If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to e-mail Project Harmony staff 5197 Main Street Unit 6 Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 Phone: (802) 496-4545 Fax: (802) 496-4548 Chat Transcript. Katy Pearce: Our online event will begin shortly. Thank you. [May 13, 2004 17:44] Katy Pearce: Only questions submitted by Current FLEX students from the Republics of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine will be accepted. [May 13, 2004 17:51] Katy Pearce: Katy Pearce, the moderator, will read your question and give it to Mr. Taplin. Please be aware that many students are participating and not all questions will be able to be answered. Thank you. [May 13, 2004 17:56] Katy Pearce: Welcome students and observers. Students, if you want to ask Mr. Taplin a question, type in the space below. Please ask one question and wait at least 3 minutes before asking another. Please do not ask your question more than once [May 13, 2004 17:56] Katy Pearce: This online event brings Mr. Mark Taplin, the Director of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, together with current FLEX students to discuss DEMOCRACY AND ELECTIONS. Only questions submitted by Current FLEX students from the Republics of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine will be accepted [May 13, 2004 17:56] Katy Pearce: While Mr. Taplin is typing, please write more questions. Students were asked to prepare 5 questions ahead of time, however, students please feel free to ask questions that are different from the ones which you have prepared. When the chat is finished, you must complete the evaluation form. The link to the evaluation form is above this chat window. [May 13, 2004 17:57] Katy Pearce: And now, to present Mr. Mark Taplin, the Director of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs at the U.S. Department of State... [May 13, 2004 17:59] Katy Pearce: He has had extensive international experiences, as you have learned from your homework assignments. He is going to answer students' questions about Democracy and Elections, as well as questions about his work at the State Department, his professional experiences and the overall impact of exchange programs. Fortunate for all of us, he is willing to speak to Future Leaders Exchange students from Western Eurasia... [May 13, 2004 18:00] Katy Pearce: Again, welcome all students and adults, on behalf the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs we appreciate your enthusiasm for this event. Thanks for joining us. Students, you may begin asking questions... [May 13, 2004 18:00] Katy Pearce: To begin, Mr. Taplin, many of the students are curious as to your duties and responsibilities as the Director of the Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, as well as how you came to hold this position. [May 13, 2004 18:00] Mark Taplin: I'm delighted to be here tonite -- looking forward to your questions. [May 13, 2004 18:01] Mark Taplin: I've been interested in Ukraine for many years. But serving at the Embassy from 1999-2001 brought me closer to Ukraine, and when the opportunity to work in Washington on Ukraine came up, I grabbed it. [May 13, 2004 18:02] Alisa Kim, Russia: 1. Mr. Tapln, when did you deicide that you want to work with international affairs? [May 13, 2004 18:03] Mark Taplin: My father was a diplomat -- I was what is called a "foreign service brat." When it came time to go to college, I chose Georgetown University, then entered the foreign service shortly after. [May 13, 2004 18:04] Pavel Trofimov, Russia: Hi Mr. Taplin. I was wondering what differences you noticed between the countries you have worked/been in. [May 13, 2004 18:05] Mark Taplin: There certainly are some differences between Mauritius and Haiti -- tropical islands -- and Russia and Ukraine, both large countries with long and fascinating histories. But I've enjoyed all of my assignments, even if the cultures and way of life have differed greatly. [May 13, 2004 18:07] Olena Polyakova, Ukraine: How do you think, what can we, future leaders, do to improve our countries? [May 13, 2004 18:05] Mark Taplin: I've always been a big fan of the FLEX program. You have all been selected on a very competitive basis. But I think your paths in life will vary enormously... [May 13, 2004 18:08] Mark Taplin: Some of you may find yourselves in government, others in business and the arts. I think what's truly important is being honest, and staying idealistic