[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H145-H149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF UKRAINE FOR DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT AND FAIR
RUNOFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 16) congratulating the people of
Ukraine for conducting a democratic, transparent, and fair runoff
Presidential election on December 26, 2004, and congratulating Victor
Yushchenko on his election as President of Ukraine and his commitment
to democracy and reform, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 16
Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and
fair election process for the 2004 presidential election in
Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system have
been prerequisites for that country's full integration into
the international community of democracies;
Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous
specific commitments governing the conduct of elections as a
participating State of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE);
Whereas the election of Ukraine's next president was seen
as an unambiguous test of the extent of the Ukrainian
authorities' commitment to implement these standards and
build a democratic society based on free elections and the
rule of law;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires
government and public authorities to ensure that candidates
and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law
and that government resources are not employed to the
advantage of individual candidates or political parties;
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the
full transparency of laws and regulations governing
elections, multiparty representation on election commissions,
and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and
domestic and international observers to all election
procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas
of the country;
Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others
acting at the behest of such officials to impose obstacles to
free assembly, free speech, and a free and fair political
campaign took place throughout Ukraine during the entire 2004
presidential election campaign without condemnation or
remedial action by the Government of Ukraine;
Whereas on October 31, 2004, Ukraine held the first round
of its presidential election and on November 21, 2004,
Ukraine held a runoff presidential election between the two
leading candidates, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich and
opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko;
Whereas a consensus of Ukrainian and international election
observers determined that the runoff election did not meet a
considerable number of international standards for democratic
elections, and these observers specifically declared that
state resources were abused in support of Viktor Yanukovich,
and that illegal voting by absentee ballot, multiple voting,
assaults on electoral observers and journalists, and the use
of counterfeit ballots were widespread;
Whereas following the runoff presidential election on
November 21, 2004, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens
engaged in peaceful demonstrations in Kiev and elsewhere to
protest the unfair election and the declaration by the
Ukrainian Central Election Commission that Viktor Yanukovich
had won a majority of the votes;
Whereas the Ukrainian Supreme Court blocked the publication
of the official runoff election results thus preventing the
inauguration of the next president of Ukraine until the
Supreme Court examined the reports of voter fraud;
Whereas on November 27, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine
passed a resolution declaring that there were violations of
law during the runoff presidential election on November 21,
2004, and that the results of this election did not reflect
the will of the Ukrainian people;
Whereas on December 1, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine
passed a no confidence motion regarding the government of
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich;
Whereas European mediators and current Ukrainian President
Leonid Kuchma began discussions on December 1, 2004, to
attempt to work out a resolution to the standoff between the
supporters of both presidential candidates;
Whereas on December 3, 2004, the Ukrainian Supreme Court
ruled that the runoff presidential election on November 21,
2004, was invalid and ordered a new presidential election to
take place on December 26, 2004;
Whereas on December 8, 2004, the Parliament of Ukraine
passed laws to reform the Ukrainian electoral process,
including to reconstitute the Ukrainian Central Election
Commission, and to close loopholes for fraud in preparation
for a new presidential election;
Whereas on December 26, 2004, the people of Ukraine again
went to the polls to elect the next president of Ukraine in
what the consensus of domestic and international observers
declared as a more democratic, transparent, and fair election
process with fewer problems than the previous two rounds;
Whereas on January 10, 2005, the election victory of
opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was certified by the
Ukrainian Central Election Commission; and
Whereas the runoff presidential election on December 26,
2004, signifies a turning point for Ukraine which offers new
hope and opportunity to the people of Ukraine: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress--
(1) commends the people and Government of Ukraine for their
commitment to democracy and their determination to end the
political crisis in that country in a peaceful and democratic
manner;
(2) congratulates the people and Government of Ukraine for
ensuring a free and fair runoff presidential election which
represents the true choice of the Ukrainian people;
(3) congratulates Viktor Yushchenko on his election as
President of Ukraine;
(4) applauds the Ukrainian presidential candidates, the
European Union and other European representatives, and the
United States Government for the role they played in helping
to find a peaceful resolution of the crisis;
(5) acknowledges and welcomes the strong relationship
formed between the United States and Ukraine and expresses
its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the
Ukrainian people and the new Government of Ukraine to
establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for
human rights; and
(6) pledges its assistance to the strengthening of a fully
free and open democratic system in Ukraine, the creation of a
prosperous free market economy in Ukraine, the reaffirmation
of Ukraine's independence and territorial sovereignty, and
Ukraine's full integration into the international community
of democracies.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde).
