"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT - AUR"
An International Newsletter
The Latest, Up-To-Date
In-Depth Ukrainian News, Analysis, and Commentary
"Ukrainian History, Culture, Arts, Business, Religion,
Sports, Government, and Politics, in Ukraine and Around the World"
TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY IN UKRAINE!
Dawn has arrived, the sun is rising, a great day in Kyiv
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
14th Anniversary of the Restoration of Ukrainian Independence in 1991
Ukraine first declared Independence on January 22, 1918
On August 24, President Yushchenko will take part in ceremonies to
celebrate the 14th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. At 12:00,
he will address the nation on the Maidan
"THE ACTION UKRAINE REPORT - AUR" - Number 546
Mr. E. Morgan Williams, Publisher and Editor
AUR published in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, August 24, 2005
--------INDEX OF ARTICLES--------
"Major International News Headlines and Articles"
1. ACT OF DECLARATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE
Supreme Soviet Of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, August 24, 1991
2. PRESIDENT VICTOR YUSHCHENKO IS RECEIVING GREETINGS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Press office of the President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko
Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
3. PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS
TO UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO
AzerTAj, Baku, Azerbaijan, Tue, August 23, 2005
4. RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV, RUSSIAN PREMIER FRADKOV
CONGRATULATE FM TARASIUK, PM TYMOSHENKO ON
UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
5. PM YULIA TYMOSHENKO WISHES UKRAINIANS CREATIVE ENERGY
AND PATRIOTISM ON OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
6. 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE
STATEMENT: Embassy Staff, Embassy of Ukraine
Washington, D.C., Friday, August 19, 2005
7. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE
STATEMENT: By Michael Bleyzer, President and CEO
SigmaBleyzer, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, August 23, 2005
8. CELEBRATE IN STYLE: UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
PROMISES LOTS OF CONCERTS, ART AND SPORT
By Aleksandra Matoshko, FirsTnews
Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
9. UKRAINE MARKS INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
10. "BORN IN THE USA: THE FIRST LADY OF UKRAINE"
"That he taught the people that they could stand up for their rights,
which they did, and to have hope for their future. You could say it
took 1000 years for this to happen."
INTERVIEW with Kateryna Yushchenko
By Tatiana Sorokko, Harper's Bazaar magazine
New York, New York, Saturday, August 20, 2005
11. "A FREE UKRAINE"
By William Henry Chamberlin, Foreign Correspondent
Excerpts from: "The Ukraine: A Submerged Nation", 1944
12. WHAT IS UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY (UPA) FIGHTING FOR?
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army is fighting for the Ukrainian
Independent State and for enabling every nation to live a
free life in its own independent state.
Text From Small Pamphlet Printed by Ukrainian UPA
High Command Of Ukrainian Insurgent Army,
Printing of UPA, Kyiv, Ukraine, September, 1944.
13. "OUR GOAL - A FREE UKRAINE"
SPEECH: By Leonid Kravchuk, President of Ukraine
At The Inauguration Meeting Of The Supreme Council Of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, December 5, 1991
14. REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON TO THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
SPEECH: President Clinton's speech at St. Michael's Square
Kiev, Ukraine, June 5, 2000, 6:30 p.m.
The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Washington, D.C. , June 5, 2000
15. UKRAINE AT 10: CELEBRATION AND CHALLENGES
STATEMENT: By Condoleezza Rice
National Security Advisor, Office of the President
White House, Washington, D.C., August, 2001
16. GREETINGS FROM VICTOR YUSHCHENKO TO THE CITIZENS
OF UKRAINE ON THE DAY OF INDEPENDENCE [AUG 24, 2004]
PM and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Our Ukraine Website, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, August 23, 2004
=============================================================
1. ACT OF DECLARATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE
Supreme Soviet Of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, August 24, 1991
Act of Declaration of the Independence of Ukraine
In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with
the state coup in the USSR on August 19, 1991,
continuing the thousand-year tradition of state building in Ukraine,
based on the right of a nation to self-determination in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations and other international legal
documents, and
realizing the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Ukraine, the
Supreme Soviet solemnly
DECLARES
THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE AND THE CREATION OF
AN INDEPENDENT UKRAINIAN STATE
- UKRAINE.
The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable.
From this day forward, on the territory of Ukraine only the Constitution
and laws of Ukraine are valid.
This act becomes effective at the moment of its approval.
SUPREME SOVIET OF UKRAINE
August 24, 1991
=============================================================
2. PRESIDENT VICTOR YUSHCHENKO IS RECEIVING GREETINGS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Press office of the President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko
Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
KYIV - President Victor Yushchenko is receiving greetings on the occasion
of the 14th anniversary of Independence.
American President George W. Bush, Czech President Vaclav Klaus,
Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, Australian Governor-General Michael
Jeffery, Belgian King Albert II, German President Horst Koehler, Austrian
President Heinz Fischer, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Benin President
Mathieu Kerekou, and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun have already
greeted the Head of State.
He is also receiving many messages from Ukrainian citizens. -30-
=============================================================
3. PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS
TO UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO
AzerTAj, Baku, Azerbaijan, Tue, August 23, 2005
BAKU - President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has sent a message of
congratulations to the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on the
national holiday - Independence Day.
President Ilham Aliyev has especially noted the achievements of Ukraine
in all spheres of the public life and deepening of democracy, said the
country’s prestige and positions in the world are most strong now.
President Aliyev has expressed confidence that traditions of friendship,
cooperation and mutual support by each to other will be as powerful
foundation for developing of future interstate relationships. -30-
============================================================
4. RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV, RUSSIAN PREMIER FRADKOV
CONGRATULATE FM TARASIUK, PM TYMOSHENKO ON
UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
KYIV - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Prime Minister
Mikhail Fradkov have congratulated Foreign Minister Borys Tarasiuk and
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Ukraine's Independence Day. The
Russian Embassy in Ukraine made the statement.
Lavrov wished Tarasiuk success and noted that high level of dialogue
between foreign political departments of both countries promotes enhancing
stability and security in Europe and the world, as well as deepening of
Russia-Ukraine cooperation.
In his congratulation to Tymoshenko, Fradkov expressed confidence that
joint efforts of the two countries will help further development of economic
ties, deepening of investment cooperation, widening humanitarian contacts,
implementing large-scale investment projects.