even when times may be complicated. [May 13, 2004 18:09] Tanya Vuytsyk, Ukraine: HI Dear Mr. Talpin: My name is Tanya and I am from Ukraine, and my question to you is this: from what you've experience by being a diplomat to former Soviet Union countries, do you think it is going to take a long time for these countries to overcome the worldview of "Soviet Era",how far do you think this countries have gone with democracy building, and in your opinio what do you think are the biggest problems that countries have to overcome to build a democratic society.Thank you [May 13, 2004 18:08] Mark Taplin: Thanks for your question Tanya. I've thought a lot about this question, and I'm not sure I have one answer. Part of the transformation will be generational -- and FLEX students are part of that process. But I always try to remind myself of how much things have changed in Russia and Ukraine and elsewhere since the mid-eighties. Change will come, probably sooner sometimes than any of us expect. [May 13, 2004 18:11] Alisa Kim, Russia: 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of your profession? [May 13, 2004 18:09] Mark Taplin: I can't imagine a profession with more variety and excitement -- although I also thought about journalism too. The downside, for sure, is being away from family and friends, something all of you know about. [May 13, 2004 18:12] Mikhail Chudotovorov, Russia: Mr. Taplin do your diplomatic skills help you in everyday life? [May 13, 2004 18:11] Mark Taplin: I think the answer is yes -- being diplomatic always struck me as better than being aggressive, "in your face." There's enough tension in everyday life that keeping the tone mature and civilized is important... [May 13, 2004 18:14] Mark Taplin: However, my wife, who is also a diplomat, sometimes thinks I'm way too diplomatic. "Be more direct; tell people what you mean." So there are times to be very straightforward, even at the risk of hurting a feeling or two. [May 13, 2004 18:15] Mariya Selyuk, Russia: What do you think is the most important thing that we're supposed to learn here? [May 13, 2004 18:06] Mark Taplin: FLEXers are going to learn different things in the States, and take away different lessons. Part of the program that has always excited me is how much you all bring to America, to your host families and classmates. You're learning about our country, but teaching too. And you'll know more about your own national identify, what makes you special, by the time you leave. [May 13, 2004 18:18] Maryna Gaydak, Ukraine: Maryna Gaydak, Ukraine What are the criterias for the fully democratic country? [May 13, 2004 18:17] Mark Taplin: Maryna -- I can't type fast enough to answer this question tonite the way it deserves to be answered. But I'd say a free press, a vigorous political opposition, freedom for people to take part in political activities, either supporting a particular cause or candidate, are among the most important items... [May 13, 2004 18:20] Mark Taplin: Another feature of any true democracy is the rule of law. This is one of the areas in Ukraine that I felt was lacking sometimes, as most Ukrainians would readily agree. But it takes a lot of time -- and a lot of practice. We Americans are still fighting that battle every day ourselves. [May 13, 2004 18:21] Olena Zorina, Ukraine: Hello Mr. Taplin, how're you doing? My first question is do you really strongly believe that knowing more than one foreign language really helps in establishing democracy in the world? What would be your strongest persuative argument for that for teenagers who are in high school now? [May 13, 2004 18:17] Mark Taplin: This is a really interesting question because I believe that there is a relationship between international awareness -- and knowledge of languages is one of the best ways to get there -- and building freedom and democracy in our world. I get frustrated sometimes when Americans make assumptions about other countries and cultures that aren't really borne out by experience. We need to encourage more Americans to learn foreign languages and to travel more widely, especially beyond Western Europe and Mexico and the Caribbean. [May 13, 2004 18:23] Katya Lebedeva, Russia: Mr. Taplin, what is the most amazing thing that you¦¬ve learned about Russia/other former Soviet countries from your experience? (everybody asks this question when we come to US ©¦) [May 13, 2004 18:18] Mark Taplin: Honestly, I love Russia and Ukraine, it's