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Embassy News Archive - 2008
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December 19, 2008
U.S., Ukraine Sign Charter on Strategic Partnership
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Ogryzko signed the U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership at a
ceremony at the Department of State on December 19.
The U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership highlights the
importance of our bilateral relationship and outlines enhanced
cooperation in the areas of defense, security, economics and trade,
energy security, democracy, and cultural exchanges. The Charter
represents a statement of intent on the part of the United States to
intensify our engagement with Ukraine.
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December 2008
Tyco Adds a New Landmark to Ukraine's Greenfield Landscape
The inauguration of Tyco Electronics' newly-built manufacturing facility in Ivano-Frankivsk on Wednesday marked completion of the first phase of a $50-million investment project by one of the premier companies in the United States.
The ceremony took place on the new site of Tyco Electronics Ukraine Ltd. in the Khryplyn Industrial Area of Ivano-Frankivsk. Joe Donahue, President of the TE Global Automotive Division and Fazal Choksi, General Manager of Tyco Electronics Ukraine Ltd., cut the ribbon and formally opened Tyco's doors to Ukrainian production.
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December 1, 2008
Video Contest
On December 1, 2008, the U.S Department of State's Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will launch the interactive Video Contest "My
Culture + Your Culture =? Share your Story". People all over the world
ages 14 and older are invited to submit videos, no longer than three
minutes in length, containing any form of artistic expression including,
but not limited to, dance, spoken word, poetry, and song. This Contest
is a call for engagement and action.
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November 2008
Meet President-Elect Obama
Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden.
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December 5, 2008
U.S., Ukraine, and Canada Complete Major Joint Border Security and Nonproliferation Effort
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (ASBGS) and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) held a ceremony at Ukraine’s Kyiv Boryspil International Airport on December 5, 2008 to commission the operation of radiation detection equipment. Today’s ceremony also recognized the effective ongoing cooperation between the United States, Ukraine, and Canada in preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive material across Ukrainian borders.
“We appreciate both Ukraine’s commitment and Canada’s contribution to advancing our common international security goals,” said NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Kenneth Baker at the ceremony. “The commissioning of the radiation detection system at Kyiv Boryspil International Airport represents an important step forward in increasing transcontinental security. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation as we work together to complete installation of the radiation detection systems at other sites in Ukraine.”
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November 28, 2008
A Way Forward on Georgia and Ukraine
Video message by Ambassador Kurt Volker
I think when we talk about Ukraine and Georgia, we should first focus on what we all agree on. We all agree that they will eventually become members of NATO, that’s what the NATO heads of state and government decided at Bucharest. We also agree that they’re not ready for NATO membership today. They have a lot of work to do on their domestic reforms, on their defense reforms, on their work together with NATO. So we have a long road ahead of us...
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November 2008
Meet President-Elect Obama
Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden.
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November 30, 2008
Attention! New Competition!
U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Call for Proposals For 2009
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2009 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Program. Proposals are due at 5:30 PM, November 30, 2008. The Ambassadors Fund provides small grants throughout the world to help preserve cultural heritage in countries around the globe. The average grant ranges from $15,000 - $38,000 and supports projects lasting 12 - 18 months.
The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation was established in 2001, and is the only U.S. government program providing direct small grant support to heritage preservation internationally. The Ambassador's Fund, which has supported more than 500 projects worldwide totaling $13.4 million, emphasizes the importance of preserving the world's cultural patrimony as an integral component of U.S. foreign relations. The program supports projects that focus on the preservation of objects, museum and archival collections, and forms of traditional expression.
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September 18, 2008
Secretary Rice Addresses U.S.-Russia Relations At The German Marshall Fund
On August 7th, following repeated violations of the ceasefire in South Ossetia, including the shelling of Georgian villages, the Georgian government launched a major military operation into Tskhinvali and other areas of the separatist region. Regrettably, several Russian peacekeepers were killed in the fighting.
These events were troubling. But the situation deteriorated further when Russia’s leaders violated Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – and launched a full scale invasion across an internationally-recognized border. Thousands of innocent civilians were displaced from their homes. Russia’s leaders established a military occupation that stretched deep into Georgian territory. And they violated the ceasefire agreement that had been negotiated by French and EU President Sarkozy.
