Senate Hearing - 06.21.2000

 

On June 21, 2000, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a confirmation hearing for the prospective ambassadors to Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Croatia. Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) chaired the hearing.

Carlos Pascual, nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, served until recently as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia at the National Security Council. He expressed his determination to help secure Ukraine’s borders and to help the new republic develop a fair and practical democratic system. He pledged that, if confirmed, his priority will be to encourage economic and democratic development.

Expressing his optimism about Ukraine’s future, Mr. Pascual quoted Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma as saying, "Watch what we do, not what we say" – a sign of Ukraine’s readiness to move forward politically and economically. There is reform and the private sector (comprising both domestic and foreign investors) has begun to integrate itself into the European market. Ultimately, Pascual noted, "Ukraine must change from within in order to succeed. Much has been done to begin dismantling the Soviet past and create the organs of an independent state. But the transition to democracy and market economics is far from complete. If Ukraine wants to be of Europe, it must look like Europe. The rule of law must prevail. Courts must be independent and fair. Property must be secure. Government must be accountable and transparent – and that means a full assault on corruption."

Ross L. Wilson, nominated as Ambassador to Azerbaijan served most recently in the Department of State as deputy to the Ambassador-at-Large for the New Independent States. Relations between the United States and Azerbaijan are complex and there are four major issues which Mr. Wilson, if confirmed, would address. The first is the area of peace: Situated between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is affected by unwelcome conflicts and terrorist actions. The next issue is Azerbaijan’s energy and natural resources, which must be developed in order to bring about an independent and stable economy. The third issue, non-proliferation and nuclear weapons in the region, includes Iran’s efforts to obtain and develop nuclear technology. 

The final issue is the promotion of human rights and freedom of press and religion, which are the foundations of democracy and independence. "Democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law are essential components of a free society. They cannot take a back seat to energy or nonproliferation or even regional peace because they are the guarantors of progress in each of those areas. Democratization is the only sure, long-term guarantor of Azerbaijan's independence and prosperity and it must be a high priority for us and for the Azerbaijani people." The United States is supportive of the Azerbaijani government’s efforts to pursue OSCE policies and cease-fire proposals.

John Edward Herbst, nominated as Ambassador to Uzbekistan, has worked for 21 years on the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Mr. Herbst addressed the issues of natural resources, border security, and democracy and human rights. Uzbekistan is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace, and securing stability along its borders is a priority for the United States and Uzbekistan. Terrorism poses a serious threat to Uzbekistan and its neighbors, and countering this is also a priority of American policy.

Senator Smith shared his hope that the ongoing problems and conflicts in the region will not generate new scapegoats among minorities, specifically the Jewish community.

[Update: The Senate confirmed all three nominations on September 8, 2000.]

– Reported by Farhid Sedaghat-pour, NCSJ Intern

Read the full statement of each nominee:
Carlos Pascual (Ukraine)
Ross Wilson (Azerbaijan)
John Herbst (Uzbekistan)