Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the MOU Signing With Ukraine on Nuclear Security Cooperation

The picture, alas, is not from today but from another signing back in February. If a video should appear, I will post it here.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko shakes hands as they exchange documents during a signing ceremony at the State Department Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding With Ukraine on Nuclear Security Cooperation

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Remarks With Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko

Waldorf=Astoria

New York, New York

September 26, 2011

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SECRETARY CLINTON: If I could, let me just say a word about the importance of what we have just done together. It is, for me, a great pleasure to welcome my colleague, the foreign minister of Ukraine, as we take yet another step in the strategic partnership between our nations. And in particular today, we are advancing our shared interests in making the world safer and more secure.

Ridding the world of nuclear weapons is a priority for both of our countries. And at last year’s Nuclear Security Summit, both President Yanukovych and President Obama vowed to work together to prevent proliferation and to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials. And in fact, President Yanukovych announced Ukraine’s decision to get rid of all of its stocks of highly enriched uranium by March 2012, when the next Nuclear Security Summit will convene.

The United States matched that old commitment from Ukraine with commitments of our own. We are providing Ukraine with financial and technical assistance to modernize its civil nuclear research facilities. We are helping convert those facilities so they operate on safer low enrichment uranium fuel. The United States is also building a state-of-the-art neutron source facility in Ukraine, where scientists will be able to expand their nuclear research and produce more than 50 different medical isotopes to treat cancer and other diseases. At present, these are isotopes that Ukraine must import from other countries today. The United States is committed to meet all agreed milestones for construction of the neutron source facility by March 2012 and to provide a fully operational facility by 2014.

The Memorandum of Understanding we’ve just signed formalizes our intent to fully implement the commitments our presidents made last year. I think it’s fair to say we’ve already made significant progress. Ukraine has already removed a substantial portion of its highly enriched uranium, and the United States has made progress on the neutron source facility project, and we expect to break ground in Ukraine soon. This deal is a win-win for both countries and both peoples. It provides tangible benefits for the people of Ukraine, and it makes the world safer for all people.

On another note, this year marks the 20^th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on another key aspect of the strategic partnership between our nations, our joint commitment to democracy and shared values. It’s not been easy to build a strong democracy from the aftermath of the Soviet collapse, but Ukraine has made significant gains. As we know, democracies are built on checks and balances, fair and impartial institutions, judicial independence, sound election laws, and an independent media and civil society.

We believe Ukraine is on its way to achieving these goals, and we urge it to continue to press forward. We are very committed to democratic progress continuing in Ukraine. And therefore, it is vital that the government avoid any actions that could undermine democracy or the rule of law or political participation and competition. We believe that Ukraine stands at the cusp of achieving a stable, functioning democracy that will advance its prosperity and security, that will strengthen its relations with its partners and neighbors, and provide greater opportunities for Ukrainian citizens.

I enjoy working with the foreign minister and his government, and I look forward, on behalf of the United States, to continuing our work together. Thank you very much, Minister.

FOREIGN MINISTER GRYSHCHENKO: Thank you. If I may, a couple of words. I fully share what my colleague, the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has just stated. We are working together to relieve Ukraine of the burden of having highly enriched uranium in the time when low enriched uranium is really an answer to many of the issues, to many of the challenges that Ukraine as a nation faces in the area of nuclear safety, future of nuclear energy, medical uses of isotopes, and many other areas of use of peaceful atom.

Today, we have signed a document that provides for practicalities, which clearly stipulates the obligations of each party, and we have full confidence in ability of both Ukraine and the United States to meet the stated goals and timelines.

On the issues of overall political dialogue and cooperation between two nations, I would like to stress that for us, United States has been for the last 20 years and will continue to be a major strategic partner in this global economy and in the politics of the world, where much of the risks happen or appear unexpectedly and need to have quick response from international community. The Ukraine has been active in so many of the problems where our role was crucial. The events in Cote d’Ivoire is just one example where, far from our borders, we were able to play a pivotal role in bringing peace and security to this African nation. But Ukraine is also participating in almost all peacekeeping operations led by United Nations, but also by NATO, among other institutions.

We believe that democratic developments in our country need to be based on an understanding that democracy brings with itself full responsibility of those who are elected or appointed to high positions in government. We believe that listening to the people, interacting with them, is important for our own future and our own success. In that respect, we are open and continue dialogue with the United States based on our common understanding of values and a future which should unite us in bringing the world to – closer to these standards for all.

Thank you.

Video: Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Signing of a Cooperative Plan on Combating Human Trafficking in Ukraine

Third Meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission and Signing of a Cooperative Plan on Combating Human Trafficking in Ukraine

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko

The Thomas Jefferson Room

Washington, DC

February 15, 2011

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, thank you all very much for being here. I am pleased to join the minister in hosting the third session of the United States-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission. We are committed to broadening and deepening the relationship between our two countries. I would like to extend a special welcome to Presidential Adviser Akimova, Justice Minister Lavrynovych, Energy Minister Boyko, Ambassador Tefft, Assistant Secretary Gordon, Ambassador Verveer, Ambassador CdeBaca, and the other distinguished participants here today.

