STATEMENTS ON UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

Ukrainian World Congress on independence anniversary

In its 14th year, Ukraine has crossed the Rubicon of democracy. Its democratic goals, particularly in the area of civil liberties, were violated severely during the 2004 presidential elections. Still, the people of Ukraine through the "maidan" in Kyiv as well as other "maidans" throughout the world, reminiscent of the ancient "agora," the "forum," as well as modern democratic "town squares," resolutely vowed to protect their democracy.

The Ukrainian people forcefully yet bloodlessly defended their most cherished right - the right to choose their president. The legend of the "Orange Revolution" has become a modern symbol of a resolute people willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of freedom.

As in the past, we take stock of accomplishments and failings over the last year. Certainly aside from its victory over non-democratic forces, Ukraine's biggest accomplishment was a clear declaration of its economic and political positions, directed toward European and trans-Atlantic integration. Toward that end, albeit under crude circumstances, but not unlike some other countries with democracies of greater longevity, the Ukrainian Parliament enacted and will pursue legislation necessary toward accession to the World Trade Organization. Graduation from Jackson-Vanik and a European Union timetable should follow WTO accession.

On the other hand, Ukraine has made little progress in implementing its constitutional provision designating Ukrainian as the state language. Efforts to promote the Russian language by the Poroshenkos, Tomenkos, Nikolayenkos, even the president's seemingly subconscious use of Russian and the lack of governmental pro-activity in fostering Ukrainian culture have dealt a severe blow to making Ukraine - Ukrainian.

Similarly, Ukraine continues to accept versions of history imposed by our oppressors. To become truly free, Ukrainian society needs to recognize that May 9, 1945, was not Victory Day for Ukraine, that veterans of the Red Army are entitled to privileges not as heroes but as victims, that genuine heroes are those who fought for Ukraine's independence, i.e., the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, who must be afforded at least similar privileges, that Ukrainian-Polish friendship is a great asset but history with atrocities against civilians, resultant gravesites, etc. must be addressed objectively on both territories, recognizing that Ukrainians have never invaded Poland, but Poles invaded Ukraine three times.

Finally, the president or the government of Ukraine may not offer support or protection to a foreign pseudo-Church, essentially set up in Ukraine by Stalin as a function of his intelligence forces, which continues to dominate and acts very much to the detriment of Ukrainian independence.

Perhaps the greatest significance of 14 years of independence is that the 15th milestone is in sight. We urge our brethren in Ukraine and throughout the diaspora to intensify efforts, safeguarding Ukraine's nascent democracy, promoting its economic wherewithal and political role. Most importantly, in observing our anniversary, let us strive to make Ukraine not only the hearth for its many national minorities, but equally, the home for the Ukrainian people.

Toronto-New York
July 18, 2005

For the Ukrainian World Congress:
Askold S. Lozynskyj, president
Victor Pedenko, secretary-general

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, August 21, 2005, No. 34, Vol. LXXIII

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