What weve been discussing w today, which involved in a regular channel, was a request that went against u. S. Policy that have have undermined the rule of law and our longstanding policy goals in ukraine, as in other countries in the postsoviet space. Those policies which were indeed championed by ambassador yovanovitch. You also testified on october 15th in the deposition about fundamental reforms necessary for ukraine to fight corruption and to transform the country. And you t cited the importance reforming certain institutions, notably was investigating President Trumps political opponents a part of those necessary reforms . Was it on that list of yours or indeed was it on any list . No, they werent. In fact, historically, is it not true that a major problem in the ukraine has been its misuse
of prosecutors, precisely to conduct investigation of political opponents. Thats a legacy i dare suggest from the soviet era when, as you stated in your testimony, prosecutors like the kgb were
Discussing today which involved an irregular channel which is her request that went against u. S. Policy that would undermine the rule of law and our longstanding policy goals in ukraine as in other countries in the postsoviet space. Policies that were indeed championed by ambassador yovanovitch. You also testified in the deposition about fundamental reforms necessary for ukraine to fight corruption and to transform the country and you cited the importance of reforming certain institutions, notably security service. Was investigating President Trumps political opponents a part of those necessary reforms . Was it on that list of yours and was it on any list . No, they werent. In fact, historically is it not true than a major problem in the ukraine is bennetts misuse
of prosecutors, precisely to conduct an investigation of political opponents. Thats a legacy i dare suggest from the soviet era which as you said in your testimony prosecutors like the kgb were and i quote you now instrument
Instruments of oppression. I said that and believe its true. So finally, mr. Kent, for as long as i can remember. Policy predicated on principled interest in Democratic Values notely freedom of speech, pre and fair and other elections in the rule of law. Mr. Kent, when american leaders ask foreign governments to investigate their potential rivals, doesnt that make it harder for us to advocate on behalf of those Democratic Values . I believe it makes it more difficult for our diplomatic
representatives overseas to carry out those policy goals, yes. How is that, sir . Well, theres an issue of credibility. They hear diplomats on the ground saying one thing and they hear other u. S. Leaders saying something else. Ambassador taylor, would you agree with that, sir. I would. Is there anything youd like to add how it mike mate it more difficult for you to do your job, sir . Our credibility is based on a respect for the United States, and if we damage that respect, then it hurts our credibility
outside of the normal channels, but then they need to be part of u.s. foreign policy, and approaching those goals. mr. kent? agree. ambassador taylor, you have described in your previous testimony one instance shortly after arriving in ukraine in which ambassador sondland asked state department officials no the to listen to a july 28th call he had planned to hold with president zelensky. did you find that unusual? i did. what was the impact of ambassador sondland making that request? you found it unusual. what do you believe the impact was? i m not sure there was intermediate impact. was there a recording or transcript? that was the impact. it was not recorded. is that why the request was made, do you think, so there would not be normal state department employees from the operation center that would have
have conversations outside of the normal channels, but then they need to be part of u.s. foreign policy. approaching those goals. mr. kent? agree. ambassador taylor, you have described in your previous testimony one instance shortly after you arrived in ukraine in which ambassador sondland asked state department officials not to listen to a july 20 call he had planned to hold with president zelensky. did you find that unusual? i did. what was the impact of ambassador sondland making that request? >you found it unusual. what do you believe the impact was? ms. dennings, i m not sure there was an immediate impact. was there a recording or transcription? that was not that was the impact, it was not recorded. do you believe that s why the request is made, that there would not be normal