Isaievych Daniela Pa 05-20

Summary of the article “US urges Ukraine to continue legal reforms” published
in the magazine/newspaper “Novynar.

The article describes how US represented by US Ambassador to Ukraine John

Tefft urges Ukraine to continue to implement reforms if it is to become part of the
democratic global community.
Firstly, the ambassador to Ukraine, Tefft, met with Ukraine's Minister of
Justice, Mykola Onishchuk, and emphasized the need for Ukraine to continue working
on draft laws and creating institutions to ensure the full implementation and protection
of civil rights and freedoms despite political elite changes.
Secondly, the Ambassador stated that developed democratic countries are
passionate about the rule of law, which is the foundation of statehood and essential for
ensuring citizens' rights and freedoms.
Thirdly, the parties discussed the continuation of work on Ukraine's Criminal
Procedure Code post-presidential elections, which is currently being adopted by the
Ministry of Justice.
Moreover, the meeting emphasized the need to continue drafting laws on
prosecutor's office, judge status, and introducing new anti-corruption legislation, set to
take effect on April 1, 2010.
As the author notes, Onishchuk emphasized that Ukraine has made significant
progress in implementing the rule of law doctrine over the past five years, and is
committed to preserving its values, including human rights.
On top of that, The Minister of Ukraine believes that the effectiveness of
reforms will depend on the willingness and readiness of democratic countries like the
European Union and the United States to support Ukraine in implementing these
reforms, requiring consolidated work both within Ukraine and globally.
According to the author, The US Embassy in Ukraine issued a statement on 9
February announcing that there was a high voter turnout in the Ukrainian presidential
election, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and media freedom, and the first and
second rounds as a step towards strengthening Ukrainian democracy.
Additionaly, on February 11 US President Barack Obama congratulated Viktor
Yanukovych, leader of the Partiia Rehioniv, on his victory in the Ukrainian
presidential election.
Thus, the author believes that despite the fact that Ukraine is already taking the
first steps towards strengthening its democracy, certain reforms are still needed. These
reforms can succeed, but they require consolidated efforts both within Ukraine and
from its international partners, in particular the United States.