[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 198 (Tuesday, December 22, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S13790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 385--RECOGNIZING THE GREAT PROGRESS MADE BY THE 
PEOPLE OF UKRAINE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS, AND 
SUPPORTING A FREE AND TRANSPARENT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON JANUARY 17, 
                                  2010

  Mr. LUGAR submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 385

       Whereas adherence by Ukraine to democratic, transparent, 
     and fair election standards has been necessary for full 
     integration into the community of democracies;
       Whereas steps undertaken by Ukraine in recent years, 
     including reform of election laws and regulations, the 
     development of a free and independent press, and the 
     establishment of public institutions that respect human 
     rights and the rule of law, have enhanced Ukraine's progress 
     toward democracy and enhanced prosperity;
       Whereas elections in Ukraine in 2004, 2006, and 2007 were 
     determined by the Organization for Security and Cooperation 
     in Europe (OSCE) to have been consistent with international 
     election standards;
       Whereas the United States has closely supported the people 
     of Ukraine in their bold efforts to pursue a free and 
     democratic future following the declaration of their 
     independence in 1991;
       Whereas the NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007 (Public 
     Law 110-17; 22 U.S.C. 1928 note), signed into law by 
     President George W. Bush on April 9, 2007, recognized the 
     progress made by Ukraine toward meeting the responsibilities 
     and obligations for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization (NATO) and designated Ukraine as eligible to 
     receive assistance under the NATO Participation Act of 1994 
     (title II of Public Law 103-447; 22 U.S.C. 1928 note);
       Whereas Ukraine has made steps toward integration within 
     European institutions through a joint European Union-Ukraine 
     Action Plan, as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy; 
     and
       Whereas the United States-Ukraine Strategic Partnership 
     Commission was inaugurated by Secretary of State Hillary 
     Clinton and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Petro Poroshenko on 
     December 9, 2009: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the great progress made by the people of 
     Ukraine in establishing democratic institutions and carrying 
     out peaceful election processes in 2004, 2006, and 2007;
       (2) supports a free and transparent election process in the 
     presidential election in Ukraine on January 17, 2010, that 
     comports with the international election standards of the 
     Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe;
       (3) encourages all parties to respect the independence and 
     territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as the full 
     integration of Ukraine into the international community of 
     democracies; and
       (4) pledges support for the creation of a prosperous free 
     market economy and the strengthening of a free and open 
     democratic system in Ukraine.

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