FOR THE RECORD: ODVU letter to Congress on Jackson-Vanik Amendment and Ukraine (03/12/06)

FOR THE RECORD: ODVU letter to Congress on Jackson-Vanik Amendment and Ukraine

Below is the text of a letter sent on February 24 to all members of the House of Representatives the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine (ODVU).

As members of the Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition, we, the officers and members of the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine respectfully request that you become a co-sponsor of H.R. 1053 as introduced by Rep. Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania. H.R. 1053 urges the permanent removal of Ukraine from the trade restrictions of the outdated 1974 Jackson-Vanik Amendment.

The U.S. administration has found Ukraine in full compliance with the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and, for years now, has been lifting the restrictions on a temporary basis. On November 18, 2005, the United States Senate passed by unanimous consent legislation to remove Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik restrictions on a permanent basis.

H.R. 1053 proposes to do the same. By removing Ukraine permanently from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment threat, the democratic forces in Ukraine will be strengthened, thus producing strategic political and economic benefits for both the U.S.A. and Ukraine. Denying Ukraine such a permanent status will provide the well-organized anti-democratic forces with an anti-U.S.A. issue in the upcoming March 26 Ukrainian Parliamentary election.

The Ukrainian people and their recently elected reform government are struggling to rid themselves of corruption and the enemies within. Permanently graduating the Jackson-Vanik Amendment will provide powerful support for the Ukrainian government's efforts to stabilize and expand the economy, promote trade and foreign investments, as well as participate in the international marketplace.

Ukraine needs our support now; they need more carrots than sticks.

As Americans of Ukrainian heritage, we respectfully ask your support of the Ukrainian people and their long-awaited democratic form of government. We urge you to join the colleagues in the Congress of the United States of America in co-sponsoring H.R. 1053.

Alexander Prociuk, president

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