General Leave
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 16.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
{time} 1415
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 16 as amended regarding the
presidential elections recently held in Ukraine. I want to thank the
ranking Democrat member of the Committee on International Relations and
others who have joined me in sponsoring this resolution.
This resolution has been amended to include a few clarifications of
the original language.
No issue was judged to be more important to Ukraine's future standing
with the West and its ability to become a full partner with the Euro-
Atlantic community than the strength of its democracy. The presidential
election represented a historic opportunity for the people of Ukraine
to decide whether or not democracy can flourish in this important
nation.
So important was the desire for a free, fair and transparent election
that this House overwhelmingly passed a resolution regarding the
election in October. Unfortunately, despite the assurance we received
from the Government of Ukraine, the rhetoric did not meet the actions.
The October 31 election and the November 21 runoff election were marred
by serious irregularities. The highly charged second-round vote on
November 21 met all of our worst expectations.
We all have read the media accounts of the election-day problems, and
I will not repeat them here. The election was so compromised by open
fraud that much of Ukraine's population took to the streets determined
to preserve their liberties and prevent the installation of an
illegitimate regime. Given the strength of that resistance and the
near-universal condemnation of the election process by the
international community, the once powerful government was forced to
admit that the election over which it presided was fraudulent.
In the aftermath of this contested election, an extraordinary series
of events took place in Ukraine which
[[Page H146]]
confirmed to many that Ukraine's democracy may have survived the
effects of the election abuses and may have received new life.
The outpouring of public opposition to the faulty election process
was beyond expectation. The thousands of demonstrators who flooded into
the capital to protect the election outcome and to demand honest
democracy even in the face of personal hardship were commendable. To
their credit, the people of Ukraine spoke with determination that the
will of the people would not be thwarted.
Ukrainian institutions such as the Parliament and the Supreme Court
affirmed their commitment to the rule of law and took their
responsibilities seriously in order to resolve this crisis.
Finally, the effort made by the European Union, Poland, Lithuania,
joined by the United States to help broker a fair solution to the
crisis, was a perfect example of how the transatlantic partnership is
working.
As a result of the convergence of all these elements inside Ukraine,
a new runoff election was held on December 26. Witnessed by thousands
of international observers, this time the election was determined to be
free and fair, and Victor Yushchenko emerged as the new President-
elect. This past Sunday he was inaugurated as the new President of
Ukraine.
This resolution congratulates Victor Yushchenko on his election as
President of Ukraine. It was a difficult struggle in which his campaign
was denied fundamental rights, where he was the target of an
assassination attempt and where his victory in the first runoff
election was literally stolen from him by forces which could not accept
defeat and were now not prepared to relinquish power.
The resolution also commends the people of Ukraine for the remarkable
effort they made to ensure that democracy was carried out in their
country and the true will of the people to elect the president of their
choice was accomplished.
Mr. Speaker, rather than an external geopolitical struggle, events
which took place in Ukraine between November 21 and December 26 were
all about democracy, of freedom, of real, rather than declared, rights,
as we heard Mr. Yushchenko explain, and the right of the people to
freely and fairly choose their leaders.
The United States Congress attaches great importance to the success
of Ukraine's continued transition to a democratic state, with strong
institutions and a flourishing market economy. U.S. Government policy
must remain focused on promoting and strengthening a stable,
democratic, and prosperous Ukraine.
Today, through H. Con. Res. 16, we congratulate President Yushchenko.
We commend the people of Ukraine for their commitment to democracy and
to their nation and to their place in modern Europe. I urge passage of
this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume,
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, all of us were excited and exhilarated as we were
watching the Orange Revolution unfold in the streets of Kiev. And I
want to congratulate my dear friend and the distinguished chairman of
the Committee on International Relations for his leadership in
presenting this resolution to the House.
Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan resolution before the House today
congratulates Ukraine on having its first truly free and fair election
since gaining its independence in 1991. These democratic elections are
remarkable in the sense that they took place in a country which
historically is closely tied to Russia, a country where, unfortunately,
democracy has taken many huge steps backward over the past 4 years.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration
and respect for the Ukrainian people who took to the streets last
November. The unwillingness of the Ukrainian people to accept a
fraudulent and manipulated election and, ultimately, their success in
forcing new, fair, free, and open elections should inspire people
committed to democracy throughout the world.
I hope that Ukraine's elections on December 26 will have lasting
effects, not only on the future of Ukraine, but also on Ukraine's
immediate neighbors: Georgia, Belarus, and Moldova, and on the
autocratic regimes in Central Asia that are all slated to hold
elections next year.
The peaceful and powerful democratic protests in Ukraine spurred the
Ukrainian Parliament to fulfill its obligations as a legislature in a
democracy and to dismiss the last government.
The protests sparked a rebellion among Ukraine's journalists and TV
anchors who refused to be voices for government-concocted news. The
judiciary in Ukraine has also found its noble and independent mission.
We can only hope that the citizens of Russia and other former Soviet
republics will act similarly in the months and years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, as we congratulate the citizens of Ukraine and consider
the way forward for Ukraine, we must also acknowledge that the
situation in Ukraine is still very complex and the success of the new
government is very far from certain.
Mr. Yushchenko has a very small window of opportunity to pass the
necessary reforms that will improve the lives of ordinary Ukrainians.
The United States, the European Union, and multilateral organizations
may be prepared to help Ukraine; but it is Mr. Yushchenko and his
political allies in the government and in the Parliament who have to
make the difficult choices to ensure that reforms are implemented.
It remains to be seen whether President Yushchenko will live up to
the high expectations many of us in the West have for his presidency. I
am pleased with his clean and noncorrupt political record, his
willingness to take on the oligarchs, and his efforts to pass long
overdue economic reforms; but I caution my colleagues on both sides of
the aisle to remain vigilant so that the ugly remnants of the Ukrainian
and Soviet past do not overwhelm what may be a promising future of
democracy in the eastern part of Europe.
Mr. Speaker, among my concerns about the nature of the political
forces in Ukraine today are a number of laws and executive decisions
taken by the former president, Mr. Kuchma's lame duck government, which
I think will hurt the Yushchenko presidency. The Kuchma government's
decision to withdraw the Ukrainian contingent from coalition troops in
Iraq was an insult to the American people and to the Government of the
United States which have done so much to help Ukraine to earn its
freedom and stood by her people in this difficult time.
Today, I formally call upon President Yushchenko to reverse this ill-
advised decision and, in so doing, firmly signal his desire for a
strong relationship with the United States. What this new
administration does with respect to its international commitments will
be an important marker for its future relations with the United States,
and it will undoubtedly affect Ukraine's ability to integrate into
Atlantic institutions. Mr. Speaker, democracy bestows priceless
privileges, but it also demands the acceptance of some burdensome
responsibilities.
I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 16.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), one of the
leading battlers for human rights in Congress.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, the
gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), for his leadership on Ukraine
and on so many other important human rights issues around the world.
And for the resolution that he offered and gave us the opportunity to
vote on in the latter part of last year, calling on the Ukrainian
Government to respect the democracy process and to have a fair and free
election which, thankfully, on the second go around, they indeed did.
I also want to thank Chairman Hyde for H. Con. Res. 16, which gives
us as a body the opportunity to congratulate the people of Ukraine for
conducting a democratic, transparent, and fair run-up election. The
historic triumph of the Ukrainian people, Mr. Speaker, in what has come
to be known around the
[[Page H147]]
world as the Orange Revolution, did not come about easily. There were
many moments of uncertainty.
Congratulations to Victor Yushchenko on his election as Ukraine's
president. President Yushchenko displayed remarkable personal courage
and dignity as he led the struggle for democracy and freedom, despite
the debilitating dioxin poisoning attempt on his life and numerous
other attempts that were designed to thwart him. He deserves our
admiration for his incredible persistence in carrying out the fight for
Ukraine's democratic future.
