[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               15TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, August 24th marked the 
fifteenth anniversary of Ukraine's rebirth as an independent state, 
finally being freed from the shackles of Soviet misrule that included a 
reign of terror, cultural suppression and a genocidal famine.
  The last fifteen years have witnessed peaks and valleys as the 
Ukrainian people have struggled to overcome the legacy of communism and 
Moscow's imperialism. While the process of Ukraine's restoration is 
still a work in progress, great strides have been made to consolidate 
that nation as an independent, free and democratic state. The December 
1, 1991 referendum on independence, the 1996 Constitution and 
especially the 2004 Orange Revolution stand as highlights, 
demonstrating Ukrainian resolve for independence, rule of law, 
democracy and freedom, and the continuing promise of a better life.
  In contrast to the first 13 years of independence, Ukraine is now 
``free'', and not merely ``partly free.'' The March 26 parliamentary 
election was one of the freest and fairest ever held among post-Soviet 
states. The Ukrainian economy is on the road to recovery and 
development after the initial post-Soviet decline of the 1990s. Ukraine 
is a responsible neighbor and has shown its mettle as a partner for 
peace and security in the world.
  Of course, challenges remain despite the real progress that has been 
made. There have been missed opportunities. Many of the promises of the 
Orange Revolution are only partially fulfilled. The rule of law, 
including a truly independent judiciary, remains to be consolidated. 
Corruption, although not as egregious as before the Orange Revolution, 
still rears its ugly head. Many Ukrainians believe all too many among 
the political elites look first toward their personal interests rather 
than to the good of the people and of the nation they are supposed to 
serve. As the last months have demonstrated, political stability can be 
elusive, and it remains to be seen what direction the new government 
will take. Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to show tremendous 
potential, and I am firmly convinced that this still relatively young 
15-year-old independent state will fulfill its potential.
  Mr. Speaker, in looking over the last fifteen years, we must not 
forget the sacrifices of millions who fought for Ukraine's liberty over 
the course of the last century, often against great odds and at great 
personal risk. Whether in the struggle for Ukraine's short-lived 
independence in 1918-21, or the insurgent armies that fought against 
both Nazi and Soviet rule during and after World War II, many 
Ukrainians made the ultimate sacrifice.
  More recently, in the final decades of Soviet domination, Ukrainian 
Helsinki Monitors and other human rights activists challenged the 
system, calling upon the Kremlin to live up to commitments voluntarily 
undertaken when Leonid Brezhnev signed the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. One 
such renowned activist, Ukrainian Helsinki Monitor Nadia Svitlychna, 
who served three years in a Soviet labor camp for her tireless defense 
of human rights and freedom, died last month. We honor the memory of 
Mrs. Svitlychna, recalling that it was courageous and dedicated 
individuals like her who, as much as anyone, paved the way for an 
independent, democratic Ukraine.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the role that the Helsinki Commission, 
which I Co-Chair, has played throughout its 30-year existence in firmly 
supporting human rights and freedom for Ukraine. I am pleased that the 
Congress has stood firm in support of Ukraine and am confident that the 
United States will continue to extend the hand of friendship as Ukraine 
moves toward its rightful place as a fully integrated member of the 
Euro-Atlantic community of nations.

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