Other actions of Russia during this crisis have also been deeply disconcerting: its alarmist allegations of “genocide” by Georgian forces, its baseless statements about U.S. actions during the conflict, its attempt to dismember a sovereign country by recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia, its talk of having “privileged interests” in how it treats its independent neighbors, and its refusal to allow international monitors and NGOs into Abkhazia and South Ossetia, despite ongoing militia violence and retribution against innocent Georgians.
What is more disturbing about Russia’s actions is that they fit into a worsening pattern of behavior over several years now.
I’m referring, among other things, to Russia’s intimidation of its sovereign neighbors, its use of oil and gas as a political weapon, its unilateral suspension of the CFE Treaty, its threat to target peaceful nations with nuclear weapons, its arms sales to states and groups that threaten international security, and its persecution – and worse – of Russian journalists, and dissidents, and others.
The picture emerging from this pattern of behavior is that of a Russia increasingly authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad.
Now, this behavior did not go unnoticed or unchallenged over the last several years. We have tried to address it in the context of efforts to forge a constructive relationship with Russia. But the attack on Georgia has crystallized the course that Russia’s leaders are now taking and it has brought us to a critical moment for Russia and the world. A critical moment – but not a deterministic one.
Russia’s leaders are making some unfortunate choices. But they can still make different ones. Russia’s future is in Russia’s hands. But its choices will be shaped, in part, by the actions of the United States, our friends, and our allies – both in the incentives that we provide and the pressure that we apply.
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September 2008
Video Contest Launched to Promote Dialogue on Democracy
The Democracy Video Challenge, a global call to action celebrating democracy, was launched in New York during International Democracy Day at the United Nations. The Challenge invites citizens from around the world to create short videos that complete the phrase: "Democracy is..." in an effort to enhance the global dialogue on democracy.
The Challenge will honor seven winning videos: one each from Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Near East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, and one anonymous video. The winning videos will be selected by global online voting.
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September 16, 2008
USNS Pathfinder Discovers Wreckage of 37 Vessels in Ukrainian Waters off Sevastopol
The U.S. Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder will depart the port of Sevastopol September 17th after a 13 day visit to Ukraine. The Pathfinder arrived in Ukraine September 4th, following an invitation from the Ukrainian government to demonstrate U.S. Navy hydrographic survey capabilities and to help search for the SS Armenia, a sunken World War II Soviet hospital ship. During its visit, the Pathfinder identified 37 wrecks, including sunken vessels from WWI and WWII.
Civilian surveyors from Ukraine and the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Ukrainian sailors, historians and oceanographers from the U.S.-based Institution for Exploration worked together in this impressive demonstration of cooperation carried out in Ukrainian territorial waters. Unfortunately, the USNS Pathfinder did not identify the SS Armenia during this visit, but both U.S. and Ukrainian partners hope the ship will return next year to continue the search.
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September 15, 2008
In Western Ukraine, Ambassador Taylor Discusses U.S.-supported Projects
In mid-September, Ambassador Taylor visited Western Ukrainian cities of Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv. In a meeting with Ivano Frankivsk Governor Paliychuk, the Ambassador discussed relief efforts after recent flooding in the oblast. The U.S. government has provided over $900,000 of humanitarian assistance to the oblast, and U.S. companies are making significant contributions to the relief effort.
At the Ivano Frankivsk Appellate Court, the Ambassador viewed new witness protection equipment, provided through a grant from the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
In Lviv, a grant agreement was signed to provide $42,800 from the Ambassador's Fund on Cultural Preservation to restore a collection of ancient icons and carvings dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. A previous grant from the Fund enabled the Lviv History Museum to restore the Chrystynopil Apostle, a unique 12th Century manuscript. While in Lviv, the Ambassador also met with representatives from the Mayor's office to discuss subjects of mutual interest.
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September 12, 2008
Visit to Ukraine by Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried strongly reaffirmed US support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well as its independence and territorial integrity in media appearances in Kyiv September 12. In an interview with ICTV, as well as in a preceding joint news conference with Deputy Foreign Minister Volodymyr Khandohii, Assistant Secretary Fried emphasized America's desire for good relations with Russia, but noted that "Russia is looking like a state engaged in irresponsible actions."
