Embassy News Archive - 2006

December 8-9, 2006 US Embassy’s Democracy Grants Program Sponsors Annual Human Rights Essay Contest On December 8-9, the Ukrainian Section of the International Society for Human Rights (US-ISHR) conducted a conference to conclude the seventh annual high school and college essay contest on democracy and human rights issues. Administered by US-ISHR and supported by a large number of other human rights NGOs, the contest was an international project that solicited essays from Ukrainian, Belarusian, Russian and Moldovan students. This year’s essay themes included children’s rights, international human rights instruments, anti-terrorism issues, Ukraine-NATO relations and human rights, and Ukraine’s membership in the Council of Europe and human rights. Full Text

December 4, 2006 Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program for Ukraine Agreement Signed Ukraine and the United States signed, December 4 in Washington D.C., a nearly $45 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold agreement aimed at reducing corruption. Ambassador John Danilovich, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, said the two-year program is designed to strengthen civil society’s monitoring and exposure of public sector corruption in Ukraine, finance judicial reform efforts, improve government monitoring and enforcement of ethical and administrative standards, streamline enforcement of regulations, and combat corruption in higher education. Full Text of the press release

December 1, 2006 "A Close Walk" – HIV/AIDS Documentary and Discussion Educate Ukrainians about HIV/AIDS To coincide with World AIDS day on December 1, the Window on America center in Uzhorod organized a presentation titled "HIV AIDS: Be Informed." 120 students and professors from the Zakarpatye Slavic University gathered to watch the Robert Bilheimer documentary "A Close Walk." Before viewing the film, the group participated in a lively discussion, moderated by WOA coordinator Maya Tarasova, about the HIV/AIDS problem in Ukraine, the country with the fastest growth rate of the disease in Europe. Maya also gave a small presentation about the HIV/AIDS resources at the WOA Center.

November 28, 2006 Remarks by President Bush in Riga, Latvia Today, Croatia, Macedonia, and Albania are all participating in NATO's Membership Action Plan, and the United States supports their aspirations to join the Atlantic Alliance. Georgia is seeking NATO membership, as well, and as it continues on the path of reform, we will continue to support Georgia's desire to become a NATO ally. We are also supporting the leaders of Ukraine, as they work to curb corruption, promote the rule of law, and serve the cause of peace. Our position is clear: As democracy takes hold in Ukraine and its leaders pursue vital reforms, NATO membership will be open to the Ukrainian people if they choose it.  Full Text

November 28, 2006 Family and Child Welfare Program With A/S Maura Harty In honor of National Adoption Month in the United States, PA Kyiv hosted a Family and Child Welfare Program on Tuesday, November 28, featuring A/S Maura Harty as its keynote speaker via DVC. The program highlighted U.S. policy on Family and Child Welfare, and included our affiliates on this issue, namely Holt International and the Ukrainian Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports. Representatives from each organization addressed the assembled journalists and members of the community. Additionally, public service announcements promoting domestic adoption were screened.

November 14-15, 2006 Democracy Grants Program Organizes a Conference to Sum-Up Women in Governance Initiative in Ukraine On November 14 and 15, the Women’s Consortium of Ukraine organized a final conference on Women in Governance Issues in Ukraine. The conference summed up the work of 28 non-governmental organizations from 18 Ukrainian regions. As a result of their non-partisan projects funded through the Embassy’s Democracy Grants Program, the NGOs formed a national network that focused on promoting equal rights for men and women and fostering a favorable environment for women to participate in politics, civic society and governance. Officially opened by Ukrainian MPs and the US Ambassador Taylor, the conference brought together over 100 NGO leaders and elected officials who were able to work out joint strategies for increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes throughout Ukraine. The event demonstrated the importance of NGO/government cooperation and NGO coalitions for achieving gender equality and better representation of women in governance. The participants concluded the conference with a set of recommendations for sustaining the network and its priority areas for 2007. Photo Gallery

November 14 Ambassador Taylor Dedicates Veterinary Equipment to Combat Avian Influenza U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor dedicated diagnostic and biosafety equipment at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Kyiv. The equipment, provided by the United States of America, is part of the U.S. Government’s response to Ukraine’s request for assistance on combating Avian Influenza. Together with US Department of Defense epidemiological and diagnostic training, the equipment will enhance Ukraine’s ability to detect, diagnose and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza, rapidly, safely and accurately. Full Text of the News Release

November 9 Three Ambassadors Deliver Joint Statement German Ambassador to Ukraine, Reinhard Schafers, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor, and Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine, Ron Keller, held a joint press conference at the Interfax News Agency. The Ambassadors discussed their respective country’s reactions to the Ukrainian export restrictions on grain and sought to encourage the Government of Ukraine to lift the export ban. Full Text of the Statement

October 23, 2006 U.S. Embassy Purchases Property for New Embassy U.S. Ambassador William B. Taylor and Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky finalized the purchase of property for a new U.S. Embassy compound today, October 23. The lot, located at 4, Tankova Street, Kyiv, was purchased for over 27 million UAH. Now that the purchase is finalized, the project will enter the design stage. All Embassy operations will be consolidated on this site in a single, more secure facility that will allow more efficient operation and better service.

