Embassy News Archive - 2007

December 21, 2007 Euro-Atlantic Integration Conference Held in Kyiv On December 21, the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation from Kyiv conducted a conference to present its analytical report, “European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine: The Way to Democracy.” The report was developed by Ukrainian experts who participated in a 4-day conference on Euro-Atlantic integration held in November 2007 in Bulgaria. This presentation concluded a Democracy Commission funded project to conduct a series of events to provide guidance on educating and informing the Ukrainian public on the European Union and NATO. The conference also allowed over 50 Ukrainian experts, educators, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, journalists, and NGO activists to discuss effective ways to increase Ukrainian public awareness of NATO and its policies and the benefits that Euro-Atlantic integration can bring to Ukraine. The joint program succeeded in jump-starting cooperation between Bulgarian and Ukrainian NGOs. The Bulgarian experts will enhance the interactions with Ukrainian counterpart organizations in promoting the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine and share their knowledge as it applies to specifics in Ukraine. Other topics included the Ukrainian strategy on European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the reformation of the Ukrainian political system in order to bring it into compliance with international standards, effective ways of working with public opinion on EU and NATO integration of Bulgaria and Ukraine, and the implementation of state policy on preventing and fighting corruption in Ukraine and Bulgaria.

December 20, 2007 Ambassador Taylor's interview with 1+1 Q: What would be your comment to President Putin’s comment that the United States is dividing Ukraine into Pro-American and Pro-Ukrainian (Russian?) forces, supporting Pro-American forces here in Ukraine? A: I would say that since this is a comment on the United States policy towards Ukraine, I think that we can have something to say about this. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of politicians in Ukraine, and I haven’t found any that would call themselves pro-Russian or pro-American. All the ones I’ve talked to would call themselves pro-Ukrainian. There is no nation in the world that supports Ukrainian territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence – no nation in the world supports this more strongly than the United States Government. Full interview transcript

December 19, 2007 Presidential Message on Eid al-Adha I send holiday greetings to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world reflect on Abraham's unwavering faith and his trust in God when asked to sacrifice his son. These four days are a time for Muslims to honor Abraham's obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God. This holiday also helps ensure the important values of compassion and devotion are passed on to future generations. America is a land of many beliefs, and our society is enriched by our Muslim citizens. The kindness, generosity, and goodwill displayed by American Muslims during this special occasion and throughout the year have contributed to the strength and vitality of our Nation. May all those observing Eid al-Adha find love and warmth during this joyous holiday. Laura and I send our best wishes for a memorable celebration. GEORGE W. BUSH

December 18, 2007 Open Space Forum on Gender Equality On December 18, the Youth Union from Mariupol (Donetsk oblast) concluded their Democracy Commission-sponsored project to promote gender equality enforcement on the local government and executive levels with an “Open Space Forum,” designed to work out a strategic plan for further actions. The event was attended by 38 NGO activists, local government representatives, deputies of the City Council, representatives of law enforcement agencies and regional Department of Family and Youth, social workers, teachers, and the general public. During the forum, participants were able to work out joint strategies for increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes throughout Ukraine, drafting a set of recommendations on gender policy that will be included in the regional development plan for 2008. The recommendations address such issues as fighting gender discrimination and domestic violence, ensuring equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes, increasing public awareness of gender issues, and implementing Ukrainian gender legislation on the local level.

November 26, 2007 Statement by the President on Russia I am deeply concerned about the detention of numerous human rights activists and political leaders who participated in peaceful rallies in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, and Nazran this weekend. I am particularly troubled by the use of force by law enforcement authorities to stop these peaceful activities and to prevent some journalists and human rights activists from covering them. The freedoms of expression, assembly and press, as well as due process, are fundamental to any democratic society. I am hopeful that the government of Russia will honor its international obligations in these areas, investigate allegations of abuses and free those who remain in detention. Text of Statement on the White House's Website