difficult to pick any single thing. But when I travelled around Russia in the mid-nineties, I discovered that even in the remotest parts of the country, like Kamchatka and Tuva, there is a richness in the human experience that is as profound as anyplace on the planet. [May 13, 2004 18:25] Nataliya Kasyanenko, Ukraine: 2)How can an individual help to make elections fair? [May 13, 2004 18:17] Mark Taplin: Nataliya -- I think it depends on the individual. Some people would want to be involved backing a particular candidate, or party, or cause like protecting the environment (one of my own interests). But it's important for even more people to take part as volunteers to run polling stations, help distribute information to people in the community -- not taking sides, just helping with the process... [May 13, 2004 18:27] Mark Taplin: Young people in Ukraine, Belarus this year will have a lot of opportunities to help ensure a free and fair election. For any of you from Moldova, you'll have a chance next spring. [May 13, 2004 18:28] Anna Yershova, Russia: Mr. Taplin, what are the most essential skills one needs to become a diplomat? [May 13, 2004 18:21] Mark Taplin: There is a tendency for people to think that to be a good diplomat you have to either shade the truth or lie. There is some salesmanship, obviously. I want to convince you that my approach, my proposal is one that works for you. But I would say the most important skills are to be fair and open-minded, to be a good listener and a capable writer, and to make sure that you remain reliable and credible in all your dealings with people. [May 13, 2004 18:31] Sofya Kaplan, Russia: Mr. Taplin, please, tell us about your book, "Open Lands: Travels Through Russia's Once Forbidden Place" [May 13, 2004 18:26] Mark Taplin: When I was in Russia in the early, mid-nineties, I had some time off and did something I'd always dreamed of doing during the Soviet era -- travelling to places that were once closed to foreigners. So the book is about my experiences in places like Kaliningrad, Tuva, Veliky Ustyug, Vladivostok -- well, you get the idea. [May 13, 2004 18:33] Ivan Sablin, Russia: One of the things that is different about American elections is a lot of mud-slinging on television, Internet and in the leading newspapers. This is illegal in Russia, why do you think that mud-slinging is legal in the US? [May 13, 2004 18:32] Mark Taplin: I don't know any really open and democratic political system, with real and competitive elections, that doesn't have some mud-slinging. When you read American papers, French papers and so forth from the 19th century, you see the same thing. As for Russia, I'm not sure what the exact laws are now, and I think it's important for political competition to stay reasonably civilized -- but if candidates are not criticizing each other in pretty sharp terms, you may not have the best kind of democratic competition going on. Someone once said in the U.S.: "Politics is a contact sport." [May 13, 2004 18:36] Yevgeniya Trofimova, Russia: Mr. Taplin, there absolutely equal gender rights in modern democratic societies. Do you think it is the matter of tradition that a woman is hardly ever elected as a head of state in most of the countries? [May 13, 2004 18:20] Mark Taplin: Well, you've asked a male for his opinion -- who knows how objective my answer will be. But one factor I think remains true almost worldwide -- there is still reluctance for some men to see women as strong and capable public figures. They should know better after seeing people like Margaret Thatcher in action (didn't agree with her politics but she was a powerful and determined political leader by any standard!) [May 13, 2004 18:38] Ivan Sablin, Russia: What do you think about Chechnya President Ahmad Kadyrov's assocination? [May 13, 2004 18:34] Mark Taplin: I think it was another sad chapter in the history of Chechen-Russian relations. Whatever one's perspective, this type of violent attack is never justified. [May 13, 2004 18:39] Polina Rogozhina, Russia: The focus of the discussion today is elections. The last elections that took place in Russia resulted in the victory of our former president, Vladimir Putin by more than 70% of the votes. Many people speculate that results like this can come out most likely if the elections are not democratic and the government is corrupt. What is your opinion on this matter? Polina Rogozhina, Russia [May 13, 2004 18:28] Mark Taplin: As