[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS TREATMENT FOR UKRAINE--H.R. 885

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the 
gentleman from Illinois, Chairman Henry Hyde, in sponsoring this 
important and timely legislation that would grant Ukraine normal trade 
relations status. With the historic triumph of Ukraine's peaceful 
Orange Revolution President Viktor Yushchenko's determination to 
consolidate democracy in Ukraine, the time has come to graduate Ukraine 
from the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 
1974. Since 1992, Ukraine has been certified annually as meeting 
Jackson-Vanik requirements on freedom of emigration.
  As Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have closely monitored 
developments and actively encouraged progress in Ukraine with respect 
to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Since independence, 
Ukraine has made considerable progress as a participating State of the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in ensuring 
religious liberties and respect for national minorities. Normal trade 
relations status is especially warranted given Ukraine's embrace of 
freedom and the new government's active steps to promote reform and 
build a genuinely democratic future for this important partner.
  Congress has been supportive of Ukraine's efforts to develop as an 
independent, democratic and economically prosperous country that 
respects human rights and the rule of law, enjoys good relations with 
its neighbors, and integrates with the Euro-Atlantic community of 
nations. Today, Ukraine is positioned to realize these goals under 
leadership committed to democracy at home and beyond. No doubt there 
are significant challenges ahead. The granting of NTR to Ukraine would 
represent a tangible expression of support for the new government in 
Ukraine as they move ahead on their important historic agenda for 
change. President Yushchenko and the people of Ukraine deserve our 
support.

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