East European Elections Conference

Tuesday, September 28, 2004; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CONFERENCE ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EAST EUROPEAN ELECTIONS - UKRAINE AND BELARUS

The state of Ukrainian and Belorussian politics has raised concerns in Washington: Government-led crackdowns on political rivals, problematic relationships with Russia and the economic challenges prevent the two states from integrating into Euro-Atlantic space. Both countries are facing pivotal elections: presidential in Ukraine and parliamentary in Belarus. Oligarchic competition in Ukraine and President Lukashenka's authoritarian ambitions in Belarus threaten to derail democracy in both countries. The outcome of these elections is pivotal to American and Russian ties with both nations. Join us as our distinguished group scholars offer their unique perspective on these important issues.

Remarks by The Honorable Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) - invited

With Featured Conferees
* Nadia Diuk, Director of Central Europe and Eurasia, National Endowment for Democracy
* Taras Kuzio, Visiting Professor, The George Washington University
* Stephen Nix, Director, Eurasia, International Republican Institute
* Douglas Seay, Professional Staff Member, International Relations Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
* Damon Wilson, Director Central, Eastern and Northern European Affairs, National Security Council

Hosted by Ariel Cohen - Research Fellow, Russian and Eurasian Affairs, Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies, The Heritage Foundation

Refreshments provided.

The Heritage Foundation's Van Andel Center
214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, DC 20002

FOR MORE INFORMATION: RSVP Online at <http://www.heritage.org/Press/Events/> or call (202) 675-1752

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