[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 151 (Friday, October 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE ON THE 
              SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Helsinki 
Commission I rise to introduce a resolution congratulating the 
Ukrainian people for the holding of free, fair and transparent 
parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007. These elections were 
held in a peaceful manner consistent with Ukraine's democratic values, 
and in keeping with that nation's commitments as a participating State 
of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
  While there were some shortcomings, these elections stand in contrast 
to the vast majority of elections that have taken place in the 
countries of the former Soviet Union over the course of the last 15 
years. Tone Tingsgaard, the Special Coordinator of the short-term 
election observers for the International Election Observation Mission 
(IEOM) and Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, stated 
that these elections were conducted ``in a positive and professional 
manner.'' The OSCE-led IEOM's preliminary statement concluded that the 
elections confirmed an open and competitive environment for the conduct 
of the election process and that freedom of assembly and expression 
were respected. IEOM observers assessed the voting process as good or 
very good in 98 percent of the nearly 3,000 polling stations visited, 
notwithstanding some shortcomings, notably with respect to the quality 
of voter lists, and the vote count was assessed as good or very good in 
94 percent of the IEOM reports.
  These pre-term elections did not come about easily, coming on the 
heels of a political crisis that engulfed Ukraine's president, prime 
minister, and parliament for several months earlier this year. These 
political disputes were rooted in weak constitutional delineations of 
the powers of the president and prime minister. After weeks of tense 
standoff, however, agreement was reached on May 27 stipulating new 
parliamentary elections for September 30. Now that the elections have 
concluded, it is my hope that Ukraine's political leaders will form a 
government reflecting the will of the Ukrainian people as expressed by 
the results of the elections; a government that advances political 
stability and democratic development. It is my hope, too, that the new 
parliament and government will focus on the constitutional framework, 
especially the question of separation of powers, in order to avoid the 
political uncertainty that we witnessed earlier this year. Ukraine also 
needs to further undertake the hard work of strengthening the rule of 
law, including an independent judiciary, and fighting corruption.
  Madam Speaker, the conduct of these elections is a testament to the 
Ukrainian people's determined path towards the consolidation of 
democracy as Ukraine advances its integration with the Euro-Atlantic 
community. As such, Ukraine serves as a model for the post-Soviet 
countries, all too many of which have unfortunately retreated to heavy-
handed authoritarianism.
  This House can pride itself on having been a staunch supporter of 
freedom, human rights and democracy in Ukraine for many years--even 
before the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991. As this 
resolution underscores, it is important to continue our efforts to the 
further development of a democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule 
of law, a free market economy, and consolidation of Ukraine's security 
and sovereignty. I urge my colleagues to support this timely 
resolution.




                          ____________________