НАШ ЦЕНТР НАШ ДІМ
Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center
Tell Mayor Nutter to condemn Russian actions in Ukraine
You can call or write the mayor of Philadelphia and ask that he condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine at an upcoming business reception that will include representatives of Russian companies and companies doing business with Russia. The reception will take place on Wednesday evening July 23.
Roman Petyk has kindly provided us with a sample letter (see below). Contact information for Mayor Nutter is as follows:
Office of the Mayor
Room 215 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm
Contact Info
Phone: (215) 686-2181
Fax: (215) 686-2180
Email: michael.nutter@phila.gov
Sample letter
July 21, 2014
The Honorable Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia
City Hall of Philadelphia, Office of the Mayor
Room 215 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Dear Mayor Nutter:
I am writing to add my voice to those in the City’s Ukrainian-American Community who are seeking a clear statement of condemnation from you regarding Russia’s involvement in the tragic loss of Malaysian Flight MH17. You are scheduled to attend and speak at the Summer 2014 International Business Networking Reception on July 23, 2014. We note that the Mid-Atlantic - Russia Business Council is one of the presenting partners of the event.
While this gathering is intended to promote the important goal of international investment in Philadelphia, this cannot be a time for “business as usual” with respect to Russia. As a civilized people we must demand accountability from Russia and we must make clear that under current circumstances, there is no future for Russia in the community of civilized nations. Thus, I am asking you to address this issue during your address to the Summer 2014 International Business Networking Reception on July 23, 2014.
Russian president Vladimir Putin’s campaign of bloodshed continues in eastern Ukraine. Under the direction of Putin, Russia has waged a savage war of terror against the civilian population of Ukraine. Over the past several months, Russia has sent Russian political operatives, mercenaries and offensive heavy weapons to wage war against a sovereign neighboring country. Recently, it supplied sophisticated anti-aircraft weaponry in the area controlled by Russia’s proxy army. The results have been tragic and catastrophic: nearly 300 passengers and crew of Malaysian Air flight MH17 were murdered on July 17, 2014 by forces controlled by Russia.
Against the backdrop of these heartbreaking events which threaten the security and stability of Europe and that have affected the entire world, it is essential for you to demonstrate your revulsion at the gross disregard of international norms evident in Russia’s actions by strongly condemning Russian aggression during the reception on July 23, 2014. We also hope that you will make a strong statement in support of Ukraine and its struggles against Russia’s attempt to reestablish hegemony in Eastern Europe.
I am part of a 60,000 strong community of Ukrainian Americans who reside in the Philadelphia area, and I strongly urge you to refrain from promoting any international trade and investment with Russia. Any moral and financial support of Russian businesses and institutions during these tragic times would send the wrong message to Russia and the international community and also would undermine the efforts of the United States Government against Russian aggression. President Obama has already imposed several rounds of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Russia. It is imperative that the United States’ international policy be supported by our local government.
As the families of these innocent victims of Flight MH17 await access to and respectful treatment of their loved ones, the world must act in solidarity against Russia’s savagery. We hope that your participation in this event will be conducted in a manner that reflects the world’s condemnation of Russia’s gross violations of international law and offers support for the struggle of Ukraine as it seeks to find its legitimate place in the world community of nations.
Respectfully yours,
Roman Petyk,