[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12631-S12632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, Ukrainian Independence Day, August 
24, is a time to remember Ukraine's past and to look to its bright 
future. Since Ukrainian independence in 1991, much has been 
accomplished in all areas of the country.
  The recent legislative and Presidential elections give cause for 
hope. The open and fair manner in which they were carried out is 
evidence that democracy has taken root in Ukraine. Ukraine exhibits 
signs of a healthy democracy, including the existence of multiple 
interests represented within the government.
  In the economic arena, Ukraine has exhibited much potential. Its 
significant natural resource endowment, focus on heavy industry, and 
its most important resource, the innovative and hard-working people of 
Ukraine, can combine to transform the country into a successful 
economic player in the world. Ukraine has taken significant steps to 
alleviate the natural strains that a country experiences when changing 
from a centralized to a free-market economy. These economic problems 
are similar to those now being experienced by many of the other 
countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
  Under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund, Ukraine is 
working to halt hyperinflation and to achieve other beneficial goals, 
such as securing an efficient and cost-effective source of energy for 
the country. President Kuchma's plan of tight fiscal and monetary 
policies, price liberalization, foreign trade liberalization, and 
accelerated privatization appears to be the right economic track for 
Ukraine. The recent partnership signed with the European Union is 
another step in the right direction. It will give Ukraine most-favored-
nation status and other trade advantages, and opens the possibility of 
a free trade agreement after 1998. 

[[Page S 12632]]

  Ukraine's actions in the area of national and regional security are 
also encouraging. The government is to be congratulated for its efforts 
to rid Ukrainian soil of nuclear weapons. Ukraine has faithfully 
followed guidelines for the elimination of nuclear weapons from its 
borders under the START I treaty and other similar agreements. It is 
also heartening to know that Ukraine has ratified the Non-Proliferation 
Treaty. And, in joining the Partnership for Peace program for NATO 
membership, Ukraine has positioned itself to become a member of the 
strongest military alliance the world has ever known.
  Ukraine's transition to a democratically governed free-market economy 
has not been without its problems. But these strains are natural in 
such a progression. In the face of such turmoil, Ukraine has shown 
strong leadership by pledging itself to adhere to the principles of the 
Helsinki Final Act. This will insure that whatever problems Ukraine may 
encounter in the future, they will continue to be an example of respect 
for civil and human rights in the region.
  The people of Ukraine deserve our admiration and support for the fine 
work they have done in such a short period of time. I know that the 
Ukrainian-American community here in Michigan is in the front ranks of 
such support. We will all be watching Ukraine closely this next year as 
it works to finalize a new constitution.
  This is truly an historic time for Ukraine, one in which it is 
possible to witness the citizens decide for themselves what kind of 
government and what kind of future they want for their country.

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