[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 164 (Monday, November 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE ON H. RES. 402

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 18, 2013

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow Co-Chairs of the 
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Representatives Marcy Kaptur and Jim 
Gerlach  in rising today to support the passage of H. Res. 402, 
supporting the European aspirations of the people of the European 
Union's (EU) Eastern Partnership countries, and to express continued 
support for Ukraine as it moves closer to signing the EU Association 
Agreement.
  In order for Ukraine to progress democratically and economically, it 
is imperative that the conditions of this agreement, as jointly 
initialed by the EU and Ukraine, are fully met--in law and in practice.
  The critical November 28-29 Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, 
Lithuania is quickly approaching, bringing with it the deadline for 
signing the Association Agreement. Accordingly, we urge the U.S. 
Department of State to advance all appropriate opportunities for 
cooperation with Ukraine to address the remaining required reforms, 
including electoral and rule of law reforms as well as issues related 
to selective justice, particularly the release of former Prime Minister 
Yulia Tymoshenko. Along with the clear democratic and economic 
benefits, we believe these reforms, coupled with international 
monitoring and oversight, provide the best opportunity to ensure free 
and fair elections in Ukraine in 2015 and beyond.
  Consistent with our support for H. Res. 402, we applaud the EU's 
progress--much of it through the Eastern Partnership program--in 
helping to build democratic, prosperous, and stable societies 
throughout Eastern Europe and the Caucuses. Building on that progress 
is in the national interest of the United States; consequently, we call 
on the U.S. Department of State to direct needed resources to help 
support Ukraine's European choice.

                          ____________________