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The American diplomat offers support to Kiev to fight corruption

2024-10-20 10:15:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

U.S. Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya pledged during a visit to Kiev that the United States would continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to fight corruption and underlined "unwavering American support" for Kiev against Russia's war of aggression.

"Our message, following visits by Administrator Power and Secretary Blinken in recent weeks, is simple: US support is unwavering in the face of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine," she said in an interview with Radio Europe's Ukrainian Service. Free on October 18, referring to USAID head Samantha Power and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, emphasized that "providing the support Ukraine needs to win is a high priority for the United States." She said that among the main points she emphasized during the meetings of her with leaders in Kiev was US support to help "Ukraine win the war, win the peace and win the future by strengthening its democratic stability."

Ahead of her visit, the State Department said Zeya would emphasize "continuing partnership on anti-corruption and rule of law reforms."

President Volodymyr Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have sought additional military aid from Ukraine's allies and also permission to use Western weapons to attack bases inside Russian territory. Washington and other countries are reluctant to grant such permission to Ukraine for fear of escalating the conflict.

While helping Ukraine, Western partners have also asked Kiev to make progress in the fight against widespread corruption in the country, to — as Zeya pointed out during the visit — help "ensure a full integration of Ukraine into Europe."

"The United States proudly supports Ukraine's remarkable progress in the fight against corruption, from reforming financial crime oversight and increasing the number of anti-corruption judges to doubling indictments and sentences over the past 16 months," she said.

Transparency International ranked Ukraine 104th out of 180 countries in its latest index.

In its 2023 report, this organization noted that "across the region, many governments control the judiciary and law enforcement institutions to maintain impunity for corruption within their privileged circle."

"For countries in the Western Balkans, these ongoing practices prevent membership of the European Union. The same applies to Moldova and Ukraine, even though these countries are making major reforms to their justice systems," said Transparency International.

Zeya also pledged that Washington would continue support for "millions of displaced Ukrainians, including those inside Ukraine and in the region," who have been hit hard by the Russian occupation.

The American diplomat has planned to visit Poland and Britain after Ukraine./ Rel