FOR THE RECORD: President Yushchenko's radio address on the ideals of the maidan (11/27/05)

FOR THE RECORD: President Yushchenko's radio address on the ideals of the maidan

Following is the English-language translation of President Viktor Yushchenko's radio address broadcast on November 19. (Source: official website of the president of Ukraine, via the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States. The text is published with minor editorial changes to improve grammar and clarity.)

Dear fellow citizens - ladies and gentlemen:

A couple of days before the first anniversary of the Orange Revolution, which has been a milestone in the history of Ukraine and the whole world, I would like to speak about the maidan ideals and challenges that are facing us today.

On November 22, 2004, all of us standing in the squares of cities, towns and villages of Ukraine proved that we were citizens ready to importunately defend our major right - the right of choice. All of us standing in squares in Kyiv or Lviv, Odesa or Donetsk will forever preserve this feeling of unity and pride in the people and the country.

At that time, each of us clearly understood that we were creating a new Ukrainian history. The whole world was watching us and saw a new country.

It is difficult to overstate the role Kyiv residents played in those events of the Orange November. Back then, Kyiv was the political capital of Ukraine. But we would never have gained our victory without other squares, no matter which banners and flags they were carrying. Donetsk patriotism, Lviv composure, Kharkiv responsibility, Sumy courage and Cherkasy optimism were all bricks of the foundation of our new country.

One year ago, we gained our freedom through fighting and shouting. Ukraine had been independent for 13 years, but it became free last November. Freedom is the greatest accomplishment of the maidan.

As president of Ukraine, I am proud to represent this dignified, independent and beautiful nation. I am going to sign an order to celebrate Freedom Day on November 22 to assert the ideals of democracy and national dignity.

One year ago, our fight for democracy did not stop. We only started this path on the maidan. Twelve months ago, we lived in a country with no freedom of speech and no political competition. We received a country with many problems and colossal diseases in various branches. Together we can make Ukraine prosperous and democratic.

Today, we happily speak about our achievements, but we also admit our mistakes. We need time to advance. The biggest sin is disappointment and distrust. The maidan slogans are as topical as they were a year ago.

One of the major demands of the people was to fight corruption. This week, I signed an order on urgent measures to fight corruption and legalize the economy. The government has three months to formulate bills to fight corruption and improve the procedure making state officials account for their income and assets. I pledged to make each state executive declare his/her income and expenses. This demand of the maidan will become a norm in Ukraine.

We wished to see the "bandits in prisons." As president of Ukraine, I order law enforcement agencies to investigate resonant cases. Those involved in last year's large-scale electoral fraud, which made millions of people take to the streets, must be punished. Criminals will be in prisons! I will regard any delays in the investigation as insufficient professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Such unprofessional people cannot hold state positions.

We shouted: "The south and the west are together!" As head of state, I will spare no effort to never divide our country ideologically, religiously or linguistically. I will not let any political force speculate on these subjects.

We shouted: "Freedom Cannot Be Stopped!" As president, I guarantee that in March 2006 we will hold free democratic elections. I have established a political council and invited all political forces to take part in its meetings.

The council is now formulating an agreement on fair elections which we should all sign on the first day of the election campaign.

We have free journalists, and our society expects the media to honestly cover all election events.

The government will not abuse its authority during the campaign. The only argument we can use to make the people trust us is the successful implementation of our economic, social and humanitarian policy.

I often recollect the main slogan of the maidan: Together we are many, we cannot be defeated! United, we can change the country. I want the parliamentary elections to be a competition of teams and ideas, programs and ideologies. I am convinced the election results will help reinforce all democratic changes. I believe each of us will be an active citizen, and in 2006 we will together choose the future for our country. Together we will build the rich country our ancestors dreamed about.

While visiting France this week, I laid flowers on the grave of Symon Petliura, the patriot who fought for Ukraine's independence and died in exile, whose name was concealed and whose reputation was blackened for years. Standing by his grave, I thought of thousands of Ukrainians who fought for our independence and believed Ukraine would always exist.

I recollected the bitter words of Volodymyr Vynnychenko: "The dark and ancient forces divided democracy in Kyiv (perhaps even in Ukraine) into two groups. Every day, this division was getting greater and the fight fiercer. Finally we came to our senses, for the fight was too uncompromising and too harmful for democracy. Seriously and sincerely worried, the people stopped and looked around to ask themselves if there were other ways to reconcile. And they found those ways. All you have to do is to come closer to each other and peacefully shake hands."

I believe our generation of politicians will learn the lesson of our prominent great-grandfathers for the sake of Ukraine. I find these words of his important: "Our strength lies within us."

I am sure that on November 22 we will gather on the maidan. This is our day. We proved to the whole world that we were wise Europeans capable of peacefully defeating dictators. I know those who ruled Ukraine for 13 years cannot accept their defeat. They strive for revenge and spare no forces or funds to restore their totalitarian regime.

I am sure November 22 is the best occasion to demonstrate our wisdom and mutual understanding, forgetting all petty intrigues and uniting for the sake of Ukraine.

Perhaps we cannot fully appreciate the importance of Freedom Day. However, we proudly say that Ukraine has changed. The world treats us as equals and regards us as a responsible and predictable partner. Ukraine is becoming a regional leader.

At the Ukraine-EU summit, we hope to hear a clear signal to get market economy status and to liberalize visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens.

I know there are many challenges ahead. In moments of hardship, I recollect the maidan and repeat the words of Winston Churchill: "Politics is as exciting and dangerous as war. However, war kills you once, while in politics that happens every day and 100 times."

The thousands of hopeful eyes that looked at me during the Orange Revolution make me strong. Your faith inspires me. Your exploits encourage me to be demonding of myself and my team.

I urge all of you to think Ukrainian. Be patriots! Let us be proud to be Ukrainians! Happy Freedom Day!

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