Former US ambassador to Ukraine from 1993 through 1998 William Miller often visits Ukraine. This time the reason for his visit was his participation in an international conference Roads to Freedom, which was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 20th anniversary of National University Kyiv Mohyla Academy revival. During the break Mr. Miller agreed to give an interview to The Day.
What is Washington’s opinion of what is happening in Ukraine under the current Ukrainian leadership, and of its relations with the EU? What do you think of it as an outsider?
“Well, I am of the opinion that Ukraine not only should be in the EU, but because it is a major European nation, it is a reality that it will be. The obstacles are historical: hangovers from the time of the Soviet Union, such as laws still in the Ukrainian legal codes that are anti-democratic and are clear violations of human rights. And the best example at present is the political trial of Yulia Tymoshenko, and there are others considering repeal of those Soviet-era criminal laws. And if they are successful in getting rid of those laws and set Yulia Tymoshenko free, this will be proof that Ukraine can act in its own interests in a democratic way.”
It is not known for sure but some presume that on October 11 she will be condemned and get a prison term, etc. So, it is unacceptable, considering that the domestic law is the way it is? What do you think?
“Well, one of two things can happen: that they will keep the law, and they will put her in prison for a number of years. This is unacceptable to many European countries and I think to friends of Ukraine who think it deserves better. This would… if the law remains on the books, all those in political opposition are vulnerable to the same problem. And this is not a good reason for keeping such a law.”
What do you think, can the Obama administration react if such a thing happens?
“I think the Obama Administration has made itself clear that it opposes this practice and believes that she should be released and the case should be dropped completely. And let these questions of political dominance be settled by free and fair elections.”
By the way, one of your colleagues, Steven Pifer, told in an article which was published in the Ukrainian media that no one in Washington was looking forward to Yanukovych’s official visit. Is this the main reason? This situation with selective persecution of opposition leader is preventing for Yanukovych having a normal visit to the United States.
“No, I’m opposed to that kind of practice. I think we have to meet with the leaders of other countries even if we disagree with them. It is necessary to talk face to face to settle problems, not by this kind of isolation. You think you’re isolating the other person, but you’re in fact isolating yourself as well by such actions. No, the best way is to talk trying to understand what the thinking of the other side is. In this way you can find the solutions that work.”
Why is there still no invitation from the Obama Administration for Yanukovych, who last year declared that Ukraine would get rid of enriched uranium?
“Ukraine getting rid of these supplies of enriched uranium is consistent with Ukraine’s own view of uses of nuclear energy and that since 1994 it has always followed this course of being very careful about the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. And we have helped Ukraine to follow the safe course of action, and this deals with safety. It’s not a question of uses in war or anything like that. It is, as we all know from the Chornobyl and Japanese experience that we have to be very careful.”
There were some reports, before Yanukovych’s last visit to New York, that the Obama Administration would not wish him to come because he was not fulfilling his part of the obligations. What do you think of this?
“In my own view, this is that we should always be open to discussion and should seize every opportunity to talk. If there are difficulties, talk some more, and work it out.”
Did Hryshchenko’s recent visit to Washington clear out some of these issues?
“Yes, and Kostiantyn Hryshchenko knows the United States. He’s been there several times, and he’s a good diplomat. He knows what needs to be done in way of coming to agreements. But in the present case, the hangover in the legal system of Ukraine from the Soviet times is contrary to its own Constitution, and this law should be removed and Yulia should be set free, and the case dropped. That would be the best outcome. Then, the normal discourse can go forward.”
What do you think (or what do they think in Washington) about the latest statement of Vladimir Putin, who for sure will be for the third or even the fourth time president of the Russian Federation?
“That’s their choice.”
I don’t mean Russians electing Putin, but Putin’s declaring the creation of the Eurasian Union. Isn’t it an attempt to spread Russia’s sphere of influence, in Washington’s opinion?
“Yes, we are trying to work out a sensible way with Russia, of course, in the first instance, and to not encourage any tendencies towards pressure on other countries like Ukraine, to be part of the reconstitution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine doesn’t want this, it’s very clear to me, and they won’t let it happen, it won’t happen. Ukraine won’t let it happen to itself. It will remain independent, and they are very good at doing that, that’s my experience: when I was here in Kyiv, they would always make their own mind up, and I think this is very healthy.”
Some experts think that the reset button with the United States and Russia does not work.
“No, it’s no oversimplification that the United States and Russia will always have to work together. There will be difficult times, but the time of Stalin and the Communist Party rule is over, and the new Russia, with education and with improvement in standards of living for the people, will be one of the great nations of the world. And so will Ukraine.”
And a question concerning the coming elections. Who is going to be nominated by the Republican Party as an opponent to Obama? Are you personally a Democrat?
“I’m a Democrat, yes, but now the problem for other parties, including the Republican Party, will be to find an acceptable centrist candidate, and so far their candidates have been too far to the right, very, very conservative.”
What about the black Cain? I saw that Cain – the black Cain – is gaining momentum.
“I don’t believe that the Republican Party is made up of a constituency that would support that. Now there’s Romney, that’s number-one at present. We’ll see, it’s early yet, they have another eight months before you will see.”
Are you personally making a bet on Obama as the next president?
“Yes, even with a difficult economy, he’s a very remarkable man, and he is a lot better than any of the opponents. And I think our people know that.”