Mr. Speaker, I chaired the Helsinki Commission during the last 2
years, and we followed very closely the developments in Ukraine. We
ourselves tried to influence and to bring to light many of the problems
associated with the run-up to the election and the first election which
thankfully was nullified. In various statements and speeches leading up
to that election, and in hearings of the commission we noted that this
election when conducted freely and fairly was perhaps the most
important event in Ukraine since the restoration of independence.
{time} 1430
Accordingly, we sent members of the commission staff to Ukraine to
act as poll watchers to try to ensure that ballot stuffing and a myriad
of devices used to steal an election did not happen.
I would also point out to my friends that in a remarkable display of
people power, more than a million Ukrainians took to the streets of
Kiev and elsewhere in a historic, peaceful and well-organized protest,
a protest that caught the attention and the imagination of the world,
and many people in dictatorships noted as well. This people power
intention was to compel a second election. We got the run-off election,
and thankfully, that was judged to be free and fair, and the outcome is
beyond dispute.
With the stunning success of the Orange Revolution, Mr. Speaker,
Ukraine is now firmly on the path to fulfill its quest to become a
thriving democracy in which human rights are honored and the rule of
law prevails. The model of Putin's Russia or Lukashenka's Belarus have
been rejected resolutely by the Ukrainian people. Ukraine has made its
choice for democracy and freedom and for integration with the Euro-
Atlantic community versus reintegration with Eurasia, with all of the
implications of that choice for Ukraine's independence and its freedom.
Mr. Speaker, throughout much of the 20th century, the Ukrainian
people were the victims of unspeakable suffering, most notably the
genocidal Ukrainian famine of the early 1930s, perpetrated by brutal
dictatorships and various invaders. Toward the end of that century, the
promise of renewed independence, for which so many had sacrificed, at
long last came to fruition. The Orange Revolution and the victory of
Viktor Yushchenko have brought Ukraine its freedom and, despite the
formidable challenges that lie ahead, the true promise of a bright
future.
Mr. Speaker, finally, while listening to President Bush's inaugural
address, I could not help but think of the recent events in Ukraine as
a powerful example of what he called, and I quote him, ``one force of
history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose
the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and
tolerant people, and that is the force of human freedom.'' We have
seen, Mr. Speaker, this happen in Ukraine, and we must stand ready to
offer our help and support and assistance to President Yushchenko and
the Ukrainian people as they consolidate their free, democratic future.
I thank my good friend for this resolution, for his great leadership,
and for my good friends, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) on
the Helsinki Commission, and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos), the ranking member. We are united as a Congress on this very
important issue.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my good friend and our
distinguished colleague.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman
from California for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I represent an area in Chicago known as Ukrainian
Village, and last fall, I was privileged to visit Ukraine with my
friends from the Self-Reliance Credit Union to celebrate Ukrainian
independence and to assist with the development of credit unions in
that country.
I left impressed with the passion and commitment of the people of the
Ukraine to the development of democracy in their homeland. They have
been rewarded with a massive victory for their notions of the
democratic process.
I congratulate President Yushchenko on his election as President of
Ukraine and commend all of the diverse forces who assisted in bringing
about this triumph of the democratic process.
Ukraine is emerging as a vigorous and forward-looking member of the
European community, recognized for stepping away from nuclear weapons,
and acknowledged for a flourishing, developing economy.
I trust that relations between the Ukraine and the United States will
continue to strengthen. The elections in the Ukraine mark a kind of
fork in the road for U.S. foreign policy. We can move down the road
toward mutually beneficial relations with Russia and all of the former
Soviet republics and allies in Eastern Europe, or we can return to the
kind of relationships which characterized the Cold War.
I believe our choice ought to be clear: strong and peaceful
relationships, rejecting all interference in the internal affairs of
other states; mutually beneficial relationships based on fair trade;
strict observance of international law; cultural and scientific
cooperation; and people-to-people interaction.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend the people of the Ukraine for
demonstrating what democracy can and should really mean, and that is
rule by the people.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), the distinguished leader on the
Democratic side of the Helsinki Commission.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for
their leadership on bringing this resolution forward. It is a very
important moment in the history of the Ukraine.
