The President's News Conference with President Viktor Yushchenko

Administration of George W. Bush, 2008 / Apr. 1

chairman, House Committee on Foreign Af- fairs. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on April 1.

The President’s News Conference With President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine in Kiev, Ukraine April 1, 2008

President Yushchenko. Dear Mr. Presi- that fixed it right, and on the other hand, dent, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: we are speaking about the security context. This is a great honor for Ukraine and In my opinion, there are no alternatives Ukrainian Government to welcome the del- for the—against the idea of collective secu- egation of—chaired by the U.S. President. rity. And I believe that collective responsi- We just had one-on-one negotiations and bility for security policy, or defense policy, expanded negotiations, and we can make if you may, is the best response to the general assessment of our talks. We are challenges that currently exist in this soci- very pleased with the frankness and the ety, that exist in the system of international atmosphere that the talks were carried out coordinance. in. And we received full-fledged support And they were about the positions of our from the U.S.A. in Ukraine’s plan to join bilateral relations, the visit of His Excel- the MAP. And in the course of the Bucha- lency President Bush—is very—[inaudi- rest summit, I’m sure that we will receive ble]—documents that were signed. And we a positive signal in Bucharest. And that’s also touched upon the issues of the inter- the spirit that we’re going there with. And national politics and regional politics. I also we’re sure that it will be also an advantage want to say that one of the major issues for those countries who are only about to that a lot of attention was paid by us is determine their way there. And it was very Ukraine’s joining the NATO Membership important for us to have the roadmap Action Plan. signed. It will determine, actually, our ap- And once again, I wanted to prove to plicable action plan. Mr. President and the American delegation This complex document determines the that when we’re speaking about the MAP, priorities of our cooperation in many sec- we mean political and security essence. The tors, starting from political dialogue, space political essence of it is that this country, exploration, nuclear policy, and ending with when we are speaking about the 20th cen- ecological and environmental issues. tury, has many times announced its inde- During Mr. President’s visit, we signed pendence, but many times this independ- a very important agreement, which is a ence failed. For the last 80 years, Ukraine trade and investment framework agree- has declared its independence six times, ment. It lays the necessary foundation for— and five times it failed. It failed probably to start negotiations on the free trade area because there were no international signa- between our countries. And in my opinion, tures—honor our sovereignty. And very it’s also—not less important is the frame- often, Ukraine looked like a diversified work agreement on research and use of country, a parted country in an inter- space in peaceful manner. It opens new national community. And we are speaking prospects for our relations. Still, the rela- HEARING here about the system of political decisions tions has already had good practices. with

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And we also touched upon the energy MAP for Ukraine and Georgia. Helping issues and diversification of energy supplies. Ukraine move toward a NATO membership We paid attention to the energy summit is in the interest of every member in the that will take place in Kiev on the 22d, alliance and will help advance security and 23d of May, on the issues regarding Odes- freedom in this region and around the sa-Brody EU pipeline project, in the con- world. cept of energy security, and other issues We also share more than security inter- that will be considered in the course of ests; we share democratic values. Ukraine the summit. has demonstrated its commitment to de- We also spoke about the domestic polit- mocracy and free markets. You’ve held ical situation in Ukraine. And I would like three elections since the Orange Revolu- to thank very much to Mr. President for tion. Your commitment to open markets this very fruitful and dynamic dialogue and has allowed your economy to grow and for that open and trustful atmosphere that earned your nation the opportunity to join was during our dialogue. I thank you very the World Trade Organization. much indeed. I really appreciate it. I know you’re proud of these accomplish- President Bush. Dobryi den’. Thank you ments, and you should be, Mr. President, all very much. I am thrilled to be here, and so should the people of Ukraine. as is my wife. And thank you for your gra- We’re working together to help cious hospitality, Mr. President. Ukraine—Ukrainians build a better life. I am proud to be sitting next to a leader You’re on the path to reform, and you can who has strong convictions and a lot of count on our continued support. We work courage. We come with a message for the together to fight corruption and support people of Ukraine: Your sovereign nation civil society groups and strengthen institu- has a friend and a solid partner in the tions of a free and prosperous economy. United States. And as you mentioned, Mr. President, Our nations have built our friendship on we’re expanding our economic partnership the love of liberty. Our people believe that through a trade and investment cooperation freedom is the gift of an Almighty to every agreement. man, woman, and child. And President And so, Mr. President, we have a deep Yushchenko and I understand that democ- relationship, an important relationship. And racies are the best partners for peace and I want to thank you for your friendship. security in every part of the world. So we Appreciate what you’ve done to advance spent a lot of time talking about NATO. the cause of freedom. And I look forward First, I do want to remind people that to continuing to work with you during my Ukraine and the NATO alliance have built time as President to make sure our rela- a strong partnership. Ukraine is the only tionship endures for the years to come. non-NATO nation supporting every NATO President Yushchenko. Thank you. mission. In Afghanistan and Iraq, Ukrainian President Bush. Thank you, sir. troops are helping to support young democracies. In Kosovo, Ukrainians are—help keep the peace. North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Missile Ukraine now seeks to deepen its co- Defense System operation with the NATO alliance through Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Do you a Membership Action Plan. Your nation has think that Russia is applying undue pres- made a bold decision, and the United sure and threats to accomplish its goals at States strongly supports your request. In NATO on missile defense and stopping the Bucharest this week, I will continue to Membership Action Plans of Ukraine and HEARING make America’s position clear: We support Georgia? with