Since we began these meetings in December 2009, we have sought to use our partnership commission to plan and implement concrete actions that improve the life for both of our peoples. The extent of Ukrainian representation in this room sends a clear message about Ukraine’s commitment and the progress that it seeks to promote.

In my conversation today with Foreign Minister Gryshchenko, we discussed the challenges that we face. We covered many topics, including our effective cooperation to stop nuclear proliferation, our support for Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its own democracy and the rule of law, and progress on global issues from food security to HIV/AIDS, as well as steps to help Ukraine develop its domestic energy resources and attract greater private investment, particularly from the United States.

We have rolled up our sleeves, Minister, to pursue our common goal of a Ukraine that is more secure, prosperous, and democratic.

The truth is that Ukraine is well positioned to realize its own citizens’ hope for a genuine democracy and a prosperous economy. It has an educated, innovative population, deep foundations of democracy, including a vibrant civil society – some of whom I met earlier today – the potential to become energy independent, and the capacity to lead on key regional and global issues.

President Yanukovych has said he is ready to take bold initiatives to exercise that leadership. Last year, he pledged to eliminate Ukraine’s highly enriched uranium, and Ukraine is fully on schedule to eliminate all of its HEU in 2012. That leadership elevated Ukraine’s standing in the global community, bringing full circle a process that began in 1994 with Ukraine’s historic decision to give up nuclear weapons. With U.S. assistance, Ukraine has ushered in a new era of peaceful nuclear power.

Now we are also looking to Ukraine to continue the commitments that President Yanukovych has made to transparent government, strong rule of law, protection of freedom of speech and media, comprehensive judicial reform in partnership with the Ukrainian people, with stakeholders throughout the country, including opposition leaders and members of civil society. Many of the civil society activists here from Ukraine really are committed to strengthening their country, and we support their goals. They are really committed to also being a partner with their government, and they will be working to see more progress.

We also are hoping to see the investment climate improve and business open up. We want to see Ukraine prosper and think that there is an enormous opportunity for that. One example will be the memorandum Ambassador Morningstar and Minister of Energy and Coal Boyko will sign today. This MOU will launch a U.S. geological survey effort to develop exploration and development of unconventional gas, and that is a direct result of a conversation that the foreign minister and I began in Kiev about cooperative energy ventures.

We have negotiated a five-year partnership framework to strengthen the delivery of health services and treatment for Ukrainians living with HIV/AIDS. And we’re launching a five-year, $20 million program to strengthen Ukraine’s agricultural sector and help build its potential as a major contributor to global food security.

I’m pleased we’re making progress also on another issue, human trafficking. Today, we will sign a bilateral Cooperation Plan on Combating Human Trafficking in Ukraine. The recent repatriation from Ukraine to the United States of a trafficker accused of taking more than $1 million in profits from the women he exploited is just one way we are working to end this tragic worldwide blight.

So Ukraine is on a remarkable journey. The United States wants to assist on that journey. We want to make sure that the progress is tangible and the benefits real for the Ukrainian people. And I thank you very much, Minister, for being part of the leadership that is heading in the right direction for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

FOREIGN MINISTER GRYSHCHENKO: Well, thank you, Madam Secretary. It’s a great honor to be here, to be in the State Department at this very important occasion.

Now, strategic partnership with the United States has become a very important part of our foreign policy, and we do rely on this strategic partnership to help us guide the shape of our statehood through the waters which are not easy that surrounds us in this global economic situation that changes with every year.

I don’t want to repeat what you have already underlined, the importance of the current agreements that we have – we are going to sign right now. We see a very important task before us in the future, that is, to make sure that the progress Ukraine is making in transforming our economy and social fabric. To meet the high standards of transatlantic democracies is something which is very dear to us and an important factor which should be helping in our success.

We have discussed, prior to this signing event and opening the commission’s session, some of the issues that are extremely important for this strategic partnership to develop for mutually successful progress. And we take – Ukrainian delegation, some of the messages back home. And I believe that some of the messages we have tried to get across here were carefully noted, and we will continue this dialogue in all areas – in the economic (inaudible), in making this cooperation in the nonproliferation area more effective still, and in continuous of the high-level political dialogue between two countries, which is important to understand that the logic and motivation of the events, and the programs that we have inside our country.

The world is changing all the time, but we rely as a constant on your understanding and your support in fulfilling our ambitious European agenda. We believe that Ukraine is destined to be an integral part for European Union and we think that this strategic cooperation between the U.S. and EU should be upheld for (inaudible) in promoting our own goals. Today, we have an opportunity to continue our work, to hear reports of our working groups. We have brought a very important delegation to underline the need to have these high-level exchanges for the benefit of our both countries.

Thank you so much, Madam Secretary, for your hospitality, for the frankness, but also the positive attitude that you have expressed in discussing many of the important priorities that we place before us. Thank you (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. So now, we will be signing.

(The cooperative plan is signed.) (Applause.)

