ACTION ITEM (05/09/99)

ACTION ITEM

On Sunday, May 2, U.S. State Department spokesperson James Rubin, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, appeared on the weekly CNN program "Late Edition." While discussing the possibility of a peacekeeping force in Kosovo, James Rubin stated: "They [the Kosovars] are not going to go back to their homes after suffering these terrible atrocities if a bunch of Ukrainians are running around with guns on their sides."

Speaking to an audience of millions of viewers, James Rubin's comments are deemed inexcusable, especially during this critical period of U.S. involvement in the Kosovo crisis. This statement has prompted efforts to have a meeting with Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright to discuss this situation. The Ukrainian American community is asked to mail or fax a letter to Secretary Albright and their members of Congress to express dismay at the comments stated by the U.S. State Department spokesperson.

SAMPLE LETTER

(date)
The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
(via fax at: 202-647-5939)

Dear Madame Secretary:

I am dismayed at the comments made by U.S. State Department spokesperson James Rubin on the CNN program "Late Edition" on Sunday, May 2, 1999. The remark about a "bunch of Ukrainians running around with guns on their sides" exacerbates the already tense situation with regard to Kosovo. Furthermore, in the opinion of an American of Ukrainian descent, the comment was deeply insulting and endangers U.S.-Ukrainian relations at a time when U.S. policy warrants the utmost respect for Ukraine's strategic role.

Seen by an audience of millions, Mr. Rubin's comments underestimate Ukraine's attempts to mediate and broker a peace settlement in the region, which signifies a willingness to enhance the security of the European continent, and ultimately the U.S. and its allies. I am shocked and offended by his statement and believe Mr. Rubin's immediate dismissal is justified. In addition, I request that a meeting with the leadership of Ukrainian American organizations be arranged to discuss this situation.

Sincerely,
(Your name)

- Submitted by the Ukrainian National Information Service, Washington.

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