EDITORIAL: The 15th anniversary (08/20/06)

EDITORIAL

The 15th anniversary

It's been 15 years since that fateful day of August 24, 1991, when the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic's Supreme Council declared the republic's independence from the USSR, re-inserting the name "Ukraine" onto the world map and proclaiming that this nation of 52 million was taking its future into its own hands.

This unprecedented and unexpected act took place in the aftermath of the failed Moscow coup as the Ukrainian Parliament focused on the shameful behavior of the country's government and Communist Party leaders at the time of the crisis. The opposition in Parliament, grouped in the National Council, demanded an immediate declaration of Ukraine's independence. Meanwhile, outside the Parliament building thousands chanted "Independence."

The extraordinary session of the Supreme Council lasted for 11 hours. The debate was heated; several breaks were called to permit the Communist majority and the opposition minority to hold strategy meetings. In the end, the Communists heeded the words of their party chief, Stanislav Hurenko: "If we don't vote for independence, it will be a disaster."

At 5:55 p.m. local time, the Supreme Council voted 321-2 with six abstentions (out of 360 members present) to approve the "Act of Declaration of the Independence of Ukraine."

It was the beginning of the end of the USSR.

And it was the beginning of a new life for Ukraine and its people.

Ihor Yukhnovsky, a member of the Presidium of the Ukrainian Supreme Council and leader of the National Council, wrote on September 1, 1991, on the pages of this newspaper: "The emergence of Ukraine as a state is a logical outcome of the striving of the Ukrainian people for self-determination." He underscored: "Independence for us means that we finally have a chance to establish a free and open society."

In the days that followed, the first steps were taken toward building an independent Ukrainian state. In succeeding years, of course, Ukraine made use of the opportunity that arose 15 years ago, making commendable progress toward becoming a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

Sure, there have been ups and downs (and the fact that Viktor Yanukovych is now prime minister is one of the "downs"), but we must remind our readers that, on the whole, Ukraine is making real progress. The proof is seen in the country's elections, its news media, its new Constitution, its Olympic team, its presence and involvement in the world community of nations

However, the most noteworthy development of the past 15 years of Ukraine's independence is the empowerment of the people. Indeed, a nation once terrorized into submission by the Soviet regime has undergone a great awakening in the past few years - most recently during the Orange Revolution of November-December 2004.

Yes, we all recall that the Orange Revolution garnered huge headlines and vivid TV coverage around the globe, but we should also remember that it was the historic act of August 24, 1991, that began it all. Ukrainian Independence Day truly is something to celebrate.

Viva Ukraina!

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