September 26, 2006 Ambassador Signs Two Cultural Preservation Grants On September 26, the Ambassador William B. Taylor participated in a signing ceremony for two Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation grants at the State Academy of Senior Specialists of Culture and Arts in Kyiv. Created by the U.S. Congress in 2001, the Ambassador's Fund aims to assist other countries in preserving museum collections, ancient and historic sites, and traditional forms of expression. In 2006, preservation awards will support 87 projects from 76 countries, including the restoration of the roof of the historic St. Nikolas wooden church in the Transcarpathian village of Kolodne and the excavation of the Cossack fortification Mykytynska Sich buried beneath the town of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Over fifty students and faculty from the Academy, officials from the Ministry of Culture, and local government representatives for form Koldne and Nikopol attended the ceremony, which was covered by national television stations. Ukrainian projects have succeeded in this global grant competition in the past. In 2002, the NGO "Spivdruzhnist" developed and distributed multi-media compact discs about the historical heritage of Crimean Tatars. In 2004, the Khmelnytsky Oblast State Historical Archives purchased a leaf casting machine to conserve thousands of historical documents which were damaged in a fire in Kamianets-Podilsky. Press Release Ambassador's Remarks Photo Gallery

September 20, 2006 Milestone Reached in NATO Partnership for Peace Arms Destruction Project in Ukraine The world’s skies were made a little safer this week when the controlled destruction of 1000 Ukrainian man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), was completed on September 20 in northeast Ukraine, outside the city of Shostka. These weapons, deemed by Ukraine to be excess to its defense needs, are but the first installment in a 12-year weapons and munitions destruction project being undertaken by Ukraine and NATO in a NATO-Partnership for Peace Trust Fund initiative -- the largest such multilateral destruction project of its kind. Press Release Photo Gallery

September 17-18, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Observes Multinational Emergency Response Training in Odesa From September 17-18, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor visited Odesa. He observed one of the three disaster response training scenarios in which emergency crews from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the United States evacuated victims from a mock radioactive dirty bomb explosion on a passenger train. The training event -- Rough & Ready 2006 -- is the fourth such event of its kind in Ukraine focusing on interagency cooperation, disaster preparedness, and civil emergency planning. Ambassador Taylor also met with U.S. exchange program alumni/ae, government officials, and the local media in Odesa. Photo gallery

September 14, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Listens to Impressions of Open World Alumni On September 14, about 20 recently returned Open World NGO management and media program participants gathered for a discussion with Ambassador William B. Taylor. They shared their impressions of the program, what stereotypes they dispelled by spending time in the United States, and how they will put what they learned on the program to work in Ukraine. Many participants were positively impressed by NGO operations in the United States, noting their surprise of the active involvement of senior citizens. One participant shared that he found competition in the U.S. helpful - people work harder to succeed instead of trying to destroy the success of others. Other participants noted that Americans jump at challenges (are aggressive in a good way) and take responsibility for their actions. Thanks to the Open World program, a number of participants noted that they plan to become more active in NGO activities to give back to their communities.

September 12-13, 2006 US Embassy Hosts Biological Threat Reduction Working Group On September 12 and 13, the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Cooperative Threat Reduction Policy, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the Defense Threat Reduction Office of the US Embassy in Kyiv met with representatives from the Government of Ukraine to facilitate the implementation of the Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) in Ukraine. The purpose of the session was to discuss numerous aspects of ongoing and future BTRP initiatives, including biosecurity, biosafety, and collaborative research. Full Story Ambassador's Remarks

September 11, 2006 Ambassador William B. Taylor Commemorated 9/11 On Monday, September 11, 2006, at 11:00 AM, Ambassador William B. Taylor conducted a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. The Ambassador placed the wreath at the Victims of Terrorism Monument. Dedicated on Sept 11, 2005, the Victims of Terrorism Monument features a 15-foot tall metal sculpture in the shape of a broken heart. The Biblical commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Kill” is engraved on the heart in multiple languages The event has honored all innocent victims of terrorist attacks. Ambassador Taylor made short remarks. Ambassador's Remarks

