[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               20TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 20th anniversary of 
Ukraine's independence from Soviet rule.
  Since August 24th, 1991, the people of Ukraine have remained 
steadfastly focused on securing a stable democracy and a free market 
economy in Ukraine, and I commend them on their democratic 
achievements. During the 2004 Orange Revolution, I was proud to stand 
with hundreds of Ukrainian Americans demonstrating in front of the 
Embassy in Washington, wearing our orange scarves and demanding that 
democracy required rejection of a rigged election.
  I also rise to express my deep concern over the erosion of democracy 
under the current Yanukovych Administration, which places the successes 
of the Orange Revolution in jeopardy. Reports from the April 2011 
Freedom House assessment are alarming, particularly the anecdotes of 
the Administration's use of violence, intimidation, and selective 
prosecution of opposition leaders and suppression of the media.
  We in the United States must continue to stand with those living 
under oppressive and tyrannical regimes as they struggle for their 
freedom.
  Last week, members of the Congressional Caucus on Ukraine introduced 
a bipartisan resolution to commemorate Ukraine's independence and to 
express strong and continued support to the Ukrainian people in their 
efforts toward ensuring democratic principles.

                          ____________________