[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 Mr. RIEGLE. Mr. President, I rise to offer my congratualtions 
to the Ukrainian National Association, which celebrates its 100th 
anniversary today. The UNA is the oldest and largest Ukrainian-American 
organization in the United States and has helped to preserve the 
cultural heritage of the Ukrainian-American community by providing 
financial support, and promoting educational and cultural programs and 
publications. The UNA's efforts have become even more important as 
Ukraine faces the economic and political challenges of reestablishing 
itself as an independent nation. I wish to commend the UNA on its 
efforts over the past century, and I am certain that its work will 
continue to benefit Ukrainians well into the future.
  One of the Ukrainian National Association's greatest contributions 
has been the financial support that it has provided to its 66,000 
members nationwide. The UNA has provided life insurance and mortgage 
for its members and retirement homes for senior citizens. It has also 
granted scholarships for Ukrainian-American students to continue their 
education. Finally, the UNA has contributed greatly to the preservation 
of Ukrainian heritage in the United States through its charitable 
contributions and assistance in the construction of Ukrainian churches 
and cultural centers. Such financial support has been invaluable in 
supporting needy individuals as well as in preserving the community as 
a whole.
  The UNA has provided further support to the community through its 
publications and efforts to promote cultural exchange. The UNA 
currently publishes Ukrainian and English language newspapers, as well 
as numerous books on Ukrainian culture and history. Much of this work 
has benefitted the people of Ukraine as well--the UNA has published 
works on various subjects to be used in Ukrainian schools. In addition, 
the UNA has acted as a bridge between the Ukrainian-American community 
and the people of Ukraine by promoting various cultural and educational 
exchange programs.
  The UNA's support for the people of Ukraine will continue to increase 
in importance as Ukraine works to build a democratic government and a 
strong free-market economy. Since 1990, the UNA has maintained a fund 
for humanitarian and technical assistance to Ukraine. It is also 
working in conjunction with other organizations to promote democracy 
there and has been a strong proponent of greater western support for 
the newly independent Ukraine.
  The support of the UNA and other organizations is critical as Ukraine 
struggles to overcome the economic, political, and social difficulties 
that have arisen since its independence from the Soviet Union. Energy 
shortages have caused a serious decline in industrial output and 
inflation has reached 60 percent per month. Further economic decline 
could jeopardize Ukraine's ability to maintain a viable political and 
economic structure. Relations with Russia have also been strained over 
such issues as control of nuclear weapons and treatment of the 12 
million ethnic Russians who live in Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine faces 
the threat of social turmoil that could result from the emerging 
secessionist movements within its borders.
  The problems that Ukraine and other fledgling democracies are facing 
can only be overcome if the international community continues to lend 
its support. The Ukrainian National Association has played a pivotal 
role in building this support through its efforts in the United States 
and Canada. I commend the UNA for the hard work it has done to 
accomplish its goals. Because of its efforts, United States-Ukrainian 
ties will grow even stronger and Ukrainians will receive the attention 
and support they need in order to build a more prosperous and 
democratic future.

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