Former US Ambassadors point out critical reforms for Ukraine
The American Friends of Ukraine Network comprised of former ambassadors and experts from the United States voiced the critical reforms that must be implemented in Ukraine, Yevropeyska Pravda reports citing a statement by the Friends of Ukraine Network initiative, published on the website of the non-state US-Ukraine Foundation.
The statement was signed by former US Ambassadors to Ukraine William Miller, Steven Pifer, Roman Popadiuk, William Taylor, and experts from various organizations.
"We (Friends of Ukraine Network – Ed.) applaud that Ukraine has done more on reforms in many sectors over the last four years than in the previous two decades, but it needs to show greater leadership, effort, and commitment to combat the pervasive, long-standing corruption that exists and has existed in public and private life," the statement says.
The former ambassadors and experts from the USA noted that despite the establishment of new anti-corruption institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's office (SAPO), and National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), their architecture remains incomplete, the work of the existing institutions is being obstructed, and anti-corruption activists are being unfairly targeted and persecuted.
In its statement, the American Friends of Ukraine Network urged the Verkhovna Rada and the government of Ukraine to take immediate and urgent action in creating an independent specialized anti-corruption court to be fully in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and conditions of the IMF program.
The statement also called to support and not undermine the work of the NABU and SAPO, to reform the NACP, and to update its leadership to provide full and effective control in reviewing and verifying the assets of Ukrainian officials.
The Network has proposed that the provision of the anti-corruption law requiring individuals and organizations engaged in anti-corruption activities to file yearly asset declarations be rescinded.
In addition, the experts encouraged the removal or limiting the immunity for deputies to allow legitimate criminal prosecutions, particularly in cases of corruption, to proceed.
The American Friends of Ukraine Network is a non-partisan, informal coalition of former ambassadors and international security professionals and other experts who have dealt with key aspects of Ukraine's relations with the United States and the international community.
Earlier, the EBRD acknowledged the slowdown of reforms in Ukraine.