November 20, 2007 United States to Provide Ukraine with $2.5 Million in Law Enforcement Technical Assistance in 2007 The U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine today signed an agreement under which the United States Government will provide Ukraine nearly $900,000 in technical assistance for law enforcement and strengthening the rule of law. This raises the total U.S. investment in Ukrainian law enforcement development to $2.5 million for 2007. The projects included in this agreement will assist Ukraine in efforts to harmonize the criminal justice system, including law enforcement agencies, with European norms and standards. This agreement also includes projects to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities to investigate and prosecute corruption as well as protect intellectual property rights. This agreement is part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to work with the Government of Ukraine to strengthen the law enforcement sector as a key democratic institution in line with Ukraine’s Council of Europe obligations and to expand law enforcement cooperation between our two countries

November 18, 2007 Statement from Ambassador William B. Taylor on the Zasyadko Mine Accident On behalf of the Embassy and the American people, I extend our deep condolences to the people of Ukraine and to the families who lost loved ones in the accident at the Zasyadko mine. We applaud the heroic efforts being waged by fellow miners and emergency personnel to find and rescue those still missing. I have contacted the Government of Ukraine and offered to provide whatever resources we have that might be helpful in the rescue efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been touched by this tragedy and with those brave rescuers.

October 24, 2007 President Bush Discusses Cuba Policy THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Gracias. Buenos Dias. I am pleased to be back at the State Department. I appreciate the work that's done here. Every day the men and women of this department serve as America's emissaries to the world. Every day you help our country respond to aggressors and bring peace to troubled lands. Every day you advance our country's mission in support of basic human rights to the millions who are denied them. Secretary Rice constantly tells me about the good work being done here at the State Department, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your hard work and I'm pleased to be with you. Full Text of Speech Fact Sheet: Encouraging Freedom, Justice, and Prosperity in Cuba

October 16, 2007 Deputy Assistant Secretary David Kramer's Remarks on Ukraine at Roundtable on Ukraine-EU Relations Let me offer my thanks to the conference organizers. I'm pleased to be here today to discuss U.S. views on developments in Ukraine. The United States wants to see Ukraine solidify its democratic gains, continue reform, and take its place as an integral part of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. We want to see Ukraine become a model for the region and work together with the U.S. and others to promote reform, peaceful resolutions of conflicts and democracy. The United States also appreciates Ukraine's contributions to the war against terror. Full Text of Speech

October 1, 2007 U.S. Ambassador's Statement on Ukrainian Parliamentary Elections October 1, 2007 -   We note that the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) observer mission preliminary assessment reports that the September 30 elections were conducted mostly in line with international standards and in an open and competitive environment. The ODIHR preliminary assessment matches the preliminary assessment of our Embassy observers in the field. We will continue to follow election returns closely. We are waiting for the final results to be announced by the Central Election Commission which we hope will occur shortly. A positive final assessment of these elections would be a powerful reaffirmation of Ukraine’s commitment to democracy and confirm Ukraine’s position as the region’s democratic leader. We call on all political parties to move quickly to form a government that reflects the will of Ukrainian voters in order to address the important issues facing the nation. We are ready to work with whatever government is formed as long as it reflects Ukraine’s democratic choice.

October 1, 2007 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2007 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we renew our commitment to fighting this disease, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Research has shown that several factors may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including family history, age, genetics, and obesity. By making healthy lifestyle choices and exercising regularly, individuals can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Mammograms, regular self-exams, and clinical breast exams are also vital because they can help doctors diagnose cancer before it has a chance to spread. When breast cancer is detected early, treatment is more effective, giving hope to patients and helping save lives. Full Text of Proclamation One Day Walk for Life, initiated by Avon Cosmetics Ukraine

September 26, 2007 The Eurasia/South Asia Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program Is Announced The Government of the United States of America is pleased to announce the Eurasia/South Asia Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program The Eurasia/South Asia Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and is implemented by IREX, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization. More About the Program

September 20, 2007 Recruiting Begins for Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that recruitment has begun for the 2008/2009 Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program for high school-aged students. Through this program, students will spend one academic year in the United States. All students born from January 1, 1992 through July 15, 1993 and enrolled in the 9th or 10th forms are eligible to apply. To apply, interested students must attend Round One testing, which began in cities throughout Ukraine September 8, 2007. Schedule of Round One Testing in Ukraine American Councils

