09/97)

Nominee for envoy to Ukraine speaks at confirmation hearing

WASHINGTON - Steven K. Pifer, President Bill Clinton's nominee as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a confirmation hearing on October 29. Mr. Pifer told the committee that "Ukraine's development as an independent, democratic, market-oriented and prosperous state is of critical importance to the United States. Such a Ukraine will be a key partner as we tackle today's international challenges, expand trade and investment, and shape a more stable and secure Europe."

Stating that since more than half of his nearly 20 years in the Foreign Service has been spent working on assignments that pertain to the Soviet Union and the new independent states (NIS), and that he has had the opportunity to meet with a range of senior Ukrainian officials, both here and in Kyiv, Mr. Pifer said he believes that if confirmed this background will serve him well in his work to shape a broad and robust U.S.-Ukraine relationship.

Following is the text of his prepared statement before the committee:

Mr. Chairman, distinguished Members of the Committee:

It is an honor to appear before you today to discuss my nomination as ambassador to Ukraine. I greatly appreciate the confidence that President Clinton and Secretary Albright have shown in my nomination. If confirmed by the Senate, I will make every effort to justify that confidence. Please allow me to introduce my wife, Dr. Marilyn Pifer, and our daughter, Christine. Marilyn, a veteran of six years in the State Department and of assignments with me in Moscow and London, looks forward to representing the United States in Kyiv.

Ukraine's development as an independent, democratic, market-oriented and prosperous state is of critical importance to the United States. Such a Ukraine will be a key partner as we tackle today's international challenges, expand trade and investment, and shape a more stable and secure Europe.

In the six years since Ukraine regained its independence, it has accomplished much. Democracy is taking root: Ukraine's 1994 election resulted in the first democratic transfer of presidential power in any of the new independent states. Ukraine has made progress in taming inflation and has begun transforming its economy. While forging stable relations with its neighbors, including Russia, Ukraine has built strong links to the West. And our bilateral relationship is now one of strategic partnership. Congress has played a leading role in this by funding vital assistance programs.

Building a new political system and a market economy virtually from scratch, however, is a daunting task. Ukraine still has much to do: this includes consolidating Ukraine's democratic transformation and establishing a civil society. It includes accelerating economic reforms and creating a competitive, transparent and welcoming atmosphere for foreign business. And Ukraine has to contend successfully with the scourge of crime and corruption.

These challenges are first and foremost for the Ukrainians themselves to meet. But as it is in our national interest that Ukraine succeed, the administration, in cooperation with Congress, has stood by Ukraine as a partner: offering candid advice, providing assistance as Kyiv moves forward on reform, and supporting Ukraine's effort to define its place in the new Europe.

Mr. Chairman, over half of my nearly 20 years in the Foreign Service has been spent working on the Soviet Union and the New Independent States. Over the last four years, in assignments as Deputy to the Senior Coordinator for the New Independent States and on the National Security Council staff, I have devoted considerable time to U.S. relations with Ukraine, including to the 1994 Trilateral Statement that provided for the transfer of nuclear weapons from Ukraine, the expansion of our bilateral political and economic dialogue, and the design of the NATO-Ukraine relationship. I have had the opportunity to meet with a range of senior Ukrainian officials, both here and in Kyiv. If confirmed by the Senate, I believe this background will serve me well in my work to shape a broad and robust U.S.-Ukraine relationship.

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