He also noted that the pledge of friendship between the countries is active
engagement of regions, businessmen and NGOs in relations between
Russia and Ukraine.
Fradkov noted that Tymoshenko's upcoming visit to Russia will be
important step in development of bilateral relations. -30-
============================================================
5. PM YULIA TYMOSHENKO WISHES UKRAINIANS CREATIVE ENERGY
AND PATRIOTISM ON OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
KYIV - Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko wishes Ukrainians creative energy
and patriotism on occasion of the Independence Day. Tymoshenko said that
this in her letter of congratulation, a copy of which is available to
Ukrainian News.
"On behalf of the government I wish all citizens of Ukraine creative energy,
patriotism, success for the good of Your families and our common home -
Ukrainian state," the letter reads. Tymoshenko also wishes Ukrainians all
over the world prosperity, wealth and joy.
Tymoshenko says that independence became a turning point in the life of
Ukraine, opened wide opportunities for spiritual development, economic
development and well-being of every citizen.
Tymoshenko notes that the 14th anniversary of the state independence
marks the victory of people's will during the presidential elections in
2004.
"Let the God save You and inspire for great deeds," the Premier wishes.
============================================================
6. 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE
STATEMENT: Embassy Staff, Embassy of Ukraine
Washington, D.C., Friday, August 19, 2005
Dear friends,
On August 24, 2005, we all celebrate the 14th anniversary of the
Independence of Ukraine, an event which embodies the centuries-old
aspirations of the people of Ukraine. Today, we can proudly say that
Ukraine is an established independent state.
Last year, the people of Ukraine attested to the whole world their love of
freedom and commitment to democracy when they bravely stood up for their
right to freely and fairly elect their government. Ukraine's historic Orange
Revolution has changed the direction and pace of the development of the
Ukrainian society.
It proved that Ukraine has a mature, dignified, and open-minded civil
society; and provided the opportunity for Ukraine to succeed as a
democratic, strong, and prosperous European country.
We're witnessing the beginning of a new era in the Ukrainian-American
relationship. President George W. Bush and President Viktor Yushchenko in
their Joint Statement The New Century Agenda for the Ukrainian-American
Strategic Partnership said "We commit our two nations to stand together as
global partners for freedom, security and prosperity in the 21st century."
By demonstrating their support of the Maidan, Ukrainians from all over the
world contributed outstandingly to the peaceful victory of freedom in
Ukraine. A special role was played by the Ukrainian American community,
which has continuously and tirelessly worked to help Ukraine over the years.
Ukraine appreciates this contribution and support.
No matter where we live, this is a time of hard work and great
accomplishments for all of us - Ukraine's future depends on our joint
efforts. So let us together raise and strengthen Ukraine's prestige!
God bless Ukraine!
Embassy's staff, Washington, D.C.
=============================================================
7. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE
STATEMENT: by Michael Bleyzer, President and CEO
SigmaBleyzer, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, August 23, 2005
KYIV - It is my pleasure to congratulate Ukraine on the 14th Anniversary
of its Independence. This year’s Independence Day in many ways is
much more poignant than in years past for the simple reason that
Ukrainians “re-earned” it through peaceful and democratic revolution
at the end of last year.
I have long been a supporter of Ukraine and resolve to continue to do so
through SigmaBleyzer, The Bleyzer Foundation and our newest investment
fund, SBF IV, which symbolically just became operational this week.
We are excited to once again invest in Ukraine and look forward to
contributing our share to the economic development of this beautiful and
important country.
My sincere congratulations go to Ukraine, President Yushchenko, and
most importantly, the Ukrainian people in this time of celebration.
Michael Bleyzer
President and CEO, SigmaBleyzer
Houston, Texas; Kyiv, Ukraine; Kharkiv, Ukraine
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.SigmaBleyzer.com; http://www.BleyzerFoundation.com
=============================================================
8. CELEBRATE IN STYLE: UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
PROMISES LOTS OF CONCERTS, ART AND SPORT
By Aleksandra Matoshko, FirsTnews
Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
KYIV - For some, Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24 is a really
important state holiday. For others, it's just an additional day off and a
reason to go partying instead of working. Whatever your motivation, there
will be enough events held in the city to keep you busy the whole day long.
The celebrations start August 23 with the musical show "Independence.
Europe. Future" that is to take place on two stages at Maydan Nezalezhnosti
and European Square, and will continue the following day at European
Square, while the concert called "Independence Day" will take place at
Maydan. Also there will be concerts at Kontraktova Ploscha.
The list of Ukrainian stars taking part in the concerts is not disclosed,
but the foreign guest Death Valley Screamers band, fronted by Yuliya
Tymoshenko`s future son-in-law Sean Carr, will appear at Maydan. All
concerts will start at 7 p.m.
International sport flight of balloons "Ukraine-Poland" as a part of the
year of Ukraine in Poland will start August 23, 5 p.m. at the Dnipro bank by
the monument of Kyiv's legendary founders - Kiy, Schek and Khoryv and
continue at Hydropark the following day.
You can start your celebration of the actual Independence holiday on
August 24 at Pechersk park at the children's art exhibition and 50th jubilee
flowers exhibition at noon to the tunes of amateur dance and music groups
that will perform there till 4 p.m. Cultural and art holiday "Let Ukraine be
free for all ages, for all times" will take place at Spivoche Pole of the
park at 6 p.m.
At another park zone - City Central Park arts holiday "There's no better
land than the one called Ukraine" will be held starting 1 p.m. It will be
followed with the concert "Ihor Zavadsky and the best young accordion
players of Ukraine" at 6 p.m.
If you fancy sports events, you can visit the start of International sailing
competition "Kyiv Regatta-2005" at 10 a.m. on the Dnipro river or
International "Independence Cup" Ukrainian championship of semi-
marathon at 9 a.m. at Maydan Nezalezhnosti.
The finals of the International hockey tournament dedicated to
Independence Day will take place starting noon through 6 p.m. at the
sport complex at 46 Melnykova.
In addition, three brass bands will be playing at different spots on
Khreschatyk street during the day and all Kyiv museums and exhibitions
will be open free of charge. In keeping with tradition, the festive
fireworks honoring Ukrainian Independence will start at 10:00 p.m. -30-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://firstnews.com.ua/en/article.html?id=88425
============================================================
9. UKRAINE MARKS INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ukrainian News Agency, Kyiv, Ukraine, Tue, August 23, 2005
KYIV - Ukraine is celebrating Independence Day. President Viktor
Yuschenko will open the official ceremonies together with prayer for Ukraine
in the St. Sofia Cathedral. Patriarchs of different denominations will take
part in it.
