President Kuchma Promises to Combat Corruption

Addressing the third plenary session of the Ukrainian- US International Commission in Washington, President Leonid Kuchma confirmed Ukraine’s European choice and its objective to become an associate, then a full-fledged, member of the EU. The meeting between Mr. Kuchma and US Vice President Albert Gore dealt with strengthening the relationship between Ukraine and NATO. Mr. Gore highly appreciated the Ukrainian-US security cooperation, especially in the attempts to keep peace in Kosovo. Acknowledging Ukraine’s considerable losses from the blocking of the Danube, Mr. Kuchma, and Mr. Gore agreed that navigation on the Danube should be compensated as soon as possible.

The Ukrainian president and the US vice president said it was of paramount importance that Ukraine form a new generation of leaders and experts in order to establish a market- oriented democracy. Mr. Gore announced the New Generation Initiative. Speaking about the current state of affairs in Ukraine, the interlocutors noted that the financial and economic situation remains unstable. Mr. Kuchma reiterated Ukraine’s intention to better implement the programs of cooperation with the IMF and World Bank. Messrs. Kuchma and Gore agreed to hold further consultations about Ukraine’s membership in the World Trade Organization. The meeting also dealt with Ukrainian- US commercial space launches.

Kuchma and Gore also discussed Chornobyl. They agreed to continue to make efforts to decommission the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 2000. The US will promote the organization and conduct of the Second Donors’ Conference scheduled tentatively for May 2000, which will try to raise additional funds to turn the Shelter into a pollution-free facility.

The Ukrainian president pointed out at the Kuchma- Gore session that this country has to resolutely combat corruption and economic abuses. The two parties further discussed cooperation between law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and the US in combating organized crime, corruption, illegal drug trafficking, money laundering, car theft, and trade in women and children.

It is planned to hold the next session of the commission in 2000 in Kyiv.