Historical archive

The Ukrainian Choice: Democracy or Authoritarianism (Traavik)

Historical archive

Published under: Bondevik's 2nd Government

Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Statement by Deputy Minister Mr. Kim Traavik at the Conference on Ukraina, Oslo, 4 May. (07.05.04)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kim Traavik

The Ukrainian Choice: Democracy or Authoritarianism

Conference on Ukraina, Oslo, 4 May 2004

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by commending the organisers of this timely seminar on the situation in Ukraine.

Four days ago Ukraine became a new and immediate neighbour of the enlarged European Union. The enlargement of the EU and NATO is a truly historical moment in Europe. Old dividing lines are finally gone. But at the same time it is also a defining moment. New divisions must not be allowed to replace the ones that have been done away with. This is imperative for ensuring stability in our part of the world. Ukraine is Europe’s second largest country, situated at the heart of our continent. Therefore, clearly, the Ukrainian choice matters, to all of us.

Ukraine has expressed its ambitions for future integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. We fully support this goal. We will work with Ukraine to achieve it, even if it might take time. One important instrument for promoting economic development and democratic reforms is the EU’s New Neighbourhood Initiative. Norway fully supports this initiative, and we are committed to working with the EU towards the achievement of its objectives. We urge Ukraine to make full use of the possibilities offered by the European Neighbourhood program.

A closer integration will, however, to a great extent depend on the Ukrainian authorities’ own performance and policies. To reach the declared goal of qualifying for membership in both EU and NATO, we need to see determined and sustained democratic and economic reforms.

The upcoming presidential elections will be a litmus test. By holding open and transparent elections, Ukraine can demonstrate its dedication to democratisation and the shared values of the European and Euro-Atlantic community the way that matters most: In deeds.

Through membership in organisations such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, Ukraine has already committed itself to upholding international standards for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. As we have seen during previous elections, the international community is closely observing how Ukraine fulfils these standards. The Norwegian embassy in Kiev is participating in an international observer group, which has followed the election preparations already for some time.

A key issue in the pre-election period is the question of equal access for all candidates to the national media. Throughout the last months we have witnessed disturbing developments for the free and independent media in Ukraine. Newspapers and radio stations have been closed. Arbitrary tax inspections have been conducted.

This has caused concern among the people of Ukraine as well as in the international community, and understandably so. These measures are broadly perceived as politically motivated.

The closing of newspapers and radiostations gives rise to doubts about the commitment of the authorities to fundamental democratic principles. Access to different sources of information is a prerequisite for the Ukrainian people to make their presidential choice based on the best information available.

The practise of so-called " teminki" is also a cause for concern. They are detailed instructions from the presidential administration to the editors on what they are allowed to report on. This is clearly contrary to the role of the media as an independent watchdog of the society. We urge the Ukrainian government to terminate this policy, and to grant the media in Ukraine the necessary working space.

Local elections can be an indication of what could happen at the upcoming presidential elections. It is important that the international community follows these elections closely. At the recent mayoral elections in Mukachevo, massive violations were identified by both national and international observers. It was made clear to the Ukrainian authorities that the findings did not meet the standards required for free and fair elections. The Ukrainian authorities have decided to investigate the violations in Mukachevo. We welcome that decision, and hope that this process will encourage other local administrations to ensure transparent by-elections in the future.

The attention that the international community’s has paid to political developments in Ukraine has produced some positive results. In January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution relating to the dispute over the proposals for constitutional change. The Ukrainian authorities have responded by following up some of the recommendations put forward in the resolution. Similarly, in March international reactions to the closing and harassment of newspapers and radio stations led to a presidential decree inposing a moratorium on tax inspections of the media for the remainder of the current year.

This shows that close international attention and quick and co-ordinated reactions can have an impact. The international community, and not least the EU, must continue to make optimal use of the leverage that the expressed desire of Ukraine to get closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions gives it. At the same time, it is also very important to co-operate and have a close dialogue with Ukrainian institutions, such as the Ombudsman’s office as well as civil society and NGOs.

We commend the close contacts established between the Norwegian and the Ukrainian organisations that are represented here today. Your attention and efforts to help Ukraine move forwards on the path of democratisation is of great importance. From the Government’s side, we will continue our dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities, both bilaterally and in international fora. There is no alternative to engaging Ukaraine. But engagement must be combined with plain speaking when necessary.

So we, too, will stay engaged with Ukraine. The choice Ukraine is about to make is important both to Ukraine and to the Ukrainian people. It is also essential for the further strengthening of the European and the Euro-Atlantic community. We urge Ukraine to make the right choice.

Thank you.