According to the president's idea, the celebration should be humanitarian,
and it should differ from the traditional ceremony of a military nature.
"The ideological foundation of this holiday is the idea of mutual
understanding and reconciliation, unity,' it is mentioned in a statement of
the presidential press service.
Following the 'Prayers for Ukraine' mass Yuschenko, Prime Minister Yulia
Tymoshenko and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn will lay
flowers to the monuments of Prime Volodymyr, the poet Taras Shevchenko
and historian Mykhailo Hrushevskyi.
The main event of the day will be the President's address to the people,
which he will deliver at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti at about 12:00.
Yuschenko plans to celebrate Independence Day at the Maidan, preferring
lively interaction with Ukrainians as a manifestation of the openness of
government.
"He as President wants to spend this day with the people who gained
independence,' it is mentioned in the statement of the presidential press
service. Yuschenko will confer state awards in the Mariinskyi Palace on
this day.
The celebration will come to an end with an official reception of the
President in the courtyard of the Sofia Kyivska national park with music
being provided by the Kyivska Kamerata national chamber orchestra and
the chamber choir Kyiv.
It is expected that Yuschenko will offer a celebratory toast, and later the
guests will have the opportunity to informally interact with the president.
With this the Secretariat decided to turn away from the traditional
receptions in the Ukraina Palace.
There will be firework in the evening at about 22:00. The First National
Channel will show all events with the participation of the head of state.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, traffic will be prohibited in the center
of Kyiv due to the celebrations. -30- [The Action Ukraine Report]
============================================================
10. "BORN IN THE USA: THE FIRST LADY OF UKRAINE"
"That he taught the people that they could stand up for their rights,
which they did, and to have hope for their future. You could say it
took 1000 years for this to happen."
INTERVIEW with Kateryna Yushchenko
By Tatiana Sorokko, Harper's Bazaar magazine
New York, New York, Saturday, August 20, 2005
Raised in Chicago by her Ukrainian émigré family, Kateryna Yushchenko
always cherished her heritage. Here, the wife of Ukraine's President talks
candidly about the dangers her family faces in a fledging democracy.
When Kateryna Yushchenko's parents migrated to the United States in 1956,
it was because of war and famine, not desire. As a result, they always kept
their homeland in their family's heart.
So it was no surprise to anyone when, in 1992, the 29-year old economist
relocated to Kiev; nor, perhaps, that she gravitated toward her future
husband, Viktor Yushchenko, when she met him in 1993. (She was a manger
for an international accounting firm; he was head of the National Bank of
Ukraine.) Five years later they married and now have three young children of
their own: Sophia, six, Chrystyna, four, and Taras, one.
Last year the Yushchenkos made international headlines when Viktor ran for
president and narrowly lost the election to a Russian-backed candidate. When
evidence of massive electoral fraud surfaced, Ukrainians all over the world
rallied for him in what has become known as the Orange Revolution.
While campaigning, Viktor had become violently ill with what later diagnosed
as dioxin poisoning - allegedly administered by his opposition. He survived
the attack and won the revote in December, though he is still recovering his
health and appearance. (One effect of the toxin is skin disfiguration.)
Mr. Yushchenko's political and personal struggles have raised the profile of
Ukraine in all venues, even fashion: This season, Jean Paul Gaultier
announced that his couture line was inspired by Ukraine, and Mrs. Yushchenko
was a guest of honor at his show. Indisputably, at 44, Kateryna Yushchenko
is hitting her stride and helping her husband rewrite history.
Harper's Bazaar: Can you tell us what really happened to your husband's
poisoning?
Kateryna Yushchenko: They're still investigating. I personally feared
something would happen because the change that Viktor and his team
represented was too threatening to the old regime. Many people would write
us letters saying, "Be careful. Something can happen to him." I believe it
was very much God's will and the prayers of millions of people that kept him
from dying.
Luckily, his health is steadily improving, he's getting back his old
strength, his old looks, and we have great optimism that within a year or
two he will be as handsome as he ever was.. My husband's father survived
Auschwitz and several other concentration camps. I think one of the reasons
Viktor survived is that he comes from a family of survivors.
HB: Was it love at first sight for you and your husband?
KY: He now says it was. But I think it was great admiration at first sight
that grew over time into great love.. I remember being very impressed with
how much he knew about economics and the world financial system. But
what also impressed me was his willingness to learn, his willingness to ask
questions. He was young, dynamic and very patriotic.
HB: Was it difficult to settle in Ukraine?
KY: No, because I grew up with a foot in both worlds. My parents were very
grateful to the United States for accepting them, but they still kept their
traditions. At home, spoke Ukrainian. I grew up thinking that someday I
would go back there.
HB: How do you feel Ukrainians and Americans differ?
KY: Mostly in that Ukrainians tend to be more traditional, formal. A
Ukrainian woman will get more dressed up to go to the store, to take a walk
in the park. She'll wear high heels; she'll put on makeup. More attention is
given to clothes. At first I may have resisted that, but with time you adapt
to the country in which you live, and I began thinking about my clothes more
and more.
Also, the United States is multicultural; you adopt the food and music from
different countries. Ukraine has its own history, its own culture, its own
food, its own music. When Ukrainians get together, it's not unusual for them
to spend two hours singing songs everyone knows.
HB: Have you taught your children American traditions?
KY: We often celebrate holidays - Christmas, Thanksgiving - in the way I
remember celebrating them at home. I've always liked the idea of having a
day when everyone gathers around the table and thanks God for what they
have.
HB: How will your children's childhoods differ from yours?
KY: I, for example, never traveled - I didn't see the ocean until I was 19.
We never went to restaurants: we stayed home a great deal. My children, on
the other hand, have opportunities to travel everywhere, to meet new people,
to learn many languages.
HB: What is the one thing you miss about America?
KY: The freedom to just get into a car and go anywhere. When I visit the
U.S., the first thing I do is rent a car, turn on the radio and drive - for
hours. I'm nervous about driving in Ukraine or anywhere in Europe. Maybe
I'm just not used to the style of driving. And now, in our new position, we
have drivers.
