RFE/RL - 03.16.2006

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Ukraine’s Parliamentary Election: The Latest Battle in the Orange Revolution

Briefing with Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oleh Shamshur

Summary by NCSJ Program Assistant Lana Bronipolsky

Ambassador Oleh Shamshur spoke about Ukraine’s progress in the past several years. He mentioned economic growth, increased transparency in elections, and continued improvement in freedom of the press and the fight against corruption. Parliamentary elections will take place March 26, 2006. Shamshur stated that the Ukrainian government welcomes all election observers. They believe that the observers will be particularly effective in areas where certain parties attempt to use threats as campaign tactics. 

The Ambassador mentioned a few priorities that the Ukrainian government is focusing on. The first is consolidating democratic change. Shamshur stated that although progress has been made in combating cronyism, work continues to make Ukraine a true democracy. The second priority is to increase economic growth based on sound economic policy in a number of critical industries, including the space, machine, transportation infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors. Energy is of specific importance. Shamshur stated that diversifying is the key for Ukraine. The third priority is continuing to ensure that elections are fair and transparent.

During the Question and Answer session, the Ambassador answered questions about the energy sector, upcoming elections, the composition of various political parties, as well as culture and society in the Ukraine.

In response to a question from NCSJ pertaining to anti-Semitism propagated by the Inter-regional Academy of Personnel Management (MAUP), Ambassador Shamshur stated that MAUP is a common concern between the U.S. and Ukraine. He went on to say that the Ministries of the Interior and Education are in the process of reviewing MAUP’s licenses. Action aimed at the Academy is expected in the not too distant future. However, the government wants to ensure that all actions taken against the University are within the legal framework and have solid foundation. The Ambassador also stated that anti-Semitic and xenophobic incidents that arise will be addressed swiftly and seriously.