[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on August 24, Ukraine will 
celebrate the 15th anniversary of its independence. As we continue to 
strengthen relations with allies around the world, the importance of a 
democratic Ukraine cannot be overstated.
  Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has made steady progress 
toward the creation of democratic institutions and a free-market 
economy. While past political instability proved challenging to the 
Ukrainian economy, reforms implemented under the leadership of 
President Viktor Yushchenko have brought greater success and prosperity 
to the people of Ukraine. I was honored to attend President 
Yushchenko's historic speech before a Joint Session of Congress last 
April.
  Moreover, Ukraine has cultivated a civil society, showing greater 
respect for human rights, maintaining peaceful relationships with its 
neighbors, and investing in its citizens' prosperity.
  I am very grateful that my home church, the First Presbyterian Church 
of Columbia, South Carolina, has entered into a strong and vibrant 
partnership with Maximovicha Baptist Church in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Both 
churches are promoting exchanges of citizens who, sharing their 
experiences are promoting democracy. The inspiring heritage and culture 
of Ukraine is being appreciated by the people of South Carolina. The 
United States is proud to call Ukraine a friend. We will continue to 
seek Ukraine's support in world affairs and remain committed to helping 
the people of Ukraine compete in the global economy for the increased 
prosperity of its citizens.

                          ____________________