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And, Mr. President Yushchenko, what do ble future for Ukraine, the issue of joining you think of Moscow’s tactics? MAP is probably the most high-quality re- President Bush. Just because there was sponse to all the basic and fundamental a bunch of, you know, Soviet-era flags in interests of Ukraine. the street yesterday doesn’t—you shouldn’t Secondly, I would like the debates that read anything into that. I—look, this is an are now being carried out in Europe and interesting debate that’s taking place. And in the world regarding Ukraine’s prospects it’s—you know, as every nation has told of joining the MAP and then after, me, Russia will not have a veto over what NATO—form any new obstacle. I’m sure happens at Bucharest, and I take their that we are going—we’re taking the right word for it. And that’s the right policy to track, and we are acting within the frame- have. I’m going to work as hard as I can to work of our national sovereignty. Our na- see to it that Ukraine and Georgia are action is determined, and it corresponds to cepted into MAP. I think it’s in our inter- our political reasonability for the security ests as NATO members, and I think it’s of the state. in Ukrainian and Georgian interests as well. I would like the basic and fundamental And on missile defense, we’ll see. I’ve principle of work of the alliance—I mean, made it abundantly clear to the—President the open door policy would be replaced Putin that the missile defense system is not by the veto right by the country which is aimed at defending against Russia. After not even a member of the alliance. I’m all, Russia could easily overwhelm the mis- sure that we’re witnessing a very hot and sile defense systems that we have in—that overheated emotional discussion where we’ve envisioned. These systems are aimed there are few rules or even sometimes very at a nation out of the Middle East, for little respect. But at the end of the day, example, that could launch an attack against the wisdom should win. Europe and—just like our systems out in And I want to firmly state that I’m only the Far East are aimed at helping protect governed by a single issue. I want to bring ourselves from single- or dual-launch re- calmness, stability, and security stability, in gimes. particular we—to this state. We want to So obviously, we’ve got a lot of work be speaking about the Ukrainian presence to do to allay suspicions and old fears, but in the world. We want to speak about the I believe we’re making pretty good progress along those lines. internal country. That’s why only through President Yushchenko. When we’re these motives shall we want to have that speaking about Ukrainian politics of joining dialogue, the talks. the MAP and NATO membership, I would And what we have in our society—I like to mention a couple basic things. First, mean, the part of the political forces who this is not a policy against somebody. We do not share this opinion—I think that this are taking care of our national interest. is all natural, because it’s quite natural that Taking a look at our history, it’s very today, like, hundreds—some hundreds of rich in many tragedies for Ukrainian state people and red flags were in the square. that only the system of collective defense This is a remarkable because the Ukrainian and security—international guarantees of famine was built under the same flags as the political sovereignty for Ukraine and the Ukrainian oppression. These were the territorial integrity will give the full re- flags that caused totalitarianism and sponse to the internal question in Ukraine. sufferings that caused many deaths of mil- And I’m sure that for any Ukrainian who lions of people. And I’m sure that the HEARING takes care of the future for Ukraine, a sta- with

