[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18220]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 18220]]

                IN RECOGNITION OF UKRANIAN INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, as Ukraine approaches its first decade of 
independence, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there are many 
accomplishments which the people of Ukraine can be proud.
  For over a millennium, the Ukrainian people have successfully 
preserved


and maintained their unique culture, language, religion and identity. 
Such an achievement stands as an inspiration for free people 
everywhere, and is a testimony to the depth, character and vibrancy of 
the Ukrainian culture.
  The November 14, 1999, re-election of Leonid Kuchna as Ukraine's 
President is a cause for great optimism. High turnout in this election, 
and a refusal by the voters to return to a Communist past, speaks to 
the vibrancy of Ukranian democracy.
  With this election, the Ukranian people chose to move forward with a 
program of economic reform. While the transition from a centralized 
economy to a free-market system has not been easy, Ukraine has been 
blessed with vast natural resources, a sizeable industrial 
infrastructure and a hard-working and resourceful people that promise 
to ensure Ukraine's economic transformation. The decision, this year, 
by the Supreme Rada to privatize large parts of the Ukrainian economy 
will further enable this industrious nation to continue with its 
economic progress.
  Ukraine's unique geographical location has given it a vital role in 
ensuring the peace and stability of not only the region, but of all 
Europe. Ukraine has shown its commitment to a secure Europe by 
providing troops to the peacekeeping effort in Kosovo, and by seeking 
to enhance its partnership with NATO. By entering into the Status of 
Forces Agreement with NATO, and hosting NATO military exercises in 
Odessa, Ukraine has reiterated its commitment to the world's most 
powerful military alliance.
  At this time when we honor Ukraine's independence, it is only fitting 
that we laud the many advances made by the Ukrainian people in the past 
decade. The advances Ukraine has made today are built upon the 
sacrifices and dedication of countless patriots who have struggled to 
preserve the independence and freedom of the Ukranian people. I am sure 
that my Senate colleagues would join me in saluting the Ukranian people 
for their tremendous courage in promoting free and fair markets and 
participatory democracy during a difficult transition period.

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