I also want to congratulate my colleague, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his leadership on the Helsinki Commission that
has consistently raised the issue of fair and transparent elections
among the member states for the Organization of Security and
Cooperation in Europe.
I want to congratulate Viktor Yushchenko and the people of the
Ukraine on the fair and transparent run-off elections on December 26.
What is very noteworthy is just 5 weeks earlier, that country had a
run-off election that was marked by widespread fraud.
After that election on November 21, something happened in the
Ukraine. The spirit of democracy that we have seen in so many of the
former republics of the Soviet Union finally made its way to the
Ukraine. The support from the United States was instrumental in
bringing about a change in the Ukraine. The support within the OSCE in
insisting that its member states comply with requirements of the fair
and transparent elections also helped. The will of the people
prevailed.
All of us remember what happened in Independence Square in Kiev known
as the Orange Revolution. It gave strength to their country to seek
freedom and fair elections. It gave strength to their institutions, and
on December 3, the Supreme Court ruled the November 21 election
invalid.
Now the Ukraine has followed the lead of the former Soviet republic
Georgia in their Revolution of Roses to bring about a fair election
process, but, Mr. Speaker, there is a hard task ahead. They have to
overcome the dual legacy of corruption and disregard for the rule of
law.
I know I speak for every person of this Chamber that if Ukraine
follows the path of democracy and respect for human rights, as they
showed in this past election, they will have this body, they will have
this Nation on their side as they fight to develop a democratic system
within their country.
I applaud this resolution. I strongly support it. I urge my
colleagues to support it.
[[Page H148]]
Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 16,
regarding the recent elections in Ukraine, and President Victor
Yushchenko's victory.
Today, America looks upon a world very different from that which
existed less than twenty years ago. Where once millions of people were
trapped under the heels of tyrants, they now are enjoying the liberties
we fought for more than two centuries ago. Our former rivals have
become allies in the fight for freedom and democracy. The most recent
example of this comes from Ukraine, where a drawn-out election has
produced a new leadership for the citizens of this former Soviet
Republic.
In Ukraine, the will of the people proved stronger than threats and
oppression, as tens of thousands of young Ukrainians took to the
streets to protest fraudulent elections. Ultimately, they were heard,
and Victor Yushchenko was elected to be their President.
These elections are a triumphant accomplishment for the people of
Ukraine, but by no means do they guarantee freedom. The struggle for
liberty is a constant one, and in order for Ukrainians to fully realize
their dream for representation, the new government of President Victor
Yushchenko must rid the country of the corruption that has plagued it
for so long. If this can be done, Ukraine will be able to realize a
bright and productive future.
When I visited Ukraine in December, I met some of the people who made
it possible to overturn the fraudulent elections. It is hard to express
how inspiring it was to see the pride and dedication that those young
people exhibited. I can only hope that these qualities can find a home
in the hearts of the young people in other societies and fuel the
desire for freedom around the globe.
I also met with the physician who diagnosed President Yushchenko with
dioxin poisoning, after his face was so badly distorted by what appears
to have been an effort to kill him and the reforms he represents. The
symbolism behind this man's struggle is hard to ignore. Parallels can
be drawn between the desperate grasps for dwindling power by others who
have ruled without consent, and the cowardly poisoning of this
remarkable man. President Yushchenko also represents the strength and
inevitability of freedom itself. Rather than surrender, he drove
forward, both for his supporters and for his country.
Through its ``Orange Revolution,'' Ukraine has shown the world the
strength and courage of its people. With its well educated workforce
and bountiful natural resources, the country is poised for a prosperous
future. President Yushchenko has expressed his desire for his country
to join NATO and the European Union. The United States should support
Ukraine's desire to fully join the west. At the same time, we must work
to reassure Russia that a Ukraine that is fully integrated into Euro-
Atlantic institutions is not a threat, but instead represents a more
stable neighbor and a potential future for Russia itself.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full support as a
cosponsor to this resolution, congratulating the Ukrainian people for
their role in ensuring a fair and free election on December 26, and
congratulating Viktor Yushchenko for his perseverance in winning the
presidency.
