UACC meeting discusses diaspora activity and relations between the U.S. and Ukraine (04/06/03)

UACC meeting discusses diaspora activity and relations between the U.S. and Ukraine

by Oksana Bakum

NEW YORK - The executive of the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council held an extended meeting here on January 25. UACC President Ihor Gawdiak reported on his participation in meetings with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Carlos Pascual and Undersecretary of State Steven Pifer. These meetings were attended by representatives of Ukrainian civic organizations, and the two officials briefed them on the state of U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Mr. Gawdiak also was among the Ukrainian leaders invited to the Embassy of Ukraine for the purpose of considering the present unsatisfactory and strained relationship between Ukraine and the United States.

In addition, the UACC chief extended his holiday wishes to the people of Ukraine via Radio Liberty and gave an interview on the topic "The Diaspora and U.S.-Ukraine Relations."

After the presentation of reports by officers, the executive turned its attention mainly to three issues: the work and immediate plans of the Ukrainian World Coordinating Council (UWCC), the eighth conclave of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and the UACC convention.

With regard to the UWCC, it was decided to postpone the approval of its by-laws, pending their complete review. The UACC president asked R.L. Chomiak to serve as his proxy at the February 11-18 UWCC meeting in Kyiv.

As regards the project of the museum-memorial dedicated to the 1932-1933 Great Famine, the UWCC will create a committee in Kyiv responsible for carrying out the project. This action has been initiated in the United States by the UACC with an announcement and an appeal for funds.

Nominated as delegates to the eighth congress of UWC, to be held on August 18-21, were: Mr. Gawdiak, Roma Dyhdalo, Volodymyr Procyk, Anatoli Falko, Mr. Chomiak, Eugene Stakhiv, Roma and Ihor Hayda, Pavlo Dorozynsky, Natalie Gawdiak and Bohdan Hawrylyshyn. Dr. Roman Baranowsky and Natalia Ivaniv were nominated as candidates for the UWC's St. Volodymyr the Great Medal.

The UACC convention will take place at the Ukrainian National Association estate Soyuzivka on November 15-16. Chairpersons of all branches and member-organizations should select their convention delegates and submit their names to the UACC office.

The convention committees will include: By-laws Committee, Ms. Dyhdalo, Zenon Wasylkewych and Mr. Procyk; Nominating Committee, Alexander Prociuk and one representative from each branch; Program Committee - Andrew Lastowecky and Roma Shuhan; and the Convention Committee, Oksana Bakum and members of the Kerhonkson branch.

The president of the UACC National Council, Ms. Dyhdalo, presented her proposal for an endeavor that would involve the collaborative efforts of UACC and the Pedagogical Institute of the Ukrainian Free University. The institute conducts a yearly program for instructors of Ukrainian subjects, aiming to improve the professional level of such teachers in Ukraine. The proposed project, which was approved by the UACC executive, will provide a financial aid boost for the program, which would be established and disbursed by the UACC.

Also, the committee of teachers that annually prepares an accredited Ukrainian language exam in New York for high school students received the approval and support of the UACC executive.

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