[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S MODERN INDEPENDENCE

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the twentieth 
anniversary of Ukrainian independence. Twenty years ago Ukraine 
succeeded from the Soviet Union and on August 24, 1991 asserted its 
independence. For the first time since 1921, Ukraine was once again 
free. The Western world and in particular the United States welcomed 
Ukraine's sovereignty and its pursuit of democratic ideals.
  Ukraine as a new nation has achieved much in the short time. 
Ukrainians enjoy the ability to share with the world their language, 
culture, history, and heritage without fear of persecution. During the 
Orange Revolution of 2004 the world saw Ukrainians united to uphold the 
sacred belief that in a democracy the will of the people must be 
fulfilled.
  As we look back, we must remember that the path to democracy faces 
difficulties. Ukraine still struggles with its past, both inside and 
outside its borders. Legacies of the Soviet Union can still be seen in 
Ukrainian politics today. Political opponents have been intimidated and 
journalists harassed. Ukraine struggles to maintain civil liberties and 
the national identity of Ukraine has been endangered. Russia 
continually attempts to subjugate Ukraine by threatening Ukrainian 
territorial integrity, attempting to create Ukrainian reliance on 
Russian energy, and threatens Ukraine's pro-European ambitions. There 
are many challenges in democratization, but with the will of the 
Ukrainian people and the support of the world they can be realized.
  On this twenty-year anniversary of independence I would like to offer 
my best wishes to all Ukrainians around the world who join us in 
celebrating this great milestone. It is important that we all reaffirm 
our strong commitment to Ukraine's independence as well as our tireless 
efforts to help democracy live strong in Ukraine.

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