HB: What's a typical day as first lady like?
KY: When we are not doing official things, I am running the foundation my
husband started [Ukraine 3000] to promote Ukrainian art, culture and
history. We want to find partners abroad such as hospitals and universities
that can work with us to improve our medical system. We also want to create
partnerships in which businesses, church groups and youth groups work
together to promote social welfare of Ukraine.
HB: How do you juggle being first lady with motherhood?
KY: I'm always up first thing in the morning to get my daughters dressed and
take them to school, and I spend some time with my son. On evenings and
weekends my husband and I try to always spend time with the children. If we
have official duties, we try to have them involved.
HB: What kinds of preparations, beauty and fashionwise, do you make for
state events?
KY: When my Husband won the election, I met with many Ukrainian designers
whom I had already known, I'd attended Ukrainian fashion shows for years,
and I asked each designer to make me different things, evening gowns and
suits. Gathering a new wardrobe was exciting; it was a duty but a pleasure.
Interestingly, last May, I met Jean Paul Gaultier in Kiev. He captured the
Ukrainian spirit in his latest couture collection and demonstrated to the
world the richness of the Ukrainian culture and tradition. I can see myself
wearing three or four of the collection's outfits.
When deciding what to wear for an event, I think about the country and the
people we're going to be receiving. If I'm wearing an outfit that's not by a
Ukrainian designer, I always try to add something Ukrainian: a pin made by
local artist, something historical or at least a touch of orange [the color
of the revolution.] Additionally, I have someone help me do hair and makeup.
When we have foreign guests or when we go abroad, I also spend a lot of
time thinking about gifts. My husband and I feel very strongly that we have
to present gifts that will help the people better understand our culture.
HB: What do you think will be your husband's legacy?
KY: That he taught the people that they could stand up for their rights,
which they did, and to have hope for their future. You could say it took
1000 years for this to happen. -30-
[The Action Ukraine Report (AUR) Monitoring Service]
=============================================================
11. "A FREE UKRAINE"
By William Henry Chamberlin, Foreign Correspondent
Excerpts from: "The Ukraine: A Submerged Nation", 1944
"...It is not only Ukrainians in foreign countries who have reason to follow
with interest and concern the fate of their homeland, which will most
probably be reunited under Soviet rule after the end of the war. Genuine
freedom for the Ukraine, genuine decentralization of authority and power in
the Soviet Union will be favorable omens for the future peace of the world.
It is not the 'common man' in any country who strives for war. The
experience of the last quarter of a century has shown that aggression is the
specialty of governments which are not subject to any effective popular
control. So there is no reason to believe that the Russians, the Ukrainians,
or any of the other peoples of the Soviet Union would wish to go outside
their own frontiers in wars of aggression.
One cannot be so confident in relation to the Soviet Government, so long as
this government is a tight dictatorship of a small group of men, or rather a
single man, not subject to the controls of a few press, free speech and free
elections. The temptation to such a dictatorial government to embark on
schemes of expansion in the disordered, impoverished Europe that will exist
after the war may be very considerable.
What must be hoped, therefore, is that there will be relaxation all along
the line in the Soviet dictatorship after the crisis of this terrific war
has been passed, that there will be more freedom for the individual Soviet
citizen in relation to the state, more freedom for the worker in state
industry, for the peasant in the collective farm, and last, but not least,
for the individual republic in relation to the central government."
The Ukrainian national problem is closely linked with the triumph of
democracy and individual liberty in the Soviet Union as a whole.
If and when this triumph is achieved, when the highest officials of the
Ukraine, as of all the Soviet Republics, are responsible not to a small
Communist clique in Moscow, but to the Ukrainian people, when the
Ukraine is actually, not only nominally able to conclude treaties with
foreign powers, to control its military forces, to form it trade and
cultural contacts as it may choose, then much of the present
apprehension about possible trends in Soviet policy will automatically
disappear.
The Soviet Union as a loose federation of equal peoples will seem much
more friendly and much less formidable to its neighbors than the Soviet
Union under a centralized dictatorship.
A free Ukraine, no longer subject to political dictation from Moscow, united
with other peoples of the Soviet Union only by voluntary bonds of mutual
economic interest, is an indispensable element in a free Europe and in a
free world."
"The Ukraine: A Submerged Nation"
Book by William Henry Chamberlin
The Macmillan Company, New York,
1944, Pages 84-85.
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William Henry Chamberlin was the foreign correspondent for the Christian
Science Monitor for nearly twenty years. In 1922 he went to Russia as
correspondent and stayed there for 12 years. His wife was born in Ukraine.
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LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/freeuk.htm
=============================================================
12. WHAT IS UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY (UPA) FIGHTING FOR?
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army is fighting for the Ukrainian
Independent State and for enabling every nation to live a
free life in its own independent state.
Text From Small Pamphlet Printed by Ukrainian UPA
High Command Of Ukrainian Insurgent Army,
Printing of UPA, Kyiv, Ukraine, September, 1944.
"Death To Hitler-Stalin Occupants"
"The Ukrainian Insurgent Army is fighting for the Ukrainian Independent
State and for enabling every nation to live a free life in its own
independent state.
The estruction of national enslavement and exploitation of one nation by
another, the system of free nations in their own independent states is the
only order that provides a just solution of the national and social issue in
the whole world.
UPA is struggling against imperialists and empires because the dominating
nation in them enslaves the other nations both culturally and politically
while exploiting them economically. That is why UPA is fighting against the
USSR and the German "New Europe."
With all its resoluteness the UPA is fighting against internationalistic and
Fascist--National--Socialist programs and political concepts, since they are
the weapons of the aggressive policy of imperialists. That is why we are
against Russian Communist--Bolshevism and German National--Socialism.
UPA is against one nation "fulfillment of its imperialistic goals
"liberating", "taking under protection" other nations, since behind these
sly words the disgusting meaning is hidden---enslavement, violence, robbery.
That is why UPA will keep on fighting against Russian---Bolshevist and
German aggressors until Ukraine is cleaned up of all the "protectors" and
"liberators", and Ukrainian Independent State is achieved, in which a
farmer, a worker, and an intellectual will be able to live and develop
freely, prosperously and in a civilized manner.