Assistant Secretary Fried was in Kyiv for the annual bilateral talks between the United States and Ukraine. While in Kyiv he also met with President Yushchenko and Prime Minister Tymoshenko.
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September 5, 2008
Vice President Cheney Visits Ukraine
Vice President Cheney's visit to Kyiv September 4-5 received national coverage in all media. During the course of his visit, Cheney held talks with President Victor Yushchenko, met with Prime Minister Tymoshenko, and, together with his wife and Mrs. Yushchenko, laid flowers at the site of the memorial to Ukraine’s Famine of 1932-33.
In his statement to the media following his meeting with Yushchenko, Vice President Cheney called for domestic political unity in Ukraine, calling it the country's best hope for fending off external threats. Vice President Cheney also reiterated strong U.S. support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations and praised Ukraine's continued participation in alliance military operations.
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August 20, 2008
U.S. Humanitarian Assistance Being Delivered to Western Ukraine on August 19th
U.S. humanitarian assistance, valued at approximately $450,000, was
delivered to a local relief organization in Ivano-Frankivsk, in Western
Ukraine, on August 19. The shipment included tents, blankets, medical
supplies and other items meant to help the victims of the recent
flooding. Additional shipments of emergency supplies are enroute from
Germany and the United States.
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August 8, 2008
Chargé d'Affaires James Pettit Visits Flood Region
Charge D'Affaires James Pettit travelled to Western Ukraine's flood region August 6-8, visiting Ivano-Frankivska and Chernivetska Oblasts. At far left, Mr. Pettit speaks with a local government official and a flood victim who lost her home.
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August 2008
U.S. Government Flood Assistance to Ukraine
The United States Government has authorized an initial disbursement of $50,000 to assist the Government of Ukraine in responding to recent floods in Western Ukraine. The funds will be awarded to a U.S. non-governmental organization (NGO) which will provide disaster relief in consultation with the Government of Ukraine. Embassy and NGO representatives have visited flooded regions of Western Ukraine to view the situation first hand and to conduct a needs assessment.
The Embassy's Charge D'Affairs, James D. Pettit, and other U.S. officials will travel to the region later this week to meet with local government representatives and to coordinate the USG response. The American Chamber of Commerce is organizing donations from U.S. companies in Ukraine and will distribute assistance in consultation with the U.S. Embassy.
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August 1, 2008
Parachute Jump by Ambassador Taylor
At the invitation of Ukrainian military staff, Ambassador William Taylor, a former U.S. Army paratrooper, and two USG military attaches took part in a training session July 29 in Zhytomyr along with Ukrainian colleagues.
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August 2008
Statement from Ambassador William B. Taylor on the Flooding in Western Ukraine
On behalf of the Embassy and the American people, I extend our deep condolences to the people of Ukraine and to the families who lost loved ones in the horrendous flooding in Western Ukraine. We applaud the efforts being waged by emergency personnel to find and rescue the missing. We are exploring ways in which the United States can be of assistance in this tragedy.
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July 2008
USAID Announces New Mission Director to Regional Mission in Ukraine
Washington, D.C. - July 18, 2008. Janina Jaruzelski took the Mission Director oath of office for the USAID Regional Mission in Ukraine from Acting Deputy Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) James Kunder.
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June 9, 2008
Student Government Network Initiative and Process of Student Empowerment in Ukraine
In June 2008 the network of 15 organizations promoting student empowerment in Ukraine completed its activities. The network events took place in all regions, except for Vinnytsya.
On June 9, the city of Lviv hosted a conference that welcomed active participants of the network and served as forum for discussions on the results of the work done from September 2007 through June 2008. The initiative, which was supported by the U.S. Embassy's Democracy Commission Program, provided unique opportunity to strengthen student government bodies across Ukraine and to encourage discussions at the higher education establishments on the academic integrity. The projects activities, which included debates, round tables, seminars and conferences, focused on the role of a student government, on the code of ethics, on how to combat corruption at the universities and how to effectively reach out to the university administration.
