[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         UKRAINIAN CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today is an important day 
to Americans of Ukrainian descent, supporters of Ukrainian democracy, 
and of course, to the Ukrainian people themselves. Today is the first 
anniversary of the Ukrainian constitution.
  Ukraine was one of he 15 republics that declared independence from 
the former U.S.S.R. After generations of soviet occupation, the people 
of Ukraine threw off the yoke of bondage and moved an entire nation 
closer and closer to free-markets and democratic rule.
  Like our own Constitution, the Ukrainian constitution is the pillar 
of law in the country. Its objective is the fulfillment of individual 
freedom, liberty, and government of the people.
  Americans can be proud of Ukraine today, for the role Americans 
played in Ukrainian independence is significant. Our democracy is one 
of the most durable in the world. Our Constitution is clearly one of 
the strongest, and it has inspired more than Americans united in 
citizenship. It has indeed inspired freedom seekers throughout the 
world to choose liberty over bondage--to risk their very lives for the 
prospect of their children' freedom.
  The adoption of the Ukrainian constitution on June 28, 1996 was one 
of the most significant events in Ukraine since its declaration of 
independence. The Ukrainian constitution is in fact more than a 
government document, it is a symbol of great progress and hope for all 
of eastern Europe, in fact for all of the world.
  The Ukrainian constitution is proof again that freedom works--that a 
democratic movement can spring from the midst of totalitarian 
occupation. The Ukrainian constitution is proof that the captive can 
become leaders, and the oppressed can build prosperity. The Ukrainian 
constitution drives the stake of freedom even deeper into the heart of 
communism, and further dashes the hopes of the radical left, that they 
might one day reoccupy Ukraine.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people should know that in celebration of 
the first anniversary of the Ukrainian constitution, that Ukrainian 
officials here in Washington are invoking the name of our first 
president George Washington. Tonight, His Excellency Yuri Scherbak, 
Ambassador of Ukraine will be speaking at a special commemoration. At 
that ceremony, he will open and dedicate the George Washington Memorial 
Room in the Embassy of Ukraine. The dedication is offered as a gift to 
the city of Washington and to the American people.
  The gesture is also a sign of the strong friendship and partnership 
between the American people and the people of Ukraine. George 
Washington, the Father of the American Constitution, the General, the 
Commander of the Revolution, War, the President, only dreamed of days 
like these when democracies around the world rise from the clutches of 
tyranny, just as Washington led Americans to do, 221 years ago, next 
week.

  Ambassador Shcherbak, on today's observance, said, ``Today we have to 
create a new, completely new legal system of independent Ukraine, which 
main ideology should be the superiority of human rights and 
international law; implementation of rule of law; absolute respect to 
private property and its effective protection; orientation to Western 
legal standards; as well as integration into the Western political, 
legal and economic space.''
  Mr. Speaker, as an American of Ukrainian ancestry, I am very proud to 
celebrate this day with the people of Ukraine. The fall of communism in 
Eastern Europe is a tribute to the power of free people. In this regard 
America is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine to keep the 
torch of freedom burning bright.
  Indeed we should heed the words of General Washington especially this 
day, ``Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the 
whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, 
is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.''--George Washington, 
July 2, 1776.
  May the people of Ukraine enjoy the continued blessings of liberty. 
May God abundantly bless Ukraine and her people with prosperity and 
health. May Ukraine long serve as a haven for democracy and an example 
of courage.
  Congratulations to the people of Ukraine on the anniversary of your 
constitution.

                          ____________________