[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO'S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today, Viktor Yushchenko, President of 
Ukraine, addressed a joint meeting of the United States Congress. I was 
honored to be part of the committee that escorted President Yushchenko 
into the House Chamber.
  President Yushchenko's courage and commitment to democracy have 
inspired thousands of people in Illinois, and millions more in this 
country and throughout the world. In Illinois, we have a sizable 
Ukrainian-American population, particularly in Chicago. My son lives in 
a section of Chicago known as Ukrainian Village, and soon after 
President Yushchenko's election, the neighborhood was covered with 
orange ribbons in celebration.
  Yesterday, President Yushchenko and his wife, Kathy Chumachenko-
Yushchenko, a native of Chicago, visited the Windy City. I am glad they 
had the chance to experience our Illinois hospitality during their 
brief trip to the United States.
  Just last month, I traveled to Ukraine as part of a bipartisan 
congressional delegation. There, I met with President Yushchenko and 
members of his government, and had the chance to see for myself a 
nation newly aglow in the light of democracy.
  The story of President Yushchenko's election as the President of 
Ukraine is a story of great personal courage. It is a story of the 
power of democratic values and ideals. It is a story of what can be 
accomplished by individuals, united in peaceful protest against 
corruption, cronyism, and unfettered power.
  President Yushchenko was elected as President of Ukraine despite a 
powerful array of opposing forces which, in pursuit of their ambitions, 
were willing to obstruct free assembly, free speech, and a free and 
fair democratic election. He ran for President at great risk to his own 
life. And he prevailed.
  President Yushchenko spoke today with optimism and with hope for 
Ukraine's future as a democratic country. He said of his country, ``We 
want a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' 
This is a desire that we as Americans understand and share. I look 
forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and with President 
Yushchenko to help nurture the flame of democracy that has started to 
burn so brightly in Ukraine.

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