Embassy News Archive - 2008

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. More information

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.

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. Full Text of Statement Joint Statement of the Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Bohdan Mykhailovych Danylyshyn and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez

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. More about Report

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.

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.

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.

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. International Folk Dance Ensemble Webpage

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. Full text of Resolution

April, 2008 Bill Cline - Global Environment Team Leader U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Five Myths and Misperceptions about the U.S. and Environmental Protection Video (wma 10.4 MB 5:44)

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. More information

April 4, 2008 Latest on NATO Summit in Bucharest Video Summary of Bucharest Summit Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on the President's Trip to the NATO Summit Joint Statement. Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of Heads of State and Government Bucharest Summit Main Page Latest Press Releases NATO Main Page

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.

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. Transcript of Press Conference Transcript of Toasts at Luncheon President Views HIV/AIDS Skit Photo Gallery In Focus: NATO 2008

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. Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on the President's Trip to the NATO Summit Video (wmv 21.6 MB 35:27)

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.

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.

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. Full Text of Statement 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. Full Text of Statement

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.

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.”

February 4, 2008 U.S. Elections - Super Tuesday Coverage Join us for a webcast covering Super Tuesday, one of the most anticipated days in U.S. presidential politics in over 20 years. With 22 states holding Democratic primaries and 21 states holding Republican contests, February 5th not only offers a unique national perspective on the race before the November General Election, but candidates for both parties are also engaged in a pitched battle to secure as many delegates as possible on a day that offers potentially 2,075 delegates for Democrats and 1,081 for Republicans. America.gov and the Foreign Press Center are partnering together to make the following schedule of speakers available: 10:30-11:00 pm Ukraine Jonathan Margolis, Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of International Information Programs and Jim Dickmeyer, Director of the Foreign Press Centers - "Welcome and Introduction to America.gov" 11:00-12:00 pm Ukraine Thomas Mann, Brookings Institution - "Super Tuesday: The End of the Presidential Nominating Process or a Waystation on the Route to the National Party Conventions?" 12:30-1:30 am Ukraine John Mercurio, The Hotline - "The 2008 Campaign: Covering the Coverage" 2:00- 3:00 am John Zogby, Zogby International - "Elections 2008 - The Battle for the Middle Ground" 4:00-5:00 am John Fortier, American Enterprise Institute - "Winning the delegate count on Super Tuesday: An assessment of the candidates' prospects."

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. Full Text of Speech Video (53:52) Fact Sheet: 2008 State of the Union Policy Initiatives - Full PDF Document (184KB)

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. Press-Conference - Video (23:28 14.3 MB) Press-Conference - Audio (23:28 5.49 MB) Presentation on U.S.-Ukraine Cooperation on Biosafety - Video (05:50 11.0 MB) Presentation on U.S.-Ukraine Cooperation on Biosafety - Audio (05:50 1.37 MB)

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. Statement by Ambassador William B. Taylor More About Edward S. Curtis Visions of Native Americans - the Photographs of Edward S. Curtis Frontier Photographer: Edward S. Curtis

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).

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. Video Part 1 (wmv 28.2 Mb) Video Part 2 (wmv 35.6 MB) (Updated on Jan. 18, 2008) Audio Part 1 (wma 2.22 MB) Audio Part 1 (mp3 6.87 MB) Audio Part 2 (wma 2.80 MB) Audio Part 2 (mp3 8.66 MB) Full Text of Transcript Senator Dick Lugar's Personal History and Accomplishments

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