[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 13 (Monday, April 7, 2008)]
[Page 458]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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 
Chairman of the Verkhovna 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.