30 May 2000

Dear friends,

The year 2000 has opened a new historical page for Ukraine marked by the start of its term of membership in the Security Council of the United Nations. For the first time ever as an independent state Ukraine assumed its position in this unique international body, vested with supreme powers in the field of maintenance of international peace and security.

The first months in the Security Council have confirmed Ukraine’s capacity to be an active and constructive participant in the international affairs, proved the balanced, consistent and democratic nature of our foreign policy, appreciated and welcomed by the other members of the Council. Ukraine’s activities in the Security Council provide a significant contribution towards the strengthening of the country’s positions on the international political arena, add to prestige and positive image of Ukraine in the world.

At the same time maintenance of an appropriate and effective level of our activities in the Security Council involves financial needs. Although regular expenses related to Ukraine’s serving on the Council are met from the state budget, additional needs arise from time to time, warranting speedy disbursement of extra funds, which are difficult to obtain under serious budgetary constraints, currently experienced by our country. The ongoing financial crisis makes it impossible for our government to ensure full funding of the wide-ranging activities of the delegation of Ukraine in the Security Council.

In view of the above, to facilitate the financial operation of Ukraine’s delegation, the Government of Ukraine instituted a Support Fund, effective for the period of Ukraine’s membership in the Council (2000-2001), to be filled through voluntary charitable contributions from national and international entities and private individuals.

Therefore, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations is appealing to all those, who are not indifferent to the destiny and future of Ukraine, to do yet one more generous deed to support our country in its difficult times of economic and social transformations, by making a contribution to the above-mentioned Fund.

If you are prepared to make a contribution, please send your check to the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations. Our address is: 220 EAST 51^st Str., New York, NY – 10022.

We thank you in advance.

Yours truly,