[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5784-5785]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in about an hour and a half we will receive 
the address by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
  It all began on November 22--not that long ago. On that icy Ukrainian 
day, hundreds of thousands of protesters from all over the countryside 
converged on Kiev's Independence Square to protest the Ukrainian 
Presidential election. The incumbent favored candidate, Viktor 
Yanukovych, had been declared the winner already. Meanwhile, 
nonpartisan, independent exit polling--or series of polls--showed that 
Viktor Yushchenko, leader of the opposition party, had a clear nine-
point lead.
  For 17 days, in subzero weather, hundreds of thousands of men and 
women filled the streets of Independence Square, huddled in tents among 
strangers, braving the threats of police violence. It was an 
astonishing emotional display that stunned the world as these images 
came through our newspapers and across the television. After 17 days of 
this nonviolent solidarity, the people won. A new election was held. On 
January 23, Viktor Yushchenko was sworn in as the new President. The 
``Orange Revolution'' will be forever emblazoned in the memories of all 
those who strive for freedom.
  On behalf of the Senate, I am privileged to welcome the leader of 
this historic moment, President Viktor Yushchenko, to our Nation's 
Capitol.
  Today, at 11 a.m. the President will address a joint session of 
Congress, making him the only leader of a former Soviet republic 
outside of Russia to do so. We are honored to have him address our 
highest legislative Chambers. We extend to him our congratulations and 
to the Ukrainian people our friendship and support. We are grateful for 
the sacrifices the Ukrainian military made in pursuing the cause of 
freedom and security in Iraq.
  However, much lies ahead. I am heartened by President Yushchenko's 
commitment to reform. Following his inauguration, the Senate pledged to 
support the Ukrainian people to establish full democracy, rule of law, 
respect for human rights, and a free, transparent, and open economy. We 
firmly support Ukraine's independence and territorial sovereignty and 
their full integration into the international community of democracies.
  The President of the United States has requested resources to support 
Ukraine's democracy building. It goes without saying that the Senate 
supports funding Ukraine's efforts.
  I look forward to President Yushchenko's historic address to the 
Congress in a short while. He and the people of Ukraine have inspired 
the world and have written a new chapter in the story of human freedom.
  On that first day the marchers filled Independence Square, they 
chanted: ``Together we are many. We cannot be defeated.''
  Today, on behalf of the American people, I say to the people of 
Ukraine: Together we are one. Freedom will prevail.

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