[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO COMMEMORATE THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, before we recess, I am pleased to rise in 
commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Ukrainian Independence. 
Three weeks from tonight, on Friday evening, August 25, 1995, members 
of the Ukrainian-American community in Michigan will gather to 
celebrate independence and share in the joy of a free Ukraine.
  As a second generation Ukrainian-American I feel a special attachment 
to the land my grandparents once called home. Along with many Americans 
of Ukrainian descent, I am seriously concerned about the welfare of 
Ukraine. I closely monitor events there and am inspired by the on-going 
transition to a free and democratic society.
  Small scale privatization has been carried out by local authorities 
in several regions and President Leonid Kuchma has vowed to move 
forward with economic reforms. During this time of progress, it is 
discouraging to see the House of Representatives vote to cut aid to 
Ukraine. At a time when nations are seeking to build democracy, I do 
not believe we should turn our backs on them.
  I believe the United States should strongly support an independent 
Ukraine. The geographic location of this great and proud nation has 
contributed to its history as a country often divided by opposing 
powers. This heritage has led to a strong desire for freedom and 
national sovereignty. Now that Ukraine has achieved independence, it 
has pledged to adhere to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and 
the Charter of Paris, which included respect for democratic values and 
human rights. Ukraine passed a citizenship law that does not impose 
language or residency restrictions and the print media expresses a wide 
variety of views. All of these reforms illustrate the natural 
affinities between our two nations.
  In spite of these encouraging realities, 60 Minutes aired a deeply 
offensive program entitled The Ugly Face of Freedom which presented a 
biased mean-spirited view and absolutely false view of today's Ukraine. 
Interviews since the broadcast have revealed that a number of 
statements were severely taken out of context. However, CBS has failed 
to apologize or allow for a balanced program to be shown on the state 
of Ukrainian-Jewish relations. In a time of such democratic progress, 
it is disheartening to see a story so potentially damaging to the 
relationship between the United States and Ukraine.
  Americans can and should assist Ukrainians in their quest to build a 
prosperous free market society. President Clinton stressed the need for 
trade and investment in Ukraine and has encouraged other nations and 
institutions to participate. Wayne State University in Detroit has 
developed an exchange program with the Lviv Institute of Management 
which I have had the privilege of supporting. Last year I was able to 
arrange for many of the Ukrainian students to visit several family-
owned businesses in my home community of Mt. Clemens. I plan to make 
similar arrangements again this year. I have also been fortunate to 
have several Ukrainian citizens intern in both my Washington and Mount 
Clemens offices studying the American political system. Last fall, a 
most talented young woman, Ms. Luba Shara, spent several months working 
with my staff as part of an exchange program. I was especially pleased 
that she was able to see President Kuchma when he visited the United 
States last November. I encourage all Americans committed to Ukraine's 
future to participate in these types of one on one experiences. These 
efforts will undoubtedly have an important effect on Ukraine.
  On the event of the fourth anniversary, I salute the Metropolitan 
Detroit Committee to Commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day for 
sponsoring this event. And, I urge my colleagues to join with me and 
Ukrainians around the world in celebration.


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