STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SERVICE

UKRAINE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

September 25, 2002

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its resolute disagreement with accusations of Ukraine's sale of armaments to Iraq, which were expressed on behalf of the USA on September 24 by the spokesperson of the Department of State.

The Ukrainian side considers that the reasoning adduced cannot stand up to criticism neither in terms of criterion of data presented as evidence, nor in terms of explanation of reasons of opportuneness of the present moment for bringing such ungrounded accusations. After all, Washington is uncertain of final delivery by Ukraine of Kolchuga passive radar surveillance system to Iraq; it is grounded on assumption of certain indications of a possibility of such fact only.

While lacking any worthwhile evidence, the American side declared the beginning of revision of its policy towards Ukraine, the first step being suspending assistance under the Freedom Support Act regarding the programs that included "work with Ukraine's Government to reform tax and commercial law, pensions and state management".

Partial suspension of U.S. assistance is of symbolic, yet totally negative significance for Ukraine. For us, the principal question is whether the U.S. Administration is guided by motifs of promotion of democratic, market-oriented Europe-integrated Ukraine or today's steps of the American side were dictated by some other considerations.

Ukraine, as a reliable member-state of antiterrorist coalition headed by the USA, is ready for cooperation to prove groundlessness of recent accusations. We are certain that this misunderstanding will be a short-lived one, and that it will not mar the Ukrainian-American relations.