September 10, 2006 Kill us, too: We are also Americans The following is reprinted with the author's permission The leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, recently issued a decree to its supporters: Kill at least one American in the next two weeks "using a sniper rifle, explosive or whatever the battle may require." Well, Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, I am an American too. Count me as the one of those you have asked your supporters to kill. Full Text of the Article

August 8-10, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Presents Medical Supplies, Meets NGO Leaders, Attends Soccer Match on First Trip to Donetsk Oblast U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor traveled to Donetsk Oblast from August 8-10, 2006. He presented U.S.-sponsored medical supplies to Municipal Hospital #7 in Makeyevka. Ambassador Taylor also met with NGO, human rights, labor union, and young political leaders; Peace Corps Volunteers; government officials; and U.S. exchange program alumni/ae in Donetsk. He was interviewed by "Donetskie Novosti" and led a press roundtable. To conclude his first trip to Donetsk Oblast, Ambassador Taylor toured Cargill International's seed crushing plant and cheered for the "Shakhtar" soccer team as it competed against Warsaw, Poland's "Legia" team. Photo Gallery

August 3, 2006 Registry of Judicial Decisions Makes Court System More Open and Fair On August 3, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor, the Acting Chairman of the High Economic Court Sergey Demchenko, and the Director of the Commercial Law Center Valentina Danishevskaya highlighted the importance of the new Registry of Judicial Decisions. Thanks to USAID support, over 47,000 decisions are now freely available and searchable via the High Economic Court's website. "The Registry of Judicial Decisions makes economic court practices transparent and accessible to the public through the wide publication of court decisions on the Internet," said Ambassador Taylor. "The registry will increase the confidence that investors and business leaders have in the courts, and contribute to greater consistency in judicial practice." Ambassador's Remarks

July 16, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Travels to Crimea to See Impact of U.S. Aid U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor visited Crimea from July 14 to 16. He attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Bakhchisaray Rayon Hospital Maternity Ward's new roof and Novozhilovka's new water supply system. Both projects were financed by grants from the U.S. government. While in Crimea, Ambassador Taylor also met with Crimean Tatar Mejilis leaders and with Yalta Mayor Sergey Braiko, attended the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Conference, and was interviewed by Black Sea TV. Photo gallery

July 14, 2006 Kyiv Training Strengthens Respect for Human Rights in Ukraine On July 13-14, the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group conducted a training seminar for eleven winners of the U.S. Embassy Democracy Commission Human Rights 2006 competition. Members of a national network promoting human rights and government transparency, the organizations discussed monitoring methodology, the preparation of regional human rights reports, and their roles in improving the human rights situation throughout Ukraine. These organizations will contribute to Ukraine's National Human Rights Report slated for release in spring 2007.

July 10, 2006 USAID Launches $1 Million to Promote Energy Efficiency in Ukraine On July 10, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the $1 million Ukraine Industrial Energy Efficiency Initiative Program in Odesa. USAID will provide technical assistance and low-cost financing solutions to Ukrainian corporate natural gas consumers. The participating companies will significantly reduce their natural gas bills, boost their global competitiveness, and establish a model of energy efficiency for other Ukrainian companies to emulate. USAID's Press Release

July 5, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Hosted by American Chamber of Commerce The American Chamber of Commerce (ACC) in Ukraine hosted U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor at its General Membership Meeting on July 5. Ambassador Taylor stated that he looks forward to an on-going dialogue with the business community, particularly on issues which bolster economic growth in Ukraine. Noting that he has been impressed by business success stories in Ukraine, he encouraged ACC members to raise their accomplishments and concerns with him. Ambassador Taylor stressed that the United States will remain a strong partner to Ukraine and is prepared to provide assistance and expert advice. Senior business leaders and diplomats attended the meeting which was covered by local journalists.

July 6, 2006 English Teacher Summer Institute Bolsters National Testing Reform Efforts From June 26 to July 6, sixty secondary and university-level English teachers from eastern Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Belarus participated in the TESOL-Ukraine/IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language)-Ukraine Joint Teacher Development Summer Institute in Alushta, Crimea. English Language Specialist and TESOL-U.S. Board Member Dr. Christine Coombe of Dubai Men's College led the English Language Assessment group training -- one of three conference groups -- on best practices in language test design. Thanks to these discussions, the group drafted an official document of recommendations for the format and administration of the Ukrainian national school exit exam's English component. Photo Gallery

