Russian Diplomat Makes Rare Visit

Yuri Ushakov, Russian ambassador to the United States since January 1999, spoke for about 30 minutes to a crowded audience in Carroll Hall.

In his talk, titled "U.S. -- Russian Relations Before and After Sept. 11," Ushakov focused on the improved relations between the United States and Russia since the terrorist attacks. Ushakov said many Russians saw the attacks as a national tragedy of their own.

He identified Sept. 11 as a turning point between the two countries, and he emphasized that any discussions on the lasting implications of the Cold War were moot. "More than once in the past decade, the Cold War has been declared dead," he said. "The tragedies of Sept. 11 have put the Cold War forever in the past."

While Ushakov identified Russia as a main contributor and ally for the United States in its continuing war on terrorism, he said thought, not emotion, should be the guiding factor in any plan of action.

"Our actions should not be guided by emotion, but should be closely guided by the U.N.," he said.

Ushakov said improved U.S. relations with Russia would promote greater cooperation on other fronts as well. He specifically mentioned the situation in Palestine as one in which both the United States and Russia could make a great impact.

"Russia and the U.S. were long plagued by ideological differences, but now we both want peace and security," he said.

Ushakov spoke briefly about a partnership between UNC and the Moscow State University for International Relations. The institutional relationship, coordinated at UNC by Germanic languages Professor David Pike, has been in effect for four years.

Pike, an organizer of Ushakov's speech, said the agreement encourages interaction between the two schools and the two countries.

Pike identified Moscow State University as the "Russian Harvard" and said it was a great honor to have Ushakov speak at UNC. "This is a rare occasion," Pike said. "The ambassador rarely travels, so it is a wonderful distinction to have him visit UNC."

Ushakov, an alumnus of Moscow State University, also said being the Russian ambassador to the United States is often a hectic, if not frustrating, job.

"Being Russian ambassador to the United States often resembles riding a roller coaster," he said. "There are continuous twists and turns, ups and downs, and the speed of the events is super-fast."

Ushakov's speech was sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the University Center for International Studies.

Victoria Shields, an assistant to former UNC-system President Bill Friday, said she was interested in hearing the remarks of Ushakov because of his prominence.

"He's a high-level ambassador for Russia, a country putting itself back together," she said. "It could be a very important ally."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.