UPA is fighting for the complete liberation of the Ukrainian people from
Russian--Bolshevist and German yoke, for creation of Ukrainian Independent
State free from the interference of capitalist, and Bolshevik commissars,
NKVDsts (KGBsts), and party parasites.
In the Ukrainian State it will be the highest priority of the nation to
follow the interests of the people. Not having any aggressive goals,
enslaved countries and subjected nations, the natural inclination of
Ukrainian nation will be not to waste time, energy and resources on creating
the machine of exploitation and enslavement.
Ukrainian people power will direct all economical resources and all human
energy on building the state order, just social system, creating the
country's economy, increasing the cultural standard of the people.
In the ranks of UPA there are Ukrainian farmers, workers, and intellectuals
fighting against enslavers and for the Ukrainian Independent State, for
national and social liberation, for a new state order and social system:
1. a. For destruction of Bolshevik and German exploitation--serfdom system
of agriculture. Proceeding from the fact that land is the property of the
people, Ukrainian State power will not compel farmers to be the sole form
of using land. That is why Ukrainian State will allow both personal and
collective land ownership depending upon farmers decision.
b. For a cost free transfer of all land of the Western Regions of Ukraine
and church land.
2. a. For making large-scale industries a national-state property, and
small-scale industries a cooperative-public property.
b. For worker's participation in managing factories, for professional
principles of management instead of the party-commissar ones.
3. a. For an eight hours working day. Overtime work cannot be obligatory
as well as work itself. Overtime work is paid for extra.
b. For just wages, for worker's participation in an enterprises profits. A
worker will receive such a salary that is necessary for satisfying both
material and spiritual needs for the whole family. After the annual balance
is totaled each worker will receive a dividend (for cooperative enterprises)
or a bonus (for National-State enterprises).
c. For the right of free labor, free occupational choice, free choice of
place of work
d. For freedom of trade unions. For destruction of Stakhanovske movement,
socialist competition, increase in daily work quotas and other means of
workers exploitation.
4. For a free cottage industry, for a voluntary uniting of artisans into
cooperatives associations, for the right of an artisan to drop out of the
association, work individually and manage his earnings independently.
5. For a national-state organization of a large-scale trade, a
public-cooperative small-scale trade, a private small-scale trade and free
markets (bazaars).
6. For a complete equality of a man and a woman in every public right and
duty, free access of a woman to all schools and occupations, for a
priority-right of a woman for physically easy labor, so that she won't look
for earnings at mines, pits and other heavy industries, thus exerting
herself to the utmost. For a state protection of motherhood.
A father of the family will receive in addition to his wage, additional
resources on supporting his wife and the minors. Only under these conditions
a woman will be able to perform her important, honorable and responsible
duty of a mother and an educator of younger generations.
7. a. For an obligatory secondary education. For increasing cultural and
educational standard of the people by means of expanding the network of
schools, publishing houses, libraries, museums, cinemas, theaters, etc.
b. For expansion of the network of higher educational institutions and
special technical schools, the systematic increase in the number of highly
qualified professionals in all spheres of life.
c. For free access of youth to all higher institutes of learning, for
providing them with scholarships, boarding, dormitories and textbooks.
d. For thorough development of a younger generation moral, mental and
physical potential. For a free access to all scientific and cultural
achievements of mankind.
8. For the respect of the intelligentsia accomplishments. For providing such
moral background of the work, so that an intellectual would feel secure
about tomorrow and about the fate of his family, and thus be able to devote
the whole self to his cultural-creative work, having all the necessary
conditions for working on himself constantly enriching his knowledge and
increasing his intellectually-cultural level.
9. a. For a full pension support of all workers, including the sickness and
disability allowances.
b. For a widespread introduction of health-protection measures for people,
for expansion of the network of hospitals, health centers, resorts and spas,
for the increase in the number of medical personnel. For the right of
working people to use all achievements of modern medicine for free.
c. For a special state program on children and youth for expansion of the
network of kindergartens, health centers, resorts and sport clubs. All
children and youth must be covered by the social network of protection
and education.
10. a. For freedom of print, speech, thought, convictions, religion and
world view. Against the official imposition of world views, doctrines and
dogmas on the public.
b. For a free recognition and execution of the cults not contradicting the
people's moral.
c. For separation of the church from the state.
d. For cultural interrelations with other nations, for the right of the
citizens to study, receive medical treatment and explore life and culture
of other nations abroad.
11. For the right of national minorities to develop their own, by form and
content, national culture.
12. For the equality of all citizens of Ukraine regardless of nationality,
in state, public rights and duties, for equal rights for labor, wages and
rest.
13. For a free Ukraine in its form and content, culture, for uplifting
spirituality, high moral standards, for public solidarity, friendship and
discipline."
High Command Of Ukrainian Insurgent Army,
Printing of UPA, Kyiv, September, 1944.
(May have also been in earlier version of the pamphlet)
[Original pamphlet held in the www.ArtUkraine.com collection]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/army.htm
=============================================================
13. "OUR GOAL - A FREE UKRAINE"
SPEECH: By Leonid Kravchuk, President of Ukraine
At The Inauguration Meeting Of The Supreme Council Of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, December 5, 1991
Esteemed people's deputies!
Dear guests!
Ladies and gentlemen!
Citizens of independent Ukraine!
I would like to congratulate all of you on the greatest event in the history
of our people -- the birth of New Ukraine which has been created by the
will of her people, pursuing the highest standards of democracy.
The people of Ukraine have demonstrated to the whole world their will and
wisdom, their age-long aspiration for freedom, and have achieved freedom
in peace and accord.
Dear friends, I congratulate you on this historic victory!
The very first days after the referendum demonstrate the profound respect
the world community pays to Ukraine. This is proved by numerous official
greetings and congratulations, recognition of our state by Canada, Poland,
Hungary and Russia, and a telephone call from US President George Bush.
Using this opportunity, I would like to thank all who supported and
recognized our aspiration for freedom and independence!
Dear friends!
Today, I am going to dwell upon the key aspects of Ukraine's domestic and
foreign policy which will be carried out by the President.
OUR POLICY WILL DEPEND UPON THE FACT THAT UKRAINE IS A
FULL-FLEDGED, INDEPENDENT STATE ON WHOSE TERRITORY
ONLY THE UKRAINIAN CONSTITUTION AND LAWS ARE VALID.