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Ukrainian Communist Party may also ap- government that actually listens to the pear one day in Ukraine that will be stand- voices of the people as it makes laws, which ing under the flags of the nation. But ap- is what’s happening. parently we still need to have another But no, this is a good trip, and I’m really Moses to bring people over the desert for thrilled to be here. As the President said, 40 years, for those who lost national inter- ‘‘It took you too long to get here,’’ and est and forgot about it and continue living I admit it. But nevertheless, better late in the past. I don’t want this personality, than never, as they say. And I’m thrilled in person, and I just want to show my to be here, and I want to thank you for vision and the ideology. your hospitality. North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Ukraine Q. The question to President Bush: Were North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Missile you able to persuade France and Germany Defense System to give positive answer on the Ukrainian Q. Thank you, Mr. President. How con- issue? And how your visit is remarkable fident are you of resolving your differences to deciding—to having that decision? over the missile shield with President Putin President Bush. Thank you very much. during your talks in Sochi? And also, sir, We have been working with all nations in there was a growing impression that you NATO for a positive outcome, because I are looking, perhaps, at a tradeoff in which strongly believe NATO membership is in— the U.S. would soften its push for Member- for Ukraine and Georgia is in the interest ship Action Plans in NATO for Ukraine of our organization. And so I have person- and Georgia if Russia acquiesces on missile ally talked to quite a few leaders. Secretary defense. Could you please address that as Rice has been talking to her counterparts. well? Mr. Hadley has been talking to his counter- President Bush. Yes, I’ll be glad to ad- parts. And there’s a lot of discussions going dress it. That is a misperception. I strongly on. And I wouldn’t prejudge the outcome believe that Ukraine and Georgia should yet. The vote will be taken in Bucharest. be given MAP, and there’s no tradeoffs— And my stop here is—should be a clear period. As a matter of fact, I told that signal to everybody that I mean what I to President Putin on my phone call with say, and that is, I mean that it’s in our him recently. I said: ‘‘You just got to know, interest for Ukraine to join. I mean, I’m headed to Bucharest with the idea in that’s—and so therefore, one should—but mind of getting MAP for Ukraine and you ought to take more than my stop— Georgia. And you shouldn’t fear that, Mr. more from my stop than just a—trying to President. I mean, after all, NATO is a send a signal on NATO. I firmly—well, first organization that’s peaceful, or NATO is of all, I was impressed, like most Ameri- an organization that helps democracies cans, by the Orange Revolution. You prob- flourish. Democracies are good things to ably don’t know this, but a lot of Americans have on your border.’’ were really, really touched and pleased to And on the second point, on missile de- see what took place here. fense, it’s in his interests that we participate And I told the President that Ukraine and share information. After all, a missile is—you know, has caught the imagination from the Middle East can fly north just of a lot of our fellow citizens over the last as easily as it could fly west. And the capac- decade or so, and that you’ll have good ity to be able to share information and friends. The key, of course, is to have gov- share technology to be able to deal with ernment that’s open, government that’s these threats is important for a lot of coun- HEARING transparent, government that’s noncorrupt, tries, including Russia. with

