[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate 
the people and the Government of Ukraine on the occasion of that 
nation's celebration earlier this month of 5 years of independence. 
Ukraine has made considerable progress in political reform during this 
time, and Ukrainians are to be congratulated for their conduct of free 
and fair elections for the presidency and parliament, and their 
adoption of a new, democratic constitution.
  As a major European nation, Ukraine, with the continent's sixth 
largest population and second largest land mass, has an important role 
to play, both geopolitically and economically, in Central and Eastern 
Europe. This region is also important to the United States, so that a 
strong and stable Ukraine, by contributing to European peace and 
stability, enhances U.S. national security.
  Ukraine has made a promising start in its effort to establish a just, 
democratic system with a free and open economy. It must build on these 
steps by implementing its constitution, assuring minority rights, 
guaranteeing private property, and constructing a reliable and fair 
system of justice in which all Ukrainians can have faith.
  The United States should make every effort to support the people of 
Ukraine as they strive to live in peace and democracy. We should 
continue assistance with political and economic reform, 
nonproliferation, trade relations, and military training so that we may 
assist Ukrainians in achieving their aspirations as a people and as a 
nation.

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