The Diplomatic Club: Meeting with David Merkel
17.04.2008
Open Ukraine Foundation held a regular informal meeting of the Diplomatic Club on April 16, 2008. David Merkel, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, was the honorable guest of the club within the framework of his first visit to Ukraine. Experienced Ukrainian diplomats, politicians, businessmen, and leading international journalists discussed current issues affecting Ukraine.The newly appointed Assistant Secretary of State enquired about Ukraine’s impression from the recent Bucharest NATO Summit decision, regional security problems, and our own assessment of our country’s role in the Black – Caspian Sea region.
Active discussion revolved around the topic of the Bucharest NATO Summit. Various opinions were expressed in respect to the decisions made at the Summit that impact Ukraine and Georgia’s prospects of joining NATO. The guests of the Club agreed that Ukraine’s desire to join the NATO Membership Action Plan is the right path to take on the way to EU membership. At the same time it was noted that Ukraine had to perform quite a bit of “homework” which would be assessed by the Alliance leaders in December 2008.
As it was stated during the discussion, the U.S. is open to active cooperation with the Russian Federation in order to diffuse Moscow’s fears concerning the potential eastward expansion of the Alliance.
The participants positively evaluated the dynamics of Ukraine – EU cooperation, in particular the beginning of negotiations on the new enhanced agreement and the Free Trade Area. Taking this into account, Ukrainian participants expressed their expectations concerning the U.S. government’s assistance.
|
