[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H49-H51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING CONTINUED POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE
Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 981) supporting continued political and
economic development in Ukraine.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 981
Whereas in 1991, Ukraine re-established its independence,
and began the process of developing democratic institutions
and a market economy;
Whereas the Ukrainian people bravely demonstrated their
desire for a free, democratic, and prosperous country through
nonviolent protest during the 2004 Orange Revolution;
Whereas the United States and Ukraine have a strong
relationship, as evidenced by the United States-Ukraine
Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in December 2008 by
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with the objective of
expanding cooperation on defense, trade, energy, democratic
development, and cultural exchange;
Whereas during the July 2009 visit of Vice President Biden
to Kyiv, the United States and Ukraine agreed to create the
Strategic Partnership Commission to help implement the
Charter, which held its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC,
on December 9, 2009, during the visit of the Ukrainian
Foreign Minister;
Whereas a strong, sovereign, independent, democratic, and
economically prosperous Ukraine is important to the interests
of the United States and to achieving peace, prosperity and
stability in Europe;
Whereas Ukraine has been a staunch partner of the United
States and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies,
as demonstrated by Ukraine's participation in the
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and
the NATO Training Mission in Iraq and by NATO's declaration
at the Bucharest Summit in April 2008 that Ukraine will
become a member of the Alliance;
Whereas the United States and the European Union provide
assistance to help Ukraine foster peace and security,
strengthen its democratic institutions, further economic
growth, and counter HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases;
Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia
gave security assurances to Ukraine in the Budapest Memoranda
of December 5, 1994, following Ukraine's commitment to
eliminate all nuclear weapons from its territory and its
accession to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons as a non-nuclear weapons state as well as the entry
into force of the START Treaty;
Whereas the Joint Statement on the Expiration of the START
Treaty issued by the United States and Russia on December 4,
2009, affirmed that ``the assurances recorded in the Budapest
Memoranda will remain in effect after December 4, 2009'';
Whereas, as Vice President Biden stated when he was in
Kyiv, the effort to reset the United States relationship with
Russia ``will not come at Ukraine's expense,'' and ``the more
substantive relationship we have with Moscow, the more we can
defuse the zero-sum thinking about our relations with
Russia's neighbors.'';
Whereas Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have suffered from
the world financial crisis, and the government has sought and
received assistance from international financial
institutions, but still needs to overcome internal political
and economic stalemates that prevent it from fulfilling its
requirements and hinder its ability to achieve greater
financial stability;
Whereas Ukraine will hold a presidential election on
January 17, 2010, with a possible run-off election on
February 7, 2010, if needed;
Whereas the initial 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine
were marred by widespread irregularities, including fraud,
intimidation, falsification of results, and media bias; and
Whereas it is vital for Ukraine's democratic development
that the 2010 elections be free, fair, transparent, and
untainted: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) reaffirms the strong relationship between the United
States and Ukraine, and encourages continued efforts to
implement the provisions of the United States-Ukraine Charter
on Strategic Partnership;
(2) expresses its support for the efforts of the Ukrainian
people to consolidate democratic institutions, rule of law,
respect for human rights, and economic reforms;
(3) recognizes the suffering of the Ukrainian people due to
the downturn in the world economy, and supports measures by
the international financial institutions to assist Ukraine;
(4) urges all parties in Ukraine to seek resolution of
disputes and to take active measures to enable necessary
political and economic reforms;
(5) urges the Government of Ukraine and all political
parties to ensure that the 2010 election is conducted freely,
fairly, transparently, and without manipulation;
(6) encourages the Government of Ukraine and all political
parties to welcome the participation of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other
international election monitors, cooperate fully with them,
and provide them unimpeded access to all aspects of the
election process; and
(7) reiterates its enduring support and friendship for
Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
General Leave
Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
This Sunday, Ukrainians will go to the polls to elect a new
President. The successful conduct of these elections is important to
our country, the United States. As Vice President Biden said during his
visit to Kiev last summer, ``we consider Ukraine to be a vital European
partner for advancing stability, prosperity, and democracy on the
Continent.''
Six years ago, the Orange Revolution demonstrated the Ukrainian
people's desire for freedom, democracy, and prosperity. Since that
time, Ukraine has made great strides in developing a vibrant civil
society, an open and free press, and a government accountable to its
citizens. We welcome the government's registration of over 450
international observers for the elections, including from the OSCE and
the International Republican Institute. We would take this means and
opportunity to urge all parties in the elections to cooperate fully
with the observers and ensure the elections are conducted without
manipulation.
The United States and Ukraine have a strong bond, not least due to
the fact that over 1 million Americans trace their roots back to
Ukraine. These ties were solidified in the Charter on Strategic
Partnership, which was signed in December of 2008 and which outlined
numerous areas of engagement and cooperation. Last month, the Strategic
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Partnership Commission held its first meeting here in Washington during
the visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
Madam Speaker, Ukraine has been a key partner in the efforts of the
Transatlantic Alliance to ensure international security, contributing
forces to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and training mission in Iraq.
