    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [August 24, 1994]
    [Page 1495]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1495]]

    Address to the People of Ukraine on Ukrainian Independence Day
    August 24, 1994

        It's a privilege to speak directly to you, the Ukrainian people, and
    congratulate you on your third Independence Day.
        In the short span of 3 years, Ukraine has shown the world that a
    nation can rapidly set down the roots of democracy. This year's
    elections for President and Parliament are strong evidence of your
    commitment to a democratic future, and we congratulate you on them.
        As Vice President Gore told President Kuchma when he visited Kiev
    earlier this month, the United States places a high value on our
    relationship with Ukraine. The American people strongly support your
    country's independence, its sovereignty, its territorial integrity. We
    believe in a stable, strong, and prosperous Ukraine.
        To help achieve those goals, the United States will support you as
    Ukraine proceeds down the difficult path of economic reform. At the
    recent meeting of the Group of Seven, I worked hard to secure a pledge
    of $4 billion in assistance for your nation. Those funds will be put to
    work when your government takes practical steps to reform Ukraine's
    economy and introduce the free market. As you face the hard work of
    modernizing and rebuilding your economy, be assured that the United
    States stands ready to help.
        The fruits of cooperation between our two nations can already be
    seen in our historic achievements on military and nuclear security
    matters. The leadership that Ukraine demonstrated when it became the
    first country to join NATO's Partnership For Peace is showing other
    nations the path to new security arrangements that will promote a truly
    unified Europe. Your nation's critical role in creating the trilateral
    statement on denuclearization will not only remove a source of great
    danger to you and people all over the world but also ensure that you
    receive fair compensation for the value of the nuclear warheads on your
    territory.
        And I am confident that when Ukraine joins the 164 nations that have
    acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, you will witness a
    range of new opportunities for your high-technology industries. These
    industries will have the chance to flourish in both government-to-
    government projects and through expanded international commerce.
        Here in the United States, as you know, we are especially proud of
    the Ukrainian-Americans who have helped to build our democracy and
    contribute so much to our society. I join with them in today's
    celebration of Ukraine's reborn statehood and in recognition of
    Ukrainians the world over who have given so much for the cause of
    freedom and democracy.
        The coming years pose many challenges, but I am confident that we
    are laying the foundation to meet them. Working together, I am convinced
    that my country and yours will continue to develop a deep and abiding
    relationship that serves our mutual interests. We look forward to
    working with your new President and Parliament to find new ways to
    strengthen the friendship between our peoples.
        On this day, we should all recall those who fought for independence
    before us. Your great poet Taras Shevchenko, a man born into serfdom, a
    contemporary of my Nation's Great Emancipator, President Lincoln,
    dreamed that one day his countrymen would enjoy the fruits of
    independence. Today, on behalf of all the American people, I
    congratulate you on realizing Shevchenko's dream and on the great years
    of freedom that lie ahead for all of you.

    Note: The address was videotaped on August 4 at approximately noon in
    the Roosevelt Room at the White House, and it was released by the Office
    of the Press Secretary on August 24. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of this address.