[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 151 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE'S EUROPEAN ASPIRATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2013

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, as Ranking Member of the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, 
I rise along with the co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, 
Representatives Kaptur, Levin, and Gerlach, to voice my support for 
Ukraine's European aspirations.
   As long-time advocates for the democratization and economic 
liberalization of Ukraine, we welcome the progress that has been made 
to date and encourage Ukraine's continued efforts in the coming weeks 
to realize the final steps necessary to enter into an Association 
Agreement with the European Union (EU) at the Eastern Partnership 
Summit in Vilnius this November.
   By strengthening Ukraine's bilateral relationship with the EU, we 
are confident that through greater economic integration and political 
cooperation, Ukraine will be able to achieve a stronger relationship 
with current EU Member States, as well as transatlantic partners, such 
as the United States, through a shared respect for democratic 
principles, rule of law, good governance, human rights, and essential 
freedoms. As such, we believe that the signing of an Association 
Agreement between Ukraine and the EU will continue to serve as a 
catalyst for democratic and human rights reforms, enhanced economic 
development, and improved welfare for all Ukrainians.
   Over the last year, we have observed with interest Ukraine's efforts 
to meet the EU's conditions for this agreement, and as the Eastern 
Partnership Summit in Vilnius draws near, we wish to encourage all 
parties to continue to cooperate and work swiftly to complete all 
remaining reforms, in law and in practice.
   Recognizing that key progress has been made in certain areas, 
including the enactment of a new criminal procedure code, we support 
further tangible action by Ukraine to address critical issues and 
incorporate the reforms necessary to improve its electoral system, 
governing institutions, and its system of justice. In particular, we 
believe that a crucial step towards such reform would be the pardon and 
release of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko under mutually 
acceptable terms.
   The signing of an Association Agreement with the EU marks a 
significant opportunity for Ukraine to fulfill its commitments to 
democracy and human rights and is in the strategic interests of 
Ukraine, the EU, and the United States. We offer our support and 
encouragement to Ukraine in the coming weeks as it takes the final 
steps towards a stronger and enhanced relationship with the EU.

                          ____________________