U.S. Pledge to Ukraine

Kyiv Post: In a recent address to the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 12, 2006, William B. Taylor, the Ambassador-Designate stated the following:"Ukraine's new coalition government will face a daunting but vital challenge: to consolidate the gains to date of the Orange Revolution, and to further Ukraine's democratization, economic development and integration with Europe, Euro-Atlantic institutions and the international community. The U.S. Government will continue to help.
The Administration strongly supports Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and, if confirmed, I will do all I can to assist Ukraine in implementing the political, economic, defense and security reforms necessary for possible membership in NATO's community of shared values. If confirmed, I would look forward to continuing the already strong cooperation with Ukraine to combat global threats, such as trafficking in persons, avian influenza, HIV/AIDS and TB. If confirmed, I would work with the government of Ukraine on effective implementation of an improved export control system as part of our nonproliferation policy.
On the economic side, if confirmed, I will strongly support Ukraine's efforts to join the WTO and integrate its markets into international structures, strengthen its - and Europe's - energy security, and improve energy efficiency and conservation. If confirmed, I will also do all that I can to help Ukraine strengthen rule of law, combat corruption and money laundering, and improve its investment climate. "