UKRAINE IS AN EQUAL SUBJECT IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
UKRAINE IS AN OPEN, DEMOCRATIC AND LAW-GOVERNED STATE
WHOSE ONLY SOURCE OF STATE POWER IS THE PEOPLE, AND
WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL IS VALUED ABOVE ALL.
Having received the power from the people, the President will serve the
people, and ensure their prosperity, rights and liberties.
The President shall do his best to further the strength, prestige and
authority of the state.
What will the major economic changes be?
We will build a socially-oriented economy to provide the people of Ukraine
with a decent standard of living.
Our first efforts in this sphere will be directed to carrying out the deep
and consistent reforms aimed at creation of a qualitatively new, mixed
economy and its integration into the CIS and world economic scene. The
main factor here is to make the individual the owner of property. All forms
of property accepted by the civilized world will be legally equal.
The land will belong to those who work on it. We will revive the Ukrainian
village, turn the land into the source of our wealth and turn the people
living on this land into free people...
We will build an open economy combining the broad use of foreign capital,
technology and intellect with adequate protection of the domestic market
and national economic interests. We will introduce the mechanisms for
protection of foreign investments and creation of equal conditions for local
and foreign businessmen.
In the near future, the priorities of our economic policy will be as
follows: stabilization of the economy through its cardinal reforming,
solution to food and consumer goods supply problems, and social
protection of the population during the transitional period.
Now, the main principles in the statehood-building sphere.
WE WILL BUILD A SOVEREIGN AND SELF-GOVERNED, AND IN
DEPENDENT AND OPEN, A DEMOCRATIC AND LAW- GOVERNED
STATE, A STATE WITH ALL THE NECESSARY ATTRIBUTES.
THE STATE AND SOCIETY WILL NOT OPPOSE EACH OTHER, THEY
WILL BE RELIABLE AND EQUAL PARTNERS. THIS STATE OF OURS
WILL ADEQUATELY PROTECT PROPERTY, RIGHTS, AND LIBERTIES
OF ITS CITIZENS.
THE NEW, INDEPENDENT UKRAINE WILL BE BUILT ON DEMOCRATIC
PRINCIPLES. A FREE STATE SHOULD BE CREATED BY A FREE
PEOPLE.
Establishment of a law-governed state necessitates the division of power
into legislative, executive and judicial parts. We will do out best to
realize this principle...
I, As the President, will also do my best to adequately shape the process
of spiritual self-expression of the Ukrainian people. By this I mean new
policies in the fields of science, education and culture.
We are going not only to raise the educational and cultural potential of
independent Ukraine but grant a qualitatively new status to it closely
connected with economic reforms.
The Ukrainian culture, language, national self-consciousness and historical
memory have been thoroughly suppressed for a very long time, so huge
efforts are needed to revive them...
My stand towards religion remains intact: "A FREE CHURCH IN A FREE
STATE"
The main thing here is peace, accord and tolerance among believers and
non-believers. Soon we will adopt the state program aimed at creation of
proper conditions for activities of all religious associations.
Particular significance will be attached to guaranteeing the free cultural
development of national minorities. A cornerstone of my policy will be to
ensure equal rights to all citizens of Ukraine regardless of their
nationality, age, sex, social origin, political and religious convictions.
All nations will have equal opportunities and full freedom for development
of their languages and cultures. The slogan "EACH NATION SHALL HAVE
ITS OWN LANGUAGE AND SCHOOLS" will become a reality...
UKRAINE ENTERS THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA BEING READY TO
ADOPT EVERYTHING POSITIVE PRODUCED BY HUMANKIND, TO
MAKE HER PONDERABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACHIEVEMENT
OF CIVILIZATION...
UKRAINE IS A EUROPEAN STATE. This is the major factor determining
the priorities of our foreign policy. It is the countries of Europe with
which Ukraine has the closest political, economic and humanitarian ties,
so expansion of these ties on a qualitatively new basis our chief priority.
Dear friends!
The people of Ukraine have suffered from innumerable hardships. Its
enemies tried to enslave and destroy it, to kill it by hunger and "peaceful
atom", to exterminate its historical memory and language, to present it as
an historical orphan, and to distort its age-long statehood experience.
However, the idea of independence has always lived in the hearts of the
best sons and daughters of Ukraine.
Today, the Ukrainian people will have made their choice---UKRAINE SHALL
BE INDEPENDENT! Ukraine is alive. She is straightening up, taking her first
steps towards world civilization, freedom and prosperity.
We have come to this happy day supported by the experience and wisdom of
our ancestors, inspired by the deeds of heroes who defended our motherland,
who struggled for the freedom of Ukraine in prisons and concentration camps.
Before us is a long way to go and a lot of work to do.
So, let us be wise and strong! -30-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Leonid Kravchuk: 'Our Goal -- A Free Ukraine' "
Speeches, Interviews, Press-Conferences, Briefings
Mykola Shpakovaty, Editor; Photos By: Olexandr Klymenko,
Valery Orlov and Vasyl Pylypiuk
"Globus" Publishers, Kyiv, 1993, Pages 11-15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/kravchuk.htm
=============================================================
14. REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON TO THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
SPEECH: President Clinton's speech at St. Michael's Square
Kiev, Ukraine, June 5, 2000, 6:30 p.m.
The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Washington, D.C. , June 5, 2000
THE PRESIDENT: I believe we should give a round of applause to Natalia and
Kateryna. They were fabulous. Didn't they give a good -- (applause) -- they
are a great representative of the young people of Ukraine.
Let me also thank the representatives of your government who came here with
me today -- Deputy Head of Presidential Administration Rohovyi, Foreign
Minister Tarasyuk.
I'd like to thank Mayor Omelchenko and Patriarch Filaret, and all the
distinguished representatives of the Ukraine government who have joined me
and the Secretary of Energy and my National Security Advisor and our two
Ambassadors for a good day of meetings.
I thank all of you for coming out here on this beautiful day. I am honored
to be in Kiev again, to come to the cradle of Ukrainian culture, to pay
respects to Ukraine's ancient and glorious past, and to tell you America
will stand by you as you fight for a free and prosperous future.
Here in this historic and beautiful square, you can see for a thousand
years.
Before me, the magnificent St. Sophia's Cathedral, built by Prince Yaroslav
in the 11th century. And behind me, the beautiful and reborn St. Michael's
Monastery, built by his grandson, with a stunning cathedral built since the
last time I was here.