June 21, 2006 Ambassador Taylor Presents Credentials to President Yushchenko Ambassador William B. Taylor, Jr., newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, presented his credentials to President Viktor Yushchenko in an official ceremony on June 21. During the meeting, Ambassador Taylor and President Yushchenko discussed the new governmental coalition and the U.S.-Ukrainian bilateral relationship. Ambassador Taylor noted that the United States is committed to Ukraine's efforts to join the World Trade Organization and integrate its markets into international structures, strengthen its and Europe's energy security, and improve energy efficiency. He added that he looks forward to assisting Ukraine in its efforts to implement the political, economic, defense, and security reforms necessary for membership in the Euro-Atlantic's community of shared values. He congratulated the President on the Ukrainian national team's victory in the recent World Cup match and wished for continued success. Ambassador Taylor's Bio Transcript of the Press Conference with Ambassador Taylor Watch the Press Conference

June 16, 2006 Academic Writing Standards Summer School Promotes Professionalism From June 5-16, fifteen university English teachers and graduate students from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus participated in the U.S. Embassy sponsored Second International Academic Writing Summer School at Mykolayiv State University. English Language Specialist Kathleen Saville from the American University in Cairo led the practical training in American academic writing standards, including citation and paraphrasing requirements to avoid plagiarism. She also consulted informally with each participant, immediately improving their written English skills.

June 10, 2006 American Studies Teachers Gather in Yalta for Seventh Annual Summer Institute From June 5-10, twenty-eight teachers from all regions of Ukraine gathered at the Crimean University for the Humanities in Yalta for the Seventh Annual American Studies Institute entitled: "Developing Civil Society Through American Studies." Dr. Jeffrey Sedgwick, Director of the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, delivered the keynote address on democracy, citizenship and civil society at the historic Livadiya Palace. Other presenters, including American and Ukrainian Senior Fulbright Scholars, the Regional English Language Officer, the Senior English Language Fellow, and specialists from the U.S. and Belarus, led lectures and discussions on American immigration, identity, political parties, and culture. They provided invaluable information to Ukrainian teachers who demonstrated their newly developed course modules at the Institute.

June 7, 2006 U.S. Strives to Keep "America's Doors Open and Secure" The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Deputy Commissioner Deborah J. Spero launched a traveler awareness campaign to kick off the summer travel season on June 7 at Baltimore, Maryland International Airport. "The United States is a welcoming nation," Spero said. "While Customs and Border Protection's primary mission is to prevent terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States, we are committed to keeping America's doors open and secure." Over 86 million travelers will pass through international airports in the United States this year. U.S.-Visit Video

June 6, 2006 USAID Signs Strategic Objective Agreement with Ukraine to Help Fight Corruption The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Strategic Objective Agreement with the Ukrainian government on June 6. The agreement aims to strengthen the rule of law in Ukraine by reforming laws, procedures, and practices to increase transparency and impartiality throughout the Ukrainian government. "While every year USAID signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economy, this Strategic Objective Agreement is different. This is the first detailed agreement with the Ministry of Justice in the effort to counter corruption and develop the rule of law," explained USAID Mission Director Earl Gast. "Thanks to our signatures today, both governments will actively plan, monitor, and approve all of these important activities together," he added. The agreement follows USAID's launch of a new, five-year, $12 million Anti-Corruption/Rule of Law Project in May 2006, which will advance the rule of law through legislative and administrative reform, judicial training, increased access to justice, and NGO and governmental anti-corruption initiatives.

June 5, 2006 U.S. Secretary of State Rice Releases the Sixth Annual Trafficking in Persons Report On June 5, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice introduced the sixth annual U.S. Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report at a press conference in Washington, DC. The report finds that increasingly nations around the world are adopting new laws to prevent human trafficking and are prosecuting those who engage in this form of 21st century slavery. Ukraine improved its ranking in the 2006 report from Tier 2-Watch List to Tier 2 thanks to Ukraine's efforts to increase law enforcement capacity, proactively investigate trafficking, and strengthen its anti-trafficking criminal code. The Secretary of States' Remarks Full Trafficking in Persons Report Country Narrative on Ukraine

June 2, 2006 Delta Airlines Launches Kyiv-New York Flight On June 2, Delta Airlines began its non-stop service between Kyiv and New York City. Arriving on the first direct Delta flight from New York, Delta's Chief Operating Officer Jim Whitehurst joined the U.S. Embassy's Charge d'Affaires Sheila Gwaltney, Deputy Chairman Deputy Chairman of State Aviation Administration of Ukraine Viktor Nastasienko, and Boryspil Airport's Director General Petro Lypovenko in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Boryspil Airport to mark the occasion "Delta is proud to be the first U.S. airline in Ukraine," said Mr. Whitehurst. "We promise to be a long-time partner in bringing economic growth and development to Ukraine, making it easier for our 120 million customers each year to choose Kyiv from an expanding line-up of international Delta destinations," he added. The U.S. Charge d'Affaires congratulated Delta on its "vision to enter this market and region" and noted that "Delta's new service will stimulate the growing business, cultural, and educational ties between our two countries." Charge d'Affaires' Remarks

May 30, 2006 First Lady Laura Bush meets First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko On May 30, First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko met First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. They discussed projects of cooperation between Mrs. Yushchenko's "Ukraine 3000 International Charitable Foundation" and U.S. medical and educational institutions. Ukraine's First Lady will visit Washington, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She will meet with business leaders, public officials and representatives of medical institutions to encourage their help in improving health care for Ukrainian children.

