[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9623-S9624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this year has been an historic one 
for the nation of Ukraine. Ukraine has adopted a new constitution, has 
taken part in its first Olympic games, and will celebrate the fifth 
anniversary of its independence from the former Soviet Union.
  Ukrainian Independence Day, August 24, is a time to remember 
Ukraine's past and to look to its future. Since Ukrainian independence 
in 1991, the country has made great strides in many important areas.
  On June 28, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a new Ukrainian 
constitution. The new Constitution establishes Ukraine as an 
independent,

[[Page S9624]]

democratic nation. The constitution also clearly divides power between 
the executive and legislative branches.
  Ukraine has exhibited much economic potential. Working with the 
International Monetary Fund, Ukraine is making significant gains in 
halting hyperinflation and securing an efficient and cost-effective 
source of energy for the country. A partnership has been established 
with the European Union which will give Ukraine most-favored-nation 
status and other trade advantages, and opens the possibility of a free 
trade agreement after 1998. Ukraine's natural resources, its heavy 
industry, and its innovative and hard-working people promise to 
transform the country into a successful economic partner in the world 
marketplace.
  Ukraine has now become a nuclear-free state. Ukraine has faithfully 
followed guidelines for the elimination of nuclear weapons under the 
START I Treaty and it 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 in the world.
  Ukraine's transition to a democratically-governed, free-market 
economy has not been without its problems. But these strains are 
natural. The recent assassination attempt on Prime Minister Pavlo 
Lazarenko is troubling. However, we expect that the government of 
Ukraine will take the necessary steps to see that the rule of law is 
upheld. Ukraine has shown strong leadership in the face of such turmoil 
by pledging itself to adhere to the principles of the Helsinki Final 
Act. This should help ensure that whatever problems Ukraine may 
encounter in the future, it will continue to be an example of respect 
for civil and human rights in the region.
  This year, Ukraine joined the world athletic community by fielding 
its first Olympic team. It was heartening to see the joy on the faces 
of Ukraine's athletes as they represented their country in this year's 
centennial Olympic games. Ukraine's fine athletes graciously 
represented the Ukrainian people.
  The people of Ukraine deserve our admiration and support for the fine 
work they have done during the past 5 years. I know that the Ukrainian-
American community in Michigan is in the front ranks of such support. 
United States-Ukraine relations are, and will continue to be, an 
important part of our national interests.
  This is an historic time for Ukraine, one in which it is possible to 
witness its citizens decide for themselves what kind of government and 
what kind of future they want for their country. I know my Senate 
colleagues join me in honoring Ukraine on the fifth anniversary of its 
independence.

                          ROGER TORY PETERSON

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
life of one of Connecticut's pioneers. Roger Tory Peterson devoted his 
life to the study of birds. Peterson's ``A Field Guide to the Birds,'' 
published in 1934, revolutionized the concept of field guides by 
intricately depicting distinguishable characteristics of thousands of 
birds. Often referred to as the ``birder's bible,'' this handbook 
brought the once eccentric hobby of bird watching to the mainstream.
  Born 122 years after John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson was the 
definitive expert on birds in this century. Many people believe he 
began the environmental movement by bringing tens of millions of bird 
watchers outdoors to study birds. Any avid bird watcher looking for the 
illusive bird would not dare go out without one of Peterson's guides in 
their pocket.
  A master of detail, Roger photographed, painted, and identified 
thousands of birds throughout his 60-year career. His descriptions, 
both in words and drawings, were done with such clarity and precision 
that the birds came to life on paper. Even today, I continue to marvel 
at his prints, several of which hang in my home in Connecticut.
  A world renown artist, naturalist, and environmentalist, Peterson 
believed that any serious study of natural history would lead people to 
care about and protect the environment. This philosophy is the backbone 
of the legacy he leaves behind. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of 
Natural History in Jamestown, NY, is dedicated to educating the public 
and teaching young and old alike about natural history. This center and 
the guidebooks used by millions of hikers everyday will continue to 
promote environmental awareness for years to come.
  The people of Connecticut were proud to have Dr. Peterson reside in 
Old Lyme for over 40 years. My parents were honored to know him as a 
neighbor and friend. We will all miss his work and remember him 
fondly.

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