Christian-Democratic Party holds third congress in Kyiv (12/08/96)

Christian-Democratic Party holds third congress in Kyiv

KYIV - More than 600 delegates, representing all regions of Ukraine, attended the third congress of the Christian-Democratic Party of Ukraine held in Kyiv on November 16-17.

Recommitting themselves to the introduction of Christian ethics into Ukrainian political life, the CDPU delegates revised their platform to conform with the new Constitution of Ukraine, and furthered their contacts with other European Christian Democrats, notably representatives of the Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Georgian, Belgian, Swiss and German parties, and the European Women's Union.

In his keynote address, the party's president, Vitalii Zhuravsky, 41, underscored the vital importance of a united front among the conservative, liberal and democratic parties represented in the Verkhovna Rada in the next national election, and emphasized the CDPU's commitment to social justice, human rights, rule of law and parliamentary procedures. Currently, there are nine CDPU members of Parliament.

Addressing the congress, Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk of Canada spoke of the importance of the CDPU in furthering democratic change and promoting stability in today's Ukraine, but cautioned the participants about the need to remember their immediate past in order to ensure that Ukraine enjoys the future it deserves. His brief remarks drew great applause, especially when he called upon the youth of Ukraine, who were very well represented at this meeting, to struggle to ensure that the independence of Ukraine is finally and truly achieved.

One of the unique moments of the congress occurred when Viktor Andriyanov read out a personal message from President Leonid Kuchma, greeting delegates to the congress and wishing them success in their work.