[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 422 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 422

Recognizing the important progress made by the people of Ukraine in the 
  establishment of democratic institutions following the presidential 
                 run-off election on February 7, 2010.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 25, 2010

     Mr. Lugar (for himself and Mr. Kerry) submitted the following 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the important progress made by the people of Ukraine in the 
  establishment of democratic institutions following the presidential 
                 run-off election on February 7, 2010.

Whereas adherence by Ukraine to democratic, transparent, and fair election 
        standards has been necessary for full integration into the democratic 
        community;
Whereas steps undertaken by Ukraine in recent years, including reform of 
        election laws and regulations, the development of a pluralistic and 
        independent press, and the establishment of public institutions that 
        respect human rights and the rule of law, have enhanced Ukraine's 
        progress toward democracy and prosperity;
Whereas the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) concluded 
        that ``most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments were met'' with 
        regard to the conduct of the run-off presidential election on February 
        7, 2010;
Whereas international monitoring groups concluded that prior elections in 
        Ukraine on January 17, 2010, and in 2007, 2006, and 2004, were also 
        generally in accordance with international election norms;
Whereas the United States has closely supported the people of Ukraine in their 
        efforts to pursue a free and democratic future since the declaration of 
        their independence in 1991;
Whereas the NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-17; 22 U.S.C. 
        1928 note), signed into law by President George W. Bush on April 9, 
        2007, recognized the progress made by Ukraine toward meeting the 
        responsibilities and obligations for membership in the North Atlantic 
        Treaty Organization (NATO) and designated Ukraine as eligible to receive 
        assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994 (title II of Public 
        Law 103-447; 22 U.S.C. 1928 note);
Whereas Ukraine has made steps toward integration within European institutions 
        through a joint European Union-Ukraine Action Plan, as part of the 
        European Neighbourhood Policy; and
Whereas the United States-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission was 
        inaugurated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ukrainian Foreign 
        Minister Petro Poroshenko on December 9, 2009: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the important progress made by the people of 
        Ukraine in establishing democratic institutions and carrying 
        out peaceful elections on January 17 and February 7, 2010;
            (2) supports ongoing progress by Ukraine in addressing 
        remaining challenges in the electoral processes as identified 
        by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and 
        other international election monitoring entities;
            (3) encourages all parties to respect the independence and 
        territorial sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as the full 
        integration of Ukraine into the international democratic 
        community;
            (4) pledges further support for the development of a fully 
        free and open democratic system, as well as a transparent free 
        market economy, in Ukraine; and
            (5) reaffirms its commitment to engage the Government of 
        Ukraine in further development of bilateral cooperation through 
        the United States-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission.
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