Ukrainian Independence Day celebrated in U.S. Congress (10/10/93)

Ukrainian Independence Day celebrated in U.S. Congress

Ukrainian National Information Service

WASHINGTON - The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council (UACC) on September 23 co-sponsored an evening reception commemorating Ukraine's second anniversary of independence.

The observance, held in the Rayburn House Office Building, was sponsored by Sens. Alfonse D'Amato (N.Y.), Dennis DeConcini (D-Ariz.), Robert Dole (R-Kan.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Donald W. Riegle (D-Mich.); and Reps. David E. Bonior (D. Mich.), Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.), Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.), Robert II, Michael (R-Ill.), and Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-N.Y.).

Formally opening the reception and addressing the crowd of over 150 guests, Askold S. Lozynskyj, president of the UCCA, stated that "over the past two years Ukraine has attempted to spread its wings." He emphasized that much has been accomplished but much more remains undone. "In this regard Ukraine has sought the assistance of our own government. And while we [the U.S. government] welcomed Ukraine's independence, [it] treated independent Ukraine not as a potential ally but rather as a temporary phenomenon..."

Questioning the United States' posture toward Ukraine, Mr. Lozynskyj explained that the U.S. has given unequivocal moral and financial support for Russian President [Boris] Yeltsin... despite imperialistic pronouncements from Russia's leadership both fringe and mainstream."

Speaking during the same week in which the Foreign Assistance Appropriations Bill passed and mandated that "not less than $300 million shall be made available for Ukraine," Mr. Lozynskyj commended the U.S. Senate and in particular Sen. McConnell for attempting to reverse the "Russia only" trend.

Mr. Lozynskyj closed his remarks by thanking all the guests for attending and assuring those gathered that "with your support, Ukraine will continue to make progress and become and cornerstone for democracy at the crossroads of Europe."

Following his opening remarks, Mr. Lozynskyj presented the Taras Shevchenko Freedom Award, the highest accolade given by the Ukrainian American community to Sen. Dennis DeConcini from Arizona. With the senator's decision not to run next term, the "Ukrainian American community is losing a dear friend in Congress," Mr. Lozynskyj said. He added that it was Sen. DeConcini who initiated legislation on several key issues; including the Millennium resolution in 1988 calling for the legalization of Ukrainian Churches and the independence resolution of November 1991 urging the United States to recognize Ukraine's independent statehood.

Sen. DeConcini sincerely thanked the community for bestowing the Shevchenko Freedom Award upon him and vowed his continued support for an independent and democratic Ukraine. He thanked members of the Ukrainian American community for all of their efforts in assisting Ukraine and their efforts in Congress, making sure that no one forgets Ukraine. He also recounted impression of his first visit to Ukraine in 1978 and the improvements he has seen in human rights through his work on the Helsinki Commission and his latest trip in April 1992.

He then spoke about the changes which Ukraine must still undergo. While he supports the $300 million in funding, Sen. DeConcini did voice strong concerns about how the money would be utilized, especially in the absence of economic and political reforms. He also warned about the hostile environment in Congress to aiding countries which do not engage in reform. He cited Russia as a nation where the aid is not being used effectively.

In closing, Sen. DeConcini stated that work with non-governmental organizations in Ukraine and people-to-people contacts are the best way of helping Ukraine build a democratic society.

Throughout the evening, Members of Congress addressed the gathering, congratulating Ukraine on its second anniversary of independence. Rep. Steven Schiff of New Mexico said he came to support Ukraine, not because of a large constituency in his state but because he grew up in Chicago and respects the contributions that Ukrainian Americans have made in the United States. Rep. Robert K. Dornan of California said that "If I was not Irish, I would want to be Ukrainian."

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, also from California, spoke about his continued support for a free Ukraine, believing that only a free and democratic Ukraine can be a stabilizing factor in Central/East Europe and beneficial to the United States. Rep. Helen Delich Bently commented on the large Ukrainian constituency in her Maryland district and stated that her door is always open to Ukrainians.

Guests in attendance were not limited to those who spoke. Reps. Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.) and Louis McIntosh Slaughter (D-N.Y.), also stopped by to show their friendship and commitment to an independent Ukraine.

In addition to members of Congress, Embassy representatives from Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine; U.S. Ambassador Designate to Ukraine William Miller; first U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Roman Popadiuk; members of the U.S. Department of State; officers of international financial institutions, as well as other influential policy-makers came to show their support.

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