May 29, 2006   U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Ukraine On May 29, U.S. House of Representatives' Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Republican-Missouri), the House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (Democrat-Maryland), the Democratic Caucus Chairman James Clyburn (Democrat-South Carolina), Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (Republican-New Jersey) and Congressman Sam Graves (Republican-Missouri) visited Ukraine to help strengthen U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relations and bolster on-going democratic and economic reforms in Ukraine. The Congressmen met with President Viktor Yushchenko, other key political figures, American Chamber of Commerce Board Members, academicians, and leaders of non-governmental organizations.

May 29, 2006 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Signs Cooperation Statement with Ukraine On May 29, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. Leavitt met with the First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko to discuss collaboration in health issues. During the meeting, Secretary Leavitt and Ukrainian Minister of Health Yuriy Polyachenko signed a Statement of Cooperation that affirms the partnership between the United States and Ukraine in the areas of biomedical research, health-care delivery, and public health. Statement of Cooperation Photo Gallery

May 22, 2006 Newest Public-Access Internet Center Opens in Yampil, Ukraine On May 22, a new Internet center opened in the small town of Yampil, Ukraine (population 5,000, in the northeastern Sumy Oblast) through the U.S. Embassy's Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP). About 40 local officials, librarians, teachers, library patrons, NGO representatives, and members of the media gathered at the Yampil local library to launch the five-workstation center. The Director of the U.S. Embassy's Information Resource Center Valentyna Pashkova spoke at the ribbon cutting at which Ukrainian officials thanked the U.S. government for its investment in access to information in Ukraine.

May 21, 2006 Human Rights Advocates Present 2005 Human Rights Report On May 20-21, the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union conducted the Third Human Rights Forum which brought together over 200 human rights activists and experts. During the forum, the Ukrainian Helsinki Union presented the 2005 Human Rights Report, based on results submitted by non-governmental human rights organizations. Jointly sponsored by the Embassy's Democracy Commission Small Grants Program and the International Renaissance Foundation, the event provided an opportunity to analyze the human rights situation in Ukraine and greatly contributed to sustaining a national network of human rights organizations. DCM's Remarks Photo Gallery

May, 2006 Ukrainian Selected for Yale University's World Fellows Program Yale University's World Fellows Program brings 18 highly accomplished men and women from diverse countries from around the world to Yale each year to build a global network of emerging leaders and broaden international understanding at Yale. The World Fellows spend an intensive semester exploring critical issues through a program of individualized academic enrichment, a World Fellows Seminar, and leadership training with the full resources of Yale at their disposal. Igor Shevchenko, Founder and Managing Partner of Shevchenko Didkovskiy & Partners Law Firm and President of the Ukrainian Bar Association, will represent Ukraine at this prestigious program.

April 30, 2006 First Lady Laura Bush Meets with Women Business Leaders The U.S. Department of State and FORTUNE magazine's Most Powerful Women are co-hosting the International Women Leaders Mentoring Partnership April 30 to May 25, 2006. This initiative places women business leaders in one-on-one, three-week mentoring programs with FORTUNE's most powerful women leaders. The visitors will have unique opportunities to develop their business and management skills while experiencing the cutting-edge U.S. business world. The participants, ages 26 to 41, hail from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America and the East Asia Pacific region. Ms. Olena Lazorenko, Managing Partner of International Consulting Company (ICC) Ltd., represents Ukraine in this prestigious program. Managed solely by women, ICC Ltd. provides consulting services in human resource management, organizational development, management skills, cross-cultural awareness and business opportunities in Ukraine.