you know, a lot of observers in the U.S. and Europe felt the last presidential elections had some important shortcomings. Having lived in Russia not too long ago, I'm concerned that so much of the media seems to have given up the vocation of presenting independent news and information. There were also reports of intimidation of politicians who were not aligned with the Kremlin. At the same time, it's obvious that President Putin enjoys considerable popularity. So it seems to be a mixed picture. [May 13, 2004 18:43] Andrey kurylionak, Belarus: Do you Think elections in Belarus are democratic? Andrey Kurylionak, Belarus. [May 13, 2004 18:40] Mark Taplin: Unfortunately, we haven't seen a democratic election in Belarus for a long while, probably since Mr. Lukashenka was first elected in 1994. I'd like to think that the fall parliamentary elections could be an improvement; we and our European partners are encouraging the Government of Belarus to allow more fair political competition and to stop intimidating candidates, media and NGOs that want to encourage democracy to develop there. [May 13, 2004 18:44] Mikhail Chudotovorov, Russia: Mr. Taplin can Islam and Democracy co-exist? [May 13, 2004 18:43] Mark Taplin: Great question, and a timely one too. I'm not an expert on the Islamic world, but I think the answer has to be yes. But as all FLEXers know, true democratic transformation is not something that can happen overnight, with the wave of a magic wand. It can be a tough, hard slog -- but worth it in the end if the alternatives are authoritarian governments or other forms of rule that don't open doors for everyone, seek to improve people's lives and empower people to make the best of themselves. [May 13, 2004 18:47] Sofia Pelivanova, Ukraine: Mr.Taplin, is there any measurement to evaluate the level of the democracy in different countries? [May 13, 2004 18:44] Mark Taplin: There are a lot of thinktanks and policy institutes in places like DC and NY that think you can evaluate levels of democratic development -- the Freedom House index is one example. In fact, some of these indices are now being used to determine which countries can qualify for the new Millenium Challenge Corporation assistance effort announced by President Bush several years ago. But I have to say they're not terribly precise -- give you a general picture, and clearly help highlight the countries that have the furthest to go. [May 13, 2004 18:49] Sofia Pelivanova, Ukraine: Mr.Taplin, is there any measurement to evaluate the level of the democracy in different countries? [May 13, 2004 18:44] Mark Taplin: There are a lot of thinktanks and policy institutes in places like DC and NY that think you can evaluate levels of democratic development -- the Freedom House index is one example. In fact, some of these indices are now being used to determine which countries can qualify for the new Millenium Challenge Corporation assistance effort announced by President Bush several years ago. But I have to say they're not terribly precise -- give you a general picture, and clearly help highlight the countries that have the furthest to go. [May 13, 2004 18:49] Nataliya Kasyanenko, Ukraine: 1)How do you see Ukraine in 5 years? [May 13, 2004 18:46] Mark Taplin: I'm a big optimist about Ukraine, even though many of my Ukrainian friends are not. "Typical American," I can hear some of you saying already. Clearly, this year's presidential election and transition from the Kuchma era is a watershed for Ukraine in terms of its aspirations to draw closer to Europe and the Euro-atlantic community. A free and fair election opens a lot of doors; a disappointing, non-democratic contest would be a real setback. But I'm convinced the great pragmatic talents of Ukrainians, along with their capacity for hard work, generosity, creativity are going to bring Ukraine to its proper destiny as a major European state. 