[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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