[Ohio UZO News] Rep. Chris Smith statement on Ukraine

[Deychak, Orest]

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and
Vice-Chairman, House International Relations Committee.  The statement will
be posted on the Commission's website -- www.csce.gov <www.csce.gov>  -- on
September 7.

Congressional Record statement
Rep. Christopher H. Smith
September 6, 2006
 
15th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence
 
            Mr. Speaker, August 24th marked the fifteenth anniversary of
Ukraine's rebirth as an independent state, finally being freed from the
shackles of Soviet misrule that included a reign of terror, cultural
suppression and a genocidal famine.
 
            The last fifteen years have witnessed peaks and valleys as the
Ukrainian people have struggled to overcome the legacy of communism and
Moscow's imperialism.  While the process of Ukraine's restoration is still a
work in progress, great strides have been made to consolidate that nation as
an independent, free and democratic state.  The December 1, 1991 referendum
on independence, the 1996 Constitution and especially the 2004 Orange
Revolution stand as highlights, demonstrating Ukrainian resolve for
independence, rule of law, democracy and freedom, and the continuing promise
of a better life. 
 
            In contrast to the first 13 years of independence, Ukraine is
now "free", and not merely "partly free."  The March 26 parliamentary
election was one of the freest and fairest ever held among post-Soviet
states.   The Ukrainian economy is on the road to recovery and development
after the initial post-Soviet decline of the 1990s.  Ukraine is a
responsible neighbor and has shown its mettle as a partner for peace and
security in the world.  
 
            Of course, challenges remain despite the real progress that has
been made.  There have been missed opportunities.  Many of the promises of
the Orange Revolution are only partially fulfilled.  The rule of law,
including a truly independent judiciary, remains to be consolidated.
Corruption, although not as egregious as before the Orange Revolution, still
rears its ugly head.  Many Ukrainians believe all too many among the
political elites look first toward their personal interests rather than to
the good of the people and of the nation they are supposed to serve.  As the
last months have demonstrated, political stability can be elusive, and it
remains to be seen what direction the new government will take.
Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to show tremendous potential, and I am
firmly convinced that this still relatively young 15-year-old independent
state will fulfill its potential.
 
            Mr. Speaker, in looking over the last fifteen years, we must not
forget the sacrifices of millions who fought for Ukraine's liberty over the
course of the last century, often against great odds and at great personal
risk.  Whether in the struggle for Ukraine's short-lived independence in
1918-21, or the insurgent armies that fought against both Nazi and Soviet
rule during and after World War II, many Ukrainians made the ultimate
sacrifice.   
 
            More recently, in the final decades of Soviet domination,
Ukrainian Helsinki Monitors and other human rights activists challenged the
system, calling upon the Kremlin to live up to commitments voluntarily
undertaken when Leonid Brezhnev signed the 1975 Helsinki Final Act.  One
such renowned activist, Ukrainian Helsinki Monitor Nadia Svitlychna, who
served three years in a Soviet labor camp for her tireless defense of human
rights and freedom, died last month.  We honor the memory of Mrs.
Svitlychna, recalling that it was courageous and dedicated individuals like
her who, as much as anyone, paved the way for an independent, democratic
Ukraine. 
 
            Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the role that the Helsinki
Commission, which I Co-Chair, has played throughout its 30-year existence in
firmly supporting human rights and freedom for Ukraine.  I am pleased that
the Congress has stood firm in support of Ukraine and am confident that the
United States will continue to extend the hand of friendship as Ukraine
moves toward its rightful place as a fully integrated member of the
Euro-Atlantic community of nations.
 
 
 
 
 
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