Congradtulating People of Ukraine for Democratic, Transparent and Fair Runoff Presidential Election
CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF UKRAINE FOR DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT AND FAIR RUNOFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION -- (House of Representatives - January 25, 2005)
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Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 16, regarding the recent elections in Ukraine, and President Victor Yushchenko's victory. .
Today, America looks upon a world very different from that which existed less than twenty years ago. Where once millions of people were trapped under the heels of tyrants, they now are enjoying the liberties we fought for more than two centuries ago. Our former rivals have become allies in the fight for freedom and democracy. The most recent example of this comes from Ukraine, where a drawn-out election has produced a new leadership for the citizens of this former Soviet Republic.
In Ukraine, the will of the people proved stronger than threats and oppression, as tens of thousands of young Ukrainians took to the streets to protest fraudulent elections. Ultimately, they were heard, and Victor Yushchenko was elected to be their President.
These elections are a triumphant accomplishment for the people of Ukraine, but by no means do they guarantee freedom. The struggle for liberty is a constant one, and in order for Ukrainians to fully realize their dream for representation, the new government of President Victor Yushchenko must rid the country of the corruption that has plagued it for so long. If this can be done, Ukraine will be able to realize a bright and productive future.
When I visited Ukraine in December, I met some of the people who made it possible to overturn the fraudulent elections. It is hard to express how inspiring it was to see the pride and dedication that those young people exhibited. I can only hope that these qualities can find a home in the hearts of the young people in other societies and fuel the desire for freedom around the globe.
I also met with the physician who diagnosed President Yushchenko with dioxin poisoning, after his face was so badly distorted by what appears to have been an effort to kill him and the reforms he represents. The symbolism behind this man's struggle is hard to ignore. Parallels can be drawn between the desperate grasps for dwindling power by others who have ruled without consent, and the cowardly poisoning of this remarkable man. President Yushchenko also represents the strength and inevitability of freedom itself. Rather than surrender, he drove forward, both for his supporters and for his country.
Through its ``Orange Revolution,'' Ukraine has shown the world the strength and courage of its people. With its well educated workforce and bountiful natural resources, the country is poised for a prosperous future. President Yushchenko has expressed his desire for his country to join NATO and the European Union. The United States should support Ukraine's desire to fully join the west. At the same time, we must work to reassure Russia that a Ukraine that is fully integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions is not a threat, but instead represents a more stable neighbor and a potential future for Russia itself.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full support as a cosponsor to this resolution, congratulating the Ukrainian people for their role in ensuring a fair and free election on December 26, and congratulating Viktor Yushchenko for his perseverance in winning the presidency.
Democracy in Ukraine has come a long way in a very short time. The Orange Revolution, as it has been called, will be remembered as a historic milestone. This revolution succeeded through the peaceful efforts of the Ukrainian people standing up for democracy and genuine liberty for their country.
Hundreds of thousands of Mr. Yushchenko's supporters, many wearing the orange color of his political party, poured into the streets of Kiev and blocked entrances to government buildings to protest a rigged vote and demand the Ukrainian Supreme Court invalidate the election results.
It was stirring to watch these men, women and children brave the bitter cold and snow in Independence Square and throughout the country, demanding to have their voices heard and their just demands met, namely, free and fair elections.
Here in Washington, I was proud to stand with nearly 1,500 Ukrainian-Americans from around the country on the day before Thanksgiving at a demonstration in front of Ukraine's embassy to demand that the will of the voters of Ukraine be upheld in that nation's presidential election. We gathered together in the rain just as the AP Wire announced that Ukraine's Election Commission had grievously certified the election of Viktor Yanukovych. Ukraine has come such a long way since then.
The United States stood with the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians demonstrating for democracy, and made clear that Mr. Yanukovych must not be recognized as president. The U.S. must continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and strengthen the relationship that has formed between our nations.
I have joined the other co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus in writing to Speaker HASTERT asking him to invite President Yushchenko to address a joint session of Congress. This should only be the next step. The U.S. must remain committed to assist Ukraine establish a full democracy and create a prosperous free market economy.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 16.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the resolution offered by my Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. HYDE, congratulating the people of Ukraine for the fair and free election of a new President.
I also commend and congratulate President Victor A. Yushchenko for his victory--and more importantly, his determination to see fair and free elections in this fledgling democracy.
The world watched this race unfold--the poisoning of the democratic candidate, a stolen victory, and marches in the street by people hungry for freedom and for a better future for their children.
The world witnessed true passion. We witnessed people expressing themselves and their will to live freely and democratically. We witnessed people determined to take charge of their nation's destiny and risk all to do so. We witnessed young and old, families and students, camping outdoors in the blistering Ukrainian cold to protest against a sham victory and demand true elections. What we witnessed was true everyday heroism.
While we, the people of the world, witnessed victory--the people of Ukraine lived it, by forcing it. By rejecting tyranny and corruption and demanding equality and freedom, they brought about peaceful democratic regime change.
And at the inaugural, an inspiring historical event itself, we saw the symbolic break with the past and a nation's hopes soar, as President Yushchenko released a dove--a symbol of peace--into the air to fly free. This dove rose into the sky much like the hopes of this newly free people, united for a better nation for themselves and their families.
President Yushchenko represents the continued peaceful demand by people on every continent for self-governance and free market principles.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues, and so many of my constituents, including Emil Eisdorfer of the Bronx, New York in welcoming President Yushchenko. I welcome the people of Ukraine into the family of democratic and free nations.
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