Papal visit will bring Ukraine closer to Europe
In the editorial Welcoming the Pope, June 14, the point was raised that it was difficult to understand why the pope’s visit to Ukraine raised such consternation among some Orthodox. One reason for this can be found when one views the pope’s visit in both political and religious terms.
The Russian Orthodox Church is closely tied to Russian political aspirations. Before communism, when the Russian Empire existed, the church strongly promoted the empire’s reach and power. One of the cornerstones of the empire was the subjugation of Ukraine. Not surprisingly the Russian Orthodox Church still has nearly half of its parishes in Ukraine. When communism ended, the Russian nostalgia for the old empire’s influence still remained. If Russia however loses its church’s hold in Ukraine, one of the keys of retaining the old empire’s influence will be lost.
Although today the Russian Empire formally no longer exists, Western Europe still accepts the Russian sphere of influence in the region of the former Soviet Union. This has resulted in the continued existence of a line that divides Europe. It has many times been drawn between Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. This religious divide mimics the political divide. Only when this line disappears will one be able to speak of a united Europe.
The pope’s visit will help remove this dividing line. When he steps on Kyiv soil he will be indicating to the world that the centuries old rule in this region of Europe by Russia no longer exists. He will be telling both Western Europe and Russia, that the divide cannot continue to remain, if an independent Ukraine now exists.
The pope’s trip will be historic for helping make the goal of a united Europe become a reality.
Bohdan Skrobach
Toronto, Canada
Invitation and registration repel tourists
In reply to your article “Mandatory insurance cancelled” (May 31, 2001).
As an Australian tourist visiting Ukraine I wish to point out that the mandatory insurance is not a real problem and in most cases travel insurance is desirable. In my case I have Worldwide Travel Insurance, which has to date been accepted by the local authorities. What I think needs to be reviewed is the restrictive and unnecessary requirement for a foreign tourist to require an invitation before a visa can be issued and the requirement for a visa to be registered within 72 hours of arrival. This process serves no purpose other than to discourage tourism to Ukraine.
I have no problem with applying for a visa. This is acceptable. But why I need to register my visa once I have arrived is beyond reason. Surely registration can and should be processed by immigration control at the point of entry (airport, rail office or border crossing) as is the case with every other European country where a visa is required. It was my intention to also visit Russia and the Baltic states. Unfortunately the visa invitation and registration process have discouraged me from doing so.
I find Ukraine to be one of the most interesting, beautiful and friendly countries I have visited and would very much like to return sometime in the near future.
I know that many backpackers and “young travelers” make destination decisions on the run based on recommendations and opportunities. The requirements for an invitation and visa registration only serve to discourage their visit. Statistics in other countries show that the backpacker market provides significant economic activity helping to build long term tourism. Many backpackers who first visit a country when they are young return later in life with increased budgets and spending power.
If I were to recommend any reform, I would suggest that the invitation and visa registration process be reviewed first and foremost before canceling the requirement of travel insurance, which should continue to be mandatory and valid for Ukraine.
Anthony van der Craats
Australian Cultural Tourist, Kyiv