July 4, 2007 4th of July Speech by Ambassador Taylor Shanonvi hosti, kolehy, druzi. Vitaiu vas na svyatkyvanni Nezalezhnosti Spoluchenykh Shtativ Ameryky. Ya duzhe radyti bachyty vas siohodni uvecheri. Dlya mene ye chestyu pryimaty vas tut. I also want to welcome Alcee Hastings, right down here - a U.S. congressman who just flew in for a visit to celebrate Independence Day. And also Mr. Moroz - Mr. Moroz welcome - representatives from the prime minister's office, representatives from the presidential secretariat, ministers, members of the Rada, past and future, we're very glad that you're all here... Full Transcript of the Speech

July 4, 2007 How well do you know the USA? Take this PowerPoint quiz to see how much you know about Independence Day in the United States, and then check your answer here. Independence Day Quiz

April 26, 2007 Op-Ed: The West Needs a Defense System that Works By Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates Sixteen years after the end of the Cold War, the transatlantic community and Russia are not adversaries. Indeed, on a number of issues, we are partners. We both face a number of common challenges, among the most threatening is the possibility that a dangerous state will use ballistic missiles, tipped with nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, to hold our societies hostage - or worse. Make no mistake: This is a real challenge. Full Text of Transcript

April 13, 2007 Multinational Missile Defense Cooperation The Embassy is concerned that some statements by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Green have been taken out of context as they have been reported by some organizations and pared down to appear in articles. The entire text of DASD Green's statement can be found here We invite interested news organizations and others to read the entire transcript. At the bottom of this release you will find the embassy's translation of the two paragraphs that speak to cooperation with various countries on missile defense and related technologies. Expanded Text

April 2007 U.S. Embassy Begins Podcasting As Ukraine becomes increasingly 'wired,' the U.S. Embassy is making every effort to keep our website on the cutting edge so that Ukrainians will continue to look to the site as an information source about the United States. Therefore, we have begun broadcasting podcasts on our website. These podcasts will feature U.S. Embassy officials who will discuss U.S. Foreign Policy as it relates to Ukraine, U.S. Culture and U.S. Holidays. Ambassador William B. Taylor will personally record a podcast once a month, with other Embassy officials recording podcasts in the intervening weeks. Download video (wmv 4.37 MB) Download video (wmv 1.8 MB) Download audio (mp3 3.27 MB) Full Text of Transcript

April 5, 2007 Ambassador Taylor's Remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce at their 15th Anniversary Celebration First of all, I want to congratulate Jorge, the board of the American Chamber, many of whom are sitting right here, and the members of the American Chamber of Commerce here in Kyiv, for 15 years of service to this country, to their members, for the people of Ukraine, and I have to say that the U.S. Government has benefited from all the work that you've done. So, Jorge, you and your team, thank you very much. Full Text of Transcript

April 2, 2007 Press Statement by Sean Mccormack, Spokesman, U.S. Department of State, Regarding the Decree of President Yushchenko Disbanding Ukrainian Parliament Washington, DC, April 2, 2007 -- In light of President Yushchenko’s decision today ordering the dissolution of Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, the United States calls on all Ukrainian political leaders to take full responsibility for their supporters’ actions and to maintain calm. We are monitoring closely developments in Ukraine and urge all parties to respect the rule of law and resolve disputes nonviolently, in a manner consistent with Ukraine's democratic values and national interests.

March 30, 2007 U.S. Embassy Supports Ukrainian Human Rights Film Festival The Fourth Ukrainian Human Rights Documentary Film Festival opened March 30, 2007, with DCM Sheila Gwaltney participating. In her remarks, Gwaltney discussed U.S. Government support for Human Rights activities, praised organizers of the festival, and wished them and festival participants success in strengthening democracy and improving the human rights situation for all Ukrainian citizens. The Festival, organized by the Center for Contemporary Informational Technologies and Visual Arts, starts in Kyiv and then moves to the 24 regions of Ukraine. The regional component of the Festival is supported by the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

March 28, 2007 Foreign Press Center Briefing with Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering, Director of the Us Missile Defense Agency; Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Daniel Fried Topic: "Missile Defense And Europe" Full Text of Transcript

March 22, 2007 RELO-Funded Ukrainian Presenters Wow English Teaching Conference in Seattle On March 22, Olga Yashenkova of Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University and Yevgeniya Pronoza of Donetsk National Technical University gave a presentation on Ukrainian language education reform to a packed conference room of over 200 American educators at the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Conference in Seattle, Washington. At the end of this presentation, which was part of a panel on education reform in the former Soviet Union, Yashenkova and Pronoza were surrounded by audience members interested in learning more about Ukraine, exchange opportunities for educators and the status of English language education in Ukraine.

