Shamshur meets with Ukrainian community leaders in Chicago

by Pavlo T. Bandriwsky

CHICAGO - The recently appointed ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Dr. Oleh Shamshur, invited Chicago Ukrainian community leaders to meet at the Ukrainian Consulate in downtown Chicago on February 21 for a briefing and dialogue. Members of the group included the leadership of UCCA Illinois Division, the Ukrainian Genocide Famine Foundation and the Heritage Foundation of 1st Security Federal Savings Bank.

Ambassador Shamshur presented his agenda, listing what he would like to accomplish, which included establishing a Ukrainian information and cultural center, and closer cooperation between the Embassy staff and Ukrainian communities. With an evident grasp of diaspora issues, his presentation was genuinely conveyed and optimistically received by the attendees.

During the dialogue Ambassador Shamshur was informed of the vast contributions the Chicago community not only locally but on a national scale, supporting Ukrainian American initiatives where needed. Also addressed were questions involving the upcoming parliamentary elections and matters related to broader recognition of the Ukrainian Holodomor.

The newly designated consul general of Ukraine in Chicago, Vasyl Korzachenko, and his wife, Olya, were introduced. As the meeting concluded, participants pledged to continue to work together in promoting Ukrainian democracy and facilitating business investment in Ukraine by American companies.

Ambassador Shamshur promised to return to Chicago soon to meet with the immense Ukrainian community.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 26, 2006, No. 13, Vol. LXXIV

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