Supporting the Democratic and European Aspirations of the People of Ukraine

Floor Speech

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Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 447, a resolution supporting the democratic and European aspirations of the Ukrainian people and their right to choose their own future free of intimidation and fear.

As an original co-sponsor and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I believe it is essential for Congress to continue to show its strong support for the Ukrainian people. In the two decades since Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union, Congress has been at the forefront of efforts to foster democratic and economic reform in Ukraine.

I have been deeply troubled by developments in Ukraine since President Yanukovych's surprising announcement last November that his government would not sign an Association Agreement with the European Union. I remain concerned that Mr. Yanukovych and his government were unduly pressured by outside forces to take a decision at odds with the long-term interests of the Ukrainian people and that the government's decision was not taken in consultation with other political stakeholders.

Since November, I have watched Ukraine's unfolding political crisis with growing concern, especially authorities' use of violence against peaceful protestors. I have been deeply dismayed by the deaths and injuries sustained on all sides. I applaud the Administration's decision to revoke the visas of the Ukrainian government officials who were responsible for ordering or committing acts of violence against peaceful protestors. I believe additional sanctions should be considered in the event of further violence, but hope they will not be necessary.

In the past few weeks, we have started to see signs of progress toward a resolution, including the repeal of repressive measures adopted by parliament in mid-January and the resignation of the prime minister and his cabinet on January 28. Both developments created an opening for serious dialogue between the government and the opposition. I urge all parties to seize this important opportunity.

This resolution does not take sides in what is quite rightly a matter that Ukrainians must decide for themselves. Instead, it urges all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in constructive, sustained dialogue in order to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

To facilitate that process, this resolution underscores to protestors, to the government, and to all Ukrainians that the United States will continue to defend Ukraine's sovereign right to chart its own course and build its own future.

It also makes clear, not just to the protestors, but to President Yanukovych as well, that the United States will continue to support the Ukrainian people's aspirations to build a strong and prosperous democracy--one that is firmly rooted in Europe.

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