Ukrainian American Coordinating Council congratulates people of Ukraine

The following statement from the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council was received on December 9.

The Ukrainian American Coordinating Council congratulates the people of Ukraine for their commitment to the legal principles they employed to resolve the potentially explosive situation facing them during the last three weeks. We are humbled by the great strength and stamina of the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens of all ages, religions, regions and ethnic backgounds gathered in the Independence Square, who despite the harsh winter conditions, refused to be cheated of their right to fair, democratic elections and who rejected threats to the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

By their example, they created a role model for generations of Ukrainians everywhere, now and in the future. Through their vigorous yet peaceful determination to defend their civil and human rights, and above all the right to live as a free nation, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated that a democratic civil society has been born and is alive and well in Ukraine.

We applaud the Supreme Court of Ukraine for resisting political pressure and exercising its constitutional duty as expected by the people. We likewise commend the Verkhovna Rada, and especially Our Ukraine and its supporters, for the restraint which allowed them to achieve a compromise that advanced the rule of law. These historic actions demonstrate to the world that the political and legal development in Ukraine is firmly following the legacy of modern European nations.

We call upon the Ukrainian authorities and political camps to reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to these principles by holding fair, democratic and transparent elections on December 26.

For the UACC Executive Committee:
Ihor Gawdiak, president
Dr. Roman Baranowskyj, secretary

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 12, 2004, No. 50, Vol. LXXII

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