    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 1, 2008]
    [Pages 448-449]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine in Kiev
    April 1, 2008

        Madam Prime Minister, Mr.
    Chairman, distinguished guests,
    thank you for your warm welcome. Laura and I are
    honored to stand with you on Ukrainian soil, and we bring the greetings
    of the American people, or as you would say, Vitayu vas.
        The people of Ukraine have made great contributions to the history
    of human freedom. During World War II, Ukrainian soldiers helped defeat
    the armies of fascism and end the deadliest conflict in history. And at
    the end of the cold war, Ukrainians formed an independent nation and
    declared your desire to live in freedom and peace.
        In 2004, Ukrainians inspired the world with the Orange Revolution,
    using peaceful demonstrations to protect your right to choose your
    leaders. Today, Ukrainians are showing courage in helping to advance
    freedom in many parts of the world. You're helping to train security
    forces in Iraq, supporting a Provincial Reconstruction Team in
    Afghanistan. Ukrainians are part of the U.N. mission in Kosovo. Last
    month in Kosovo, a Ukrainian police officer gave his life and many
    others were wounded helping to defend the ideals of freedom.
        Ukraine is contributing to every mission of the NATO alliance and
    honoring the ideals that unite the transatlantic community. This week,
    Ukraine seeks to strengthen its transatlantic ties through a NATO
    Membership Action Plan. The United States strongly supports your
    request. We are proud to stand with you in Bucharest and beyond.
        Mr. President, our two nations share a common vision for the future.
    We seek to

    [[Page 449]]

    advance the cause of freedom and help all peoples of Europe live
    together in security and peace. With great confidence in that future, I
    offer a toast to you, to your gracious wife, and to a free and sovereign people of Ukraine.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:57 a.m. at the Presidential Secretariat.
    In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko and
    Verkhovna Chairman Rada Yatseniuk Arseniy Petrovych of Ukraine; and
    Kateryna Mykhailivna Yushchenko, wife of President Yushchenko. The
    transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included
    the remarks of President Yushchenko.