 NOTICES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS |
The Flak
The Flak, Mike Willard's latest book, is now available. Publishing was by Vidalia House and Co-publisher Sammit Publishing in Kiev in late April 2003. Unlike his other two books, Dancing with the Bear, Crisis Management in Eastern Europe, and The Accidental Headline (on issues and media training), this one is more personal, and, in essence, is an autobiographical book on public relations. At 120,000 words, it is somewhat more comprehensive than his previous books. It spans a career of 30 years in the public relations business and is an account of a more personal journey. As such, it offers Mike's opinions on various subjects. It chronicles successes and failures. It talks considerably about Burson-Marsteller, and his experiences within the company. It also covers a career in journalism and in politics. The book may be ordered through Amazon (amazon.com) or by contacting Oksana Yerofeyeva at The Willard Group (Oksana@twg.com.ua).
Daybook
The Willard Group, in cooperation with The Ukrainian Observer, in early 2003 launched a daily "Daybook", a complete listing of events, meetings, news conferences etc. occurring in Kyiv on any particular day.
The Daybook is intended to be an easy reference to enable business people in the community to know exactly what is going on, and when it is going on. Updated daily, the Daybook lists seven day's of activity.
To make the Daybook effective, we continue to need your help. The editor of the Daybook is someone many UO Readers already know, Robert Reed. He is the point person for all information which it is hoped will make planning your lives easier.
The Daybook is posted at www.twgworld.com as well as on the UO site (www.ukraine-observer.com). It will also be emailed to those who wish to receive it in this manner. This announcement continues to be made to encourage Reader participation for assistance in making this an effective and useful tool for all of us here in Kyiv and Ukraine.
Europe Day
The European Union's delegation to Ukraine would like to invite the Ukrainian public to a celebration of the European Union's anniversary- Europe Day.
The birthday party will take place on May 17, 2003 on Europe Square in the centre of Kyiv. The event is free of charge and is centred around two main events: an open-air popular music concert featuring top bands from the Ukraine and the EU - including the new member states - playing music ranging from traditional Dixie-land jazz to hip-hop; and a European village situated on the corner of Khreshatyk and Europe Square.
Poepsel Leaving Kyiv
John H. Poepsel, Deputy Director, of the International Republican Institute recently sent friends his announcement that he would be leaving Ukraine this summer. He has been named Director of the IRI office in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. He believes this to be "a great career move and a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture".
He expressed some regret and sadness to be leaving his friends in Ukraine. Iryna will join him and leave is planned for August. They both look "forward to the changes and challenges ahead". His announcement included the note that he looked forward to sharing a little libation with friends before he departs. Needless to say, many will miss John and his cheerful fellowship.
Kyiv 2003 and the Future of the Environment for Europe Process
From the 21st to the 23rd of May 2003, representatives of the 55 member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will be in Kyiv, Ukraine to take part in the fifth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe" (EfE). The event was originally planned to take place in September 2002, but in view of the preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), the conference date was moved. It is important to recognise the significance in siting the conference in a country of the Former Soviet Union (FSU). The choice of Ukraine as host country is an acknowledgment of the unique and pressing problems of the so-called "Newly Independent States" (NIS). In some ways the host country is in a key position to ensure success for its "own" conference, but in a sense Kyiv represents not only Ukraine but also the other FSU states.
The preparations for the Kyiv Conference have also seen increased activity in the drawing up of protocols on strategic environmental assessment, civil liability and pollutant release and transfer registers. This environmental law making is reflected in provisional agenda for the Kyiv ministerial conference that has been developed through the discussions of the Working Group of Senior Officials who meet regularly to coordinate planning at each stage of the process. The agenda and other information can be found on the UNECE Website www.unece.org.
The enlargement of the European Union presents an additional challenge in considering the future of the EfE process, with some twenty five countries soon attempting to implement the same environmental policies standards and rules. As the process of accession continues the centre of Europe will migrate eastwards and objectives for the future should "advance and strengthen the inderdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development... at local, national regional and global levels".
There is an expectation among the partners of the Kyiv 2003 Project and in the wider NGO community in Ukraine that bringing the Environment for Europe Conference to Ukraine should ensure among delegations a clearer understanding of the challenges facing economies in transition. But this is not all. The NGOs and other groups here also want to demonstrate to their European neighbours how they are meeting the challenges and creating positive change within communities affected by environmental degradation. Many of the problems faced by the countries of the Former Soviet Union exist on a scale that is seldom found in Western Europe, and it is essential that the Minsterial Conference addresses this not only through the drafting of legal instruments and protocols but also through the continued engagement and support of civil society and the NGO Community. Trevor Rees Project Manager - Kyiv 2003 Project Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future
Bat'kivshchyna News
On April 23, 2003, after personal interviews at the Consul General of the United States for Ukraine's offices, First Mate Olexandr Kostiukov and four other sailors (Olexii Shagovsky, Andrii Davydenko, Cadet Viacheslav Voiko and Cadet Olexander Shishkov) were granted one year visas for permission to travel in the United States and to join Captain Dmytro Biriukovych aboard the Tall Ship Bat'kivshchyna for a continuation of the sailing vessel's Discover Ukraine voyage around the world. The schooner will depart from coastal California in late May towards a planned landfall in New Zealand in September via the Hawaiian Islands, the Marquesas and Tahiti. We all wish them a bon voyage.
Letters
Old Europe
In response to your article about the "Old Europe": Evidently Mr. Rumsfeld feels everyone should fall into lockstep with the mental midgets that currently control the White House. I say instead that France, Germany, and Russia were responding in their own self interests. As for Mr. Perle, he's a nobody, just a sycophant in the Bush Administration, as are several others Wolfowitz, Cheyne (sic), neither of which has had an original thought in their lives. About the only bright light(s) in this whole government team are Mr. Powell, and Ms. Rice. Mr. Powell is definitely a leader, and this is what the US truly needs is a leader, not another political drone. Finally Mr. Bush will be a "one termer"; like dear old dad, and I sure hope the US and its Coalition Partners, does not "reap the whirlwind for the Iraq War". I fear some day their is going to be the devil to pay for our Middle East Non-Policy. Have a great day and be safe. God bless.
- Bill Powers
Dear Mr. Willard
April 21, 2003
I respect the right of your publication to disagree with policies or decisions in connection with a visa matter involving Dmytro Biriukovych. I must object to the insensitive personal attacks on the experienced professionals of the Embassy that have appeared in these articles. The staff of the U. S. Embassy have made an extensive effort to explain the position of the U. S. Government, in particular why it is not possible to provide to the press or individuals associated with the press information on a specific consular matter. Quite simply, consular cases are confidential under section 222 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and we treat this obligation seriously. As the Embassy has indicated earlier, we are in direct contact with Mr. Biriukovych and are working towards resolution.
Sincerely, Carlos Pascual Ambassador.
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More in the section:
Expat Question of the Month
"The Readers' Question(s) from April'03 were
The Ukrainian Observer Wire
Read also previous issue' articles:
Readers' Forum
Samuel Adams Redux
Kyiv's Ultimate Traffic Cop
Two Essays on Kyiv
Two expatriates share their impressions of the capital
Ukrainian Integration into Israeli Society
Headed to Ukraine? Expect a miracle!
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