[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 122 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Ukrainian 
Independence Day. Since its independence on August 24, 1991, The 
Ukrainian Government has taken several bold steps to reform the country 
after many years of Soviet rule. We should take this opportunity today 
to review the success that Ukraine has recently experienced.
  In 1994, Ukraine held legislative and Presidential elections. These 
elections were carried out in an open and fair manner that bodes well 
for stable democracy in Ukraine. Ukraine now exhibits signs of a 
healthy democracy, including the existence of multiple interests 
represented within the Government, and last year, Ukraine 
overwhelmingly enacted a new constitution which guarantees the right of 
private ownership.
  Ukraine has also focused on reforming its economy with some 
significant results. The Government has taken steps to improve the 
investment climate in Ukraine. In order to further promote 
privatization, the President of Ukraine signed the State Privatization 
Program for 1997. Ukraine also launched a new currency, the hryvna, and 
inflation has been reduced dramatically.
  Ukraine's efforts on security issues may be its most successful. The 
Government has been rightfully lauded for its efforts to rid Ukrainian 
soil of nuclear weapons by faithfully following guidelines under the 
START I Treaty and other agreements. And, by joining the Partnership 
for Peace Program for NATO membership, Ukraine has shown its 
determination to contribute to the security of Europe.
  The people of Ukraine deserve our admiration and support for the fine 
work they have done in such a short period of time. The Ukrainian-
American community in Michigan is in the front ranks of such support. I 
know my Senate colleagues join me in celebrating the sixth anniversary 
of Ukrainian independence.

                          ____________________