Mr. Minister. The United States delegation welcomes you to the Permanent Council.

Ukraine plays a vital, energetic role here. Ambassador Makarevych and members of his delegation capably represent Ukrainian interests across the broad range of issues with which we contend here each week. We commend their efforts and the productive relations we have enjoyed with them.

The most pressing issue for the OSCE today is, of course, Kosovo.

The Permanent Council will, we hope, decide this afternoon to deploy a Verification Mission to Kosovo, whose primary objective will be to ensure FRY compliance with resolutions 1160 and 1199 of the United Nations Security Council.

We note your government's willingness to nominate former Foreign Minister Udovenko to head the Verification Mission and will inform Washington of that offer. More generally, let me welcome Kiev's willingness to contribute based on its experience in the region.

Mr. Minister. You have touched upon a number of regional security issues dealt with in various OSCE venues. And your delegation here has played a continuing leadership role in bringing these issues to our attention. The United States looks forward to the October 23 Reinforced Permanent Council meeting on regional issues. It will be more than simply a one-time opportunity to air national concerns and differences. With proper and realistic preparations, the meeting can focus attention on practical steps toward lasting peace in conflicts which are long overdue for solution.

As one of the special negotiators on the Transdniestrian conflict, Ukraine has an important role to play in facilitating a settlement. By virtue of its geography and its dedication, Ukraine can also do much to assist in the withdrawal of Russian forces from Moldova. We look forward to hearing Ukraine's practical ideas on the way forward at the Reinforced Permanent Council.

Several aspects of our Security Model discussions have direct relevance to OSCE approaches to regional conflicts. It is important that we keep firmly in mind the importance of addressing these real world problems as we continue to work toward producing a Charter on European Security worthy of the name.

You have also, Mr. Minister, addressed the issue of renewing the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Ukraine. The United States firmly believes that the Mission still has vitally important work left to do. The Mission had accomplished a great deal over the last four years, notably in the areas of constitutional reform and assistance to returned national minorities. Nonetheless, we believe that the Mission can contribute even more.

We note the mission's ongoing efforts to bolster the development of democratic institutions and practices, its willingness to address humanitarian needs, and its capacity to bring needed political attention to the profound economic and environmental challenges facing Ukraine today.

To cite but one example, we note the Mission’s efforts, undertaken in conjunction with ODIHR, to address the important issue of election complaint and appeal procedures. I understand your Ministry of Justice has responded favorably to the proposal, and that work begins within the next few weeks.

The issue of election complaint and appeal procedures came to the fore following March 1998 parliamentary elections. Mission’s efforts in this area represent an important step forward for Ukraine, one which the United States has acknowledged with a voluntary donation to ODIHR to fund the program.

It is, Mr. Minister, too early to speak of terminating the Mission. We would look forward to a discussion of future Mission activities prior to mandate renewal in December.