Foreign Minister Yatsenyuk Speaks at the University of Ottawa

By Daniel Galadza, Chair of Ukrainian Studies University of Ottawa

On May 7, 2007, Ukraine’s new Foreign Minister, the Hon. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, visited the University of Ottawa and delivered an address in Tabaret Hall Rotunda entitled “The Domestic Political Situation in Ukraine and Its Foreign Policy Priorities.” This was Minister Yatsenyuk’s main public engagement during his first official visit to Canada as Foreign Minister of Ukraine since being appointed to the portfolio position in March 2007. After visiting Moscow, Brussels, and Washington, the new Minister made a priority of selecting Canada as his next destination. The event was very well attended by representatives of a dozen foreign embassies, Canadian government and CIDA officials, NGOs, faculties, students, as well as members of the Ukrainian communities of Ottawa and Montreal.

After being introduced by Dominique Arel, Chairholder of the Chair of Ukrainian Studies, Serge Denis, Director of the School of Political Studies, and Franзois Houle, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yatsenyuk began his talk in English by outlining certain similarities between Canada and Ukraine, especially their political borders with large and influential neighbours (i.e. the United States and Russia, respectively). Yatsenyuk also highlighted common values shared by both countries, especially the importance of democracy, a just legal system, and freedom of speech. He praised the Ukrainian diaspora community of Canada as a vital link in promoting Ukrainian awareness and political interests in Canada.

While the Minister presented Ukraine as a young, budding democracy in the early stages of growth, he admitted to certain challenges his country is facing today. The energy question is a significant concern, especially after the dramatic rise of gas prices in 2005-2006 — a problem which could be solved by Canada’s CANDU reactors. In order to reduce its impact on the environment, Yatsenyuk reminded the assembly that Ukraine has already ratified the Kyoto Protocol. He also pointed to the challenge of technical assistance and military support and thanked Canada in particular for its role is assisting Ukraine.

In terms of economic growth, Yatsenyuk showed displeasure at the lack of free trade agreements and low investment from Canada. He noted that the economy is highly diversified and has trading partnerships with many countries. Yatsenyuk pointed out that the majority of foreign investors are from the European Union and suggested that Canada should follow their lead, reaping the same rewards the Europeans have already been receiving.

Downplaying the current political situation in Ukraine, Minister Yatsenyuk stated jokingly that “nothing special is happening in Ukraine.” He compared the feud between the President and Parliament to debates he observed on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, suggesting that it might be easier to achieve consensus among Ukraine’s rival factions than between Canada’s opposing political parties. Yatsenyuk admitted that Ukraine was a populous but young nation that is still studying democracy and will emerge from this period of growing pains as a strong European democracy.

Although Ukraine has a strong desire to enter the European Union, the Foreign Minister stated that he would prefer that his country be eagerly invited to join rather than try to force its way in. One step toward openness to Europe was the cancellation of visa requirements for visitors from certain Western countries to Ukraine.

Despite its Westward leanings, Ukraine does not want to distance itself too much from Russia. Because 50 percent of Ukrainians use the Russian language, 20 percent of the population has relatives in Russia, and 70 percent of the country’s gas comes from Russia, Yatsenyuk said that he simply desired transparent relations with Russia.

Following his address, Minister Yatsenyuk opened the floor to questions, showing his excellent command of English by answering the questions with ease. The first question dealt with the inefficiency of the Ukrainian electoral and political system. Yatsenyuk responded that one should not blame the system suggesting that the problem is its implementation. 

Concern was raised regarding the competition between the Ukrainian and Russian languages, even within the borders of Ukraine. Minister Yatsenyuk said not to blame Russia but to point the finger at Ukrainian public officials who are not promoting Ukrainian the way they should. He insisted that all public statements about the need for the Ukrainian language required financial backing, otherwise they would be pointless.

Yatsenyuk also received a question about Ukraine’s position regarding relations between Russia and the West. He pointed out that, unlike Ukraine, the West does not have a land border with Russia, making Ukraine’s relationship with Russia quite different. He insisted that Ukraine must recognize Russia’s sovereignty and if they do not choose democracy, their choice must be respected.

Members of the audience were also interested in how Canadian aid was being used in Ukraine. Minister Yatsenyuk noted that 24 projects were being run in Ukraine thanks for $300 million from CIDA, one of which dealt with electronic registration of election information.

Another question expressed outrage that convicted felons were currently sitting as members of Parliament in Ukraine. Yatsenyuk agreed that reforms were necessary in order to implement the Rule of Law and that the new electoral lists may better filter individuals aspiring to a seat in parliament.

Yatsenyuk expressed his views on Ukrainian integrity by answering the final question, regarding a possible Crimean secession. He stated that Ukraine’s sovereignty had to be defended by preserving the Ukrainian language and Ukrainian territorial integrity, and no one should be permitted to jeopardize these two important points.

The event concluded with the presentation of documents recognizing the contributions of diaspora members to the growth and development of Ukraine. The four awardees were Roman Golash, Valentyna Golash, Roman Serbyn, and Yuriy Luhovy, all from the Montreal Ukrainian community.