Between them, statues of Saints Olga and Andrew, Cyril and Methodius, all
proof of your extraordinary artistic and cultural accomplishments. Sadly,
the people who created and cherished these treasures suffered deeply.
I am honored to have laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial to the
millions who perished in the forced famine of the 1930s. Ukraine has endured
oppressors who carved up your lands, banned your books, starved your
children, purged your writers, enslaved your workers, plundered your art,
stole your rich soil, and forbade you even to talk about the tragedy of the
famine.
Today, the oppressors are gone. Stalin is gone. The Nazis are gone. The
Soviet Union is gone. Russia is working to build a new society. But you, the
people of Ukraine, you are still here, stronger than ever.
You are reclaiming your land, uniting your people, restoring your culture
and raising your children in freedom and democracy. You are fulfilling the
longing of your ancestors. You are building a free, sovereign and
independent Ukraine.
I know you have faced disappointments, and your dream is not complete. You
have your vote, but you may ask, will it lead to have a real, positive
impact. You have your freedom, but you may ask, will it lead to a better
future. I ask you to look around you.
From Lithuania to Poland to the Czech Republic, those who chose open
societies and open markets like you, started out with sacrifice, but they
ended up with success. I have not lived what you have lived. I am an
American, not an Ukrainian. I cannot tell you how to build your future.
But I do believe this: I believe Ukraine has the best opportunity in a
thousand years to achieve both freedom and prosperity. You are on your way.
President Kuchma has helped to pass a strong budget. He has moved to give
people their own land, to reform the old government bureaucracy, to
privatize new businesses in accord with international standards, and he has
appointed a strong Prime Minister. But, my friends, you, too, must be strong
leaders.
You must encourage the government. You must exhort the Rada. You must build
a free and prosperous Ukraine. Do not give up. Keep on fighting. Boritesya
Poborete. There will be obstacles.
I know some in Ukraine want to discourage foreign investment; they oppose
free markets. But that thinking is lost in the past. But I ask you, look
around the world today. The nations with the highest standards of living,
the greatest security, the lowest poverty are free-market democracies.
People who trade and invest in one another. Communism has lost in Ukraine,
but a full commitment to free-market democracy has not yet won. If your
children are to live their dreams, it must win. So again I ask you, do not
give up. Keep on fighting. Boritesya Poborete.
America needs a strong, prosperous and democratic Ukraine as a partner.
Together we have made the whole world safer from the risk of nuclear war.
Our soldiers are serving together with courage and pride in missions of
peace. There is so much more we can do together.
We can explore the frontiers of science and space; increase our efforts to
protect the environment, fight disease, defeat terrorism; and promote
democracy, prosperity, and peace. These are challenges all nations face, and
no nation can meet alone. And so I say again, let us meet them together. We
must not give up. We must keep on fighting. Boritesya Poborete.
America believes Ukraine has a right to a place among the nations of Europe.
No one must take that right away from you. We reject the idea that the
Eastern border of Europe is the Western border of Ukraine. Of course, your
future is your own choice. But we can, and we will, keep the door to the
transatlantic community of democracies open to Ukraine.
Ukraine has so much of what it takes to succeed in the global information
age strong universities, an educated society and partners willing to stand
with you.
All you need now is to stay on course and pick up speed. Open the economy;
strengthen the rule of law; promote civil society; protect the free press;
break the grip of corruption. In Ukraine, I understand you have a saying:
"He who is an hour late will spend a year catching up."
People of Ukraine: Seize this moment now, for your nation and your children.
And so I say for the last time, Boritesya Poborete.
In the cathedrals around me, I see Ukraine's past. In the faces of all the
young people before me, I see Ukraine's future. It is a promising future.
You have kept alive your language, your unity, your dream of independence
for a thousand years.
You have what it takes to build the future of your dreams. Your parents
battled tyranny to help you win your freedom. Now, you must use your freedom
to make sure you and your children prosper in peace. America is your friend
and your partner.
Again, I thank you for coming to be with me today. Again, I say America will
be with you all the way. God bless you. Slava Ukrainiy. -30-
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/events/clinton.htm
=============================================================
15. UKRAINE AT 10: CELEBRATION AND CHALLENGES
STATEMENT: By Condoleezza Rice
National Security Advisor, Office of the President
White House, Washington, D.C., August, 2001
The tenth anniversary of Ukraine’s restored independence is a time for
Ukraine’s friends, among whom the United States proudly counts itself, to
celebrate this country’s achievements and look forward to challenges
ahead that Ukraine and America can meet together.
I visited Ukraine in July and came away confident in Ukraine’s potential to
join with the United States in building in the 21st century what President
Bush has called a House of Freedom: an alliance of liberty bringing Europe
and America together in common values, in security, and in economic and
democratic freedom.
A Europe whole, free, and at peace is within our grasp; no previous
generation of Americans or Europeans has had such an opportunity. As
President Bush said in his June 15 speech in Warsaw, "The Europe we are
building must include Ukraine."
While the tasks ahead are great, I am confident our nations are prepared.
Perhaps my greatest source of hope in Ukraine came from my meeting with
some of Ukraine’s most renowned independent journalists and activists.
They were realistic about the problems ahead, but unafraid and committed
to strive for success. They were determined to hammer the final nails into
the coffin of Ukraine’s Soviet legacy of fear.
They were ready to build on Ukraine’s achievements over the past ten years
and meet the challenges of the next ten.
Ukraine has come far. Ten years ago, Ukrainians chose the road of
sovereignty and declared their hopes for integration into Europe. This
transition has not been easy or rapid or as consistent as some hoped. But
the dire predictions of economic and social collapse and political failure
did not come about. On this anniversary we should mark those achievements
Ukraine is at peace with its neighbors. It has overcome historic tensions
with Poland and has built a strong friendship. Ukraine is a force for
stability in the region. Ukraine made a historic decision to give up nuclear
weapons, and carried out that pledge. After many years of living in a closed
society, Ukrainians now can travel freely, and have access to information
from many sources and points of view.
Ukrainians know the nature of the tasks ahead. The choices that the leaders
of Ukraine make today will shape Ukraine of the future. Ukraine must choose
free and fair elections; a free and unfettered press; and free markets. In
Ukraine, there must be a transparent and conclusive resolution to the cases
of the journalists Gongadze and Alexandrov.
