United States Mission to the OSCE

Statement on Ukraine

Delivered by Deputy Representative Douglas Davidson
to the Permanent Council, Vienna

June 17, 2003

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

It is a particular pleasure to welcome Ambassador David Nicholas back to Vienna, this time in his new incarnation, as the distinguished Chairman of the Permanent Council put it, as OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine and also to thank him for his thorough and comprehensive activities report, describing activities underway and those planned for the future.

The wide range of contacts made with Ukrainian officials and civil society in so short a period of time speaks to an Office committed to forging projects based on a comprehensive, informed approach.

We would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Ukrainian Government for the spirit of cooperation that underlines its relationship with the Project Coordinator's Office. We consider this approach essential for the success of the Office in forging projects that advance the Office's mandate.

We attach particular importance to the survey the Project Coordinator has provided on ongoing activities of international organizations and bilateral partners of Ukraine. This is the kind of information the OSCE and participating States need to ensure our efforts are coordinated and mutually reinforcing and not redundant and counterproductive.

In closing, we are pleased that Ambassador Nicholas has established a solid platform for future work in advancing the ambitious agenda embraced by the Office and the Ukrainian Government. We look forward to his next report on the progress this continued cooperation has produced.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.