5 years -- maybe not. But 10 years, 15 would be enough for Ukraine to realize many of its goals. [May 13, 2004 18:53] Marina Yemel'Yanova, Ukraine: I think that one of the problems of my country is that people are unsatisfied with the government but at the same time they don't seem to have desire to go out there and change the way things are. How do you think we could help tp awaken some interest in them? [May 13, 2004 18:37] Mark Taplin: My former boss in Kyiv, Amb. Carlos Pascual, always insisted that the most important thing that the U.S. could do to help Ukraine was to assist in the development of civil society, which is what you are talking about. A lot of our assistance effort is directed towards that type of support. But you're right, people have to have the desire to change things and the confidence that they can. I see some promising signs these days in Ukraine -- local community, business and environmental groups forming. But again, it takes both energy and conviction. [May 13, 2004 18:56] Kateryna Ovcharenko, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, i know that a lot of people in Ukraine do not believe in fair elections so they don't go to vote. What is the way to make people to believe that their future in their hands and going to election is very important? [May 13, 2004 18:50] Mark Taplin: There's a lot at stake for Ukraine in the upcoming election. If people want to see their country become part of the international community, and derive the benefits of more trade and commerce, more travel, etc. then the vote matters. I do think Ukrainians have come to expect elections, expect to be able to choose, even if (like many Americans incidentally) they wish they had better candidates to choose from. And Ukraine ran a perfectly fine election in 1994 that reflected the will of the people -- would be great if Ukraine could show the way again for the rest of the former Soviet Union. [May 13, 2004 18:59] Darya Tkacheva, Russia: Hi my name is Darya Tkacheva and Mr. Taplin, who has influenced &/ or inspired you in your life? How? Thank you. [May 13, 2004 18:57] Mark Taplin: Hi Darya. Our parents are always terribly important; my father has always been a big influence, and gave me a love for international affairs and history (he is an historian). But I'd also single out a few of my teachers -- one who helped me in high school when I worked on the school newspaper, another who was my advisor when I worked on my masters degree. I've had a chance in later years to say thank you -- they helped make me who I am too. [May 13, 2004 19:01] Mikhail Chudotovorov, Russia: Mr. Taplin Who is your favorite person in History of America? [May 13, 2004 18:56] Mark Taplin: Tough question; it would be tough too I suspect if I asked you the same question about Russia. So I'll leave the obvious choices like Lincoln out of the picture. My revolutionary side admires Ethan Allen, who helped throw the British out of Vermont, one of my home states. (Project Harmony, I hope you are listening!) [May 13, 2004 19:03] daria yurchenko, Russia: Daria Yurchenko,Russia.Russia and US have had disagreements in the past; few days ago I heard on Tv that the Cold War is not over. What do you think about it? [May 13, 2004 18:50] Mark Taplin: When I think about how US-Soviet relations where in the mid-eighties, when I first served in Moscow, I have to say there is no real comparison. I spent my first 16 months in 1985-86 helping negotiate a US-Soviet cultural agreement that was only about 8 pages long. 63 negotiating sessions later, we finally got it signed by Reagan & Gorbachev. There was so little trust and mutual understanding then. Whatever I think about the state of democracy in Russia today, our countries are much closer, have a much healtier relationship and much of the time can work together as true partners. [May 13, 2004 19:06] Olena Zorina, Ukraine: Ukraine has a lot of political parties, sometimes extremely similar, going one against each other. Wouldn't it be better and smarter for them to just unite their efforts and get the sum of votes? [May 13, 2004 19:04] Mark Taplin: The way it typically works in European parliamentary systems is for parties to come together in coalitions -- so maybe it's more important for parties with compatible views to coordinate, work together, even run a common slate of candidates. That is what the democratic opposition is trying to do in Belarus now. I do think there are parties in Ukraine that are little more than one or two ambitious persons and some stationary -- the so-called dwarf parties. But it's not just Ukraine. Did you know dozens and dozens of candidates and unknown "parties" appear on our presidential ballot in the U.S. every four years? [May 13, 2004 19:09] Tanya Vuytsyk, Ukraine: Mr.Taplin, I took part in technology development program in Vermont last March, what do you think , can technology help us to solve the problem of building democracy, and voting corruption? [May 13, 2004 19:06] Mark Taplin: Well, I hope technology will