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June 2008
Embassy Kyiv's Podcasts Now Available Via iTunes
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is pleased to announce that our podcast series is now available for download via iTunes. To subscribe to the podcasts on iTunes, simply click here. Alternatively, you can also subscribe to the podcasts by simply using the podcast feed with any other feed aggregator.
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June 5, 2008
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Visits Ukraine
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ: Thank you. Ambassador Taylor, thank you for your kind introduction. On the fourth day of a trip, there are very few people that can get me out at eight o'clock in the morning, so I thank you for your interest in being here and the very special interest that you've taken while we have been here in Ukraine. It has been a tremendous experience, and a real vital one. We can look at countries on a map, and read all kinds of things, but not until you get on the ground do you start developing a clear picture. I want to thank Jorge for putting this together and for bringing the business community together. I think that's the role of a good leader is putting things together for a common cause and Jorge does a good job of doing that. I also want to recognize the President's Export Council sitting over here on my left. This is a presidential advisory group for President Bush. They advise the president on matters related to exports, trade and foreign investment. This is a very important group, a very influential group, and I think it also demonstrates the importance of Ukraine in the fact that they want to be here, that they want to know more about Ukraine, more about business opportunities, so I'm thankful for your time in being here.
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June 5, 2008
2008 Trafficking in Persons Report Released, Ukraine Rated Tier Two
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington DC on Wednesday, June 4. As directed by the U.S. Congress, the State Department prepares reports for all countries in the world. The goal of these reports is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery.
The current report lists Ukraine as a Tier 2 country. This is because although the Government of Ukraine is making significant efforts to eliminate trafficking, it still does not fully comply with the minimum standards.
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May 21, 2008
Statement by Ambassador Taylor
I am very disappointed that the Cabinet of Ministers today took unilateral action to revoke the Production Sharing Agreement the Government of Ukraine negotiated with the U.S. company Vanco. For the Government of Ukraine to attract investors, particularly in those sectors vital to its energy security, it needs to make clear that it respects the sanctity of contracts and the rule of law.
We continue to believe a direct discussion between the two parties could remove misunderstandings that lie at the heart of this controversy. This has not happened to date, despite a clear promise to do so. We urge the Government to reconsider its decision and return to a policy of dialogue, so this project, important to Ukraine’s energy security, can get back on track.
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May 21, 2008
Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People
Statement by U.S. Ambassador in Ukraine William B. Taylor
May 21 marks the Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People. On this day, in the United States and elsewhere, we celebrate the courage and determination of the Cuban people as they seek their freedom and voice in establishing a democratic future for their country.
Cuba continues to deny its people the most basic freedoms and opportunities, freedoms that much of the world community has promised to honor through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. Ukrainians and Americans have these freedoms and opportunities; Cubans should too.
The United States reiterates our call on the Cuban regime to allow its citizens to exercise these internationally recognized civil and political rights and to release all political prisoners.
United States policy remains clear: We want the Cuban people to freely and democratically define their country’s destiny. We look forward to the day when a free and democratic Cuba can take its rightful place among the nations of the international community.
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May 17, 2008
Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman: Ukraine's World Trade Organization Membership
The United States congratulates Ukraine on becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 16.
Ukraine’s accession represents an important milestone in its economic transformation, and its participation in the WTO complements Ukraine’s desire to integrate fully into the global marketplace through economic reform, liberalization and diversification. The United States looks forward to working with Ukraine as a WTO member.
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May 15, 2008
The Brigham Young International Folk Dance Ensemble Arrives to Kyiv
The Brigham Young International Folk Dance Ensemble (IFDE) will be performing free of charge at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, 37 Prospekt Peremohy, on May 20, at 7:00 pm. The Ensemble will be ending a European tour which included: Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine.
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April 29, 2008
U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Supporting Ukraine's NATO Aspirations
On Monday, April 28, the United States Senate passed Resolution number
523 in support of Ukraine's NATO Aspirations. All three Presidential
candidates, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama, co-sponsored
the resolution, an unequivocal demonstration that the commitment made at
Bucharest will be sustained regardless of who the next president is.
