In General, Kyiv’s Stand towards Washington’s Signals Is “Positive”

“Generally, we take these signals positively,” said speaker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Serhiy Borodenkov, commenting on the recent proposals given by the Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine, Carlos Pascual, regarding bettering Ukrainian-American relations (see The Day No. 1, January 14, 2003). “In fact, they were a reaction to the messages voiced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in the last months of 2002,” the diplomat stated. “We are striving to overcome the crisis of trust in our relationship and keep viewing the US as a partner. Unlike the United States, we never reconsidered our policy towards this country.” In Mr. Borodenkov’s words, “The latest interviews and statements by the President of Ukraine contained a similar idea.” (In fact, Ukrainian diplomats did make statements on the possibility of Ukraine reconsidering its policy towards the United States —Ed.)

According to Borodenkov, Foreign Minister Zlenko set forth proposals regarding key directions for developing cooperation between Ukraine and the United States for the near future in his December letter to U.S. Secretary of State Powell.

Now “we see that the United States would like to preserve their partnership with Ukraine,” Mr. Borodenkov said.

Simultaneously he admitted, “There still remain problems in our relations. However, one could state that there is convergence in our stand towards a number of key issues,”

— One shouldn’t give up for lost the Ukrainian-American partnership, since it is of a strategic, not situational character.

— We should develop our contacts in the areas that are of interest for both sides.

— We should maintain an open dialog on every issue, including human rights and freedom of the press.

— Ukraine is prepared to cooperate with the US on the issue of exports control and other strategic issues.