March 2007 General Women's Message by Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Women's Empowerment Shirin Tahir-Kheli My name is Shirin Tahir-Kheli, and my current position is Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Women's Empowerment. My job is to advise the Secretary of State about how the United States can help women worldwide have greater enfranchisement and participation in the decisions that affect their lives. I took this position at the request of Secretary Rice. I come to work every day driven by the belief that the enfranchisement of women worldwide can no longer be a simple aspiration. Today, the empowerment of women is critically and irrevocably tied to the safety, security, and prosperity of the entire world. General Women's Message Full text of the message

March 6, 2007 State Department Releases 2006 Human Rights Report The U.S. Department of State released its annual Human Rights Report on March 6, 2007. The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress. The reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The complete 2006 Human Rights Report can be found in English on the U.S. State Department website. The Ukraine Country report can be found here. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv website will soon have the Country Report on Ukraine in Ukrainian. Human Rights Report 2006 Ukraine Country Report on Human Rights Practices - 2006

March 1, 2007 Ambassador Taylor Responds to Letter from V. Kyselyov, O. Baranivsky and M. Kravchenko Dear Mr. Kyselyov: I write in response to your letter requesting information about papers filed in the Pavlo Lazarenko case. Yulia Tymoshenko was not a subject in the investigation or prosecution of Pavlo Lazarenko. The criminal trial of Mr. Lazarenko has concluded and he was found guilty. Court papers posted on the web from that case should not be taken out of context. They were part of a legal process to collect evidence relevant to the prosecution against Mr. Lazarenko. The case is closed. Sincerely, William B. Taylor Ambassador The text of the letters to Mr. Baranivsky and Mr. Kravchenko was identical. pdf version Letter published by Mr. Kyselyov, Mr. Baranivsky and Mr. Kravchenko (ukr)

February 23, 2007 U.S. Consul General Hosts Open House, Announces Call Center United States Consul General Landon Taylor hosted an open house for members of the press today, giving them a chance to see U.S. consular operations first hand. The event included a tour of the facilities and a press conference at which Mr. Taylor announced a major improvement to the US visa operations to Ukraine – the launching of a call center to disseminate visa information and schedule appointments. The call center will begin operations on March 22. Press Release

February 22-23, 2007 Ukrainian Small Arms Destruction Highlighted in NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund Workshop On Feb 22-23, over 80 participants from 43 nations and other international organizations participated in a workshop on the NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State and the NATO Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. A highlight of the conference was a case-study of a $10 million United States-led project in Ukraine, for which approximately $7 million has already been funded. This project - generously supported by the European Union and 16 other nations - has the objective eventually to destroy 1.5 million excess small arms and light weapons and 133,000 tons of surplus munitions - the largest arms destruction project in history. The case study also mentioned that the United States will contribute an additional $2 million to help destroy larger-caliber weapons and that Ukraine has agreed to destroy 2,000 more of its MANPADS. Full text

February 22, 2007 US Missile Defense Agency Director Briefs on US Missile Defense Plans for Europe Full Text of Transcript Video Slideshow Presentation

February 21, 2007 Remarks to the Atlantic Council by R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, US Department of State Full Text of Transcript

February 20, 2007 2007 Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation Program American Embassy Kyiv is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2007 Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation Program. The Fund was established by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2001 to help other countries preserve cultural heritage and demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures. Call for Proposals

