U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Swears In New Peace Corps Volunteers
Read and comment on this story from the Associated Press on the swearing in of Peace Corps Volunteers in the Ukraine. The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine told newly sworn-in Peace Corps volunteers Monday that despite recent tensions between Washington and Kiev that they are in the country to set an example — but not impose values. Read the story at:
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U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Swears In New Peace Corps Volunteers
This article was originally published by Associated Press on December 23, 2002.
KIEV, Ukraine - The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine told newly sworn-in Peace Corps volunteers Monday that despite recent tensions between Washington and Kiev that they are in the country to set an example — but not impose values.
"This has been difficult times in the past months in our relations between the United States and Ukraine," U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual told the nearly 90 volunteers beginning their two-year tours of duty. "But that makes your job even more important. You will be seen as a symbol of the values that we uphold.
"We are not here to impose our values. ... We are here to provide assistance and open doors and opportunities for Ukraine to make choices about its destiny," he said.
Ukraine's relations with the United States have been rocky since Washington accused Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma of authorizing the sale of sophisticated military radar to Iraq in violation of U.N. sanctions, charges he denies.
Political tensions have also simmered in Ukraine this year as the opposition urged Kuchma to step down over the allegations of corruption, abuse of office, vote tampering and involvement in the killing of an investigative journalist. Kuchma has dismissed the accusations.
Pascual said Ukraine is bound to more closely integrate into Europe, but said first it had to strengthen democracy and implement reforms.
"The nature of Ukraine's future will depend on what Ukraine looks like from within," Pascual said. "Ukraine will be judged as European on the basis of its democracy, on the basis of the rule of law, on the freedom of its press.
"We are not here to make those changes, but if Ukraine makes the choice to move forward in that direction, then we should support it," Pascual said.
About 1,000 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in Ukraine since 1992.
"Ukrainians are the most quietly proud people I have ever met," said Jill Trued, 25, of Kansas City, Missouri, whose assignment is to teach English in the town of Myrhorod. "I'm really excited."
Ukrainian Economic Minister Valery Khoroshkovsky hailed the volunteers' dedication and voiced hope that "Ukraine will become the country you will love." More about Peace Corps Volunteers in the Ukraine
Read more about Peace Corps Volunteers in the Ukraine at:
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