[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 120, a resolution that recognizes the fifth 
anniversary of Ukraine's independence and applauds the efforts of the 
people of Ukraine to reform the political and economic system of that 
nation.
  This has been a memorable year for the Ukrainian people. In April, we 
all recalled the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of Chornobyl. Ukraine 
is still feeling the effects of that disaster, but together we are 
making progress to assess the long-term effects of Chornobyl on the 
people, animals, and land in Ukraine.
  Just over 2 months ago, President Kuchma and the Ukrainian Parliament 
ratified a new constitution for the nation. This historic action will 
ensure that Ukrainians enjoy all the freedoms that are guaranteed to 
people who live in a democracy, and will ensure that Ukraine remains on 
the path of reform of its political and economic system.
  Most recently, in August, Ukrainians celebrated the fifth anniversary 
of their independence. Today, Ukraine is making great strides, and 
American support for the people of Ukraine has helped immensely.
  Ukraine is one of Europe's largest, most vibrant nations. The 
government and people of Ukraine are making the transformation to a 
market economy, beginning to privatize state-owned enterprises, 
establishing the rule of law, and creating a positive environment for 
trade and investment.
  Ukraine stands as a proud member of the community of nations by 
supporting efforts to stem proliferation of nuclear weapons, by 
ratifying the START-I Treaty, by representing the interests of the 
smaller states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and by 
providing peacekeeping troops in the former Yugoslavia.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Ukrainian-American, I am especially proud of the 
close ties our two nations have. Our two peoples have so much to share 
with each other. This weekend in Macomb County, MI, we will be 
celebrating the fifth anniversary of Ukraine's independence and its new 
constitution. We will also be exploring bilateral investment and trade 
opportunities in Ukraine with Ambassador Yuri Shcherback. It will be my 
great honor during these events to receive the Shevchenko Freedom Award 
for contributions to Ukrainian statehood.
  Mr. Speaker, we look forward to a future in which Ukraine and the 
United States will enjoy even closer ties.

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