[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join Rep. Hyde, 
Chairman of the International Relations Committee, in sponsoring an 
important resolution urging Ukraine to ensure a democratic, 
transparent, and fair election process for the upcoming presidential 
election. By urging the Ukrainian authorities to abide by their freely 
undertaken OSCE commitments on democratic elections, this resolution 
emphasizes our commitment to the Ukrainian people and the goal of 
Ukraine's integration into the Western community of nations.
  As Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have been a steadfast 
supporter of human rights and democracy in Ukraine, and I value 
independent Ukraine's contribution to security and stability in Europe. 
The stakes in the upcoming elections are high, not only with respect to 
the outcome, but also as a fundamental indicator of Ukraine's 
democratic development.
  Recent events have dramatically underscored the need for this clear 
statement of resolve to support a truly democratic process in Ukraine. 
The pre-election environment in Ukraine has been discouraging, with 
examples of obstacles to free assembly and free speech, the limiting of 
access to Radio Liberty, Voice of America and other international 
broadcasts, and substantial transgressions in recent parliamentary by-
elections and mayoral elections.
  Mr. Speaker, the most blatant of these took place just a few weeks 
ago in the city of Mukacheve. These elections witnessed violence, 
intimidation, fraud and other massive violations both of the electoral 
code and any standards of civilized human behavior. The mayoral 
elections have been roundly and rightly criticized by the United 
States, Europe, and the OSCE. Many observers fear that Mukacheve is a 
harbinger of things to come. As Chairman of the U.S. delegation to the 
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I join OSCE PA President Bruce George in 
calling upon Ukrainian President Kuchma to ensure a proper 
investigation of the violations which took place and to rectify the 
situation so that the will of the voters is realized.
  Mr. Speaker, Ukraine remains at a crossroads. Developments with 
respect to democracy have been discouraging over the last few years. 
The elections represent a real chance for Ukraine to get back on the 
road to full respect for the tenets of democracy, human rights and the 
rule of law. The United States stands in solidarity with the people of 
Ukraine as they strive to achieve these essential goals.

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