April 27, 2006 English Teachers Strengthen their Professional Skills at TESOL-Ukraine Conference From April 25-27, English teachers from throughout Ukraine and Moldova met in Kamyanets-Podilsky for the XI Annual Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-Ukraine Conference. The event was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, Kamyanets-Podilsky State University, and TESOL-Ukraine. Over 280 teachers upgraded their professional knowledge at over 40 training sessions, including several by San Jose State University's Dr. Peter Master, author of "English Grammar and Technical Writing ," a State Department reference book for international business and technical writers. Photo Gallery

April 20, 2006 Chornobyl Fund Launches 32nd Airlift to Mark 20th Anniversary of Nuclear Disaster First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst and other dignitaries gathered at Boryspil International Airport on Thursday April 20 to welcome a major donation of medical supplies from the U.S.-based Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund (CCRDF). The delivery of this humanitarian assistance was sponsored and funded by the United States Department of State, working in partnership with CCRDF. "This airlift will be a milestone in our 17-year history of aiding Ukraine," said CCRDF Executive Director Alexander Kuzma. This 32nd medical airlift is valued at $1.7 million dollars. Combined with the sea shipment just delivered by the Department of State to Odessa, CCRDF will supply a total of $2.7 million dollars worth of medical aid to its partner hospitals to mark the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl accident. Since 1989, CCRDF has partnered with the U.S. Department of State's "Operation Provide Hope" to provide over $55 million dollars in medical equipment, hospital supplies, and medicines to medical centers in nearly every oblast of Ukraine. The Fund has focused most of its efforts on neonatal intensive care and pediatric oncology, with additional programs in infant cardiac surgery and orphanage aid. Fact Sheet - United States Humanitarian Assistance Since Chernobyl Press Release - United States Technical/Social/Economic Assistance Associated with the 1986 Chornobyl Accident Ambassador's Remarks Photo Gallery

April 19-20, 2006 Deputy National Security Advisor Visits Ukraine Dr. J.D. Crouch, Assistant to the President of the United States and Deputy National Security Advisor, is visiting Ukraine April 19-20. Dr. Crouch met with President of Ukraine Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yekhanurov, other Ukrainian government officials, and the leaders of the Party of Regions and the Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc (BYuT) to discuss areas of cooperation between the United States and Ukraine. Dr. Crouch previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Romania, where he worked to expand democracy in the region, increase cooperation between the United States and Romania in the global war on terror, and foster Romania's integration into Western institutions, including NATO and the European Union.

April 13, 2006 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist Leads Congressional Delegation to Ukraine U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Republican-Tennessee) led a U.S. Congressional Delegation to Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, and Russia from April 7-13. Senator Frist traveled with Senator Judd Gregg (Republican-New Hampshire) and Senator Richard Burr (Republican-North Carolina). While in Kyiv, the delegation met with President Viktor Yushchenko, Tymoshenko Bloc Leader Yuliya Tymoshenko, Party of Regions Leader Viktor Yanokovych, civil society leaders, and the media to acquire a deeper, first-hand understanding of the issues impacting the U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relationship, to learn what the U.S. can do to strengthen Ukraine's democratic institutions, and to gain perspective on the challenges facing this region. Watch the Press Conference Transcript of the Press Conference Photo Gallery

March 23, 2006 Bush Signs Bill to Eliminate the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Ukraine U.S. President George W. Bush signed the Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment to the Products of Ukraine on Thursday, March 23, in Washington, DC. "The growth of economic freedom and ownership in countries like Ukraine reinforces the habits of liberty and democracy, and gives citizens a stake in the success of their nation," said President Bush. Congressional leaders and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Oleh Shamshur, joined him at the signing ceremony. President Bush's Remarks: transcript; video Full Story

March 21, 2006 At Kyiv's Central Library for the Blind, "The Future is Now" On March 21, Kyiv's Central Library for the Blind held a ribbon-cutting and demonstration of three new Internet workstations for the visually impaired. A USG grant through Embassy Kyiv's Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP) provided three workstations, Braille and standard printers, a Braille display, and a scanner, as well as one year of connectivity support. Ambassador John E. Herbst represented the Embassy at the event, attended by Ukrainian government officials, library staff, and about 50 patrons and well-wishers. A library employee demonstrated the technology, and printed a text in Braille from the Internet. A blind student in the audience volunteered to read the Braille text; when he finished, the crowd broke out in applause. After the ceremony, visually impaired students mobbed the machines, sitting four to a terminal, to try out the new technology. Library director Yuri Vyshniakov said, "Thanks to the U.S. government, the future of Ukraine is here, now." Photo Gallery

March 20, 2006 U.S. Ambassador Praises Ukraine's Democratic Progress; Urges Continued Commitment to Honest Elections United States Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst today told students at the Wisconsin International University in Ukraine that the Parliamentary election campaign, thus far, had been the most free in Ukraine's short history since independence. He noted the campaign to date had been conducted in an environment of lively political debate that had been covered by a largely unfettered media. Nevertheless, he called on the Ukrainian authorities to address reported problems with the voter lists and urged all Ukrainians to be vigilant regarding their democratic rights. The United States, Ambassador Herbst stated, will work with whomever the Ukrainian people choose in a free and fair election. A full text of his prepared remarks appears below. The University invited the Ambassador to speak on the topic of "Democracy and Free Elections" and afterwards presented him with an honorary degree. Ambassador's Remarks: transcript; video Photo Gallery

