    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [May 11, 1995]
    [Pages 682-683]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner in Kiev
    May 11, 1995

        President and Mrs. Kuchma, to all of our hosts, on behalf of all the
    Americans here, let me say that we are glad to be here and we thank you,
    Mr. President, for your warm remarks.
        Mr. President, on my first trip to the Ukraine, I only visited the
    lounge at Boryspil Airport, and you promised me when we met in November
    that the hospitality would be even better in Kiev. Thank you for keeping
    your word and for this wonderful welcome.
        Mr. President and distinguished guests, we had a very good meeting
    here today, but perhaps the most important thing which happened today,
    which both of us worked on, occurred in New York where the nations of
    the world made history. By indefinitely extending the Nuclear Non-
    Proliferation Treaty, we have taken a critical step in making the
    American people, Ukrainian people, and the people of the world more
    secure. More important, this action will build a better future for our
    children, for future generations.
        For 25 years, the NPT has been the cornerstone of global efforts to
    reduce the dangers of nuclear weapons. Making the treaty permanent opens
    a new and more hopeful chapter in our history, a time when all nations
    will be more secure. We owe a great debt of thanks to the men and women
    who've worked so hard to make this possible.
        This achievement was key goal of our foreign policy in the United
    States this year. And I want to say a special word of thanks to the
    representatives of my Government who worked so hard for this day.
        It is especially fitting that we celebrate this event in Kiev, for
    Ukraine has been at the forefront of those nations that have been
    striving to reduce the threat posed by nuclear weapons. By your decision
    to eliminate the nuclear arsenal on your territory, to bring the START I
    agreement into force, and to adhere to the NPT, Ukrainian people have
    made a major contribution to reducing the nuclear dangers in Europe and
    throughout the world.
        I once again want to thank President Kuchma for his brave and wise
    leadership. Over the last few days, we have spoken a great deal about
    the hardship and the heroism in the Great War of 50 years ago. This
    evening I would like to pay tribute to the courage and endurance of the
    Ukrainian people today. After a century of totalitarian rule, famine,
    and war, you have emerged to freedom and independence and set for
    yourselves the highest goals. In the face of a difficult, often
    wrenching transition, you have persevered and added honor to your
    nation.
        I salute you, Mr. President, because you have played such an
    important role in maintaining the resolve of your people. Every
    democratically elected leader knows it is difficult to pursue a course
    that causes pain in the short run, even if it is best for the people in
    the long run. Mr. President, you have carried forth without wavering. An
    American President can look back on the experience of his predecessors
    over more than 200 years and know that others have walked this path
    before. But you are forging a new democratic tradition, untested and
    unknown but based on your judgment and your convictions. You have
    written a record of achievement and shown a determination that will be
    remembered long into the future.
        This record should not and will not go unanswered. You have
    challenged us, and we are responding with strong support for Ukrainian
    reform. And we will continue to stand by you and work with Ukraine to
    fulfill its ambitions to become a prosperous democracy. Our legacy will
    not only be Government-to-Government programs but a genuine partnership
    between Ukrainian and American citizens, equal to the challenges of the
    coming century.
        Ladies and gentlemen, let us raise a glass to the health and
    happiness of President and Mrs. Kuchma and to Ukraine, where one of
    Europe's oldest nations is building a vibrant new democracy, and to the
    growing friendship between our peoples.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 8:15 p.m. at Mariinsky
    Palace.

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