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April, 2008
Bill Cline - Global Environment Team Leader
U.S. Foreign Commercial Service
Five Myths and Misperceptions about the U.S. and Environmental Protection
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April 10, 2008
US Air Force Jazz Band Tours Ukraine
The United States Embassy in Ukraine is hosting the Check Six Jazz band from April 18 through 25. The band, which is part of the United States Air Force in Europe orchestra, will play in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. The goal of this tour is to foster understanding between Ukrainians and Americans and enhance cultural and personal ties between the people of the two countries.
It is the first time a U.S. military band will perform in Ukraine.
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April 4, 2008
Latest on NATO Summit in Bucharest
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April 1, 2008
Photo Gallery of President George W. Bush's Visit to Ukraine
The U.S. Embassy has a collection of photos from the visit of President George W. Bush to Ukraine available for use by media outlets free of copyright. They may be used however you wish. If you are interested, please send us an e-mail, and provide your name and affiliation and we will e-mail you the website.
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April 1, 2008
President Bush Visits Ukraine -- Expresses Support for MAP
Today, April 1, United States President George W. Bush paid his first visit to Ukraine, meeting with President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and met with members of the press. President Bush used the press conference to emphasize U.S. support for granting Ukraine a Membership Action Plan at the NATO summit in Bucharest, saying that the United States "strongly supports your request," and pledging to work as hard as I can to see Ukraine and Georgia accepted into MAP.
President Bush also commented on the friendship and relationship that Ukraine and the United States enjoy, praising Ukraine's successes since the Orange Revolution, and expressing hope for continued cooperation.
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March 26, 2008
Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on the President's Trip to the NATO Summit
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
3:25 P.M. EDT
MR. HADLEY: Good afternoon. On Monday, the President and Mrs. Bush will travel to Europe to participate in the President's sixth and final NATO summit.
The President will first visit Ukraine to celebrate the democratic transition that has taken hold in that country since the 2004 Orange Revolution. He will express his support for the aspirations of the people of Ukraine to see their country take its rightful place within Europe, including within it's transatlantic institutions, as Ukraine continues its process of reform.
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March 14, 2008
Statement by the Press Secretary
The President and Mrs. Bush will travel to Ukraine, Romania, and Croatia
in April 2008 to support the advance of freedom and democracy and to
strengthen the NATO Alliance to confront 21st century challenges. The
President will have a bilateral program in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 1,
2008, including meetings with the President and Prime Minister of
Ukraine. The President and Mrs. Bush will then travel to Bucharest,
Romania to participate in the NATO Summit on April 2-4. In addition to
Summit events, President Bush will have bilateral meetings with the
President and Prime Minister of Romania and the NATO Secretary General.
The President and Mrs. Bush will also travel to Croatia, where he will
meet with the President and Prime Minister of Croatia and leaders of
those countries Allied leaders decide to invite to join NATO at the
Bucharest Summit.
NATO's ongoing transformation and enlargement has been a historic
success in bolstering the Alliance, promoting peace and security, and
advancing freedom and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. The
President and Mrs. Bush's visit to Ukraine, Romania, and Croatia will
underscore the importance of fostering a Europe whole, free, and at
peace.
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February 24, 2008
Statement on Cuba’s Transition
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
February 24, 2008
At this significant moment in Cuba’s history, we reaffirm our belief that the Cuban people have an inalienable right to participate in an open and comprehensive dialogue about their country’s future, free of fear and repression, and to choose their leaders in democratic elections. We support their aspirations for a better life, and their desire to enjoy the fundamental rights and liberties expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We support their efforts to obtain a voice in their national destiny, and their desire to gain access to the resources and opportunities necessary to become masters of their own lives, enhance the well-being of their families, and achieve their God-given potential.
We urge the Cuban government to begin a process of peaceful, democratic change by releasing all political prisoners, respecting human rights, and creating a clear pathway towards free and fair elections. We also urge the international community to work with the Cuban people to begin to build institutions necessary for democracy, and to support Cuban civil society. The Cuban people, facing the legacy of five decades of tyranny, merit our solidarity and support as they seek to construct a brighter future.
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February 19, 2008
President Bush and Secretary Rice Comment on Kosovo's Independence
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Sunday, the people of Kosovo declared
their independence. They have asked the United States for diplomatic
recognition, and yesterday the United States formally recognized Kosovo
as a sovereign and independent nation.
SECRETARY RICE:The United States has today formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state. We congratulate the people of Kosovo on this historic occasion.