improve Florida's voting machines, for instance! But the main feature of technology which I think is strengthening democracy and civil society is the medium that we are operating on now. Look at how successful Howard Dean was in mobilizing people over the Internet. (Yes, he's also from Vermont and I like him.) There have been developments like that in other countries, like Georgia and in the Balkans. [May 13, 2004 19:11] Yevhen Nechayev, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, what is the most difficult part about your job and what is the most fun one? [May 13, 2004 18:51] Mark Taplin: The most difficult part of my job is the workload, spending so much time in the office. Even though my wife insists I love the office, it's not true. Americans sometimes think working in one of embassies is all elegant receptions and riding in chauffered cars, but it's actually a lot of meetings, writing, and more meetings -- not always the most scintillating way to spend your day. The best part is the contact with interesting people -- and interesting ideas -- and seeing if on occasion one can do something to make the world a slightly better place. [May 13, 2004 19:13] Polina Rogozhina, Russia: Mr. Taplin, have you ever been involved in an exchange program (being a particiopant yourself or hosting a student)? Would you want to? Polina Rogozhina, Russia [May 13, 2004 18:37] Mark Taplin: Since I have spent most of my career working in educational and cultural exchanges, I'm pretty embarrassed to admit that I've never been an exchange participant myself. But being the son of a diplomat gave me some of the cross-cultural experience that all of you are enjoying. If I had it to do all over again, I would send myself to Thailand for a year and learn Thai and eat delicious Thai cuisine! [May 13, 2004 19:16] Ivan Sablin, Russia: Here in United States one can easily go to the parliament, city council or school board meeting, and observe how the legislature works. It doesn't happen in Russia. Do you think it is part of the democracy for legislature to be opened? [May 13, 2004 19:16] Mark Taplin: Yes, I agree with you; democracy and democratic institutions need to be open to the public, and open to public scrutiny as much as possible. This is one of the biggest dangers from terrorism in my mind. To the extent that it becomes difficult or impossible to visit Congress, or tour the White House or the State Department, our democratic standards and values are diminished. This is something that I do worry about for the U.S. in the years ahead. Don't know about Russia specifically, but I think that aspect of the problem is similar. [May 13, 2004 19:19] Mary LaPlume: Maryna Trubitsyna, Ukraine What is the most valuable lesson the excange students can learn about democracy from their experience in the USA? [May 13, 2004 19:15] Mark Taplin: Maryna -- I think you're supposed to tell me what the most valuable lesson is! But if I were to choose something I'd like to see all my Ukrainian friends to take home with them, it would be what we've exchanged ideas about before -- the conviction that the democratic process, however imperfect, can move a country forward, can bring about positive changes. That political involvement is a positive thing, not something to be suspicious of. [May 13, 2004 19:21] Katy Pearce: Students, we only have a few minutes left in our online event. Please do not submit more questions after this point. Thank you. [May 13, 2004 19:22] Tanya Vuytsyk, Ukraine: Mr.Taplin one of the problems in my country is that people are not openminded to new ideas and this mostly a charachteristic for elder generation, how can youth inspire them for eagerness to changes.Thank you for your wonderful answers. [May 13, 2004 19:21] Mark Taplin: All FLEX students I've met know this in their bones. Be idealistic, be energetic, recognize that you can bring positive things to your life and the lives of others by keeping an open mind. Your example inspires other people, one or two or a handful at a time. That's true, incidentally, when you meet with American audiences, not just when you are back home. There is no U.S. exchange program that changes more minds, crushes more stereotypes than FLEX. You can work the same magic here or back home. [May 13, 2004 19:25] Katy Pearce: Based on the responses, I think that everyone appreciates this. Thank you Mr. Taplin. The students, placement organizations, ECA alumni, host families, host