Will Ukraine at 20 be stronger, more prosperous, more democratic than
Ukraine at 10? Yes — because I am confident that Ukrainians will make the
right choices.
What sort of Europe might we see in ten years? As President Bush has said,
a Europe with freedom and prosperity embracing more and more nations to
the East; a Europe where peace extends throughout the new democracies; a
Europe where the last dictatorships have fallen away and where the
extremists and purveyors of ethnic hate are no more.
Ukraine can and must be a part of such a Europe. Under President Bush, the
United States is committed to doing its part to contribute to building such
a Europe. This was my message to Ukraine’s leaders last month.
The Ukrainian-American partnership is rooted in a shared vision of the great
potential of our time. Together, our countries should work to deepen Europe’s
security, as our soldiers are doing together in the Balkans. Our businesses
and governments can join together to advance trade and investment along free
market lines to increase prosperity.
Our peoples can advance the vibrant institutions of democracy. And our
officials can cooperate to remove barriers to the goals our people share.
President Bush has laid out a vision for a united Europe and a fruitful
Ukrainian-American partnership. Ukrainians should know on this great
anniversary that the United States stands with them as we strive to reach
our goals together in the new century. -30-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINK: http://www.artukraine.com/buildukraine/rice2.htm
=============================================================
16. GREETINGS FROM VICTOR YUSHCHENKO TO THE CITIZENS
OF UKRAINE ON THE DAY OF INDEPENDENCE [AUG 24, 2004]
Former PM and Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko
Our Ukraine Website, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, August 23, 2004
Dear Compatriots!
The Day of Independence is always a reminder of a great event that
gave the Ukrainian nation the opportunity to choose its fate. It has
affected the lives of every one of us, the future of our children and all of
our descendants. Having a state has always been connected with most of
the spiritual values of a nation: the respect of human dignity, the love of
freedom and striving for social justice. The hopes of the nation were
proclaimed in the government manifesto by Bohdan Chmelnytskiy: 'For
everybody in the whole of Ukraine to have rights and our nation to rise
from slavery'. The words of this great Hetman apply equally to us today.
We, the citizens of Ukraine, are happy for our dream of a Ukrainian
state to come true. We are proud to be recognized in the world and we hope
for a European future. Every working day, and on holidays, every one of us
wants to be sure of tomorrow just as we want to be sure of future of our
country. We expect that every year of independence will bring us new
prospects, progress, and prosperity.
But not all of our hopes have become reality. Two thirds of Ukrainians
live beneath the poverty line; our rights and freedoms are being violated
and our state humiliated.
The Kuchma-Medvedchuk-Yanukovych regime is building for itself an
independence from the citizens and from the interests of the nation. Its
main 'achievement' is putting billions in the pockets of a few people - and
the lowest wages and pensions for all the rest. Today it is clear that it is
not possible to wait for prosperity, equality and democracy to be delivered
by the people in power today.
We, the citizens of Ukraine, strive for changes. We want missed
opportunities to become a thing of the past. We know that today Ukraine
needs a new government that will lead the country out of this dark corner.
Nevertheless, today's regime does not want to admit that it is
bankrupt. Those in power are aware that they are losing the game, and they
see their escape in domination, provocation and attempts to intimidate those
who stand against them. The people in power obtrude the state, blocking the
much-needed political reform solely in order to stay in power. For a long
time now the citizens have not trusted those in power. The opposition
against illegality is starting to be successful. It is harder now for the
regime to hide its fear and debility. A new era is approaching for Ukraine:
an era of responsibility and patriotism. On the day of the election we will
go to the bays and we will vote only according to our conscience. Every vote
will be counted. The people will chose a new, honest leadership and their
choice will be recognized.
We can make the dream of a worthwhile life transform into a clear
plan, and that plan into reality. I know how to do that. The National Bank,
led by me, has created a stable Hryvnya, which has won trust both in
Ukraine and throughout the world. The government, led by me, has created
economic growth for the first time in Ukraine, and is still doing so today.
In the year 2000 everybody felt that in their purses, but not in statistical
reports. I have proved that our state can honestly pay off debts, raise
salaries and pensions, and create more jobs. I have shown that we can do
everything with our money, not borrowing a penny.
I am going to the presidential post. My plan of action is 'Ten Steps
to the People' - this is a fulfillment of the people's expectations. We will
create five million new job positions; we will give these jobs to the hands
and minds of everyone. Nobody will need to find a better life abroad.
Pensions and salaries will provide a worthwhile life for everybody. An
effective medical care will become available; and the youth will be able to
get a better education. We will stop the plundering of the country; and we
will stop the moral degradation.
Together, the nation will leave in the past the resistance which has
divided it until now. The state will be on the side of our unity.
Ukraine will be respected in the world for its honest and thoughtful
politics which will guarantee its security, assist economic partnership, and
secure the rights of compatriots abroad. Our relationship with Russia will
be mutually advantageous, friendly and stable.
I believe that we will strengthen the independence of Ukraine and will
change our lives for the better.
Together we will win!
Glory to our people and glory to Ukraine!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LINK to Independence greetings: http://www.razom.org.ua.]
=============================================================
UKRAINE INFORMATION WEBSITE: http://www.ArtUkraine.com
=============================================================
SigmaBleyzer/Bleyzer Foundation Economic Reports
The SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Group offers a comprehensive
collection of documents, reports and presentations presented by its business
units and organizations. All downloads are grouped by categories:
Marketing; Economic Country Reports; Presentations; Ukrainian Equity Guide;
Monthly Macroeconomic Situation Reports (Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine).
LINK: http://www.sigmableyzer.com/index.php?action=downloads
UKRAINE WILL SUCCEED
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PUBLISHER AND EDITOR - AUR
Mr. E. Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs
Washington Office, SigmaBleyzer Private Equity Investment Group
P.O. Box 2607, Washington, D.C. 20013, Tel: 202 437 4707
mwilliams@SigmaBleyzer.com; www.SigmaBleyzer.com
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Director, Ukrainian Federation of America (UFA)
Coordinator, Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC)
Senior Advisor, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation (USUF)
Chairman, Executive Committee, Ukraine-U.S. Business Council
Publisher, Ukraine Information Website, www.ArtUkraine.com
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Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
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