In addition, on December 16, Ukraine formally agreed to allow the
transit of cargo through its territory to support the NATO ISAF
operations in Afghanistan. Access to the landlocked country of
Afghanistan is vital, and we applaud Ukraine in assisting to turn the
tide against the Taliban and prevent safe haven for al Qaeda. NATO has
made clear that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance at some
point, if it so desires.
Following the 60th anniversary of the NATO summit in Strasbourg-Kehl,
I visited Kiev, Ukraine, as chairman of the U.S. delegation to NATO and
as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to underline NATO's
ongoing commitment to Ukraine's process of Euro-Atlantic integration.
While meeting with the leaders of Ukraine, I expressed the conviction
that NATO's door should remain open and encouraged the implementation
of reforms necessary to bring this integration to fruition.
In order for Ukraine to remain on this positive path of political
development and Euro-Atlantic integration, it is critical that this
upcoming election be free, fair, and untainted by the fraud and
irregularities that beset the 2004 polls.
Also, we recognize that Ukraine, like much of the world, has suffered
greatly from the global financial crisis. Unfortunately, political
divisions have hampered Ukraine's effort to overcome this crisis and to
implement the reforms necessary to cement its progress on the road to
prosperity. These elections are particularly important to ensure the
Ukrainian Government has a clear mandate from its people that would
enable it to carry out the difficult decisions necessary to put the
country on such a path.
Madam Speaker, given the importance of Ukraine as a vital friend and
strategic partner of the United States, I would urge support for this
resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 981, introduced by Chairman
Berman, and expressing our support for the continued political and
economic development of Ukraine.
Almost 20 years have passed since the Ukrainian people gained their
independence by breaking free from the oppressive authoritarian Soviet
communist regime. Despite continuing challenges, both internal and
external, Ukraine has made significant progress in establishing a
democratic political system and implementing market-based economic
reforms. Since becoming an independent state, Ukraine has evolved into
an increasingly important partner for the United States and for our
European allies.
Ukraine's participation in the international mission in Afghanistan
and in the NATO training mission in Iraq are examples of contributions
that Ukraine has made and is making in its effort focused on promoting
stability and defeating Islamic extremists. In recognition of Ukraine's
commitment, the NATO heads of state at their Bucharest summit in April,
2008, agreed to and declared Ukraine will become a member of the NATO
Alliance in the future. In December, 2008, then-Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice signed the U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic
Partnership, which aims to expand cooperation between our two countries
on issues relating to democracy, defense, energy, and trade.
Significant challenges continue to confront Ukraine, including
serious financial troubles it now faces as a result of the global
financial crisis. One very serious challenge to the stability of
Eastern Europe, as well as the future independence and prosperity of
Ukraine, lies in the apparent interest on the part of some in
neighboring Russia to ensure that Ukraine is held within a sphere of
influence dominated by Russia. It's important to Ukraine, to Europe,
and to the transatlantic community that Russia refrain from any effort
to provoke instability by fomenting territorial divisions, as it did in
Georgia, or interfere in Ukraine's domestic policies and politics,
either overtly or through less visible corrupt activities.
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Georgia in August, 2008, such
concern over Russian intentions toward Ukraine is no small matter. The
Kremlin needs to accept the right of Ukraine to its independence and to
its right to live as a peaceful political democracy free of
intimidation. The United States has a strong interest in seeing the
rise of a sovereign, free, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. The
presidential elections scheduled to take place next week in Ukraine
need to be conducted in a free and fair manner. The victor in those
elections needs to lead Ukraine in a democratic and noncorrupt manner
in order to solidify the hard-won progress already made by the
Ukrainian people.
I urge my colleagues to render their full support for this
resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor of this
resolution, I stand in full support and in strong friendship of Ukraine
and her people.
In a region which struggles to produce a stable democracy, Ukraine is
poised to become a shining example of a strong and viable democratic
state. Upon establishment of its independence in 1991, Ukraine moved
towards becoming a free society through the creation of democratic
institutions and a fledgling market economy.
More recently, the Orange Revolution of 2004 showed the Ukrainian
people's desire for a more open, free, and prosperous country--for a
resolute democracy. Since its independence, Ukraine has been an ally of
the United States. The signing of the United States-Ukraine Charter on
Strategic Partnership in 2008 expands our already existing cooperation
on defense, energy, democratic development, and cultural exchange.
However, obstacles exist which threaten to derail Ukraine's progress.
The global financial crisis has taken a harsh toll on the country,
causing the government to seek international assistance. Ukraine must
take the difficult internal steps necessary to maintain her financial
independence, to ensure that she is not beholden to outside financial
institutions and interests.
