UCPBF Meeting with Manley Staff
PRESS ADVISORY: March 20, 2001
Dear Friends,
On March 7, 2001, Borys Gengalo and I represented the UCPBF Executive at a
meeting with Minister Manley's senior policy adviser [name?] and the Deputy
Director of the Ukraine program at Foreign Affairs and International
Trade [name?]. The purpose was to discuss the findings of the UCPBF Roundtable
on Canada/Ukraine Relations.
Here are the key points.
UCPBF position:
we do not endorse any stepping away from Ukraine by Canada despite the
Presidential crisis. We separate Mr. Kuchma's personal situation from
that of the Office of the President and urge the President to exonerate
himself as soon as possible but NOT as the expense of human rights and
the rule of law as appears to be the tactic being taken in Ukraine at
the present time;
we urge Canada to take a lead among the Western powers in partnership
with Ukraine to mount a dialogue on peace and security including the
role of Ukraine as a strategic linchpin; the undermining influence to
peace and security by criminal elements via prostitution, drugs or money
laundering by launching an international conference
we invite Canada to consider launching a world class policy and
research centre to provide independent policy considerations on Ukraine;
and
consider establishing a Secretary of State position for Ukraine and
Eastern Europe to ensure enhanced Ministerial attention.
We will pursue a "GET LOUD" strategy to ensure consideration of key issues.
UCPBF will be in touch with CIDA in the near term to pursue the
technical assistance considerations.
Their position:
Canada is following the events in Ukraine very closely and is keen to
see the situation resolved within the rule of law
two Ministerial visits from Ukraine in the near-term are proposed:
Foreign Affairs Minister Zlenko and Trade Minister Hladij with Minister
Manley. Both will provide opportunities to focus on Canada Ukraine
issues. UCPBF is invited to submit comments for the Ministers' meetings
new initiatives are assessed in terms of funding
The meeting lasted for over an hour. UCC National President had been
invited to attend.