Wesley Clark: Ukraine is a key state for Europe
Speaking at a June 2 news conference, retired US general Wesley Clark, an ex-US presidential contender and the former Commander-in-Chief of NATO forces in Europe, voiced his hope that Ukraine will be able to join NATO after implementing its defense reform and reforms to strengthen democracy. General Clark, who came to Kyiv on an invitation from People’s Deputy Viktor Pinchuk, described his trip as a private visit.
Mr. Clark said that the “key task” facing Ukraine today is to hold transparent and fair presidential elections. At a meeting with General Clark, President Kuchma promised he would do his very best to see that this happens. Last week Clark also met with Defense Minister Yevhen Marchuk and Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryshchenko. The retired general, who last visited Kyiv four years ago, emphasized the changes that have taken place in Ukraine and pointed out “major advances” in the economy. In his view, given the size of its territory and industrial output, Ukraine is one of the most powerful countries in Europe.
Focusing more on military issues, he noted that he was pleased to learn about Leonid Kuchma’s bold decision two years ago, which inspired Ukraine to search for ways to join NATO. He also spoke highly of Ukraine’s contribution to the US-led coalition forces in Iraq. General Clark’s statement was noteworthy owing to the fact that he is a member of the opposition Democratic Party. He was nominated a Democratic presidential contender, but soon withdrew from the race, even though many political analysts predicted that he would be elected president. Wesley Clark’s statements in Kyiv did not reflect the Democrats’ widely publicized criticism of White House policies, which should be a reminder for those Ukrainian politicians who can’t distinguish between party interests and national ones. On the contrary, he emphasized that regardless of how some may feel about how the war in Iraq began, today there is a need to defuse the crisis that has flared up in the Middle East. He did say, however, that his methods of combating terrorism are different from those being applied by the American president, adding “I don’t think that an accelerated withdrawal of troops from Iraq will be the best solution, regardless of how we feel about the original decision to bring a military force to that country.”
When asked what Ukraine could do specifically to become a full NATO member, the retired general offered four recommendations. First, Ukraine must implement its defense reform, which envisions further personnel cuts, a transition to voluntary military service, and reductions of the military infrastructure, along with efforts to increase its flexibility. Second, Ukraine must keep its promise to hold transparent presidential elections. General Clark’s third recommendation was for the secret services of Ukraine and the West to cooperate more closely and effectively and exchange information of a “delicate nature.” His fourth recommendation was for Ukraine to continue economic transformations: “Further steps must be taken in the economy (particularly in the sphere of privatization) which would ensure Ukraine’s greater compliance with Western standards.” He noted that Ukraine is progressing in all of these directions, and so “there is no reason to doubt that one day it will become possible for Ukraine to join both NATO and the EU.”
Asked whether Ukraine’s membership in the Single Economic Space will jeopardize its plans to join NATO, Mr. Clark answered quite diplomatically. He pointed out that the SES was “initiated by Russia,” adding that if the economic development of SES members is in line with Western standards, this will not cancel out Ukraine’s aspirations for a closer relationship with the West.
The visit by Wesley Clark is one of a number of visits to Kyiv by such eminent American politicians and financiers as philanthropist George Soros, former National Security Advisor to President Carter Zbigniew Brzezinski, and former US President George H. W. Bush. Among other things, General Clark paid considerable attention to Ukraine’s Euro- Atlantic prospects. During a luncheon organized by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Hryshchenko, Clark delivered a speech entitled “Ukraine and NATO” to an audience of journalists, experts, government officials, and lawmakers. Despite the skepticism that usually accompanies visits by American guests, such visits are extremely important. The more highly placed and well known representatives of foreign political or financial elites come to see Ukraine with its hardships and accomplishments, the easier it will be for Kyiv and the West to reach mutual understanding.
