The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) welcomes the recent White House announcement of Vice President Joe Biden's upcoming trip to Ukraine at the end of July 2009.  His discussions in Ukraine would prove fruitful for enhancing the bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and the United States. Indeed, having just successfully met with various Administration and congressional officials in Washington, DC last week, the UCCA considers the sustainability of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States as crucial to the further development of their strategic partnership. As noted in the strategic partnership agreement signed in December 2008, the United States is committed to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, democratic transition, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and supports its reform processes.

Notwithstanding the Vice President's discussions in Kyiv, the UCCA deems it worthwhile for President Obama to stopover in Ukraine during his trip to Moscow on July 6-8, 2009. Such a visit would signal Ukraine's strategic importance as an ally of the United States, especially in light of the external pressures positioned upon the Ukrainian state. Thus, the UCCA urges the Ukrainian American community to continue its advocacy of President Obama's stopover to Ukraine by sending letters, e-mails, or faxes to the White House. Our collective success depends upon your support. Let our voices be heard!

For your convenience, e-mails may be sent to the White House's website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.  Should you require additional information, please contact the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) at (202) 547-0018 or via e-mail at [email protected]