March 20, 2006 U.S. Provides Ukraine with Nearly $4.9 million in Law Enforcement Technical Assistance On March 20, the U.S. Embassy signed an agreement with the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine under which the U.S Government will provide Ukraine with nearly $4.9 million in technical assistance for law enforcement and strengthening the rule of law. The money will support several projects to reform Ukraine's law enforcement system in line with European standards, help combat corruption, strengthen the independence of the judiciary, and expand the fight against trafficking in persons. Press Release The Deputy Chief of Mission's Remarks

March 10-19, 2006 Two West Point Cadets Hosted by Ukrainian Cadets in Odessa Two cadets from the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point participated in The 2006 Foreign Academy Exchange Program from March 10-19 in Odessa. The program, which promotes understanding and goodwill between the USMA and the service academies of other nations, allowed the U.S. cadets to freely exchange ideas about the role of the professional military in a democratic society with their Ukrainian counterparts. Photo Gallery

March 9-10, 2006 Ambassador Herbst Meets with Journalists, Students, and Leaders in Zakarpattya Oblast On March 9 and 10, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst traveled to Zakarpattya Oblast. He discussed U.S.-Ukraine relations with reporters at the Uzhhorod Press Club and the importance of freedom of the press with Uzhhorod National University's journalism students. Nearly 100 patrons of Uzhhorod's Window on America joined Ambassador Herbst for a discussion at the Zakarpattya Oblast Research Library. He also met with Governor Oleh Havashi, State Border Guard Service officials, leaders of the Carpathian Agency of Human Rights Legal Clinic, and Peace Corps Volunteers. Photo Gallery

March 9-10, 2006 President Bush and Secretary of State Rice Meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Tarasyuk President George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk in Washington, DC on March 9 and 10 to discuss recent accomplishments in the U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relationship, including the February 17 announcement of recognition of market economy status for Ukraine and the March 6 signing of WTO bilateral market access agreement. Both Secretary Rice and the Foreign Minister Tarasyuk expressed their gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives for its March 8 passage of H.R. 1053, which authorizes the President to establish permanent normal trade relations with Ukraine by terminating the application of Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (the Jackson-Vanik Amendment). President Bush, Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister Tarasyuk also discussed the current political situation in Ukraine, and agreed on the importance of Ukraine's upcoming parliamentary and local elections meeting international standards. In addition, they discussed a number of other issues, including the United States' support for Ukraine's aspirations to move closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions following democratic elections, and our common support for democracy and freedom in the region. Photo Gallery

March 6, 2006 The United States and Ukraine Sign WTO Bilateral Agreement on Market Access The United States and Ukraine formally signed a bilateral agreement on market access on March 6 as part of Ukraine's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman, who led the signing ceremony with Ukrainian Minister of Economy Arseniy Yatsenyuk, said "Ukraine's commitment to broad-based reform and economic liberalization will provide a welcoming environment for investment, both foreign and domestic. The agreement also demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to the international trading system." U.S. Embassy Press Release Full Story USTR Press Release USTR Trade Facts

March 4, 2006 U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine Receives Kennedy Service Award Ukraine's Peace Corps Volunteer Barbara Schlieper received one of the first new U.S. John F. Kennedy Service Awards on March 4 in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in honor of Peace Corps' 45 years of service to the global community, the awards will be given every five years to six notable Peace Corps volunteers and staff members. Ms. Schlieper embraces the best characteristics of Peace Corps volunteerism: cheerful optimism, altruism, deep respect for a different culture, and hard work. She has greatly enhanced the Peace Corps' Teaching English as a Foreign Language project in Ukraine. As a trainer in one of Ukraine's teacher training institutes, she recertified nearly 250 teachers. At the awards ceremony, Ms. Schlieper said: "This award is an honor for me and for Ukraine. I want to thank President Kennedy. He believed in us. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me this opportunity." Press Release

March 2, 2006 U.S. Transfers Equipment Worth $1.89 million to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine The United States transferred $1.89 million in equipment to the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) of Ukraine on March 2 in Odessa. A part of the U.S.-Ukraine Cooperative Threat Reduction Program's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)-Proliferation Prevention Initiative, the new equipment, which includes minivans, jeeps, motorcycles, automobiles, night-vision devices, binoculars, global positioning receivers, and radios, will enhance the SBGS's mobility and technical abilities in preventing the proliferation of WMD and related materials and technologies. Press Release Remarks by Colonel Bill Smith, U.S. Air Force (Retired) Photo Gallery