Democracy in Ukraine has come a long way in a very short time. The
Orange Revolution, as it has been called, will be remembered as a
historic milestone. This revolution succeeded through the peaceful
efforts of the Ukrainian people standing up for democracy and genuine
liberty for their country.
Hundreds of thousands of Mr. Yushchenko's supporters, many wearing
the orange color of his political party, poured into the streets of
Kiev and blocked entrances to government buildings to protest a rigged
vote and demand the Ukrainian Supreme Court invalidate the election
results.
It was stirring to watch these men, women and children brave the
bitter cold and snow in Independence Square and throughout the country,
demanding to have their voices heard and their just demands met,
namely, free and fair elections.
Here in Washington, I was proud to stand with nearly 1,500 Ukrainian-
Americans from around the country on the day before Thanksgiving at a
demonstration in front of Ukraine's embassy to demand that the will of
the voters of Ukraine be upheld in that nation's presidential election.
We gathered together in the rain just as the AP Wire announced that
Ukraine's Election Commission had grievously certified the election of
Viktor Yanukovych. Ukraine has come such a long way since then.
The United States stood with the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians
demonstrating for democracy, and made clear that Mr. Yanukovych must
not be recognized as president. The U.S. must continue to stand with
the people of Ukraine and strengthen the relationship that has formed
between our nations.
I have joined the other co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian
Caucus in writing to Speaker Hastert asking him to invite President
Yushchenko to address a joint session of Congress. This should only be
the next step. The U.S. must remain committed to assist Ukraine
establish a full democracy and create a prosperous free market economy.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of House
Concurrent Resolution 16.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
resolution offered by my Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr.
Hyde, congratulating the people of Ukraine for the fair and free
election of a new President.
I also commend and congratulate President Victor A. Yushchenko for
his victory--and more importantly, his determination to see fair and
free elections in this fledgling democracy.
The world watched this race unfold--the poisoning of the democratic
candidate, a stolen victory, and marches in the street by people hungry
for freedom and for a better future for their children.
The world witnessed true passion. We witnessed people expressing
themselves and their will to live freely and democratically. We
witnessed people determined to take charge of their nation's destiny
and risk all to do so. We witnessed young and old, families and
students, camping outdoors in the blistering Ukrainian cold to protest
against a sham victory and demand true elections. What we witnessed was
true everyday heroism.
While we, the people of the world, witnessed victory--the people of
Ukraine lived it, by forcing it. By rejecting tyranny and corruption
and demanding equality and freedom, they brought about peaceful
democratic regime change.
And at the inaugural, an inspiring historical event itself, we saw
the symbolic break with the past and a nation's hopes soar, as
President Yushchenko released a dove--a symbol of peace--into the air
to fly free. This dove rose into the sky much like the hopes of this
newly free people, united for a better nation for themselves and their
families.
President Yushchenko represents the continued peaceful demand by
people on every continent for self-governance and free market
principles.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues, and so many of
my constituents, including Emil Eisdorfer of the Bronx, New York in
welcoming President Yushchenko. I welcome the people of Ukraine into
the family of democratic and free nations.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Chairman (Mr. Hyde) and
the Ranking Member (Mr. Lantos) for bringing this important legislation
to the Floor today.
As the former Chairman and Ranking Democrat on the Helsinki
Commission, I was honored to advocate for the basic human rights of
dissidents in the former Soviet Union, including in Ukraine, and know
well their commitment to freedom and democracy.
And today, as this legislation recognizes, the people of Ukraine have
achieved their long sought goal and under the leadership of their new
President, Viktor Yushchenko, and today are moving forward with a
spirit of optimism and hope.
Over the last several months, the people of Ukraine have weathered
nothing short of political crisis.
The November 21st presidential runoff between then-Prime Minister
Viktor Yanukovich and President Yushchenko, who was then the opposition
leader, was racked by voting irregularities and illegalities.
Ukranian and international observers both determined that state
resources were abused in support of Prime Minister Yanukovich, who
``won'' that runoff. There was illegal voting by absentee ballot,
multiple voting, assaults on election observers and the use of
counterfeit ballots.
