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BRAMA, October 5, 2002, 11:00am ET
October 4, 2002
The Honorable Jim Kolbe
Chairman Subcommittee on
Foreign Operations, Export Financing
and Related Programs
H150 Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The recently authenticated voice recordings of Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, approving the sale of "Kolchuga" passive radar systems to Iraq through a Jordanian intermediary is of extreme concern to the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. In my capacity as co-chairman of the Caucus, I have been one of Congress' strongest supporters of Ukraine and its integration with the West. However, it has become abundantly clear, Ukraine may not integrate successfully as long as its leaders express intentions to undermine America's non-proliferation goals, especially in Iraq.
Choosing Ukraine's leaders is the decision of the Ukrainian people. However, the Ukrainian people still need America's support to develop democratic principles. Our response must be unambiguous. I respectfully make the following requests:
My personal extensive interaction with the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian leaders and witnessing Ukraine's impressive progress has convinced me continued foreign assistance funding to Ukraine is a worthy investment. The Subcommittee's distinction between the governmental authorities of Ukraine and the people is clear and commendable and correctly demonstrates its understanding that Ukraine's real potential is outside of its government. If implemented properly, focusing efforts on democracy building, private enterprise and social and infrastructural programs, U.S. foreign assistance will yield more successful and quicker reforms than ever before.
Very truly yours,
Bob Schaffer
Member of Congress
Co-Chairman Congressional Ukrainian Caucus
Cc:
Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations,
Export Financing and Related Programs
Members Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
The Honorable Carlos Pascual, American Ambassador to Ukraine
H.E. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States
The Honorable Curt Weldon, Co-chairman, Congressional Ukrainian Caucus
The Honorable Marcy Kaptur, Co-chairman, Congressional Ukrainian Caucus
# # #
Congressman Schaffer was first elected to Congress in November of 1996. He is a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Resources, and Education and Workforce. He is Vice Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on Education Reform, Co-Chairman of the Ukrainian Caucus, President of the Republican Junior Class, and the Speaker's appointee to the House Republican Policy Committee. His official Internet website address is www.house.gov/schaffer.
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