educators, and all others greatly appreciate this time that you have given us. Thank you Mr. Taplin and students. We appreciate your time... [May 13, 2004 19:30] Katy Pearce: We have run out of time. We hope that you enjoyed this online event and that you have learned something new about the relationship between the United States and the countries of Western Eurasia and the impact that exchange programs such as FLEX have on communities as well as the future relationship between these countries. Many students asked questions and there was not enough time to answer them all. A transcript of this online event will be on this website soon... [May 13, 2004 19:30] Katy Pearce: Please fill out the evaluation form in order for us to continue hosting events such as this in the best way possible. Thank you so much. Students and adults, please click here to complete the evaluation form: http://www.projectharmony.org/cgi-bin/flexevent/evaluation.cgi Thank you. Mr. Taplin, if you could say any parting words to the students. [May 13, 2004 19:30] Sofya Kaplan, Russia: What advice can you give to young people who would like to study international relations? [May 13, 2004 19:26] Mark Taplin: Sounds like you've already made a good choice taking part in this program. I would advise you to focus on something that interests you -- a particular region, or subject, or language, and start building some lifetime expertise. But at the same time, don't make your decisions on the basis of what someone tells you would be the best practical choice. I remember one university friend of mine who studied international economics because he thought it would help him get a job and because his parents said it would be practical. A few years later, he threw it overboard, went to Africa as Peace Corps volunteer, studied theology in a seminary and is very happy today as a scholar of medieval German literature. You never know what will draw you; as corny as this sounds, you really should follow your heart as much as your head. [May 13, 2004 19:30] Yuliya Prysyazhnyk, Ukraine: Mr.Taplin,why do You think democracy is better than other forms of Government?Are there any disadvantages?Thank you Yuliya Prysyazhnyuk,Ukraine [May 13, 2004 19:26] Mark Taplin: You know the old line, attributed variously to Churchill and others: Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others. I've seen some other types in my travels: USSR under Chernenko, Haiti under Duvalier, etc. I think if people have a choice, and can think freely, the odds are much better of maintaining justice and social harmony as well as giving people a chance to realize themselves more fully. So I'd say -- worst except for all the others. [May 13, 2004 19:32] Katy Pearce: Please copy and paste this: http://www.projectharmony.org/cgi-bin/flexevent/evaluation.cgi into your browser to complete the evalution. Thanks for all of your comments students. Please complete the evaluation form and log off. Thank you! [May 13, 2004 19:32] Mark Taplin: Bye, everybody -- enjoyed this and hope to run across some of you in real life not just cyber life. [May 13, 2004 19:33] Pavel Trofimov, Russia: Thank you for sharing your valuable experience and opinions with us. We appreciate you devoting your time to us. [May 13, 2004 19:33] Sofya Kaplan, Russia: Thank you Mr. Taplin for your answers. [May 13, 2004 19:33] Olena Zorina, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, thanks for your time and attention to answer our questions! [May 13, 2004 19:34] Yelena Yakovenko, Russia: Thank you very much for your time! I really appreciate it! [May 13, 2004 19:36] Irina Polischouk, Ukraine: Thank you very much for your attention! [May 13, 2004 19:36] Aleksandra Visloguzova, Russia: Thank You for sharing Your experiebce with us. I enjoyed it. [May 13, 2004 19:36] Alisa Kim, Russia: I'd like to join Pavel in his words od appreciation. Hope together we can change the world for better. [May 13, 2004 19:36] Nina Ivanchenko, Ukraine: I enjoyed your answers and opinions about all the issues, Mr. Taplin. Thank you! [May 13, 2004 19:36] Anna Shatilova, Russia: Thank you very much!!!! We appriciate it a lot!!!!!! Anna Shatilova [May 13, 2004 19:36] Aleksandra Visloguzova, Russia: Thank You a lot. You helped us to learn lots of new facts. [May 13, 2004 19:37] Yana Polyanskaya, Russia: Thank you Mr Taplin for your time and effort. [May 13, 2004 19:37] Katya Lebedeva, Russia: Thank you for your time, Mr. Taplin! [May 