February 9, 2007 US Embassy Hosts Awards Ceremony for NATO Contest Winners On February 9, Public Affairs Section hosted an awards ceremony for students from the Kirovohrad Region who participated in a Kirovohrad Region State Administration sponsored contest on Ukraine, NATO, and the European Union. 3 of the winners of the essay contest were on hand to receive awards from the U.S. Embassy. The best works of the drawing contest for younger students are displayed below. Photo Gallery

February 8-9, 2007 DAS Colleen Graffy Visits Ukraine Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Colleen Graffy visited Kyiv February 8 and 9. During the first day of her visit to Ukraine, Ms. Graffy participated in multiple media and public outreach events. One notable event was a television interview with Inter-TV. The interview, which will air on Friday, February 9 and Sunday, February 11, focused on the work of public diplomacy. Part of the discussion centered on how Ukraine is viewed internationally. Pointing to the recent free and fair elections in Ukraine, Ms. Graffy noted that one choice Ukraine faced was how it projected itself as a democracy, arguing it was important for Ukraine to show cooperation within its government in order to present a united image to the world. Having met with students at the Kyiv-Mohila Academy prior to the interview, she expressed confidence that Ukraine had the talent to meet this and any other future challenges. Ms. Graffy was also able to meet with the President of Kyiv Mohyla University, Fulbright Scholars, and Women in Governance as well as give interviews with Voice of America and Ukrainska Pravda. Ms. Graffy will also visit Donetsk and Odesa. Photo Gallery Interview for "Inter" TV channel (Russian)

February 2, 2007 New Academic Volume "Mainstream, Heterogeneity, and Canon in Current American Literature" Published by Ukrainian Scholars On February 2, 2007 The Center for American Literary Studies - Ukraine (CALSU) presented the PAS funded new academic volume at the Shevchenko Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to American studies scholars, instructors, students and officials of the National Academy of Sciences. The book was the result of the 3rd International Conference on American Literature conducted by the Institute of International Relations of the Shevchenko National University last year, and contains articles from Ukrainian scholars on American literary history and culture including the topics of Genre Development, Heterogeneity in Current American Literature, Multicultural Dimensions, American Poetry, Creating and Breaking the Canon.

February 2, 2007 World Wetlands Day On February 2, many United States Embassies around the world will join their local communities to commemorate World Wetlands Day, an annual celebration of the vital importance of wetlands to the world's ecological health and of efforts to conserve these invaluable habitats. The day marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Full Text

February 1, 2007 U.S. Ambassador Visits Grain Storage Facility in Odesa United States Ambassador William B. Taylor traveled to Odesa region today to see first hand the condition of grain in storage at Yuzhniy Port. Due to the Government of Ukraine's export restrictions, hundreds of thousands of tons of grain - the product of Ukraine's rich fields and hard work - are wasting away at Ukraine's ports, waiting for months to be shipped to paying customers around the world. Press Release

February 1, 2007 Workshop on Language Testing Bridges Gap in Teacher Knowledge, Promotes Educational Transparency On February 1, RELO Lisa Harshbarger gave a workshop on basic principles of designing reliable language tests to an audience of 50 teachers and university professors at the English Teaching Resource Center at Kyiv Mohyla Academy. The main focus of this workshop was on providing participants with actual material from the Common European Framework, including test tasks that evaluate students' language proficiency, rather than their ability to memorize grammar rules.

January 31, 2007 Kyiv IRC Does Outreach on Intellectual Property Rights On January 31, Kyiv's IRC distributed the State Department publication "Focus on Intellectual Property Rights," as well as other electronic and printed materials on the topic, to 25 participants of the workshop "Fighting Internet Piracy" organized by the State Department of Intellectual Property of Ukraine. Participants of the workshop represented the State Department of Intellectual Property of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada Committee on Science and Education and other government and nongovernmental organizations. They discussed an international approach to the Internet piracy problems and necessary changes for Ukrainian legislation.

January 18-23, 2007   MCC Delegation Visits Ukraine The Millenium Challenge Corporation visited Ukraine January 18-23 to discuss a new form of financial assistance for which Ukraine qualifies. The team, headed by MCC Vice President John Hewko, met with members of the community, the press, and key players within the Government, including President Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yanukovich and Speaker Moroz. For more information regarding the assistance program, please click here.

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