[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1515-E1516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 120 SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge passage of House 
Concurrent Resolution 120, a measure which I am pleased to have 
cosponsored, supporting the

[[Page E1516]]

independence and sovereignty of Ukraine and progress of its political 
and economic reforms. I commend Chairman Gilman for his introduction of 
this important resolution and efforts to ensure its passage.
  On August 24, Ukraine celebrated its fifth anniversary of 
independence. In doing so, Ukraine confounded the predictions of some 
Western analysts--made only a few years ago--that it would break up or 
soon return to Russia's orbit. Despite the considerable challenges 
Ukraine continues to face, this strategically important country has 
emerged as a stable state where political differences, while at times 
intense, are resolved peacefully and democratically. The most recent 
evidence of this is the Ukrainian parliament's adoption of a new 
constitution in June.
  During the last 5 years, Ukraine has made significant progress both 
at home and abroad. On the international scene, Ukraine has exhibited 
stability in a volatile region. United States-Ukrainian relations are 
now on a solid footing and are stronger than ever. The United States is 
committed to helping Ukraine consolidate its independence through 
economic and political reform.
  In 1994, Ukraine signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty [NPT] at 
the OSCE Summit in Budapest and ratified START-I, and just a few months 
ago, on May 31, the last former Soviet nuclear weapons were removed 
from Ukrainian soil. While strengthening its ties with the West, 
Ukraine is also attempting to forge a constructive relationship with 
all its neighbors, especially Russia, while emphasizing its 
independence and resisting Russian attempts at greater CIS military and 
political integration. In fact, just last month, Ukraine's defense 
minister refused to sign a CIS statement on NATO expansion. In so 
doing, he underscored Ukraine's belief that every independent state has 
the right to make its own decision on entry into NATO consistent with 
OSCE principles. While outstanding problems with Russia remain, 
including the contentious issue of basing for the Black Sea Fleet, 
efforts are continuing toward their resolution.
  The consolidation of Ukraine's statehood is also evident in the 
domestic arena. In June, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a 
constitution after years of wrangling, further stabilizing the 
political situation and paving the way to more vigourous reform 
efforts, particularly in the economic sphere. Also, tensions in Crimea 
have diminished in the last year and the new Crimean authorities appear 
to be more cooperative with the Ukrainian Government. Moreover, human 
rights, including minority rights, continue to be generally respected 
in Ukraine and the interethnic conflicts so common in many other 
countries of the region have not appeared in Ukraine.
  In the past year, Ukraine has also witnessed the beginnings of an 
economic overhaul: Prices for many goods have been freed; the budget 
deficit has been reduced; and inflation has gone down. Just a few days 
ago, Ukraine's long-awaited new currency, the hryvna, was introduced.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the positive developments I have outlined, 
Ukraine still faces serious challenges--economic ills; a crippling 
bureaucracy; corruption; the lack of a legal structure which hampers 
business and foreign investment; the growth of organized crime and the 
lack of developed democratic institutions and civil society. House 
Concurrent Resolution 120 underscores the dependence of Ukraine's 
economic and social stability on its ability to build a stable market-
based economy and a legal system based on the rule of law. This 
resolution, I am pleased to say, also addresses another major challenge 
for Ukraine, by urging Kyiv to continue its cooperative efforts with 
the G-7 to safely and expeditiously shut down the nuclear reactors at 
Chornobyl. Last May, the House unanimously approved a resolution that I 
introduced on the Chornobyl disaster which underscored the importance 
of G-7 efforts to assist Ukraine in closing down Chornobyl, and I am 
pleased that the international community has recently showed signs of 
greater willingness to assist Ukraine in this important endeavor.
  Indeed, Ukraine's struggle toward political and economic reforms--to 
overcome the devastating legacy of Soviet rule--will be formidable. But 
this process, too, must be kept in perspective. Let us keep in mind 
that, historically, the Ukrainian people have shown a tremendous 
ability to overcome extremely unfavorable odds. As Chairman of the 
Helsinki Commission, I have long tracked developments in Ukraine and 
supported the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom--well 
before Ukraine became independent. I am familiar with the tremendous 
sacrifices it took to achieve independence. Despite the fact that 
independence arrived peacefully 5 years ago, in 1991, it was hard won, 
and there are still some in Russia, including among the political 
elite, who have not reconciled themselves to an independent Ukraine. 
Throughout this bloody century, millions of Ukrainians sacrificed their 
very lives or well-being because of their commitment to freedom and 
independence. In short, you might say that the Ukrainian people, in 
achieving independence and maintaining and strengthening it over the 
last 5 years, have already beat the odds.
  Mr. Speaker, I also think of how far Ukraine has already come since 
independence. Given that 5 years ago Ukraine in many repsects had to 
start from scratch--lacking the necessary institutions and state 
structures--I am optimistic with respect to Ukraine's future and 
confident that the people of Ukraine will overcome any challenges that 
lie ahead. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 120 stresses the 
importance which this Congress attaches to Ukraine's sovereignty and 
territorial integrity and urges continued United States assistance to 
Ukraine for its political and economic reforms. By providing this 
support, we will help the Ukrainian people to overcome the challenges 
that lie ahead and will be acting in a way that comports with both our 
national interests and our long-standing values.

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