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So yes, there’s all kinds of rumors about interests, European interests—to be able to things, but thank you for asking and giving have a working relationship with Russia. me a chance to clarify. My position is abso- And I’ve had that. And this will be a lutely solid. My position is absolutely solid. chance to say, ‘‘I appreciate being able to Ukraine and Georgia should be given MAP. work together,’’ and to be able to try to Thank you. find some common interests in the waning Missile Defense System/Russia days of his Presidency. Q. [Inaudible]—what are the chances, in Ukraine/North Atlantic Treaty Organization your opinion, of achieving an agreement Q. The question to President at Sochi on missile defense? Yushchenko: Please, Mr. President, say, if President Bush. On Sochi, I don’t know, the positive decision is not taken in Bucha- but the chances are—advancing my logic rest on Ukraine, what are the next steps is good, since I’ll be there talking about of Ukraine then? it. And we’ll see whether or not there’s President Yushchenko. If not, the—I’m an agreement. But obviously, we’ve got sure that we will win because the argu- work to do to convince the President and ments that were just mentioned by Mr. people around him that the missile defense President and the positions that Ukraine system is not aimed at Russia. In other is standing with, within the framework of words, it’s viewed as an anti-Russian device. the international debate on this issue—we Well, it’s not, and therefore, it requires a are every day approaching to the positive lot of time, a lot of discussion. That’s what final result. This is a colossal international Condi Rice and Bob Gates spent time work, and I would like to thank you all— doing when they were there in Russia, and in your presence, I would like to thank that is to defuse any notions that this is President Bush for the work that’s been aiming something at somebody in Europe. done and that will be done in both public This is all aiming to protect people in Eu- and nonpublic way. rope. And we fully understand the value of Yes, I mean, the truth of the matter is, the issue and its importance. Of course, the Russian system could overwhelm the we still have a lot of effort forward to re- missile defense systems we have envisioned. ceive a positive answer. I have very good I mean, these systems are designed to deal belief that the position of our friends in with, you know, limited launch capabilities. the EU will play a very important role for And they’ve got multiple launch capabili- tomorrow’s decision. And I hope that we ties. And so it’s just—it requires a lot of will be able to convince those states that work. We’re dealing with a lot of history still have an opportunity—that will have an and a lot of suspicion throughout govern- opportunity to get more information about ments. And so the President and I will it and eliminate all the doubts. try to work through these for our common I—frankly speaking, I don’t see any other good. And I’m hopeful we can have some way for Ukraine, no other alternative breakthroughs. We’ll see. maybe—emotionally, I would like to say The other thing is, is that this will be that for the nation, for the political forces, my last chance to visit with him face to should be more devoted to this way. And face, as you know, and I’ve worked with the issue of whether Ukraine joins or not— him for 8 years. We’ve had a very inter- the MAP—is not the complete target, the esting relationship. I like him. He’s a per- final target that we have in the Ukrainian son that has been a strong leader for Rus- society. And I’m sure that in order to avoid sia. And my view all along has been that speculations on an international level, when HEARING it’s in our interest—our interests, Ukrainian somebody refers to the fact that the with

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Ukrainian nation has not decided yet—I’m of those who are for and who supported sorry, we have decided already. We’re not the alliance integration—a year ago, we speaking about joining NATO, we are only were supported by 33 percent. During the speaking about MAP. last live debates, we’ve seen the analytics Why Ukraine should be deprived of that that raised up to 40 percent. And we sovereign right is—there is a principle of haven’t started our work yet—I mean, the open doors, which is the basic principle profound work. So this is the—quite a situ- for NATO. Why can’t we join MAP, and ation. I mean, the attention to this issue then let’s have a meeting in a year or two, in the parliament for the last 2 months when we explain to the nation that—what just made that big progress, and the nation the NATO mission is and what the collec- started knowing better what NATO is and tive security mission is and then how im- what its concept is. So I think everything portant is—a response for Ukraine it is and will be fine. why there is no alternative answer for us. Thank you. If any politician is troubled about this nation and is worried about this future, I am NOTE: The President’s news conference sure that Ukrainian nation is very wise, and began at 11 a.m. in the House with Chimeras it will make positive decision in the course at the Presidential Secretariat. In his re- of the referendum that we going to have marks, he referred to President Vladimir V. regarding Ukraine to join NATO. Putin of Russia. President Yushchenko and I recall when, 3 years ago, we started some reporters spoke in Ukrainian, and their this discussion, I think, from 17 percent remarks were translated by an interpreter.

Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine in Kiev April 1, 2008

Madam Prime Minister, Mr. Chairman, freedom in many parts of the world. You’re distinguished guests, thank you for your helping to train security forces in Iraq, sup- warm welcome. Laura and I are honored porting a Provincial Reconstruction Team to stand with you on Ukrainian soil, and in Afghanistan. Ukrainians are part of the we bring the greetings of the American U.N. mission in Kosovo. Last month in people, or as you would say, Vitayu vas. Kosovo, a Ukrainian police officer gave his The people of Ukraine have made great life and many others were wounded helping contributions to the history of human free- to defend the ideals of freedom. dom. During World War II, Ukrainian sol- Ukraine is contributing to every mission diers helped defeat the armies of fascism of the NATO alliance and honoring the and end the deadliest conflict in history. ideals that unite the transatlantic commu- And at the end of the cold war, Ukrainians nity. This week, Ukraine seeks to strength- formed an independent nation and declared en its transatlantic ties through a NATO your desire to live in freedom and peace. Membership Action Plan. The United In 2004, Ukrainians inspired the world States strongly supports your request. We with the Orange Revolution, using peaceful are proud to stand with you in Bucharest demonstrations to protect your right to and beyond. choose your leaders. Today, Ukrainians are Mr. President, our two nations share a HEARING showing courage in helping to advance common vision for the future. We seek to with

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