EDITORIAL: Ukrainians and the diaspora: life together (08/26/01)

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

EDITORIAL

Ukrainians and the diaspora: life together

This prior week witnessed the passing and celebration of Ukraine's first independent and "democratic" decade. While its citizens, the diaspora and we here at The Ukrainian Weekly celebrate a truly remarkable achievement, we recognize that Ukraine still has a long road ahead and much to learn before its politicians can lay claim to democracy and shed the remnants of a backward Soviet mentality.

On the eve of Ukraine's 10th anniversary, in a call for the consolidation of the Ukrainian population and its diaspora, the Third World Forum of Ukrainians opened in Kyiv with high expectations. But for the third time in Ukraine's brief ten-year history, many walked away from the forum wondering what, if anything, had been achieved.

Most notable at the forum were two events that both stem from the same question: now that we've resolved independence, what do we do? On the one hand, the diaspora, represented by the stirring speech of World Congress of Ukrainians President Askold Lozynskyj, feel their duty has always been to get involved - dive right in and help.

On the other hand, Ukraine, represented by its elite political class, cringes at the criticism and glare of the global spotlight, and has asked several times, most notably through Ukraine's president Leonid Kuchma, to give it space. 'Ukraine's business is her own, the diaspora has other affairs it can tend to, thank you very much!'

President Kuchma's attendance at this years World Forum of Ukrainians leaves one questioning the sincerity of the government's involvement. Many of the forum attendees were quick to note that although interesting, the forum was an organizational and planning catastrophe, and they left with no feeling of a future vision or specific outline to pursue.

Although made up of 300 diaspora delegates and an equal number of Ukrainian delegates, one would assume that the president, on the eve of Ukraine's 10th anniversary, would ensure that such a large and significant forum would be planned and implemented with greater success. Again, it is perhaps another sign of Mr. Kuchma's contempt for foreign bodies, or, for that matter, anyone in general dictating his agenda.

The majority of the forum's final resolutions deal with delegates' disapproval of Ukrainian policy. There seems to have been no consensus or willingness to forge a path - a plan of action to tackle Ukraine's future troubles. But perhaps the Ukrainian government would rather have it that way.

Just as the Ukrainian diaspora must understand not to stick its head where it's not wanted, Ukrainian politicians must recognize that now, having established themselves over the course of ten years, holding on to their independence and having firmly rooted themselves in the international spotlight (for which they do deserve the highest praise), they can no longer afford to sit behind a veiled curtain.

Simple, indeed almost condescending, inept explanations, although tolerated under the old Soviet regime, will do little to satisfy Western demands. Because of the geostrategic importance between East and West, they must come to terms with their position in the global spotlight and the scrutiny their actions or inactions will bear.

If Ukraine is intent on aid from the IMF, World Bank and foreign countries, and if she is intent on developing in the world community, then she must begin to realize that she will fall prey to global critics. If Ukraine means to be taken seriously, then she must begin by treating the world's questions with respect and dignity while developing her own brand of Ukrainian democracy.

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