[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
tenth anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine.
  Ukraine has a long and very turbulent history. For almost three 
centuries, 1709-1917, Central Ukraine was under the Tsarist domination, 
followed by Soviet Russian rule from 1921-1991. On August 24, 1991, the 
Parliament of Ukraine, under the leadership of Leonid Kravchuk, 
declared Independence of Ukraine, and banned the Communist Party.
  The Proclamation of Independence was soon ratified by over 90 percent 
of the voters in December 1991. The Constitution of Ukraine now 
guarantees all citizens equal protection under the law regardless of 
race, creed, religion, or national origin.
  Ukraine is now recognized by over 150 nations, has signed numerous 
treaties of friendship, voluntarily gave up all nuclear weapons by 
signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and is a strong strategic 
partner of the United States in NATO's ``Partnership for Peace.'' 
Ukraine has made great strides in equality and peace and has even 
remained free from armed conflicts on its territory throughout its ten 
years of independence.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the tenth anniversary of the 
Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine. Ukrainians are working hard to 
establish a better life for themselves and their country, and have made 
remarkable strides in democracy.

                          ____________________