American Democrat Senator Richard Durbin, the Senate Majority Whip, which is the second highest position of the Democratic Party leadership in Senate, has recently been on a one-day visit to Kyiv. The fact that during a day he was received by the top-ranking officials of our state, the president, prime minister, and foreign minister, speaks for itself. In an exclusive interview Mr. DURBIN told The Day what was discussed at these meetings, as well as his opinion on the draft resolution submitted by his colleague from the Republican Party James Inhofe, calling to implement sanctions against Viktor Yanukovych and other Ukrainian state officials with an aim to release former primer minister Yulia Tymoshenko from prison.
Senator Durbin, was it your personal initiative to come to Kyiv and have meeting with high Ukrainian officials or you were sent here by party?
“It was my initiative to come here. I visited Ukraine a number of years ago in 2006, when Yushchenko was president. It was a brief visit and we met with him. But I wanted to return for several reasons. One is that we want to encourage progress in Ukraine towards more freedom and democracy, and development of a strong market economy. And I had a chance today to meet with three government leaders: Mr. Hryshchenko as well as the prime minister and of course the president to discuss this issue. I also met with leaders of the opposition parties as well.”
And what did you discuss during these meetings?
“We discussed many things but I have to tell you that we kept returning to the same issue. And that of course is the imprisonment of Ms. Tymoshenko. We feel in the United States that this was a case of selective prosecution and that she should be released. I’ve discussed this at every meeting I had, including my meeting with the president. This casts a cloud over the relationship between the United States – and even Europe – with Ukraine. And the sooner this is resolved and she is released, the better for this relationship.”
Did the president and prime minister explain how in their opinion it is possible to resolve this case and remove the cloud you have mentioned?
“I said to the president at our last meeting that I now know enough about this case to be prepared to argue this case in court. I have heard so much about it. But in all seriousness and honesty, I think that there are ways to resolve it. First, there is the cassation which would be a way to go through the judicial system. I am told that there will be some decision perhaps as early as June 26 in that possibility. There also the president has his own power to make a decision. That is my understanding that government or the prosecutor has contracted with an American law firm – the Skadden Law Firm. We have heard the name of Mr. Gregg Craig who is the former counsel to President Obama, who is part of this case. I do not know exactly what his charge is, what his responsibility is in this case, but I hope that he will take a careful look at it and advise the president of ways that he might use to reconsider the decision of the court.”
Have you heard any concrete statement from the president that indeed this case would be resolved?
“I can tell that the president said several times how important it was and how anxious he was to see this matter resolved. I sensed as I met with him and the prime minister that they understand that this is not helping Ukraine and its relations with Europe or with the United States.”
Your colleague, Republican Senator James Inhofe has recently submitted a resolution calling for release from prison of former prime minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko. Will democrats support this resolution?
“This was introduced just a few days ago. And I wanted to study it carefully. But we’ve reached out to Senator Inhofe based on our trip here. I met last night with Ms. Tymoshenko’s daughter and Serhii Vlasenko. I want to sit down with senator Inhofe and my colleagues at this point and discuss whether or not we can come to an agreement about some language on a resolution. There is also a strong sentiment about Ms. Tymoshenko among my colleagues. It is not just this one senator. Senator Cardin who is with the Helsinki commission, Senator Shaheen who is a chair of the European subcommittee, and, of course, Congressman Smith of New Jersey who recently has held a hearing on the subject. So, this is a matter of serious concern on Capitol Hill, and we will work together to see if we can come with agreed language on resolution. I’ve encouraged this government at every level I’ve spoken to, to move forward and resolve this quickly and to release her quickly, so she can seek the medical treatment she needs.”
If Ukrainian side would not move further in Tymoshenko case or do anything to removed the clouds may one expect personal sanctions towards Ukrainian officials as it is in the case with Magnitsky list?
“I would rather not characterize the reaction at this point. I left with a distinct impression from the prime minister and the president that they want to get this resolved in a timely way. And I encouraged them to do so. I’ll give them time obviously until June 26 when court is going to consider this, and I hope they will do this in a timely fashion.”
What changes have you noticed in our country after your first visit six years ago?
“I have not seen much during this short visit. I detect much more development of the economy and a move towards some Western elements when it comes to economic development. I think these are overall very positive things. As I said to the president it is clear to me that Ukraine is being pulled in two directions: it’s being pulled toward Moscow with its energy needs, and it’s being pulled toward the West with its future and opportunities in the market place. So, it’s a tension, and the president acknowledged it’s a tension that he deals with all the time. I really believe that Ukraine must focus on primarily its energy needs and energy efficiency to sustain a growing economy. I think that is a key element that everyone I’ve spoken to agreed with, and I believe there is an opportunity in the West, in Europe, and in the United States for Ukraine to become a larger partner, in terms of its own economic development.”
You know that some Republicans blame Obama policy towards Russia that reset is not working. On the other hand, before Chicago summit an expert stated that Russia should be invited to join NATO. What do you think about this?
“I think an honest appraisal would say that we still have serious policy differences with the Russians on many fronts. But I think the Administration would be quick to add we’ve had some evidence of cooperation and some hopeful signs. The work of the Russians with the Iranian situation has been very important for us. And now, I met with the Russian ambassador to the United States a week ago and I think they are more open to playing a role in resolving bloodshed in Syria. So, the Russians can play a positive role in bringing peace to the Middle East and other parts of the world, and in terms whether Russia would ever be part of NATO that is probably not likely, but we should encourage them to move as close as possible to our values, the values of NATO.”
Why did you become a Democrat, not a Republican?
“I’m a Democrat and proud to be one. I think our party is a party that really works to create opportunity for people regardless of whatever they come from – whether they are blessed with certain talents when they are born. We want to give everyone an opportunity and a chance. That’s why I am sitting here. My mother was born in Lithuania; I am the son of a Lithuanian immigrant. I am a United States Senator and in the leadership of that body. And I think America has offered that opportunity in so many ways to my family and to others, and I want to make sure that future generations have the same opportunity.”
But some say that Obama and Democrats are pursuing socialism in America.
“The Republican critics say that, but let me tell you, we are fortunate to have Social Security so that people in the United States know that they will not die poor. We are fortunate to have Medicare, which is health insurance for the elderly and disabled. These are programs where we have what we call a safety net for those people in America who otherwise would struggle to live every day. I do not think that is socialism. I think you can have a strong market economy with a good safety net for those who need a helping hand.”
Is it easy for you to be party whip or not?
“It’s hard. I twist arms every day and beg the senators for their votes (laughing). But, you know, it’s my job.”
And you like it?
“I do.”
