[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF A HOUSE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS 
                               IN UKRAINE

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a House Resolution 
Calling for Free and Fair Elections in Ukraine. Ukraine will hold a 
presidential election this Sunday, May 25, 2014, with the goal of once 
again reinforcing a democratic legitimacy within the country.
  On February 22, 2014, the Ukrainian Parliament voted to remove Victor 
Yanukovych from the post of President of Ukraine. This election to 
replace the former president is planned amidst political upheaval that 
has included violent street protests, Russia's invasion and 
illegitimate annexation of Crimea, and Russian instigated separatist 
rebellions throughout the eastern portions of the country.
  The prospects this presidential election hold cannot be overstated. 
It is a decisive marker for a fresh start for Ukraine. Free and fair 
elections are fundamental for regaining economic and political 
stability throughout the nation.
  The importance of free and fair elections is not lost on the American 
people. With this resolution we are reaffirming the commitment of the 
United States' support of the expression of freedom, human rights, 
civil liberties, and the rule of law in Ukraine, embodied through 
elections that are free and fair. Further, we condemn the interference 
of foreign agitators in pre-election activities and behavior that could 
adversely impact voter participation during polling.
  In the remaining days prior to the election, the focus of the 
international community will remain on supporting the preparations and 
ensuring the Ukrainian people understand they are supported in these 
democratic efforts. Promoting access and participation in free and fair 
democratic processes must be a priority for America. I encourage my 
colleagues to support these ideals through this resolution.
  No nation across our world suffered more or endured more in the last 
century's bloody European wars than did Ukraine. Freedom loving people 
hold a moral obligation to right the wrongs of the past in the present 
for Ukraine through these historic elections.
  May they occur peaceably as thousands of election monitors from 
across our globe travel to Ukraine to assure that nation a better 
future.
  This weekend in our own Nation, as Memorial Day commemorations ensue, 
including the 10th Anniversary ceremony here in Washington, D.C. of the 
dedication of the World War II Memorial, in which I will gratefully 
participate, let us remember those whose sacrifices made our freedoms 
possible. And let us pray for those who dream of opportunities America 
is blessed to enjoy, like the people of Ukraine who have yet known full 
freedom and whose moment is now.

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