US official: Support for Central and Eastern Europe Will Continue
By Elizabeth Saam
Dr. Philip Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, noted in the House Committee of Foreign Affairs, Europe Subcommittee hearing (held on June 16, 2009) that one of the main goals of the new administration’s foreign policy is to create a Europe that is more whole, free, peaceful, democratic and stable.
He emphasized the importance of membership in such institutions as the European Union, NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the democratization process, saying that membership in these has historically been the “most successful democratization strategy.” He further stated that the independence and sovereignty of nations such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova would continue to be supported by the administration, which would not recognize Russia’s sphere of influence.
Despite “reinvigorating” relations with Russia being one of the administration’s top priorities, Dr. Gordon assured the assembly that this would not come at the expense of “friends and principles.” In his prepared statement, he specifically stated that the U.S. is “committed to insuring a prosperous, democratic, and independent Ukraine by helping consolidate its democratic institutions and continue reforms,” and that the U.S. is supportive of Ukraine’s bid to enter Nato.
Dr. Gordon’s discussion at the hearing also included remarks on the importance of diversifying both sources of gas and sources of energy in general for Europe. He noted that political dependence as a result of energy dependence should be avoided, but that this is particularly difficult to accomplish with gas because of the necessity of pipelines.
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), chairman of the subcommittee, also noted how “essential” states in the Caucuses, Baltics and Eastern Europe are and affirmed that their struggles for democracy and entrance into institutions should be supported.
Other issues covered in the hearing included American-European cooperation on global issues, the importance, implications and expectations of relations with Russia, problems in Kosovo and Serbia, and normalization of relations for Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Cyprus.
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Dr. Gordon’s full prepared statement may be found at http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rm/2009/124870.htm
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