U.S. EMBASSY STATEMENT ON APRIL 22 “SEVEN DAYS” PROGRAM

On April 22, 2001, the program “Seven Days” raised allegations that the activities of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine may be inconsistent with its diplomatic mandate. While it is not our normal practice to comment on false allegations, the public nature of these allegations and subsequent inquiries about them require a response.

The allegations made in the program that U.S. Embassy officials were supporting and participating in demonstrations against Ukrainian authorities are false. Further, the entire program was constructed in such a manner as to mislead the viewing public about activities by the U.S. Embassy. It is standard diplomatic procedure for Embassies to send officials to political events and demonstrations to observe what takes place and to report back to their ministries. The appropriateness of this activity is clearly defined in The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Protocols, and it is recognized worldwide as a normal diplomatic function.

In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine often sends its security staff to monitor and determine whether demonstrations or other events in Kyiv pose a danger to the American community. This too is standard diplomatic procedure.

President Kuchma has often spoken of Ukraine’s European choice and the importance of creating an independent, democratic and market-oriented Ukraine. Our activities are intended to support these goals. Any assertion that the U.S. Embassy is working contrary to these goals is wrong.