13, 2004 19:37] Anna Shatilova, Russia: Thank you very much!!!! We appriciate it a lot!!!!!! Anna Shatilova [May 13, 2004 19:37] Yuliya Pinchakovska, Ukraine: Thank you so much! I gained a lot of knowladge.I want to express my grattitude one more time- THANK YOU!!! [May 13, 2004 19:38] Mary LaPlume: Maryna Trubitsyna, Ukraine. Thank you Mr. Taplin for your answeres. We realy appreciate the time you gave us. [May 13, 2004 19:38] Yuliya Symonenko, Ukraine: I've learned a lot of new things [May 13, 2004 19:38] Mary LaPlume: Maryna Trubitsyna, Ukraine. Thank you! [May 13, 2004 19:38] Tanya Vuytsyk, Ukraine: thank you so much Mr.Taplin I learned a lot from this discussion [May 13, 2004 19:38] Yuliya Prysyazhnyk, Ukraine: Thank you very much for giving opportunity to participate. Yuliya Prysyazhnyuk,Ukraine [May 13, 2004 19:39] Yevgeniya Trofimova, Russia: Thank you very much, Mr. Taplin and all FLEX mates, this was an awesome discussion and I'm really happy I had a chance to participate in it. It was extremely interesting to read great answers for challenging questions! [May 13, 2004 19:39] Olena Zorina, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, thank you for taking your time and answering our questions to better understand your job and our role in establishing worldwide democracy! [May 13, 2004 19:39] Yevhen Nechayev, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, thanks a lot! [May 13, 2004 19:39] Olena Trofimova, Ukraine: Thank you very much for this on-line chat. [May 13, 2004 19:40] Yevgeniya Trofimova, Russia: This discussion was just great. Thank you, Mr. Taplin! [May 13, 2004 19:40] Kateryna Ovcharenko, Ukraine: Mr. Taplin, thank you for giving us some of your ideas about how we can to establish democracy in our countries. I hope that we can have chat with you one more time. Thank you very much. Take care. [May 13, 2004 19:40] Polina Rogozhina, Russia: Thank you so much, Mr. Taplin! We all learned a lot, I'm sure. Thank you for inspiring us to be optimistic and influence our countries! [May 13, 2004 19:40] Akbarjon Saidov, Tajikistan: I was the observer of the chat session, and I can truly say I learnt alot. Thank you. Akbarjon Saidov, Tajikistan [May 13, 2004 19:40] Taras Klymkiv, Ukraine: Thenk you Mr. Taplin. I really enjoyed this chat event with you. [May 13, 2004 19:40] Olexiy Shmytkin, Ukraine: Aloha! Thanks for answering - was pleasure to read! Olexiy (Ukraine - Hawaii) ;) [May 13, 2004 19:41] Katy Pearce: Please copy and paste this: http://www.projectharmony.org/cgi-bin/flexevent/evaluation.cgi into your browser to complete the evalution. Thanks for all of your comments students. Please complete the evaluation form and log off. Thank you! [May 13, 2004 19:42] Yuliya Symonenko, Ukraine: Thank you so much [May 13, 2004 19:42] Olena Zorina, Ukraine: You've helped me a lot in understanding some of your concepts of democracy and elections. Thanks a lot! [May 13, 2004 19:43] Darya Tkacheva, Russia: THANK YOU to everybody participating and especially Mr. Taplin. Darya Tkacheva [May 13, 2004 19:43] Elvira Nurgaliyeva, Russia: thank you Mr.taplin. we really apprecite your time and effort, and personally you inspired me to consider a career in the area of international relationships.:) [May 13, 2004 19:44] Pavel Snop, Russia: thank you mr.Taplin. I enloyed reading interesting your answers [May 13, 2004 19:44] Olexiy Shmytkin, Ukraine: Thanks! Mahalo! It was great! Aloha! :) [May 13, 2004 19:44] Pavel Snop, Russia: Thank you Mr.Taplin [May 13, 2004 19:44] Olexiy Shmytkin, Ukraine: Thanx! it was pleasure to read your answers! Aloha! (Olexiy S. - Hawaii) [May 13, 2004 19:45] Yekaterina Tsytsunova, Russia: Mr. Taplin, thanks for sharing your thoughts, it is interstign to know what other people think. [May 13, 2004 19:48] Yuliya Pinchakovska, Ukraine: Mahalo!!! Thanks a lot!I had a good time! Ukraine - Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo. [May 13, 2004 19:48] Salavat Yaykarov, Russia: Awesome chat tonight! Thanx a lot! [May 13, 2004 19:50] Salavat Yaykarov, Russia: Thanks for Mr. Taplin, thanks for the moder. [May 13, 2004 19:51] Katy Pearce: Please copy and paste this: http://www.projectharmony.org/cgi-bin/flexevent/evaluation.cgi into your browser to complete the evalution. Thanks for all of your comments students. Please complete the evaluation form and log off. Thank you! [May 13, 2004 19:51] Copyright @ Project Harmony      Webmaster: Olga@projectharmony.org