February 28, 2006 Energy Efficiency Seminar Encourages Debate on Hot Topic On February 28, nearly 70 people from government, academia, the media, the NGO community, and the private sector discussed strategies for Ukraine to promote energy security through greater energy efficiency. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst opened the seminar and a panel of experts from the Council of National Security and Defense of Ukraine, the Agency for Rational Energy Use and Ecology, the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs' Commission on Energy Efficiency Issues, and Cargill International's Renewable Energy Department shared their insights, success stories, and fielded questions on how best to make Ukraine more energy efficient. Ambassador's Remarks Event Summary Photo Gallery

February 28, 2006 U.S.-Ukraine Intellectual Property Enforcement Cooperation Group Holds First Meeting On February 28, the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission Sheila Gwaltney and Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Education and Science Borys Zhebrovskiy launched the intellectual property Enforcement Cooperation Group (ECG) to enhance collaborative efforts to protect intellectual property rights. The ECG, composed of Ukrainian and U.S. government officials and industry representatives, will meet regularly to cooperate on plant inspections, forensic analysis, and enforcement mechanisms to better combat piracy. The Deputy Chief of Mission's Remarks Photo Gallery

February 24-25, 2006 Democracy Grant Program Launches Women in Governance Project On February 24 and 25, the Women's Consortium of Ukraine conducted a training program for the 27 NGOs, which won grants through the Embassy's "Women in Governance" competition. These non-partisan projects, funded through the Embassy's Democracy Grants Program , will foster a favorable environment for women to participate in parliamentary and local elections as candidates, candidate representatives, voters, and election monitors. The projects will also increase the professionalism of women candidates, elected officials, government employees, and civic leaders. The 27grantees will form a national network of organizations, produce a nationwide research report on the participation of women in the 2006 parliamentary and local elections, research gender issues in party platforms before and after the elections, and distribute a publication to assist women who are elected to public office. Photo Gallery

February 22, 2006 U.S. Ambassador Donates His Children's Model Train to Dnipropetrovs'k School U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst traveled to Dnipropetrovs'k on February 22 to present the children of Boarding School #6 the model electric train he personally constructed for his children. Ambassador Herbst built the train in 1998 over a four to five month period, investing over 200 work hours. While in Dnipropetrovs'k, Ambassador Herbst also met with Vice Governor Vachislav Antonov, Dnipropetrovs'k National University students and Peace Corps volunteers. He also visited the Women's Information Support Center, an USAID-grantee, and was interviewed by television Channel 34. Model Train Donation Press Release Photo Gallery

February 17, 2006 Ukraine Achieves Market-Economy Status The United States has granted market-economy status to Ukraine, U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary David Sampson announced February 17 while in Kyiv, Ukraine, to discuss bilateral trade and investment relations. “This determination reflects the impressive economic developments that have occurred in Ukraine over the past several years,” Sampson said in a Commerce Department news release February 17. “Today's announcement underscores our commitment to expanding our bilateral economic relationship that will lead our two countries to peace, prosperity and stronger commercial ties.” Full Story Press Release Deputy Secretary Remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce in Kyiv Photo Gallery

February 16, 2006 U.S. Helps State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Improve Recruitment and Training On February 16, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John E. Herbst launched a two-year program -- "Reinforcing The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine’s Human Resources Management System" (HUREMAS) -- to strengthen Ukrainian border security by bolstering recruitment and professional training of law enforcement personnel. With funding from the United States and the European Union, the International Office for Migration will help the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine better meet European standards. U.S. assistance programs for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine will exceed $40 million over the next few years. Ambassador's remarks IOM Press Release

January 27, 2006 Tu-22 Bomber Elimination Project Completed The last Tu-22M strategic bomber was eliminated January 27 at Poltava Air Base under the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program. Using elimination methods specified in the Conventional Forces in Europe arms control treaty, high speed saws cut off the nose of the bomber and hydraulic shears cut through the tail. Full text of the press release Transcript of remarks at the ceremony

January 24, 2006 US Delegation Visits Kyiv to Participate in Bilateral Coordination Group The U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Coordination Group met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv January 24, 2006. The US delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Anthony Wayne, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy Peter Flory, and National Security Council Director for Central, Eastern, and Northern European Affairs Damon Wilson. The Group discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues. The U.S. delegation also met, January 23, with President Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yekhanurov, Rada Speaker Lytvyn, Minister of Defense Hrytsenko, and opposition politicians Yulia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovych. Transcript of Press Briefing

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