The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation

UKRAINIAN CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL and BUSINESS FEDERATION
913 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E3
tel: 819-771-0723
fax: 819-775-9488
ucpbf@infoukes.com
www.infoukes.com/ucpbf

January 15, 2000

M. Bertin Cote
Assistant Deputy Minister
Europe, Middle East and North Africa
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Ottawa
Fax 944 3103

Dear Monsieur Cote,

I wish to thankyou for including me in the luncheon, hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for the departing Ambassador of Ukraine HE Volodymyr Khandogiy.

Although it is sad to see persons with whom one has established excellent relations leave, we look forward to continuing our endeavors with the new Ambassador. Likewise, we applaud ongoing efforts by your Department to build lasting relationships with Ukraine and welcome opportunities to contribute in this regard.

We were struck, however, by the cheery manner of the Ambassador of Russia HE Churkin at a time when his country was bombing Chechnya. The Ukrainians know first hand Russia's perfidy of branding freedom fighters as bandits, fascists and terrorists for public consumption, while delivering death and destruction on a national group that seeks freedom. As you well know, this has been the history between Russia and Ukraine.

I, therefore take the opportunity to request through you, that a strong and unequivocal message be delivered to the Ambassador by Minister Axworthy asking Russia to cease the bombings in Chechnya; withdraw its troops; and conform to human rights conventions, including those relating to the rights of children. Otherwise, Canada should cutback funding for Russia and seek to organize other like-minded countries to do the same at the international funding agencies levels.

I would appreciate being advised of the Minister's efforts.

With warm regards,

Oksana Bashuk Hepburn
President

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