Secretary Clinton's Remarks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko

Remarks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Kyiv, Ukraine

July 2, 2010

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MODERATOR: (Via interpreter.) Dear colleagues, now we have a press conference of State Secretary of the United States of America Madam Hillary Clinton as well as Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Ukraine Mr. Gryshchenko. However, as we are pressed for time, we shall only allow one question from each side. Now, we shall have a question from Ukrainian journalist. You are welcome from (inaudible) publication.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter.) A question to Madam Clinton: What do you think – do you see any (inaudible) for freedom of expression in Ukraine (inaudible) freedoms in connection to, for example, disallowance of (inaudible), the head of their (inaudible) foundation to Ukraine when he was not allowed to enter Ukraine or in regard to no limitations to freedom of assembly, for example, of Ukrainian citizens? Do you see any threats in this regard of – a question to Mr. Gryshchenko: Did you discuss possibilities and (inaudible) of the President of the United States to Ukraine? If yes, when such visit is possible? Did you discuss any possible date of such a visit?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first, let me say how delighted I am to be back in Ukraine. We just had a very constructive and comprehensive discussion about a broad range of issues that are of concern to both Ukraine and the United States as well as the region and globally. I think that the commitment that has been made by the president and the government to strengthening and advancing democracy and democratic institutions is very important and I commend the government for those commitments. It is important, obviously, to translate commitments into actions, which is part of the reform agenda that the Government of Ukraine is pursuing.

The United States believes strongly in Ukraine’s future and we think a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by the recent election, which involved a high level of debate and discussion of the issues about Ukraine’s future is a very good sign of the potential that exists for Ukraine’s development. And we think a vibrant, transparent market economy with clear rules is also essential to create the benefits of broadly based prosperity.

The United States will continue to raise concerns about freedom of the media, about freedom of assembly, because we believe, from our own experience, that it’s important for the government to make the kind of commitment that this government has made and to follow through on it. But our strategic partnership is very deep and it’s broadening and strengthening. The foreign minister and I agreed that we will meet again later in the year for the next installment of the specific, concrete actions that we are working on together in our strategic partnership. And democracy, rule of law will be issues, as will energy, investment, climate, security, and all the other important matters that we are discussing.

FOREIGN MINISTER GRYSHCHENKO: (Via interpreter.) Thank you. I would like to answer the second question. But first of all, I would like to tell you that we discussed a wide range of issues of interest for Ukraine and the United States. On some of those matters, our interests coincide and others can be discussed for our mutual benefit.

As for freedom of the media and development of democracy, we also exchanged our views with Madam Secretary of the State. And now we are here, it’s the question with a media resource which is very critical about the government is an evidence that we are on the way to openness and transparency.

As for the visit on the top level, we discussed a possibility of such a summit, and we shall do our best to make sure it takes place soon and we’ll have proper contents and outcomes. Thank you.

MODERATOR: And now we give the floor to our American colleagues so --

QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much. Mary Beth Sheridan from Washington Post. Madam Secretary, a question if I could about the spy issue in the United States. An assistant U.S attorney in New York said yesterday that, “A lot of Russian Government officials in the United States are actively assisting this conspiracy.” I’m wondering if you have spoken to your Russian counterparts about this, and if there is any U.S. thought of retaliatory measures given the alleged involvement of Russian diplomats?

And then if I could, a second question: You mentioned – you spoke a lot about economic reform in Ukraine and the possibility of an IMF agreement being revived. Do you feel like Ukraine has made enough steps in terms of economic reform, austerity measures, and so on? Would you support such an agreement even if they had not done so? And if I could just ask the minister, how close are you to an agreement with the IMF?

Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well first, as you know, there are ongoing investigations concerning the spy issues, and I’m not going to comment on them. But I will underscore what President Obama said yesterday, and that is, we are committed to building a new and positive relationship with Russia whenever and wherever we can. We think it is in the interest of the United States to do so, and I think President Obama referred to this latest incident as something from the 20^th century. We are now 10 years into the 21^st century and we are looking toward the future, and are committed to taking actions which we think are in the interests of American security and values, and also, by the way, in the interests of the kind of future that the leaders of Russia tell us they wish to have for their own people.

Regarding the IMF, that is a matter between Ukraine and the IMF. We are hopeful and encouraging of the reforms that the government here has announced that it is undertaking with respect to its budget, because we know how important it is to try to navigate through these difficult economic times. So certainly, the United States does hope that there is an agreement reached between Ukraine and the IMF. We understand that all of these IMF agreements require certain measures to be taken that are difficult. That is, unfortunately, the global economy that we are coping with right now, but I have a lot of hope that Ukraine and the IMF will work out whatever agreement they can that will be to the benefit of the Ukrainian people in the long term.

FOREIGN MINISTER GRYSHCHENKO: Just to save time I will briefly respond to you in English and then repeat it in Ukrainian myself. In three months we have done as much as any government can do. There are quite a number of legislation pieces which (inaudible) to parliament. There is also the budget which was adopted by parliament and it was done in a very brief time span. We will continue around this (inaudible) and we believe that today’s negotiations with IMF would lead to an agreement. We most certainly hope so. That’s why I say it for today and it will be a crucial day for this negotiations.

Thank you so much.

MODERATOR: With this, we’ll finish. Thank you.

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