It is imperative to the future of Ukraine that this month's elections
be free, fair, and transparent. Without elections that accurately
express the will of the people, Ukraine's democracy cannot, and will
not, achieve its full potential.
Given the determination of Ukraine to maintain itself as a democratic
nation, it is more important now than ever for the United States to
support Ukraine's continued political and economic development.
We stand by Ukraine as she continues her endeavor to become a
standard bearer for democracy. In strong support of Ukraine and her
people, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the
importance of continued political and economic development in Ukraine.
The United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in
December 2008 by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, signifies the
strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine. We continue
to support the expanding cooperation on defense, trade, energy,
democratic development, and cultural exchange.
During the IX Lvov International Economic Forum, international
experts noted Ukraine's strong areas and the areas that are worth
working on. Areas of strength include the market's scope, the system of
higher education, macroeconomic stability, and effectiveness of the job
market. The following drawbacks, however, were noted: lack of
preparedness for the introduction of new technologies, the financial
sector, the instability of government institutions and the country's
policies as a whole, and the ineffectiveness of the commodities market.
Ukrainians have a strong presence in Chicago and have greatly
contributed to the city. There are almost 14,000 Ukrainians living
within city limits and more than 45,000 Ukrainians living within the
greater Chicago metropolitan area. The core Ukrainian neighborhood in
the city is known as Chicago's ``Ukrainian Village.'' Even though
Ukrainian Chicago extends far beyond the Ukrainian Village, this area
continues to function as its hub with three major Ukrainian churches,
two Ukrainian banks, a Ukrainian grammar school, the Ukrainian National
Museum, a Ukrainian Cultural Center, two Ukrainian youth organizations,
and many Ukrainian restaurants, stores and businesses.
I am honored to represent such a diverse and multi-cultured
congressional district, and I
[[Page H51]]
continue to welcome the people of the Ukrainian Village and honor them
for their continued service and dedication to Chicago.
Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong
support of H. Res. 981, supporting continued political and economic
development in Ukraine.
It has been 18 years since Ukraine joined the family of free and
independent nations, much of that due to the commitment shown by the
people of Ukrainian heritage living throughout the world including
those in Southeast Michigan.
And today, Ukraine is a great friend and ally of the United States
and a model for nations who made the transformation from tyranny to
freedom. They have been stalwart partners in the War on Terror--sending
troops to support International Security Assistance Force in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
The U.S.-based human rights watchdog Freedom House designated Ukraine
as a free country for the fourth consecutive year in its 2010 Freedom
in the World survey. It is all the more encouraging because according
to Freedom House, 2009 marked the fourth consecutive year in which
global freedom suffered a decline.
It is time that we gave the people of Ukraine the recognition they
deserve for their exemplary economic progress and continued democratic
ambitions, especially as their presidential elections approach next
week.
The Ukrainian people bravely demonstrated their desire for a free,
democratic, and prosperous country through nonviolent protest during
the 2004 Orange Revolution and this year's election is a testament to
the enduring strength of the Ukrainian democracy. It is my sincere hope
that the elections are conducted in a fair, free and transparent
manner.
The Ukrainian population in Southeast Michigan is one of the
largest--if not the largest, in the nation. These Ukrainian Americans
are great citizens and great Patriots, and for years Ukrainians fought
against Soviet oppression on behalf of freedom, so it is my honor to
serve the 10th Congressional District and the Ukrainian-Americans who
live there; and this Nation is proud to call Ukraine and her people
friends and allies.
A strong, sovereign, independent, democratic, and economically
prosperous Ukraine is important to the interests of the United States
and to achieving peace, prosperity and stability in Europe, so I urge
my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
981, which supports the continued political and economic development in
Ukraine. This important resolution represents another step in our
continued efforts to support the Ukrainian people in their efforts to
fully integrate into the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic nations.
On January 17th, Ukraine will hold its presidential election with a
subsequent run-off held on February 7th. This election represents a
critical moment not only for Ukraine, but for the region as a whole. As
Ukraine continues along the path of economic and political integration,
it is my hope that the presidential election will be conducted in a
free, fair, and transparent manner.
As a co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I believe it is
important to encourage closer ties between the United States and
Ukraine. This relationship must be one that is continually fostered and
strengthened, both politically and economically. By expressing our
support for free and democratic elections, Congress can assist the
Ukrainian people in their efforts to join the larger Euro-Atlantic
community of democratic nations.
I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for their
continued support of legislation aimed at strengthening the ties of the
United States with a key ally in Eastern Europe and encouraging fair
and democratic elections. In light of the recent economic struggles of
Ukraine, our support and continued friendship is critical.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 981
and in favor of continued friendship and support for Ukraine and the
Ukrainian people in their efforts to fully integrate into the Euro-
Atlantic community of democratic nations.
{time} 1100
Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 981.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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