The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine on March 23 issued a statement disavowing the views of the organization's ex-president, Bernard Casey, who described the EuroMaidan Revolution as "unconstitutional, violent, foreign orchestrated" and the escape of ex-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych as a "coup d'etat."
Casey, who served from Jan. 31, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2014 as the chamber’s head, also described Russia’s military invasion and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula as a “reunification” with Russia that the West “will need some time to accept.”
Casey, who was fired for unspecified reasons as chamber president, has not yet been replaced.
Interim president Taras Kachka, reached by phone, said he could not immediately answer whether the chamber’s board of directors knew about Casey’s pro-Kremlin views when its members hired him. Kachka also said he did not know why Casey was fired by the business lobbying group that represents more than 600 members.
“You know it’s difficult to reply these questions. I was selected even later and joined later the team,” Kachka said. “I have no clue or understanding about the situation about the moment. I don’t know the extent we need to go into these things.”
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine’s statement on its official Facebook page expressed strong disagreement with Casey.
“The expressed point of view has nothing to do with the official position of the Chamber,” according to the statement. “We would like to bring our apologies to the community for any insult the aforementioned piece might have caused. We – as one of the biggest business associations in Ukraine and a part of a big network of American Chambers of Commerce in the world – fully support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the right of Ukrainian nation for self-identification and democratic elections. We continue the dialogue with democratically elected government regarding a variety of issues that concern business community.”
Bernard Casey was president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine from Jan. 31, 2014, through December 2014 before he was fired for unspecified reasons.
The statement concluded: “Whereas we deeply respect freedom of speech, we could not but point out that Mr. Casey was prematurely dismissed from his office in November 2014 and hence, none of his further statements could be backed by American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.”
Casey’s opinion can be read here
The American Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine’s statement about Casey can be read here
Casey replaced Jorge Zukoski, who held the job for 15 years.
In announcing Casey’s hiring, the chamber said he has more than 20 years of experience in strategic and tactical planning in start-up companies, as well as departments for the development of entrepreneurship in multibillion-dollar state corporations. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the San Jose State University and an MBA degree at Santa Clara University. At his previous post of the founder and president of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Company, Casey focused on strengthening the country’s potential in the field of energy independence.
The following is a statement that the chamber made in October 2014 announcing Casey’s departure:
“The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (The Chamber) has announced an upcoming leadership transition: Mr. Bernard Casey will end his presidency at the end of 2014. The Board of Directors of the Chamber is searching for a new president.’
Bryan Disher, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors: ‘Our Chamber, that has been the most effective and efficient business association in Ukraine for more than 20 years, continues in its commitment to operate in the interests of our Members and the wider business community, for the betterment of the business environment in Ukraine and to ensure that investors’ rights and interests are protected. Bernard joined the Chamber in very difficult times for Ukraine and its economy. The Board appreciates his input and contribution to the Chamber’s development; promoting the reform agenda that is so important for the business community, as well facilitating the interest of potential new investors in Ukraine. The Board wishes to thank him for his service and best wishes for the future.’
Bernard Casey, Chamber President: ‘I am excited to have had such an interesting experience and would like to thank the Chamber for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s business environment. This country has always been special for me, and I plan on further contributing to its brighter future.'”
