Anatoly PONOMARENKO: “Is it really worth it to equip our borders so painstakingly?”

“Would you comment on the statements made during the Heidelberg Conference to the effect that even if Ukraine satisfies all EU requirements the European Union might prove unprepared to offer it membership?”

“In my view, today the EU is in fact unprepared for any additional enlargement, and this is not due to the problems faced by Ukraine. Our economy is developing normally, some of its macroeconomic indices are better than those in Romania and Bulgaria, and some can be even compared with those in Poland. However, the EU or, if you like, old Europe is facing serious socioeconomic problems that create social tension and prevent EU members from thinking about a definite policy, in particular, toward Ukraine.”

“Recently, Ukraine’s president expressed his hope that at the next Ukraine-EU Summit (slated for October 2003 in Ukraine —Ed.) the question of Ukraine’s associate EU membership will “shift to the practical plane” and urged Ukrainian diplomats to “treat this matter appropriately.” What are the assignments of Ukraine’s Embassy in Germany in this connection?”

“The embassy must ensure that the German leadership, Federal Chancellor and his ministries, Foreign Ministry, and other federal ministries and departments support Ukraine’s stance. I will stress that Germany has shown complete understanding. Recall that when Germany’s Chancellor Gerhard Schr Ъ der visited Ukraine in December 2001 he and President Kuchma had a very serious discussion on this issue. Then Schr Ъ der stated publicly that Germany supported Ukraine’s associate EU membership. When Premier Yanukovych visited Germany this April the Federal Chancellor confirmed Germany’s intent to further support Ukraine in its European aspirations. Hopefully, political consultations will be held this fall for the fifth time during which the German side will make a similar political statement.”

“How did Ukraine’s involvement in the Iraq crisis and its stand on these issue affect Germany’s attitude toward it?”

“I believe that, on the whole, Germany received Ukraine’s stand quite normally since it conforms to international law. We sent our chemical defense battalion to Kuwait at the invitation of the Kuwaiti government, and now we are considering Ukraine’s involvement in peacekeeping operations. Thus, if we receive an invitation from the Iraqi government (the problem is that none has been formed yet) or from the UN, we are ready, to quote our leadership, to react to it positively and hope for understanding.”

“Are you drafting your proposals for the concept of the Ukraine- EU Action Plan for Associate Membership that the Ukrainian government must prepare within three months?”

“Of course, we will make our proposals just like other Ukrainian embassies, in particular, in European countries. However, it’s too soon to state anything specific. This is a complex issue. I think everything will depend on the political will of the EU Commission and individual EU member states.”

“Germany provided substantial technical assistance to Ukraine in equipping its borders...”

“This process is underway. Germany is providing equipment, and German specialists are teaching Ukrainian border guards how to operate it. However, speaking of the western border, investing in the construction of the Schengen corridor between Ukraine and Poland, Hungary, and so forth means investing in something that will not be needed in the future. As you may already know, Ukraine has made considerable concessions to the EU, allowing EU citizens with diplomatic or service passports to enter Ukraine without visas during the next three months. Moreover, we are now working to eliminate the requirement for all EU citizens to obtain an invitation to be issued an entry visa. Unfortunately, our negotiations on this issue both with individual EU countries and the EU as a whole have not borne fruit. We have offered to make the first step by allowing visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports in Ukraine with a view to gradually simplifying the procedure of crossing the border for all Ukrainian citizens. The existing procedure separates us from the EU. This is important in political terms, and I think the EU will be forced to agree eventually. Otherwise, its policy will obstruct contacts between the citizens of Ukraine and the EU, thereby artificially separating our country from the EU. Is it really worth it to equip our western border so painstakingly?”

“When do you think it will become transparent?”

“Why don’t you ask Mr. Romano Prodi in Brussels. On our part, we’re ready for it.”