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February 6, 2008
WTO General Council Approves Ukrainian Membership
The United States welcomes the February 5 action of the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council to approve the terms of Ukraine’s accession. We congratulate Ukraine on this achievement.
Ukraine’s accession will represent an important milestone in its economic transformation, and its participation in the WTO will serve as an important impetus to further economic reform and integration into the global marketplace. WTO membership will facilitate expanded trade and commercial opportunities between the U.S. and Ukraine.
The United States looks forward to speedy ratification of the accession agreement by the Ukrainian parliament and full participation of Ukraine in the World Trade Organization.
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February 6, 2008
Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab on WTO Members’ Approval of Ukraine’s Terms of Accession to the World Trade Organization
WASHINGTON – U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab today welcomed WTO Members’ approval of Ukraine’s accession to the World Trade Organization with the following statement:
“The United States is very pleased by today’s action in Geneva. We look forward to the timely completion of the domestic ratification procedures and to Ukraine’s taking its seat at the WTO. The presence of President Yushchenko, who signed Ukraine’s Protocol of Accession, underlined the importance of this WTO action.
“The terms of accession are substantial, forward-looking, and demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to global trade based on market forces, transparency, and rule of law. Since its initiation over a decade ago, Ukraine’s economic reform program under a series of governments has included a strong commitment to WTO provisions. Ukraine's commitment throughout the negotiations to secure effective implementation of its WTO commitments is commendable.
“The accession package approved today clearly reflects Ukraine’s intentions to pursue liberalized trade, deregulation and expanded transparency. For the United States, the inclusion in the WTO of such a large, fast-growing economy will benefit U.S. businesses, workers, farmers, ranchers, and consumers. We look forward to building a broader, deeper trade and investment relationship with Ukraine. We also welcome the stability and efficiency that will accrue following the Supreme Rada’s acceptance and ratification of the accession. Today we celebrate Ukraine’s WTO accession and this new chapter in our trade relations.”
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January 28, 2008
State of the Union Address by the President
THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.
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January 28, 2008
U.S. Ambassador Inaugurates Biosafety Equipment
On January 28th at the Central Sanitary Epidemiological Station (SES) in Kyiv U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor held a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the diagnostic and biosafety equipment provided by the United States as part of the Biological Threat Reduction Program between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The ceremony celebrated the installation of state-of-the-art epidemiological monitoring station equipment at the Central SES. The DoD is also financing building improvements to upgrade the ventilation and fire safety systems.
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January 26, 2008
American Embassy Sponsors "Sacred Legacy, a Collection of Photographs by Edward S. Curtis"
The American Embassy in Kyiv is pleased to sponsor Sacred Legacy, a collection of photographs by renowned American photographer and ethnographer Edward S. Curtis, created expressly for the United States Department of State by Christopher Cardozo, widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on Edward Curtis and his photography. In 1906, Curtis embarked on an almost 30 year project to document the native peoples of North America. The resulting 20 volume set and accompanying portfolios were published as "The North American Indian," and cost $1,500,000 to produce (approximately $37,000,000 in today’s money). This monumental project was hailed by The New York Herald as “the most gigantic undertaking since the making of the King James edition of the Bible.”
Sacred Legacy opens in Kyiv on January 28 at the Ivan Honchar Museum, and will run through February 6. It will then move to the Museum of Arts and Industry in Lviv, opening on February 21 and running through March 5. The exhibit's last stop in Ukraine will be at the Historical Museum in Dnipropetrovsk, where it will run March 20 - April 2. For more Embassy events click here.
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January 23, 2008
President Yushchenko Meets With Secretary Rice
On Wednesday, January 23, President Viktor Yushchenko met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During the meeting, Secretary Rice underscored the importance of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, and U.S. support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Highlights of the meeting were covered in the international media (here, here and here).
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January 16, 2008
Senator Dick Lugar Visits Ukraine
At the conclusion of his visit to Ukraine, Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) held an open press conference at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence. The discussion covered energy, security and economic issues and underscored the vibrant relationship between the United States and Ukraine. The video and audio files feature consecutive translation. Additional video and transcript will be posted shortly.
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Available archives for other years: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
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