Ukranian citizens bravely engaged in peaceful demonstrations, the
Parliament passed a resolution declaring that there were violations of
law during the runoff, and it passed a resolution expressing no
confidence in the government of Prime Minister Yanukovich.
Then, the Ukrainian Supreme Court declared the runoff invalid and
ordered a new presidential election on December 26th.
As all the world watched, the people of Ukraine elected Victor
Yushchenko as their President by a clear margin.
Mr. Speaker, I specifically want to note the great personal courage
of President Yushchenko, who was poisoned by dioxin in late summer. He
also has shown maturity and leadership throughout this political
crisis.
In fact, yesterday, on his first full day in office, President
Yushchenko visited Russian President Putin in Moscow, who had openly
backed Mr. Yankukovich.
The new President's leadership, as well as the people of Ukraine's
commitment to democracy, bodes well for this nation. And I join my
colleagues in congratulating them on this accomplishment.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Viktor A.
Yushchenko on being sworn in as the President of Ukraine on January 23,
2005. After enduring personal hardships, President Yushchenko enters
office as
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powerful symbol of victory over tyranny. His inauguration ends a bitter
chapter in Ukraine's history and paves the way for the country to
become a democratic leader in the former Soviet Union.
As a founding member and former Co-Chair of the Congressional
Ukrainian Caucus, I have regularly spoken out in favor of a democratic
Ukraine. In 2002, I introduced a resolution urging the Government of
Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process
leading up to the March 2002 parliamentary elections. This resolution
passed overwhelmingly and let the Ukrainian government know that the
U.S. would not simply rubber-stamp aid to the Ukraine without also
considering the serious issues involved in Ukraine's democratic
development.
Unfortunately Mr. Speaker, the former Ukrainian government continued
to turn a blind-eye to the international community's insistence on
truly democratic elections. The November 21 runoff presidential race
was plagued by voter fraud, intimidation, and widespread use of
counterfeit ballots. However, a truly significant event occurred after
Viktor Yushchenko's opponent was initially declared the winner.
Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in protest, surrounding the
government buildings and refusing to leave until a new and fair
election was announced. Their faith and determination was signified by
the donning of orange scarves, and came to be known as the Orange
Revolution. It was instrumental in forcing the Ukrainian government to
hold new elections on December 26, which Yushchenko won handedly. I
want to commend the Ukrainian people for their commitment to ending
their political crisis in a peaceful and democratic way.
The United States Congress stands ready to work with President
Yushchenko as he undertakes the political and economic reforms
necessary to bring about a bright future for Ukraine. I am hopeful, Mr.
Speaker, that President Bush will soon invite President Yushchenko to
Washington so that Congress can congratulate him and hear firsthand his
vision for bringing about a reformed Ukraine dedicated to freedom and
justice.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was regrettably delayed in my
return to Washington, DC, and therefore unable to be on the House Floor
for rollcall votes 8 and 9.
Had I been here I would have voted ``aye'' for rollcall vote 8, on H.
Con. Res. 16--Congratulating the people of the Ukraine for conducting a
democratic, transparent, and fair runoff presidential election on
December 26, 2004, and congratulating Victor Yushchenko on his election
as President of Ukraine and his commitment to democracy and reform.
The voice of the Ukrainian people spoke loudly on December 26th as
Ukrainians united and re-affirmed their commitment to reform,
democracy, and further Trans-Atlantic cooperation with their selection
of Mr. Yushchenko as President. The peaceful, orange-clad demonstrators
who rallied throughout Ukraine and helped achieve this historic moment
should be an inspiration to all of us. And Mr. Yushchenko's peaceful
inauguration, and smooth transition to power, displays yet another
positive sign for a bright future for the Ukrainians and sets an
exceptional example of the power of freedom and democracy for the
entire region.
As a senior Member of the House International Relations Committee, I
extend my personal congratulations to Mr. Yushchenko and wish him all
the best as he works to bring Ukraine into the community of democratic
nations. As freedom and democracy descends on Ukraine, I hope that
their peaceful transition to a modern democratic country will serve as
a further catalyst for the growing international movement to bring
liberty to all peoples of the world that still suffer in the shadows of
tyranny and dictatorship.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of our time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I,
too, yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
16, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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