The Foreign Service Journal, June 2005

I also want to mention a current ambassador, John Herbst, our ambas- sador to Ukraine. I was sent over there suddenly to be Pres. Bush’s per- sonal representative for the Nov. 21 election. There already were distin- guished observers there from the European Union and from our own National Endowment for Democracy, t h rough both the Republican and Democratic Institutes. But the pres i- dent wanted me to carry a personal letter to Pres. [Leonid] Kuchma, which in essence said we were holding him responsible for a good election, quite unlike the first one they had had, and that there would be severe conse- quences in our relationship if that were not the case. Of course, the sec- ond election was really disastrous . John Herbst was so important. We were there in his office in the embassy as he was calling a huge network of people he had established: Ukrainians but likewise the European Union peo- ple who had been in the country for months taking a look at all this, and people in the government he was very close to, including the son-in- law of the president, who invited me to speak on television after the elec- tion. When I did so, I gave the same report I’d given to the international press, pointing out the deficiencies and how we were still holding Pres. Kuchma responsible to get it right — which they did the third time, on Dec. 26. Herbst as a professional was truly extraordinary, in his grasp of the country and all its nuances, and all his contacts with people. I’m sure this is replicated when there are not crisis situations all the time by dis- tinguished American diplomats, but I certainly was privileged to witness a tremendous performance there. FSJ : What advice would you give the Foreign Service on how it can pre- sent itself more effectively, both to Congress and to the American peo- ple? J U N E 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 23 “Public diplomacy, private diplomacy and good Foreign Service work make the big difference for the United States and the world every day without there being armed conflict and coercion.” The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice